The Sydney Traveler

Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Sydney, but that only ensures that the really special ones stand out. Beresford Trattorio is just such a place, but what else would you expect with Danny Russo at the helm?
There’s a reason why Mr Russo has such a reputation. His dishes are inventive, while maintaining the rustic charms Italian is famous for. Dishes like the tagliatelle with truffled meatballs, squid ink tortellini stuffed with crab meat, and the stuffed rabbit leg are truly indulgent.
The wine list also deserves a mention, with around three-quarters of the drinks Italian. It’s refreshing to be …read more

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A few weeks ago I brought you a special on international shopping destinations in the city. But of course, the influence of multiculturalism doesn’t just affect what we buy. It also affects what we eat. We can’t all afford to travel around the world to try the best authentic ethnic cuisine, but you don’t have to if you’re staying in Sydney. Here are some of the best “eat streets” in the city.

King Street, Newtown offers a taste of Asia, with goat aloo at Delhi O Delhi, Cambodian food vegan-style at Green Palace, and contemporary Thai cuisine at Chedi.
John Street, Cabramatta …read more

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My husband and I eat out a lot, so it takes something really special to blow us away. But that’s exactly what happened when we ventured into Leichardt’s Carpaccio last night. Really, you can’t go wrong when you head to Norton Street for Italian food, but this was one of those meals which simply wowed us.
I was taken in by the promise of ravioli with duck and porcini mushrooms in a Riesling cream sauce, and this was definitely the highlight of my experience. All that tender duck and fresh pasta and creamy goodness is a heavenly combo. But the lightly …read more

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Consider digging deep next time you dine out to help those who can’t afford a restaurant meal, or any meal at all. The StreetSmart program encourages diners to make a small donation of $2 or more on their bill. You’re not going to miss the small change, but it can make a big difference to someone in need.
100% of your donation will go to grassroots organisation’s helping the homeless. The money goes to smaller charities that are often overlooked, so your assistance is so important.
This year 43 Sydney restaurants have pledged their commitment to the StreetSmart program, so make sure …read more

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Velero is the newest restaurant to open on the coveted Woolloomooloo Wharf. It’s got all the style of its upmarket neighbours, but its brand new food sensibility will set it apart from the pack.
Velero offers Spanish tapas and Italian fare just like mama used to make. Share Spanish treats like cured meats and imported cheese, or order one of the main meals for a real feast. With dishes like home-made pasta and fresh market fish on the menu, you can’t really go wrong.
This is a dining experience as it should be, with unpretentious dishes which let the flavours of the …read more

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Regular readers might have noticed I’ve been posting a little less than usual in the last few days. I’ve been busy! Busy-ness is always lots of fun, but it does mean blogging’s a little harder. Although luckily it does give me something good to write about when life settles down.
On Thursday I ventured into the city to head out to dinner with my husband and his work buddies at the Lowenbrau Keller. Many of us had never been, but it’s such a great venue for a casual get together.
The first thing that got me salivating was the menu. The first …read more

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Gigi is becoming my go to place whenever I find myself in Newtown. It was the same story last night when my husband I ventured out for a bite before the Newton Faulkner show. If the weather hadn’t been so bitterly cold, perhaps we would have tried something new. But with the wind blowing against my pantyhose-covered legs I was happy to settle for the warmth of this familiar Italian eatery.
I may have been there just a month before, but the menu had been revamped so in some ways it was like stepping inside for the first time. The obliging …read more

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They’re not making biscuits in North Strathfield anymore, but the old Arnott’s factory is still a fantastic place for a feed. In fact, these days the Bakehouse Quarter is more exciting than ever. This old factory site has been transformed to a multicultural restaurant hub and retail center.
For a dose of kitsch look no further than the Outback Steakhouse. I visited this place with American friends in the United States who thought I’d enjoy the taste of home. Now this popular chain has found it’s way Down Under. The food isn’t very Aussie at all really, but the over-the-top décor …read more

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My husband and I ventured out to see Jason Mraz at The Enmore on Saturday night. I love shows at this intimate Sydney theatre, and it goes beyond the venue’s fantastic vibe. What really wins me over is that it gives me an excuse to try another Newtown restaurant.
King Street is dotted with exciting eateries boasting a range of cuisines, but we were swayed by the inviting atmosphere and tempting specials board of Gigi.
Gigi offers much more than the Italian staples of pizzas and spag bol. In fact, it was difficult to choose exactly what I wanted. I decided to …read more

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Adventurous tastes will love the exotic treats at East Sydney’s Voiaj Restaurant.
The eclectic menu draws on influences from all corners of the globe. Try some sesame crusted crocodile, Vietnamese style barramundi, or Cape Malay camel meat loaf served with Zimbabwean ratatouille.
The dessert menu is just as diverse, with treats like Japanese white chocolate and banana spring rolls, Turkish baklava, and Argentinean dulce de leche chocolate lava pudding. Yummo!
Enjoy the extensive wine list, or bring your own favorite bottle for just $4 corkage per person (excluding Friday and Saturday night).
With its romantic décor and dimmed lights, Voiaj Restaurant offers the perfect …read more

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