The Best in The Inner West | Top Restaurants in Newtown

Dining out in Newtown

One of Sydney’s leading dining hubs, Newtown’s restaurant scene just keeps getting better and better. Like a fine wine if you will. One of the things we love most about the bars, cafes and restaurants in Newtown, though, is that they cater for everyone. Meaning, you’ll find high-end bistros alongside hole-in-the-wall eateries with a varied range of price points.

Peppered along King Street, through the back streets and along Enmore Road, you’ll find a staggering amount of restaurants in Newtown offering every cuisine under the sun. From Asian fusion and modern Australian through to Italian, Greek, African and beyond, it’s all here and it’s all delicious. So get yourself to the Inner West quick sticks, mates.

Curious about King Street?

To help you on your way, we narrowed down eight of the best restaurants in Newtown. There’s a bit of everything going on in the list. So you should be covered for every situation.

Our favourite restaurants in Newtown

Thai Pothong

A Newtown mainstay for over 20 years now, Thai Pothong is one of King Street’s best restaurants. The food here is good, and we mean really good. Consistently named as one of Sydney’s best Thai restaurants, it’s been slinging pad Thai’s since 1996 and is showing no signs of slowing down. With a space fit for 350 guests, a lively atmosphere and a menu that features the classics alongside signature specials, it’s easy to see why Thai Pothong is at the top of this list. Oh, it’s also licensed, offers BYO, offers plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and is fully wheelchair accessible. Brilliant stuff.

What: Barramundi curry cooked with coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, spices, betel leaf, turmeric, lemongrass & shallot galangal.When:Lunch: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 3pmDinner: Mon – Thurs: 6 – 10:30pm; Fri – Sat: 6 – 11pm; Sun: 5:30 – 10pmWhere: 294 King Street, Newtown, Sydney 2042

Mary’s

Would a list about the best places to eat in Newtown be complete without mentioning Mary’s? The answer is most definitely no. Specialising in probably the best burgers in Sydney, Mary’s is a beacon among Newtown locals for damn good reason. Offering fried chicken, cheeseburgers, local beers and metal music, it’s a Sydney icon that’s not to be missed. While the menu is inspired by American fast food, the reality is anything but cheap. Patties are made with O’Connor grass-fed beef and the bacon is smoked on-site. Doesn’t get cooler than this.

What: Mary’s burger with trashcan bacon & fries.When: Mon – Thurs: 4 – 12am; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 12am; Sun: 12pm – 10pmWhere: 6 Mary Street, Newtown, Sydney 2042

The Drunk Dumpling

When the mood arises for dim sum and cocktails in Newtown, The Drunk Dumpling is where you need to go. Helmed by a two-star Michelin chef, the carefully curated menu is a feast for the senses. The dim sum is inspired by astrology and the Zodiac and you can expect Scorpio satay Wagyu skewers; Cancer vegetarian dumplings and Leo steamed scallop dumplings. There’s also a fair few main dishes to work through if you’re still hungry, as well as a set menu for over four guests. Oh, and don’t miss the cocktails!

What: Stir-fried scallops with asparagus in XO sauce.When: Mon – Sun: 1 – 11pmWhere: Level 1, 196 King Street, Newtown, Sydney 2042

Bloodwood Restaurant & Bar

Inspired by all-things Inner West, Bloodwood is the brainchild of legendary chefs Mitchell Grady and Claire Van Vuuren. Reflecting the industrial nature of Newtown, Matt Woods – a Newtown-based designer – has created a space of raw and recycled materials that’s quirky yet cooler than cool. As for the menu, it’s designed to share and crafted out of exciting ingredients. The atmosphere, meanwhile, is bustling and lively, making it a great spot for groups as well as date nights. A fantastic addition to the Inner West dining scene, Bloodwood really is one of the best restaurants in Newtown.

What: Braised lamb shoulder with pickled currants, harissa, preserved lemon yoghurt & flatbread.When:Lunch: Sat – Sun: From 12pmDinner: Mon – Sun: From 5pmWhere: 416 King Street, Newtown, Sydney 2042

Taste of Turkey

Bringing the fresh and delicious flavours of Turkey and the Mediterranean to Sydney, Taste of Turkey is a delightful time. Offering vegan, vegetarian and halal friendly dishes – and offering BYO – this relaxed restaurant is perfect for families, groups and small casual dates. Make sure you keep an eye out for the famous beyti kebab – the most popular dish on the menu – which is made with ground lamb on a skewer that’s wrapped in lavash and topped with a signature tomato sauce and yoghurt. There’s also mezze platters, fresh meats, salads and just about everything else your heart desires.

What: Start with the mixed dips platter, before moving onto the beyti kebab.When: Mon – Thurs: 5 – 10pm; Fri: 5 – 11pm; Sat: 9:30am –11pm; Sun: 9:30am – 10pmWhere: 88-90 Enmore Road, Newtown, Sydney 2042

Calaveras

Located above Newtown Station in a cosy space adorned with fairy lights, Día de los Muertos art and bright colours, Calaveras is the Mexican restaurant you need in your life. Owned by Gerardo Macip, it’s the sister restaurant to Roca and pays homage to authentic Mexican cuisine. Meaning, you won’t be finding Tex-Mex here. You can, however, expect pulled pork guajillo tacos topped with pineapple, coriander and onions, fajitas, several kinds of salsa and traditional quesadillas. Convivial, fun and serving exceptional food and drinks – try the El Diablo – you’ll be in for a mighty fine time here.

What: Huitlacoche tacos with black corn truffle, mixed grilled veggies, slaw & crumbled feta.When: Tues – Wed: 6 – 10pm; Thurs: 5 – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 5 – 12am; Sun: 5:30 – 10pmWhere: Level 1/324A King Street, Newtown, Sydney 2042

Miyama Japanese Kitchen

A King Street local favourite, Miyama Japanese Kitchen is a cosy and quaint eatery serving up all manner of delicious Japanese dishes. Situated on King Street, right by Victoria Park and the University of Sydney, Miyama offers everything from sushi, sashimi and tempura, through to Japanese curries, bento boxes, ramen and a particularly excellent lobster salad roll. Casual and relaxed, it’s a great choice for lunch or dinner with your friends or family.

What: Lobster salad roll topped with carrot and fly fish roe.When:Lunch: Mon – Sat: 11 – 3pmDinner: Mon – Sun: 5 – 10pmWhere: 87 King Street, Newtown, Sydney 2042

Flying Tong

Last but absolutely not least, we have Flying Tong. Leading the charge for Korean restaurants in Newtown, this cosy and simple spot may look unassuming, but it has one of the best menus in Sydney. You’ll find crunchy, flavourful Korean fried chicken with four distinctive sauces to choose from – inspired by recipes from the owner’s mother– alongside bulgogi, bibimbap and all the usual suspects. Designed to share, we recommend you order the KFC and a couple of other options to share among your dining mates. Oh, and you need to order an extra side of the kimchi – trust us on this one.

What: Korean fried chicken with dried chilli & coriander, then Mama’s apple-infused gochujang bibimbap with radish kimchi, egg, salad & shiitake mushrooms.When: Mon – Sun: 5 – 10pmWhere: 99 Enmore Rd, Newtown, Sydney 2042