Wondering where to eat in Surry Hills? Well, you’ve landed in one of Sydney’s most exciting foodie neighbourhoods. Just minutes from the CBD, Surry Hills is PACKED with independent cafés, buzzing restaurants, cosy wine bars and some amazing hidden local spots. Whether you’re chasing the perfect brekkie, a rooftop drink or a dinner to remember, there’s a lot to love here. Ready to explore? Here’s our guide to the best places to eat, drink and soak up the vibe in Surry Hills.
Jump to:
- CAFÉS & BAKERIES
- BEST BARS IN SURRY HILLS
- RESTAURANTS
- WHERE TO STAY CLOSE TO SURRY HILLS
- TO WRAP IT UP!
- FAQS
Cafés & Bakeries
From Sydney’s best brunch to cute artisan pastries, and of course, the perfectly brewed coffee, Surry Hills delivers. It’s got a huge role in Sydney’s café culture, so it’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast and a coffee. Here are some of our top spots to check out:
A.P Bakery
What’s the concept?
We love A.P Bakery! It’s a fantastic spot hidden on a rooftop above the Paramount House Hotel. You’ll want to go with an empty belly here as there’s a lot to try, including fermented breads and deliciously creative pastries. It’s one of those places people queue for, and it’s worth the wait every time. Easily one of the best for food in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Why we love it
You’d normally think of rooftops as great bar locations, so it’s a real treat to enjoy a rooftop bakery instead. There’s nowhere else like it in Sydney. The menu changes regularly, so you can always find something new to try.
What should I order?
We’re not gonna lie, it’s really hard to choose! The potato and rosemary loaf is a popular item to takeaway, but the Danish pastries are always worth a look. Give the brekkie croissant a try for something extra tasty, especially good for a hangover...
Need to know
• Find A.P Bakery at Level 2, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
• Price range: $$
Bills Surry Hills
What’s the concept?
If you want to dive into Sydney brunch culture, you’ve got to go to Bills. It was founded by Australian chef Bill Granger and is a bit of a Surry Hills legend. It’s been around for decades but is still one of the most popular places in the neighbourhood. Bills will serve up all your breakfast faves, for some of the best food in Surry Hills in Sydney.
Why we love it
Bills is a classic spot that’s not only iconic, but super approachable too. Yes, the dishes are simple, but they’re made with the best ingredients, so it’s always a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Sydney.
What should I order?
Give the famous ricotta hotcakes a try, as people come from all over for these bad boys. Other classics include the scrambled eggs, and the sweetcorn fritters.
Need to know
- Find Bills Surry Hills at 359 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$-$$$
Single O Surry Hills
What’s the concept?
Single O is a coffee icon, shaping the specialty coffee scene in Australia for more than two decades! It’s part café, part coffee roastery, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a brew and tuck into a great brekkie too.
Why we love it!
When you love coffee as much as we do, what’s not to love? The team are clearly passionate about what they do, and it shows in their craft. You’ve got to give it a try!
What should I order?
Try a batch brew or a single-origin espresso, ideal if you’re a coffee connoisseur. Enjoy with their tasty banana bread or one of their breakfast dishes.
Need to know
- Find Single O Surry Hills at 60 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$
Bourke Street Bakery Surry Hills
What’s the concept?
Once a well-kept secret, now Bourke Street Bakery regularly makes it into lists for where to eat in Surry Hills. It’s popular with locals and visitors, with loads of exciting treats on the menu.
Why we love it
This is a true Sydney OG. You can always rely on Bourke Street Bakery to deliver the goods, whether you fancy breakfast, lunch or a cheeky afternoon snack.
What should I order
The pork and fennel sausage is a must-try from the menu, but we’ll also take the beef brisket pie or ginger brûlêe tart whenever we visit.
Need to know
- Find Bourke Street Bakery at 633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
- Price range: $
Bars & rooftops
Now we’re moving on to the best bars in Surry Hills. It’s known for being a top location for a night out, you can’t move for great pubs, wine bars and cocktail spots. It’s the kind of place where you can easily move from afternoon drinks to a messy night out on the town. Ready for a few pints? This is where we’d choose if we were looking for a good time in Surry Hills.
The Dolphin Hotel
What’s the concept?
There’s pubs, and then there’s the Dolphin Hotel. It’s a bit of a legend around these parts, with a classic pub feel but very stylish dining. There’s a few different levels, including a cool rooftop space that gets pretty lively throughout the week.
Why we love it
The Dolphin is one of those places that you can go to for any event. Casual afternoon drink? Yep. Dinner with friends? You got it. Night out to remember? Absolutely. It’s got a bit of something for everyone, so we reckon it’s worth a repeat visit!
What should I order?
Visiting in the afternoon? Try something from the spritz menu. We also rate their local craft beers and classic cocktails. If you’re feeling peckish, try the woodfired pizzas, they’re ace!
Need to know
Find The Dolphin Hotel at 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
Price range: $$-$$$
Bar Copains
What’s the concept?
Tucked away on Albion Street, Bar Copains has a rep as one of Sydney’s best wine bars. It’s intimate, with a big focus on natural wines and seasonal produce, which keeps the menu varied.
Why we love it
If you’re looking for one of the best bars in Surry Hills, this is it. It’s got wine, small plates and great people, what’s not to love? If you like your wine, the team here will be happy to make recommendations. It’s also a great place to go if you want to learn a little more about different wines.
What should I order?
Ask for a recommendation and pair it with some of their small plates. Everything is so tasty, you’ll be sure to enjoy it no matter what you pick.
Need to know
- Find Bar Copains at 67 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$$
El Loco
What’s the concept?
You’ll find El Loco at the Excelsior Hotel, although you might hear it first! It’s a classic Mexican cantina-style bar that’s full of music, colour and good vibes, and plenty of tasty tequila and tacos on offer.
Why we love it!
El Loco is a lot of fun, so it’s perfect for groups and celebrations or to kick off a night out in Surry Hills. It’s so lively, you won’t want to leave.
What should I order?
Tacos, tacos and more tacos. And a margarita, obviously. Come for the drinks, stayed to sample some of the best food in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Need to know
- Find El Loco at 64 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
- Price range: $$
The Rover
What’s the concept?
The Rover is a charming spot within a beautiful heritage building. It’s got an old-world tavern feel, but stylish cocktail bar vibes. It’s elegant and welcoming, with amazing food and drink.
Why we love it
It’s a bit different from some of Sydney’s other bars. It may feel a bit more ‘refined’, but it’s not intimidating in the slightest. It’s great for dates, celebrations or somewhere to go for a really good cocktail with your mates.
What should I order?
The cocktail list is impressive, so you can’t go wrong with a classic, or a recommendation from the bar staff. For food, give the burgers or steak a try.
Need to know
- Find The Rover at 102-104 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$-$$$
Restaurants
Surry Hills has a reputation for being one of Sydney’s best dining destinations, and it’s well deserved. There are so many amazing restaurants in the neighbourhood, bringing plenty of international flavours to the city. From casual bites to dinner with friends, we reckon you won’t be short of somewhere to eat. We’ve got some of our picks for the best food in Surry Hills Sydney right here.
170 Grammi Pizzeria
What’s the concept?
Naples, meet Surry Hills! 170 Grammi is famous for classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, with top ingredients for an authentic taste. It’s a big fave with locals and visitors.
Why we love it
With pizza, the simpler the better. Everything here is about quality, so you can expect tasty toppings and perfectly cooked dough for a real taste of Italy.
What should I order?
We love a classic Margherita, with burrata to share. Don’t forget to try some tiramisu for the full Italian experience.
Need to know
- Find 170 Grammi Pizzeria at 257 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$
Shaffa
What’s the concept?
Delicious Middle East and Mediterranean flavours, with colourful interiors and a lively atmosphere. Sharing is encouraged here so it’s a great stop to go with your mates.
Why we love it
Shaffa isn’t just about eating (and trust us, the food is outstanding), there’s a wonderful energy and warm hospitality to make you feel at home.
What should I order?
Try the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The classic hummus and freshly baked pita are perfect for sharing. How about a cocktail too?
Need to know
- Find Shaffa at 80 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$$
Cicerone
What’s the concept?
Another incredible Italian, with plenty of traditional local dishes and seasonal produce. Perfect for when the pasta and wine cravings hit.
Why we love it
Cicerone has got a bit of a sophisticated feel, but it’s comfortable too. A perfect dinner spot for different occasions.
What should I order?
Pasta. Any pasta. And ask for a pairing recommendation from the wine list.
Need to know
- Find Cicerone at 536 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range: $$$
Zushi Surry Hills
What’s the concept?
Modern Japanese cuisine using traditional techniques. It’s super stylish and is a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Why we love it
Sushi newbies and enthusiasts will be right at home here, it’s unreal! There’s heaps of yummy things to try, so it’s a solid choice for when you’re wondering where to eat in Surry Hills.
What should I order?
The sushi and sashimi platters are among the most popular choices, but if you want something a little more special, go for the wagyu. Hands down, you’ll love it.
Need to know
- Find Zushi at 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Price range $$-$$$
Where to Stay Close to Surry Hills
For quality food and drink, we reckon there’s nowhere better than Surry Hills. You’ll be within easy walking distance of some of the best bars, cafés and restaurants, but will still be close to Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and Sydney Opera House.
Whether you’re staying for a night, weekend or a bit longer, our best hotel picks are:
