Sydney is an adult’s paradise with plenty of entertainment venues, aimed at making one’s stay in the city a whole lot of fun. Why simply dine at any old restaurant in Sydney when you can take mealtime to a whole new level? There is something special about the restaurants in this list, be it live performances or unique locations. A such, you will certainly find a venue right up your alley.
Surly’s
Step into a dimly lit, wood-panelled bar reminiscent of neighbourhood bars so frequently seen on US television shows. Adorning the walls are random pictures, photos and bright neon signs. Located in Surry Hills, smack in the city, Surly’s draws the younger post-work crowd like well, tired workers to a cold beer. Affordable drinks and delicious American grub ensures the venue is packed most of time. As such, if you are after some quiet conversation, this throbbing locale is not for you.
A good time will be had by all at the shuffle board table and vintage arcade games. After filling your tummy with their satisfying American fast food and barbecue, work off the calories with a rousing game of shuffleboard or a turn around the dance floor. Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without imbibing on their alcohol on offer. Select from a range of beers, cocktails, shots, and wines. Alternatively, keep sober and try one of their American sodas.
A fun time is almost guaranteed in this American tavern of restaurants in Sydney.
& the food makes them stay
Stefano Marvello Italian Cooking Class
Why not turn a lunch into a lesson in how to make the best tasting pasta that’s ever graced your plate? Learn how to take your favourite dish a level up from the master himself, Stefano Marvello. He started in a restaurant kitchen at 15 and spent some time in Italy prior to starting his master class.
Spend four hours learning how to perfect your pasta and create exquisite sauces. All the while baking rustic Italian bread and putting together some appetising anti-pasto. Furthermore, as if mastering Italian cooking isn’t enough, you will be rewarded by dining on your hard work with Stefano himself. The class is a laidback, messy affair which will put everyone at ease and certainly create a day to remember. While not one of your average Italian restaurants in Sydney, you can almost be assured of a delicious meal.
Beach Road Hotel
Down at Beach Road Hotel, there is an event almost every day of the week. Talk about a draw card. They have free pool (the one with balls, not water) on Mondays, Trivia on Tuesdays and DJs on Wednesdays. Moreover, Thursdays are generally reserved for specialty performances, with Fridays hosting live bands and Saturdays are days for beach parties!
Additionally, you will not want to miss their weekday food specials, serving up tempting pub grub for cheaper. Bondi Beach is a big draw for most tourists and locals alike so if you are ever in the area, head down to Beach Road Hotel for sustenance. You will experience Bondi life like no other in one of the most happening restaurants in Sydney.
The Imperial
Ready, get set and strap on your sparkiest everything, including some over the top makeup. Lauded as Sydney’s IT venue for all LGBTQIA+ events and excitement, you will definitely have a ball of a time! The location is three levels of pleasure waiting for you to discover. As you first step into the building, you’ll encounter Priscillas, a restaurant extolling the virtues of the humble vegetable. As such, let your vegan flag fly and enjoy a delicious selection of indulgent dishes on their carefully curated menu.
But there’s more! Climb on up to the rooftop for some modern Italian delectability at Imperial Up. Take comfort in their wood fired pizzas, and Aussie-pub-Italian-Nonna fusion food, all within a glammed up, queered up artsy rooftop courtyard. Then when you are all stuffed and satiated, tumble on downstairs all the way to the Basement. That’s where the party’s at! Although, only on the weekends. A dance club focusing on individualism, creativity and a hella good time, be prepared to meet all sorts of happy revellers. Top that up with drag performances, guest DJs, live music and more, you’ve got the recipe for a hopping dance party.
With all the food and fun, You cannot look past The Imperial as the most inclusive of restaurants in Sydney.
Coogee Pavillion
The Coogee Pavilion is yet another multi-storied haven of glorious food and fun. Perhaps we should begin on the ground floor and work our way up. The Coogee Pavilion Ground Floor is home to a seaside themed arena with family favourites abound. The perimeter has stalls supplying delectables such as oysters, sashimi, wood-fired pizzas, burgers and more. Furthermore, tucked in a corner are giant games such as giant Jenga, wall Scrabble, ten-pin bowling, and more. Of course, being grown ups, the smart thing to do would be to visit this venue on a weekday afternoon when the kids are in school. That way there’s no need to fight for the giant games! After all, the place does get very crowded on weekends.
Moving on, the Coogee Rooftop which has been designed to reflect a botanist’s conservatory, plays host to not one but four bars. Choose to partake in a fancy cocktail or munch on some flavoursome charcoal chicken and chips while people watching from the top. So if you’re not in the mood to release your inner child to play on the Ground Floor, head upstairs to where the grown ups hang out. No matter which level you choose to spend time on, you’ll be spoilt for choosing from these restaurants in Sydney.
Rekodo
Rekodo at Barangaroo House is just one of three fabulous dining establishments on site. However, its sultry, edgy, feckless vibes help push this eatery into the realm of hipster legend. As a lover of music, especially vinyls, you will appreciate the sets curated by some of Sydney’s best vinyl DJs manning the Rekodo booth.
While there aren’t live DJ performances nightly, the venue has ensured that the music filling its space has been carefully selected by guests selectors. This means that you’ll enjoy the personal stylings of some of you favourite DJs as you stay for the delectable Japanese offering. You can start with some sashimi and move on to more hearty plates such as Wagyu Yakiniku or Snapper Karaage. Alternatively, leave your dining experience to the chefs as they serve up their Omakase for your enjoyment. However you choose to indulge, you can be certain of a great meal at one of the most unique Japanese restaurants in Sydney.
Munich Brauhaus
Oktoberfest is here and there is only one place in Sydney you should go to celebrate this festival of inebriation. Munich Brauhaus has always created a slamming Oktoberfest program and this year is no different. Beginning mid September and running through to 9 October, the German bier will be flowing, pork will be roasting and many a lederhosen will be worn.
This is your opportunity to tap a keg while chewing on warm soft pretzels. How about bringing down the hammer to ring the bell? Alternatively, try your hand at milking a beer-filled cow. Of course, you do not have to be in a traditional German dress to participate in the festivities, but one should consider strapping on elastic-waisted pants. During the event, Munich Brauhaus’s menu consists of only sets with selections such as schnitzels, Pork belly, German pastas and sausages. One definitely cannot forget about their famous Pork Knuckle, which, thankfully, is also included in their set platter.
If you are not full to bursting on traditional German grub and pleasantly buzzed by the end of the evening, you must have done something wrong. Remember the name Munich Bauhaus as you truly won’t want to miss the most beer-tastic of restaurants in Sydney.
You’ve come to Sydney for a great time and that includes mealtime as well! Who says meals have to be taken in silence or even seated? Who says you cannot dance with a burger in hand or play Jenga while drinking? Its your trip and fun should be the number one priority (well, perhaps after common sense). So take your mug of beer and toast one to all these fine restaurants in Sydney. Remember to head to KKDay where the fun (and deals) is only the beginning.
