Sonora, The Gidley, Sean’s Panaroma: Now on the Resy Hit List

Because as summer winds down, this timeless Bondi institution is the only place we want to be. A chic dining room and ocean views set the scene for Sean Moran’s pioneering farm-to-table menus, with an exclusively Australian wine list and ever-changing blackboard of dishes, like kingfish tartare with finger lime or a sublime cherry tart. Pro tip: we love the chef’s choice menu of five dishes with an elegant wine pairing, and you will too. 

Because nothing beats a raw bar and a spritz in the sunshine. This impressive newcomer to The Rocks boasts an unparalleled view of the harbour and opera house, with shellfish towers, sparklingly fresh fish, and crisp whites for days. Well-traveled chef Damien Brassel (who earned a Michelin star in NYC) heads up a kitchen that champions sustainable fishing practices. Occasion worthy and perfect for a sundowner. 

Because we can’t think of a single reason not to visit this standout Cantonese restaurant. Named for XO Pippies — the restaurant’s signature clam dish that David Chang famously called “the best dish in the world” — this barnstormer serves incredible twists on time-honoured classics from a sleek Kengo Kuma space in Darling Square. Try the prawn mantou rolls with XO mayo, a playful jasmine bubble tea panna cotta, or a memorable typhoon shelter cauliflower. 

Because it’s the most exhilarating discovery you’ll make this year. This tiny Vietnamese cafe in Marrickville serves just four things, chief among them handmade banh cuon made by Minh Nguyen, a chef whose family has specialised in the silky rice pancakes for generations. Delicious and addictive, the fillings of pork mince, herbs and bouncy wood-eared mushrooms are a revelation. 

Walk-ins only. 

Because this sublime revamp of an art deco institution is not to be missed. The Good Room, located in said architectural gem, is a fine dining revelation headed up by Kumiko Endo (ex-Tetsuya’s/Attica) serving well-traveled French fare, hibachi-grilled seafood and fine wines from a space with idyllic views of Balmoral Beach. About as good as it gets. 

For reservations call the restaurant on (02) 9969 5050.

Because it’s fine dining without the airs and graces. A coffee shop by day, this Darlinghurst cafe transforms into a Japanese-inflected diner at night. Effortlessly blending Aussie produce with Japanese technique (the head chef trained at Tokyo’s legendary Florilege), expect dishes like wagyu tartare with Jerusalem artichoke chips, or bass grouper with glass noodles paired to an absinthe-happy cocktail list. Oishī! 

For reservations call the restaurant on +61 2 9262 1350.

Because this follow-up to critical smash Bistecca is an irresistible slice of retro glamour. The restaurant feels like old-school steakhouse meets Soho House — vintage wallpaper, lashings of velvet, and jazz on the speakers creates a fitting backdrop for a lush throwback menu that takes the classics seriously. Ease into the evening with oysters and a stiff cocktail, before diving into Black Angus ribeye with all the trimmings; finish with a classic pecan pie. 

Because it’s everything we love about the original, without the schlep to Bondi. Located in the new Ivy complex in the CBD, this slick establishment boasts classic seasonal drinks, delicious antipasti and Italian-inspired dishes that you’ll want to empty into your bag. Antipasti, in particular, are a standout, paired to fluffy bread that’s baked to perfection. 

For reservations call the restaurant on +61 2 9114 7379.

Because summer is the time to treat oneself, and we can’t think of many better places to do it. This stunner is part of the new Coogee pavilion building, and from the light-filled room to the pretty bouquets casually dotted around, it drips with effortless chic. The food lives up to the visuals; caviar and vodka is wheeled to diners’ tables, a blacklip abalone and pancetta skewer is outrageously good, and mains (like salt-baked butternut squash or whole John Dory) are served tableside with panache. 

For reservations call the restaurant on +61 2 9114 7324.

Because Potts Point now gets its very own laid-back Mexican diner. Sonora comes courtesy of the same owners of the excellent Taqiza and Carbon, serving upscale riffs on Mexican dishes (with a particular focus on tacos) accompanied with the spirit du jour, mezcal, sourced from boutique distilleries. There’s also bottomless brunch at the weekends and a patio for the afternoons when only a beer and wagyu-embellished taco will do.