The 10 Best Places I Ate in Sydney in May 2026

1. Cicerone — Surry Hills

The appetiser spread at Cicerone is s reason to book a table. Their truffle mushroom arancini are impossibly crisp on the outside and molten within, not too overpowering with truffle but perfectly cheesy. The real star, though, is the wood-fired bread served with truffle honey butter, burrata and a slow-cooked tomato medley - inside the bread is fluffy and soft but the crispy outer layer makes it perfect for dipping into the creamy burrata and salted tomatoes. This is some of my favourite bread served in Sydney (and I always order the bread).

2. Malika Bakehouse — Surry Hills

Malika Bakehouse's Turkish breakfast platter is a mosaic of flavour - labneh, sujuk, olives, cucumber, tomato, feta and warm flatbread baked in-house. It homely and authentic but still packs bold flavours and colours, from their drinks and their mains right through to their pastries. The flatbread alone is worth the trip to Crown Street.

"Sydney in May reminded me why this city is one of the most exciting places to eat in the world right now."

3. Bendooley Estate — Berrima

We spend a lot of time in the Southern Highlands and this spot continues to be a spot we always revisit. Most people come for the blue cheese and grape pizza (I wasn't 100% sold on this) but, the turmeric and orange roasted chicken is golden, fragrant and fall-off-the-bone tender. The citrus lifts the spice rather than masking it, and ranks as my top chicken dish of the year so far. Also, the surrounding Southern Highlands countryside and sweeping vineyards make the meal feel like a genuine, secluded escape from the city.

4. Bibo — Double Bay

Bibo's cod fritters are deceptively simple - salt cod, potato, parsley - but they nail the execution. Crisp, salty, fluffy in the centre and served with a punchy aioli that cuts through the richness these are little appetisers I could reorder throughout the night. Ideal with a pairing of one of their award-winning wines or signature cocktails.

5. Bobby's — Cronulla

The whipped feta dip at Bobby's is a truly epic: sharp feta blended smooth, topped with toasted hazelnuts and balanced with sweet honey is delectable, then scooped up with warm salted focaccia is the ultimate way to finish a coastal walk, begin a long lunch or pair with a crisp Aperol spritz. It is the kind of dish that keeps you wanting more (in the best way).

6. Sitch — Marrickville

Sitch's triple nut chocolate chip cookie is thick, crumbly but still incredibly soft in the centre so the chocolate stays semi-molten. Walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts give it a toastier profile than your standard choc-chip and dunked into one of their speciality coffee roasts makes for a warming and wholesome experience. Their new location in Marrickville, set inside a small warehouse, is excellent and worth the journey outside the city centre.

7. Pocket — Bondi

Bondi's best sandwich is not at a specialist sandwich shop - it is at Pocket, a tiny spot just off Campbell Parade. The grilled chicken is marinated overnight, charred hard and layered between perfectly toasted bread. Messy in the best way and SO flavourful. And, if you're looking for a plate to share in the evening, the whipped feta with pistachio and hot honey is a repeat offender on my top plates list. Accompanied with a side of salted focaccia this is the perfect combo.

8. Jordan's Seafood — Barangaroo

Jordan's iconic fish burger is a reimagining. I've always been a sucker for a fish burger but this one is reinventing the wheel. Forget a crumbed white fish patty, this involves sheared tuna and crisp pancetta, layered with spicy radish, cheddar cheese and lime mayo on a black charcoal bun. The flavours are well balanced and the tuna melts in your mouth. That, paired with a couple of VIVID exclusive cocktails, is a dangerous mix.

9. Maxlab — Barangaroo

From Rome to Sydney, Maxlab's hot honey spicy salami focaccia sandwich is built for champions. Their focaccia is made and baked in-house everyday: the outer layer is crisp whilst the inside remains fluffy and chewy. You can choose from a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and condiments to make your sandwich but their La Piccantina with thinly sliced spicy salami, layers of ricotta cream and a thick drizzle of chilli honey is my favourite.

10. Shadow Baking — Darlinghurst

The original croissant at Shadow Baking is one reason to set an alarm on a Saturday morning. Their pastries are some of the best and most extravagant in Sydney but a the real test always comes down to their performance on the original butter croissant and, this photo writes a thousand words. Precise lamination, a crisp shell and a honeycomb interior that pulls apart in sheets - I have no notes. I loved this.

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