Sydney’s Culinary Landscape: Highlights from the 2026 Good Food Guide
As Sydney’s gastronomical scene continues to evolve, the launch of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2026 offers a revealing snapshot. While the city’s western and central business districts demonstrate a robust culinary flair, the eastern suburbs faced a challenging year, witnessing several prominent restaurants lose their long-held hats.
A Shift in Culinary Prestige
The annual awards were marked by a downturn for some well-respected names across the eastern suburbs. In Bondi Beach, the beloved Sean’s slipped to one hat, while Buon Ricordo in Paddington faced the unfortunate loss of its recognition. The trend extended further with eateries in Potts Point such as Bistro Rex, The Apollo, and Chaco Bar all slipping from their esteemed positions. This shakeup hints at a competitive landscape where consistency remains crucial for retaining high accolades.
Emerging Talent in Western Sydney
While the eastern suburbs recede, Sydney’s west is surging ahead, firmly establishing itself as a culinary powerhouse. Notably, Yeodongsik in Lidcombe secured its first hat—a landmark achievement for the area and a testament to its burgeoning food scene. Known for its modest yet inviting setting, Yeodongsik stands out for its exceptional hospitality and the high quality of its dishes, such as the renowned haejangguk soup made from long-simmered beef bones. Such eateries are redefining local expectations, with owner Justin Shin ensuring that a queue often wraps around the block.
New Heights in Newtown
In another sign of this culinary shift, the cluster of restaurants on Australia Street in Newtown is thriving. Names like Mister Grotto, Osteria Mucca, and Continental Deli each earned recognition in this year’s guide, cementing the area’s status as a food hub. This revitalized precinct is further fueled by amateur chefs and seasoned restaurateurs alike, creating a vibrant atmosphere of creative culinary exploration. Co-editor of the guide, David Matthews, noted that “King Street, Enmore Road, and the surrounding streets have got to be the most exciting place to eat and drink in Sydney.”
Notable Wins and Losses
The competitive nature of the awards means that while some establishments are rising, others are facing challenges. The guide highlights a mix of success stories and a few disappointments. At the same time, newcomers such as Olympus Dining in Redfern, which is associated with the popular The Apollo, have managed to snag a hat in the tumultuous dining landscape.
The awards season also introduced several other contenders into the one-hat club, including the Chinese eatery Grandfathers and the high-altitude dining experience Infinity, bringing renewed hope to their culinary endeavors.
The Best New Restaurant
In the urban sprawl of Sydney’s CBD, Eleven Barrack emerged as Best New Restaurant in an intensely competitive field. The culinary community is abuzz with excitement about this new venue, which showcases creativity and diversity in its menu, capturing the essence of the contemporary dining experience.
Regional Growth and Wine Bars
Outside the metropolitan boundaries, the guide illuminates growing trends in regional dining, particularly the rise of sophisticated wine bars. Paranormal Wines in Canberra has marked its place in history as potentially the first bottle shop to receive a hat, while other establishments like Hey Rosey in Orange are turning heads with their gourmet offerings.
Unique Experiences and Innovative Menus
Diners can find joy in exploring lesser-known gems, such as Amuro in Darlinghurst, a pint-sized establishment known for its exceptional regional Japanese cuisine. Through its unique offerings and commitment to quality, Amuro embodies the spirit of culinary innovation that’s becoming increasingly prevalent in Sydney’s dining scene.
The evolving culinary tapestry of Sydney presents a compelling narrative of resilience, creativity, and localization. While established names in the eastern suburbs face setbacks, the emerging talent from the west, particularly in vibrant areas like Newtown and Lidcombe, highlights an exciting shift in the city’s food culture, promising even more delightful experiences for food lovers in the coming years.