Sydney’s Best Pub Food for Elevated Eats

There is no denying that Sydneysiders love their pub food, be it a good schnitty, burger or a juicy steak. Lucky for us, pubs across Sydney salute our love of good, hearty meals that always manage to hit the spot. The next time you’re hankering for some good old-fashioned pub grub or fancy a modern spin on traditional fare, choose from our edit of the best pub food in Sydney. 

Woolwich Pier Hotel

This upscale pub has been a Woolwich stalwart for years and continues to deliver delicious pub fare. Boasting views of the harbour and Cockatoo Island, Woolwich Pier Hotel is a favourite with locals with their nightly specials (steaks, pies, schnitty and parmy all get a go) as well as their elevated dishes. Lobster spaghetti, lamb shank pie and porchetta are just a few of the options on offer. 

2 Gale Street, Woolwich

The Erskineville Hotel

More affectionately known as The Erko, this is a pub with character. The Erko is known for its elevated pub classics, and the beer garden is the perfect place to tuck into some panko crumbed schnitty. The menu has been fine-tuned over the years, but they’ve stuck to tradition and still have fish & chips, striploin, lamb shanks and burgers.

102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville

The Duke of Clarence 

Nestled in an alleyway next to The Barber Shop, The Duke of Clarence offers a quintessentially British experience in the heart of the CBD. This 19th-century-inspired English tavern boasts a 500-strong line-up of spirits and British eats that tick every comfort food box. We're talking Scotch eggs, fish finger sandwiches, ploughman's plates and traditional roasts (Yorkies included). 

152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney 

The Dolphin Hotel

A classic Australian pub with a few modern tweaks, The Dolphin is your first port of call for Italian-style pub food. The menu excites the palate with delectable antipasti share plates, chicken cacciatore, spaghetti with blue swimmer crab, and perfectly crispy wood-fired pizzas.

412 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Dove & Olive

Delicious and inventive pub grub paired with craft beer is the Dove and Olive’s style. With an extensive menu of classics and Southern favourites, it is hard to narrow down the options. We suggest the Braised Beef & Stout Pie. And when it comes to drink options, Dove & Olive have you covered with their beer pairing suggestions for each item on the menu.

156 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills

The Lucky Prawn 

The Lucky Prawn is a retro Australian-Chinese bistro located within the Iconic Bob Hawke's Leisure Centre in Marrickville. If you're craving Aussie 80s Chinese made well (who isn't?!), this is the place for you. The prawn toast is some of the best we've ever tasted and the crab omelette and mango pud are out of this world. Do yourself a solid and order Bob's Banquet at $55 a head for one of the best value meals you'll ever have. 

8-12 Sydney Street, Marrickville 

Hotel Palisade

Hotel Palisade serves up a pub dining experience like no other. Panoramic harbour views and beautiful interiors that hark back to Sydney’s nautical and industrial heritage are the perfect backdrop to upmarket dishes such as braised lamb, mussel linguine, and glazed Korean barramundi. 

35 Bettington Street, Millers Point

The Glenmore Hotel

This Rocks oldie has some of the best harbour views and a retractable roof! Their gourmet pub grub will satiate all cravings as they live and breathe the mantra, ‘classic pub food with a twist’. To satisfy your comfort food cravings, take a bite into their classic pub food dishes like the salt and pepper squid or red wine braised lamb shanks. Delicious! 

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

The Newport

A Northern Beaches favourite, this outdoor bar-slash-restaurant takes an alternative take to classic pub food with an alfresco marketplace situation going on. You can choose to order your food from a variety of outlets, including wood-fired pizza, American-style burgers, fresh seafood and hearty mains from their classics menu. Enjoy the sprawling water views from the expansive deck as you chow down on your favourite dish. 

2 Kalinya Street, Newport

Royal Hotel Paddington

A heritage pub with a beautiful open-air rooftop, the Royal Hotel has broad appeal. The menu focuses on shared plates, pub classics and contemporary seasonal dishes. To share, we suggest the parmesan and truffle fries, from the mains, take your pick from the classics like the beef burger, southern fried chicken burger, eye fillet and schnitzel.

 237 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Vic on the Park

Aside from the drawcard of being an extra dog-friendly pub and boasting a basketball court, Vic on the Park also nails classic pub dishes. They've got an excellent rotisserie and charcoal grill menu alongside a selection of small plates and burgers. Arguably best of all, there are also toasties available every night until close and a late-night menu available 'till 1am Friday to Saturday so you'll never need to head home hungry again! 

2 Addison Road, Marrickville 

Harbord Hotel 

Fancy taking a holiday without driving out of Sydney? This Northern Beaches favourite is serving California cool. Harbord Hotel is all about elevated pub grub so you can expect the likes of hand-crumbed schnitzel, Cali-style pizza, burgers, snacks and a grill menu. They've also got plenty of craft beers for you to sample and a decent range of wines by the glass. 

29 Moore Road, Freshwater 

The Old Fitzroy Hotel

This Sydney gem offers more than just good food. It's also a theatre that plays host to a packed schedule of events. As for the delicious menu you can expect a unique blend of British and French fare. You've got the option of the pub for more casual bites (think duck croquettes, gnocchi and wagyu cheeseburgers) or the bistro for something a little jazzier. Not sure what to pick? The banquet menu is a delight. 

129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo 

Forrester's 

Purveyors of Sydney's iconic giant Yorkie, it would be remiss not to include Forrester's here. The all-Aussie menu champions wholesome fare and pub classics. Paired with Aussie brews, and NSW and Australian wines, it's local love all around. 

336 Riley Street, Sydney 

Public House Petersham 

If it's a sunny beer garden you love, Public House Petersham will deliver. The menu here is focused on pub classics and fresh woodfired pizza - the perfect accompaniment to a craft brew or natural wine. Our pick? The chilli prawn pizza is calling our name. 

292 Stanmore Road, Petersham 

Loved this edit of Sydney's best pub food and on the hunt for a few more pubs to hit up? Check out our edit of the best pubs in the CBD and the best pubs on the North Shore.