A Foodie Favourite: The Best Restaurants in Chippendale

A university enclave that packs a culinary punch, Chippendale is a food hub worth knowing about. Ever since Ester first swung open its doors back in 2013, this trendy suburb has since welcomed a torrent of hip bars and elite restaurants. Now a gourmet’s go-to, you’ll find everything from cold drip coffee and hearty pub classics, to fancy fine dining and sizzling street eats. Ready to get amongst it? Read on for the best restaurants in Chippendale. 

Kindred

Kindred serves up wholesome Italian fare reminiscent of a bygone era - no fuss yet plated to perfection. Begin with warm sourdough and cultured butter, travel through entrees, mains and pasta and end with something sweet. The pasta is the real standout so if you're a pasta fiend, you'll be thrilled when you're treated to lesser-known goodies like bucatini and cauliflower cappellacci. 

137 Cleveland Street, Darlington 

Longshore (Image Credits: T.Wholohan)

Longshore

A seafood lovers' wildest fantasy, Longshore has got it all. Be welcomed by tasteful (and award-winning!) nautical-inspired interiors rife with texture before sitting down with a meticulously assembled beverage list. Whilst we recommend the beverage pairing menu, there is also a great selection of by-the-glass wines and half bottles on offer.

As for eats, the Longshore menu is geared around producing as little waste as possible. In fact, the cocktail menu uses bits and pieces from the kitchen as part of a no-waste effort. Opt for the well-priced chef's menu for the best all-round experience or dine a la carte on the likes of Coffs Harbour tiger prawns ceviche, coal-grilled Ulladulla swordfish loin and BBQ Wollemi duck leg. 

5 Kensington Street, Chippendale 

Olio

Taking up residence in The Old Rum Store, Olio provides the simplicity of Sicilian cuisine with an injection of luxury. The menu from head chef Lino Sauro is underpinned by quality seafood and provides a refreshing take on traditional Italian dining. To make the most of your evening, head to the rooftop terrace for a pre-dinner drink and nibble.

2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

Viet

Viet serves up street-style Vietnamese cuisine. Focused on flavour, the menu features fresh ingredients paired with invigorating spices and classics like spring rolls, dumplings and pho.

14 Kensington Street, Chippendale

Spice Alley

This hawker-style food court brings a little bit of Singapore to Sydney’s inner west. Sitting in the heart of Kensington Street, Spice Alley is a lantern-filled courtyard. Stop by for dinner, top up a Kopi Tiam card and flit between food outlets serving Singaporean (shout out to Alex Lee Kitchen), Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. A casual, memorable bite worthy of a pre-or post-dinner drink.

Kensington Street, Chippendale

Ester

Firmly cementing itself as a foodie institution, Ester is a destination restaurant drawing in diners from all over Sydney. Share plate style, the seasonal menu showcases masterful pairings of local produce. Seafood, meat and salad heavy, the dishes are exotic and full-flavoured while the fit-out is minimal and intimate. Ideal as a date spot, or fancy dinner with a large group.

46/52 Meagher Street, Chippendale

Gavroche

Paris meets Sydney at this exquisite Parisian bistro. Transforming an old rum warehouse on Kensington Street in Chippendale’s culinary precinct, Gavroche has become a mainstay among a line-up of renowned restaurants. 

Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

The Duck Inn

The Duck Inn is a neighbourhood pub hidden away in the back streets of Chippendale and is as loved for its warm, laidback ambience as for its craft beer and menu that has a strong showing of pub classics. But it’s the signature dishes that keep people local, think the eight-hour braised lamb shoulder and whole baby snapper duck for two. 

74 Rose Street, Chippendale

Eaten your way through this edit of the best restaurants in Chippendale and looking for more foodie inspo? Be sure to keep up to date with new openings in Sydney by browsing our best new cafes and best new restaurants articles.