The Best Restaurants in Darlinghurst for a Foodie Feast

An inner-city hotspot, Darlinghurst is known for its eclectic charm, buzzing energy, and an endless array of incredible eateries to match. This vibrant suburb is a favourite among food lovers dining in Sydney, offering everything from contemporary fusion spots to local icons that have stood the test of time.

Whether you're in the mood for fine dining, late-night bites, or the perfect spot for lunch with friends, the best restaurants in Darlinghurst have it all. Walk through the lively streets - our trusty guide below in hand - and discover delightful flavours, unique menus, and creative dishes to suit any taste or occasion.

Fabbrica 

Fabbrica is a lowkey and no-fuss eatery, and the newly opened Darlinghurst pasta bar is a testament to the pull of this handmade pasta joint. Pop by on a weekday for a bowl of the good stuff (which you can score for under $35).

Spread across two levels with a communal table and private dining room for special celebrations, expect fresh, seasonal sauces from the best ingredients available and a fantastic wine list of Australian-made and Italian varietals. If you're hungry, the set menus offer incredible value, while crowd-favourites including the cacio e pepe and cotoletta alla Milanese rarely disappoint.

348 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst 

Lankan Filling Station

An authentic taste of Sri Lanka can be found right here in Darlinghurst, at Lankan Filling Station. With an extensive menu of traditional dishes, you will be encouraged to try flavours that may be out of your comfort zone but will delightfully surprise you, from jackfruit cutlets (deep-fried jackfruit and potato balls) and kangaroo tail curry to Cuttlefish battered in turmeric.

Open 6 nights a week, perhaps the best time to visit is Monday Buryani night, with a set menu offering a rotating selection of curry and meat dishes served with flavour-infused rice, papadums and salad.

Ground Floor, 58 Riley Street, Darlinghurst

Paski 

Opening their doors in 2022, Paski is a bar and restaurant collaboration to check out, ASAP. With a bar and bottle shop on the ground floor serving some of the best bar snacks and inventive Italian wine and local wines, upstairs you’ll find one of the best Italian restaurants in town.

Upstairs at Paski Sopra, you can find friendly service and a rich a la carte menu in the intimate brick-lined space that looks down over the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Expect inventive starters like a scallop gratin with herb panko and lemon butter that lead into handmade pasta, pair beautifully with delicious drops from the infamous Paski wine cellar.

239 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Cafe Freda's

A community hub and meeting place for many Sydneysiders, Cafe Freda's is a top spot for people-watching in Darlinghurst. The Happy Hour draws an evening crowd, and who can blame them - $10 Negronis and Aperol spritz? Sign us up.

They have a $30 pasta and wine special running Wednesday to Thursday if you fancy a bite to eat, while DJs set the tone for the weekend ahead on Friday and Saturday evenings. It's an eatery, wine bar and vibing hotspot rolled into one.

195 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 

Gaku Robata Grill

A dinner favourite and traditional Japanese restaurant serving authentic meals cooked robata style (over the charcoal grill), Gaku Robata Grill also makes a mean bowl of ramen come lunch hour.

With five flavours, these bowls are served with plenty of aged noodles, drawing ramen enthusiasts from the heart of Sydney, Surry Hills and beyond. Open seven days a week, Gaku is the place to visit when the craving for authentic Japanese hits.

2/132 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst

Dimitri's Pizzeria

This groovy pizzeria is a must-try for any woodfired pizza fans out there. Dimitri's can sort you out for all the classics, but we highly recommend giving their iconic Bee Sting pizza a whirl - a hot ham pizza drizzled in honey.

All parties of four or more will need to order the set menu. This feast is a bit of a bargain and scores you house-baked sourdough, antipasti, olives, salad and one pizza per person. 

215 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Love, Tilly Devine

Wine and romance go hand in hand at Love, Tilly Devine. Tucked away in an alley, this intimate bar (named after the famous 1930s brothel Madame) is a great place for good conversation over a glass of wine.

There are over 300 varieties on offer, so if you’re a bit of a wine buff - this is the place to show off your skills. Food-wise, there is a focus on high-quality dishes perfect for pairing and snacking. Think stracciatella with basil, walnuts and champagne currants, Kingfish crudo with blood orange and potato scallops with whipped cod roe.

91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst

Chaco Ramen

If you're ever craving a hot bowl of ramen on your next Darlinghurst Day Out, Chaco Ramen is a must-visit. Their roots are cemented in the city's food scene, thanks to authentic yakitori and piping hot bowls of ramen served in the OG Darlinghurst restaurant, formally known as Chaco Bar.

Led by owner and Head Chef Keita Abe, these folks are on a mission to define ramen culture in Sydney with their unique, no-nonsense bowls of deliciousness. The chilli coriander and Yuzu scallop ramen are standouts; no frills, just fantastic flavour.

238 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

How about a pre-dinner (or lunch) drink before heading to one of the best restaurants in Darlinghurst? Check out our guides to Sydney's best rooftop bars and wine bars.