12 of Sydney's Most Iconic Dishes to Try at Least Once

Sydney’s vibrant dining scene is not defined by the latest and greatest, but by the restaurants and dishes that have stood the test of time. Tried and tested favourites that we keep coming back for time and time again. The equivalent of re-reading your favourite book, the joy of tasting a favourite dish is unparalleled. On top of classics like bacon & egg rolls and Sydney rock oysters, there's a collection of individual dishes unique to the city that any true foodie must sample. Whether you're new to Sydney or a born and bred local, this list is bound to bring pure delight. 

From exquisite desserts to humble pastries and lunch staples, read on for the most iconic dishes in Sydney. 

Ricotta Hotcakes | Bills

Bills is a Sydney institution that has served up brunch and lunch staples to Sydney siders for over thirty years. But you truly can't consider yourself a local if you haven't sampled the ricotta hotcakes at least once. A brunch icon, these pillowy soft beauties are served with banana and honeycomb butter. If you can't decide between sweet and savoury for breaky, we recommend splitting the hotcakes and the corn fritters, another iconic Bills dish, with your brunch buddy. 

Bondi Beach, Darlinghurst, Double Bay and Surry Hills

Strawberry and Watermelon Cake | Black Star Pastry

With the title of 'the world's most Instagrammed cake' there was no way the Strawberry and Watermelon Cake from Black Star Pastry wasn't making the list. Over a million slices are sold from their stores every year! A must for any cake lover, this delicate morsel at this popular Sydney patisserie is a total game changer. Real ingredients, real flavours, and it tastes just as good as it looks on Instagram.

Newtown, Rosebery, Sydney CBD, Moore Park

Finger Bun | Humble 

Finger buns are a staple Australian childhood treat. Humble has been producing adult versions for a little while now and they have firmly cemented themselves as an iconic Sydney dish. Served with pink cream cheese frosting and a butter slab inside, it's indulgent, it's delicious and it's nostalgic - a triple threat! 

Surry Hills, Quay Quarter Lanes, Newtown 

Burger | The Gidley 

Having taken out Australia's best burger award, a foodie sojourn in Sydney is not complete without sampling this classic dish from The Gidley. Keeping things simple with double beef patties, cheddar and house pickle, you've got the option to add egg and/pr bacon (v. Australian) if you so desire. 

161 King Street, Sydney 

Pork Bahn Mi | Marrickville Pork Roll

At this hole-in-the-wall eatery they do one thing and do it well. On any given day, Marrickville Pork Roll has a queue of people waiting in line for their crusty Vietnamese Bahn Mi. The moreish pork and house-made sauce will guarantee a repeat visit. In fantastic news for the people of Sydney, you can now score a Marrickville Pork Roll from three locations. 

Marrickville, Quay Quarter, Haymarket 

Roti Canai | Mamak

Mamak are the kings of Malaysian cuisine. You know their food is good when there are queues snaking down the street before the doors have even opened. Be sure to try their crispy and fluffy Roti Canai served with two curry dips and spicy sambal – it’s the most popular dish and one we're certain you will return time and time again. 

Chatswood, Haymarket, Paramatta 

Woodfired Bread | Totti's

Totti's is a go-to for any Sydneysider keen to indulge in fresh cocktails, antipasti and delicious bowls of pasta. But it is their woodfired bread that has reached cult status. This perfectly puffy dish is ideal as an entree alongside the incredible array of antipasti dishes from Totti's that ranges from Mortadella to pickled octopus. 

CBD, Bondi, Rozelle 

Lebanese charcoal chicken | El Jannah

Sydneysiders from all corners of the city flock to this celebrated, family-run Lebanese eatery.  El Jannah’s charcoal chicken is succulent and smoky, and best enjoyed with their tahini and garlic sauce. If you're not already, prepare to be addicted. 

Locations across Sydney 

Saganaki Cheese | The Apollo

This sizzling delight, served bubbling in a cast iron pan, is easily one of Sydney's most recognisable dishes. You hands-down haven't *been* to The Apollo if you haven't fought over the last slice of this honey and oregano-drizzled slice of heaven. 

44 Macleay Street, Potts Point

Fish & Chips | Out of the Blue

Tasty and dependable, Out of the Blue is about as true an example of a classic fish and chip shop as you'll find. It’s cheap, cheerful, and family-run - just as good a takeaway joint should be. Serving up arguably the best fish and chips in Sydney under $20. We recommend gathering a picnic blanket, some bevvies and your OTB takeaway to dine alfresco by the sea. 

2/272 Clovelly Road, Coogee

Pavlova | Bennelong 

Peter Gilmore's Bennelong is itself an icon. But it's the pavlova, inspired by the Opera House's sails that we've chosen to include here. Why? It's the dramatic finale of a memorable meal, all finished tableside and one item that Bennelong can't bear to take off the menu. 

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point 

Hirimasa Kingfish | Saké 

A trip to Saké is simply not complete without a plate of Hisimasa Kingfish doused in lime & jalapeño kosho, coriander and infused ponzu. If you're yet to pop your sashimi cherry, this is where to do it. It's bound to be the freshest sashimi you'll ever come across. 

The Rocks, Manly, Double Bay 

Loving this edit of the most iconic dishes in Sydney and looking for more foodie inspo? Be sure to check out our edit of the best French restaurants in Sydney and the best Croissants in Sydney.