Vienna pork schnitzel.
14/20

This ‘raucously cosy’ club serving schnitzels and schnapps is still going strong after 45 years

The pokie-free Austrian Club has an infectiously warm vibe,deer-based taxidermy and excellent apple strudel.

  • Callan Boys
Grape tart.

‘Haute couture in cake form’:This patisserie sells exquisite pastries that put flavour first

Irish chef Aoife Noonan helms a cake shop that blends the elegance of a French patisserie with the artistry of Japanese-inspired flavours.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Pepperoni pizza.
14.5/20

‘Biggest pizza I’ve seen in my life’:This new Sydney restaurant is serious about its New York-style slice

MMC Slice Shoppe trades on familiar references but stands out by offering not-so-standard-issue toppings and generous serves.

  • Lee Tran Lam
Jamsheed’s converted industrial dining room.
14/20

The mash-up of cuisines at this suburban winery makes our critic ‘giddy’ (in a good way)

Clara Luna serves bar food,but it’s also soul food;Middle Eastern and South American,but also Australian.

  • Besha Rodell
Mamuki’s mango matcha smoothie epitomises social-media thirst

This serene inner west cafe is a must-visit for all matcha fans

Strawberry matcha lattes are all well and good,but how about a mango matcha smoothie?

  • Lee Tran Lam
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Chilli crab linguine.
14.5/20

Well-heeled locals are lapping up this breezy restaurant (and its ‘bang on’ chilli crab pasta)

Every table at Henrys seems to order the linguine and I get it,I really do. But don’t miss the exemplary dessert,too.

  • Dani Valent
Rare beef noodle soup with fried dough stick bread and onsen egg.
13.5/20

This new CBD restaurant serves excellent pho – just don’t ask for bean sprouts and Thai basil

An An steers clear of the Saigon-style pho that dominates Sydney,instead championing its cousin from Vietnam’s north.

  • Callan Boys
Arnold’s wine bar in Kensington,complete with disco ball.
13.5/20

This local wine bar stands out from the crowd with its blue drink and Mexican-ish food

Melbourne has plenty of neighbourhood wine bars,but not many have Arnold’s creativity and heart.

  • Besha Rodell
Owner/chef Helen Hung with Stanley Ho and Eva Ho.
14/20

At $17,‘number eight’ at this retro food court gets you one of Sydney’s best value lunches

But you’ll need to arrive early to join local workers,grandmas and retirees who jostle for soups,noodles and this deceptively complex dish.

  • David Matthews
Baker Kim Fulko Lim and Rene with their children.

The light,airy focaccia is worth ‘walking through a hot desert’ for at this beloved bakery

Customers keep flocking to this community-based bakery for its exquisite baked goods including croissants,sweet treats and sourdough.

  • Lenny Ann Low