Udon carbonara with charred kaiserfleisch,a soft egg and pepper.

Sana Coffee

Japanese-inspired cafe fare,just back from the water.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Pizzette makes more than 20 different styles of pizza al taglio.

Pizzette

Home to more than 20 “pizza al taglio” slices.

  • Emma Breheny
Kaprica is pure Melbourne,with high ceilings and white walls and simple wooden tables and chair.
Critics'Pick

Why this ‘pure Melbourne’ trattoria is attracting a new wave of admirers

The Carlton favourite has long delivered just about everything you’d want from a casual neighbourhood restaurant,says our critic. Now Gen Z has discovered its appeal,too.

  • Besha Rodell
Age.3 sandwiches.

Are these viral Japanese sandwiches worth a 40-minute wait?

Our verdict –and how to avoid the queues – at Sydney’s hottest new takeaway spot,where the sandwiches start at $3.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Sarma (cabbage rolls) at Balkan Skara.

It’s worth the drive just for the cabbage rolls at this suburban Macedonian diner

Marijan Nikolovski and his family serve kebapi sausages,flavour-forward dips and more at Balkan Skara in Melbourne’s north.

  • Dani Valent
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The prawn toast uses fluffy Japanese shokupan bread.
14/20

You’ll hit the jackpot at this suburban Chinese restaurant with heart – and perfect prawn toast

Come for the dumplings and prawn toast,stay for the warm,cosy atmosphere at convivial Potluck.

  • Dani Valent
14.5/20

Itching to get out of town? This cosy waterside restaurant is your new weekend destination

Chillis Cottage in Davistown is an excellent spot to enjoy oysters,cinnamon scrolls,breakfast omelettes and gelato sundaes.

  • Callan Boys
A sample of what to expect at the Village Belle.

Village Belle

A rollicking hangout,low-key boozer and classy cocktail bar in one.

  • Dani Valent andEmily Holgate
Bun bo hue
14/20

Visit this shopping strip eatery for a soup Anthony Bourdain once called the ‘greatest in the world’

It’s worth trawling the menu at bustling Bankstown eatery VBites for Hue and Central Vietnamese dishes not often found in Sydney restaurants.

  • Helen Yee
Inside Maggio’s Pasticceria in North Ryde.

This family-run cafe and pasticceria is an old Italian soul worth visiting

In a quiet suburban shopping strip,Maggio’s offers a cornucopia of maritozzi,sfogliatelle and excellent chicken schnitzel sandwiches.

  • Lenny Ann Low