The bakar chicken blends Indonesian and Lebanese influences.
14/20

This mix 𝄒n𝄒 match menu is a taste of Sydney on a plate,but is it too much of a good thing?

Flavours from all over the city make unusual friends on Penelope’s adventurous menu.

  • Terry Durack
The borage-bedecked avocado tart tastes like something fairies would serve at the summer solstice.
Good Food hatGood Food hat17.5/20

Our critic had many expectations for the revamped Vue de Monde. But one thing surprised her

There are a few notable changes at the newly refurbished fine diner,but those spectacular views aren’t one of them.

  • Besha Rodell
The interior at Maggie’s Snacks and Liquor,Brunswick East.
14/20

This under-the-radar newcomer is one of Melbourne’s best cocktail bars right now

Bloody delicious cocktails. Hyper-elevated bar snacks. Friendly staff. All this wine bar needs is a crowd.

  • Besha Rodell
BTWN’s interior is designed to convey a sense of urban space,light and travel.
13/20

W hotel may be mind-blowing inside and out,but its restaurant still needs fine tuning

It’s great to have W back in Sydney after nearly 20 years. So does its ambition translate to the dining experience at BTWN?

  • Terry Durack
Casa Esquina’s sprawling indoor-outdoor vibe has a special sense of freedom.
14/20

This indoor-outdoor Argentinian-inspired grillfest boasts Balmain-to-Buenos Aires vibes

Casa Esquina’s menu includes 10 different dishes from the parrilla,from Gundagai lamb tomahawk chops to a one-kilo dry-aged Ranger’s Valley Black Market rib-eye.

  • Terry Durack
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The hotel restaurant looks out over Hyde Park,“a giant lozenge of Victoriana greenery”.
Good Food hat15/20

Why new hotel restaurant Sydney Common is ‘uncommonly good’

Up-and-coming talent Jamie Robertson works with former Sepia chef Martin Benn to create a seasonal menu that’s wood-fired and Japanese-inflected.

  • Terry Durack
Go-to dish:Fritto misto,a tumble of seafood,fried lemon and crisped sage leaves.
Good Food hat15/20

A celebrity chef brings a party (and a Good Food hat) to this St Kilda pub

Saint George’s beachy cocktails,proteins with pizazz and cared-for fish dishes may finally help revive Fitzroy Street’s fortunes.

  • Besha Rodell
The dining room has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Norfolk pines.
13/20

This beachfront restaurant has stunning views,but does it deliver food and service to match?

Ambitious new fine-diner Meribella at the Crowne Plaza in Terrigal channels the vibe of a Victorian-era seaside conservatory.

  • Terry Durack
King Clarence’s “Scandinavian ramen bar” interior.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20

DJs,fish finger buns,Vegemite toast:This new spot is not your typical two-hat restaurant

It looks half-finished,but King Clarence is every bit the sharp operation we’ve come to expect from the Bentley team.

  • Callan Boys
14/20

More than a pretty view:Why this waterfront restaurant is the triple threat of sun,sea and seafood

Under-the-radar northern beaches diner The Basin Dining Room gives the people what they want.

  • Terry Durack