Sydney's vibrant food scene is experiencing a significant expansion with several high-profile openings and developments that promise to delight both locals and visitors. From internationally renowned pizza to luxury wine experiences and transformed market spaces, the city is solidifying its reputation as a premier culinary destination.
World-Famous Neapolitan Pizza Arrives in Sydney's CBD
The iconic L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, celebrated globally after featuring in the film Eat Pray Love, has officially launched its Sydney outpost on Pitt Street. This Michelin-starred establishment brings authentic Neapolitan pizza directly from Naples to the heart of the city's central business district.
Since opening on December 5th, the restaurant has already served over twenty thousand customers, many drawn by its cinematic fame. The venue captures the energetic spirit of its Naples original with floor-to-ceiling windows, bustling atmosphere, and warm, attentive service. A framed photograph of Julia Roberts provides a subtle homage to the restaurant's pop culture moment.
General Manager Giuseppe Costagliola, originally from Naples, emphasises the commitment to authenticity. 'Napoli-style pizza is thin and soft, and meant to be eaten immediately. It's quick and simple and that's what makes it special,' he explains. The menu highlights classic offerings like the Margherita and Marinara, recipes that have remained unchanged since 1870. Generous portions extend beyond pizza to include pasta dishes and standout sides like the richly layered eggplant parmigiana.
West Australian Winery Joins Elite Tourism Collection
Ampersand Estates, located in Western Australia's picturesque Pemberton Region, has been inducted into the prestigious Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collection. This recognition places it among thirty award-winning wineries offering immersive visitor experiences beyond standard cellar door tastings.
Situated approximately three hours south of Perth on a fifty-six hectare property bordering the Donnelly River, the estate provides guided premium wine tastings and gourmet picnics featuring local produce. Three luxury vineyard residences offer refined accommodation with fully equipped kitchens and exclusive estate access.
The signature 'A Marriage of Luxury & Nature' experience combines an overnight stay with private wine tastings and a four-course degustation prepared by a Michelin-trained chef. Day visitors can enjoy the Terroir Tasting Experience, a hands-on foraging journey in the Rainfall Distillery Gardens. Notably, Ampersand Estates stands as the only LGBTQIA+ owned and operated winery within this elite group.
Sydney Fish Market Transforms into Major Culinary Hub
The newly reopened Sydney Fish Market has been dramatically reimagined as a world-class destination for seafood enthusiasts. Now the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, the sprawling twenty-six thousand square metre precinct on Blackwattle Bay is projected to attract over six million annual visitors.
Housing forty-two retailers and nineteen seafood wholesalers under one spectacular roof, the market offers an extensive array of fresh and cooked seafood alongside produce stalls, bakeries, gelaterias, and Australia's first dedicated olive oil concept store, Olivetta. Visitors can participate behind-the-scenes market tours, masterclasses at the Sydney Seafood School, and cultural storytelling celebrating First Nations fishing traditions.
Several new restaurants are enhancing the offering, including Hamsi Taverna, where acclaimed chef Somer Sivrioğlu presents Aegean-inspired seafood dishes. The menu focuses on crudo, cured, and flame-grilled items, with highlights like baked vodka sauce conchiglie with spanner crab and charred lobster with sujuk butter. The marine-toned space features a wood-fired grill and transitions from daytime dining to evening sessions with resident DJs.
Intimate Wine Room Opens in Martin Place
AALIA Wine Room, the chic sibling to the two-hatted AALIA restaurant, has launched as a moody forty-two seat venue in Martin Place. Focusing on discovery and conviviality, the space boasts an extensive wine list curated by sommelier Sarah O'Dwyer, featuring two hundred thirty-five labels with thirty-one available by the glass.
Chef Paul Farag creates Middle Eastern-inspired sharing snacks designed to complement the wines, such as beef nayyeh and pickled kokotxas. The venue operates on a walk-in basis from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner and Tuesday to Friday for lunch, offering experiences like Discovery Hour where sommeliers present specially selected wines with personalised notes.
Insights from a Leading Sydney Chef
Gaurav Bide, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, shares his culinary perspectives, highlighting Paski - Vineria Popolare in Darlinghurst for its ingredient-driven approach. He advocates for using aromatic spices like cumin and sumac to transform dishes and recommends a simple marinade of garlic, olive oil, lemon, and malt vinegar for tenderising meats.
Bide identifies underrated gems like Little Birria in Mascot for exceptional birria tacos and Cantina OK! in the CBD for mezcal. Reflecting on dining trends, he notes that 'a great restaurant today isn't defined by luxury - it's defined by how it makes you feel. Guests are looking for honesty, heart, and care.' His ongoing project involves evolving Mode Kitchen & Bar to showcase Sydney's personality through local produce and wood-fire cooking.
