14 To Try: The Most Iconic Dishes In Sydney

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. 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. 

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The Mary’s Burger | Mary’s 

There are plenty of burger lovers who will tell you this is the best burger in Sydney. Keeping things simple, the Mary’s Burger consists of a beef patty, cheese, lettuce, onion and Mary’s sauce and it’s a triumph. This simple burger would rival the best fine dining meal so if you haven’t yet been to Mary’s, this is your sign to head over. Dine-in for the full Mary’s experience feat. good vibes and killer music.

Newtown, Circular Quay, Castle Hill & Entertainment Quarter 

Fried Chicken | Butter 

When an ex-rockpool chef sets out to focus solely on creating one good thing, you can expect they will succeed. Butter comes from renowned chef Julian Cincotta and his hospitality pals and the fried chicken is absolute perfection. Equal parts crispy and succulent, we recommend keeping it simple with a 3 Pac and fries.  

6 Hunt Street, Surry Hills

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 for time and time again. 

Chatswood, Haymarket, Paramatta 

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 

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

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 

Ricotta Hotcakes | Bills

Bills is a Sydney institution having 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

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 

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

Cheese Toastie | Penny’s Cheese Shop

You can’t call yourself a real Eastern Suburbs local until you’ve schlepped to Penny’s Cheese Shop at 10:30 on a Saturday morning just to have her tell you she’s already fresh outta cheese toasties. It’s a dairy-laced heart break. Hand-grated cheese is melted between delicious sourdough bread and occasionally spiked with deluxe option extras from chorizo to truffle. Fewer than 50 toasties are churned out daily, so you have to get in early to avoid missing out.

Shop 6/127-139 Macleay Street, Potts Point

Rigatoni Vodka | Matteo 

Handmade in-house, naturally, Matteo’s pasta is pure delight. Their entire range of shapes and sauces, inspired by Northern Italian flavours are all delightful but it’s the rigatoni vodka that holds a well-deserved cult following – don’t miss it. 

Double Bay and Sydney CBD 

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. 

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 

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 

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