Looking for Sydney’s best pub dining? Here are some of our favourites.
Colin Fassnidge’s gutsy, nose-to-tail cooking at the Four in Hand continues to rule the roost in top-end pub dining. His more casual offerings at the Paddington Arms (384 Oxford St, Paddington, 02 9360 9668) have also proved popular among the pub-grub-loving crowd. The arrival of former Felix chef Lauren Murdoch at 3 Weeds – The Restaurant has seen positive changes to its European-inspired menu. Bistrode CBD offers British food to a standard that surpasses the norm. The Forest Lodge Hotel (117 Arundel St, Forest Lodge, 02 9660 1872) also does decent eats. For something a little flashier, try pub-restaurant hybrid The Morrison (225 George St, Sydney, 02 9247 6744), which offers New York bistro-style food in snappy surrounds. The Drink and Dine group has made a name for itself revamping pubs with an eye to the irreverent and the loopy, an aesthetic which extends, at times, even to the food. The Carrington (563 Bourke St, Surry Hills, 02 9360 4714), which offers perhaps the best eating of any of the clutch of venues, leans Spanish. Or at least Spanish-ish, with paella onigiri, “Ibiefa pizza” and jamón and cheddar croquettes. Upstairs at The Norfolk, you’ll find House of Crabs (305 Cleveland St, Redfern, 02 9699 3177), specialising in seafood; Queenie’s at The Forrester’s (cnr Foveaux & Riley sts, Surry Hills, 02 9212 3035) takes Jamaica as its inspiration, while the newest member of the brood, The Oxford Tavern (1 New Canterbury Rd, Petersham, 02 8019 9351), latterly a topless bar, offers something of a free-for-all, running the gamut from tacos, burgers and dogs to the “Van Halen” salad and a “jelly wrestle” dessert. You have been warned.
Want more Sydney dining recommendations? Check out our 2014 Restaurant Guide.