Surry Hills Restaurants Guide
Surry Hills is one of Sydney's culinary hotspots. It's a place where global gastronomy meets local charm, with restaurants that vary from cool and casual to pure sophistication. Whether you're craving contemporary twists, smoky grills, or sweet treats, Surry Hills is sure to satisfy every palate. Here's your local guide to navigating the eclectic dining scene in this trendy neighbourhood.
Arthur Surry Hills
Named after owner and chef Tristan Rosier's grandfather, Arthur in Surry Hills redefines the bistro experience, blending Australian-only produce with techniques inspired from around the globe. The restaurant’s five-course set menu is a journey through the best of the season's produce, served in a stylish yet unpretentious setting. Think bay bugs, tuna belly, Ranger Valley rump and abalone with wild mushrooms. Every visit feels exclusive, tailored, and deeply satisfying—true to the spirit of Surry Hills restaurants.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/arthurrestaurant/
Jane Surry Hills
Tucked away on Bourke Street, Jane—Arthur's sister restaurant in Surry Hills—is another local gem. Like Arthur, the menu is focused on fresh, seasonal Australian produce, boasting dishes that are both familiar and surprising, from freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters to kangaroo tartare and spanner crab with a lobster bisque cream. The restaurant setting is refined but casual, with small candlelit tables and an understated 70's-style interior, perfect for a cosy weekend dinner.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/janesurryhills/
Poly Surry Hills
Situated beneath the Paramount House Hotel, Poly is a Surry Hills restaurant and wine bar best known for its minimalist décor and meticulously curated wine list. The food here is as thoughtful as the wine, with an innovative menu featuring their infamous crispy potato with salted egg yolk and chives. Other highlights include the ricotta dumplings, grilled enoki mushrooms, bone marrow toast and Moreton Bay Bugs in a hot butter sauce.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/poly_au/
Firedoor Surry Hills
At Firedoor, it's all about the flame. Chef Lennox Hastie's mastery of wood-fired cooking results in dishes that are smoky, rich, and utterly unforgettable. The kitchen is powered solely by fire, with two wood-fired ovens, three grills, and a wood-burning hearth. Firedoor’s five-course set menu changes daily, from wood-fired bread and smoked butter to dry-aged steak and freshly caught seafood. If you are seeking a unique restaurant experience in Surry Hills, this is it.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/firedoor_surryhills/
Porteño
Step into Porteño, and you're instantly transported to the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires. The air is fragrant with the scent of slow-cooked meats, and the sound of Latin music fills the space. It's all about the Argentinian asado at this Surry Hills restaurant—juicy, perfectly charred meats that melt in your mouth, from housemade chorizo to wood-fired bone marrow, charcoal grilled blood sausage and 28-day dry aged wagyu ribeye, all complemented by a selection of Malbecs that pair perfectly.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/portenosydney/
Pellegrino 2000 Surry Hills
Pellegrino 2000 offers a slice of Italy right in the heart of Surry Hills. This neighbourhood trattoria is famed for its lively atmosphere and authentic dishes. From fresh focaccia with truffle and parmesan butter to hand-made pasta, eggplant parmigiana and classic tiramisu or affogato for dessert, Pellegrino is a showcase of Italian culinary traditions, all served with a side of Surry Hill's laid-back charm.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/pellegrinos2000/
Gildas Surry Hills
No culinary tour of Surry Hills is complete without a visit to Gildas, located on Albion Street and a stone's throw from Crystalbrook Albion. This Surry Hills restaurant and wine bar, inspired by the Basque region and fresh Australian ingredients, features a menu of small and big plates with bold flavours, perfect for sharing and pairing, from cured ham to scallops, spaghetti squash and sheep cheese, classic Spanish potato tortilla and, of course, Basque cheesecake for dessert.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/gildas_surryhills/
Shaffa
Make your way down a neon-lit staircase off Albion Street and into a moody Surry Hills restaurant and bar, formerly the home of a 19th-century inn. Here at Shaffa, you'll explore the feel of a hidden Middle Eastern marketplace with a cosy terrace that sits under a high glass roof, a vibrant open kitchen, and an intimate dining room with a backlit bar. This hidden gem in Surry Hills brings unique Israeli street food to the inner-city, with a menu of focaccia and Jerusalem zaatar, burnt eggplant labneh, pomegranate-braised lamb shoulder with tershi, and gourmet classics including lamb kofta, baba ganoush, and chicken shawarma with tahini. Our cocktail recommendation? The Carmel Market. You won't want to miss it.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/shaffasydney/
After indulging in the eclectic tastes of these Surry Hills restaurants, there's no better retreat than Crystalbrook Albion. A boutique hotel nestled in the heart of this culinary paradise, Crystalbrook features luxury accommodation where no two rooms are the same, a cosy bar and rooftop with city views, and easy access to the vibrant Surry Hills dining scene.