Best Diners in Sydney

"The entrance to The Soda Factory is hidden behind a Coke vending machine – and it would actually be a secret were it not for the queues out front every weekend night. The reason people are waiting probably has something to do with the $15 happy-hour cocktails and the affordable American diner fare. Add in regular DJ sets, and this spot can break out into a throbbing dance floor at any moment."

"What you're looking for is a kitschy neon sign reading 'Bobby’s Boss Dogs'. Bobby’s draws the comparison to New York's Crif Dogs, the entrance to clandestine East Village cocktail lounge PDT. Pull on the handle of the Coke Machine and you're inside The Soda Factory — a dimly lit industrial expanse lined with inviting booths and comfy mid-century sofas."

"One of Sydney's most fun restaurants, The Soda Factory can be found behind a fake Coca-Cola machine in a 1950s-style diner. Head into the illicit den of drinking, dining and dancing to find all American classics and ice cream topped soda floats, the stuff of birthday dreams."

"While some places go for a modern approach, others love to simply capture an era gone by. Doughbox Diner is your go-to if you need to indulge in authentic 60s America, all the way down to the tables. They’re also famous for their handheld crepe cones, but we drool for their banana splits!"

"Staying true to the US diner opening hours, you can drop in for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. Grab a cup of joe (don’t worry the coffee is to Sydney’s standard) or a full three-course dinner. The share plates are a tempting option for the indecisive punter, with crispy fish or pork belly tacos ($12), Southern style fried wings ($15), and Mexican street corn ($12) with manchego, hot sauce and fresh chilli, while the burgers served with your choice of fries or slaw offer an enticing alternative – the Double Phat ($23) with coated fried chicken breast, double smoked bacon, jalapeno, lettuce, lime aioli and hot sauce."

"No matter how far you stroll down the beckoning path of American cuisine, you’ll always end up finding burgers. The Hub House Diner redefines them so beautifully that it’s impossible to ignore them. But the menu is not just about burgers, they even do chicken wings, Mexican corn, and specially designed loaded fries."

"With a Southern Cali spin on Americana style, The Eathouse pulls bold flavours and high quality produce together for a refreshing take on diner eats. Think less burgers, more trendy salad, with beetroot fattoush ($16) and roasted eggplant ($18) making way for mains of Southern fried chicken pieces ($19) and the baby quid and chorizo gumbo with green chilli, rice and a spicy tomato sauce ($19). The banana split ($14) with banana ice cream, dulce de leche, chocolate ganache and peanut crumble will stifle any hunger that rears its head."

"The red vinyl stools around a curved bar and crimson walls with a chalkboard menu on the wall conjure 1950s Americana, but there's no schtick here. The menu features Southern classics that aren't too heavy, such as fried okra in corn maize batter with spicy chipotle and tomato sauce and the delicious spicy Creole gumbo, as well as dishes with a more English or Australian heritage. The fun atmosphere and seriously good food means that, years in, this place is still full most nights of the week."

"Cafe Vizio Caffe e Cucina is laden with old-world charm and customers are treated like family. For a unique breakfast experience, order your cup of robust, specially-curated beans and bring a few friends along to enjoy a breakfast fit for royalty. Pair it with a traditional Italian pastry, or fill yourself up with some bacon and eggs."

"Share the pleasures of life with friends and family at Vizio Caffe e Cucina on William Street in Woolloomooloo. With a name that has two meanings – family and home – catch up over a good dose of caffe..."

"Mixing arcade games and fairground antics, Cirque Electriq is a themed Sydney restaurant bringing you new levels of fun. Head over to this big kids playground for the chance to tuck into hot dogs, pizzas and juicy burgers."

"Whether you're looking for a first hangout or 100th adventure together, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is filled with unusual date ideas from games, to bowling and diner-style feasting, all under one roof."

"Cruise around the harbor in luxury aboard the Magistic Two, a luxe catamaran that offers state-of-the-art accommodations and entertaining narration. Your two-hour harbor sightseeing tour includes a complimentary beverage, cozy seating, GPS-based narration about the sites you’re going to pass, and plenty of fantastic photo opportunities."

"What makes it special: You’ll get to have a tea party with Hello Kitty but this time it won’t be pretend!. Unlike regular cat cafés, here you’ll be surrounded by one very cute, very pink kitty – Hello Kitty!. Join the party in their deliciously decorated diner that can only described as absolutely kawaii (that’s cute in Japanese!) compatible to the likes of Japan’s!"

"A serene spot in Lavender Bay, the garden was created in 1992 by Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse to artist Brett Whiteley, following her by then ex-husband’s death. We love Wendy’s Secret garden. It’s a really special space for kids to follow the weaving pathways through lush foliage and discover little secrets hidden in nooks and crannies."

"Near Luna Park via Clark Park, Lavender St, North Sydney, New South Wales 2060 N.S.W. Australia+61 2 9936 8100[email protected]http://www.wendyssecretgarden.org.au"

"Built over an abandoned train yard, this hidden gem is full of winding paths and offers gorgeous views of Sydney Harbour."

"This Sydney institution has been operating for more than 13 years, and it’s easy to see why. A stunning location, on the water at Jones Bay Wharf, and a solid, innovative menu has seen Flying Fish leap from strength to strength. Split over two impressive levels, choose from the a la carte or degustation menu in the main restaurant, or for a more casual feel, head outdoors to the Little Fish Bar for a cocktail and peruse the far-from-ordinary bar menu."