Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Sydney

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Sydney? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

St Blaise

5.0

5 (34)

$41 to $100

Croatian

Matraville

About the restaurant

Step into St Blaise Bistro, the closest you’ll get to an authentic Dalmatian "konoba" experience in Sydney. Tucked away in Matraville, this cozy, rustic spot brings the warmth and flavors of Croatia’s coast to the city, with a hint of modern flair. Chef-owner Vedran infuses each dish with the spirit of his heritage, serving handmade seafood risottos, slow-roasted meats, and other hearty Dalmatian classics. With its welcoming terrace and intimate ambiance, St Blaise invites you to relax, enjoy each bite, and embrace the unhurried hospitality of a true konoba—simple, soulful, and unforgettable.

Top review

Jarrod

Dined 7 days ago

Had a great meal, food was amazing, the service, everything. Definitely heading back

Chester White Cured Diner

4.9

4.9 (85)

$41 to $100

Italian

Potts Point

About the restaurant

Welcome to your home away from home. The locals' lounge room.
Where new and old friends from around the globe gather for organic charcuterie, house-made pasta + European and Australian wine.

Owner Stu and his team enjoy meats of Europe, the pastas of Italy, and wines from off the beaten track. The restaurant comes together over a love of pork and swill (and country music).

The kitchen team spends afternoons pickling, rolling gnocchi, making focaccia and keeping an eye on our beloved cured meats and pecorino cheese wheels. By nightfall the show is on, the house is full and the atmosphere is swinging.

So come on in and let us guide you through our menu. Welcome to our Diner!!

Top review

Sara

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

We had an amazing dinner! Fabulous service, great atmosphere and amazing food - the trifecta! Cant wait to go again :)

Mybella Asian

4.8

4.8 (59)

$41 to $100

Asian

Bella Vista

About the restaurant

Mybella Asian is now the premier Asian restaurant in Norwest Sydney and we are quickly gaining a reputation for both great food and our professional and friendly service. Our menu and inspiration is the evocative and diverse selection of Asian-inspired specialities which are linked both to the past and the future of great Asian cuisines and culture.

Mybella Asian is surrounded by beautiful gardens with undercover parking and an extensive wine and beverage menu – So, why are you waiting? Book a table and enjoy the wonderful food and Asian themed décor which is Mybella Asian – We have the best Char Kway Teow in Sydney and our take on Fried Ice Cream has already become our most popular dessert.

Top review

Franz

Dined today

We had been to the restaurant before, so we knew what to expect: We were not disappointed. Excellent food and service.

SOY Japanese Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (15)

$40 and under

Japanese

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

For reservations of 7 or more people, please make yur booking through the website below or by phone.

https://www.soybondi.com

Located on Campbell Parade, Bondi beach just metres from the iconic sandy stretch, the restaurant itself is stylish and chic Our specialty is fresh, high-quality, creative and delicious cuisine created with the ingenuity and passion. We take great pride in improving upon your favourite Japanese dishes in new and creative ways

Top review

Louise

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

Have been eating here for over 12 years and the quality of the food is always exceptional and super friendly staff !!

Wagyuto

4.8

4.8 (26)

$40 and under

Japanese

Clovelly

About the restaurant

Wa Gyuto is the name for Japanese version of classic Western Chef’s knife.

Our devotion is to serve the tradition and preserve the authenticity of Japanese culinary art and dishes. The dishes convey our interpretation of modern Japanese and Australian cooking.

We carefully select our suppliers and meticulously choose our ingredients, mainly sourced locally.

Top review

Geoff

Dined 5 days ago

I have been here many times and always bring my friends when they are in town... I have never had one bad meal here - each time is a taste sensation - so fresh and always delicious. The staff are also really amazing - it's a joy each visit...

Kokoroya Pagewood

4.8

4.8 (16)

$40 and under

Japanese

Eastgardens

About the restaurant

Kokoroya Pagewood

Experience the fresh, authentic flavors of Japan at Kokoroya in Pagewood. Located in the heart of Meriton Pagewood’s vibrant retail precinct, our restaurant offers a unique dining experience perfect for all occasions.

Start your day with our weekend breakfast menu, featuring authentic Japanese dishes paired with a Matcha latte or premium coffee from Toby’s Estate. For lunch and dinner, enjoy a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese hot dishes, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

Our spacious dining area boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, with a playground and park just steps away, making it an ideal spot for families and groups. Bask in the warm morning sunlight or unwind in the inviting ambiance as you savor every bite.

Kokoroya is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of Japan brought to Pagewood. Join us for a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Top review

Kai

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

Excellent resturant we have been going at least once a week . A very nice upgrade to the area. We became fans of the Kokoraya in Maroubra Junction, and now this is closer to our house. We love it.

Takam

4.7

4.7 (44)

$41 to $100

Filipino

Darlinghurst

About the restaurant

A Filipino food forward offering to the funky and vibrant Darlinghurst.

Takam’s philosophy is about #filipinofoodforward which showcases to their culture, nostalgia and passion for the traditional flavours and techniques of Filipino cuisine, but delivers in a elavated, harmonious and personalized manner. Takam are also inspired by the native Australian produce at Sydney’s doorstep, using native ingredients in their traditional cuisine and honouring both, will be at their forefront. A hybrid concept bought to life from lifelong friends, Francis Dela Cruz, Aileen Aguirre and Lesley Roque.

Top review

Rachael

Dined 2 days ago

The food was delicious - fresh and full of flavour. Not sure what I was expecting from a Filipino restaurant but now I’m a convert! I will be back!

Discover more

Experience

Miryenda Cena (Mothers Day Special)

Experience

PULOT HAPPY HOUR

Kurumba Restaurant & Bar Surry Hills

4.7

4.7 (50)

$40 and under

Sri Lankan

Surry Hills

About the restaurant

Kurumba Restaurant is a place where food, culture, and ambience come together to create a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Spread out across a two-storey venue on Crown Street, with a dining room upstairs and the Hopper Bar downstairs.

Top review

Harriet

Dined on Apr 1, 2025

Kurumba is an absolute treasure! The warm service and lovely decor make you feel instantly at home, and the menu is superb. We sat at the counter and chatted with the chef as he made our delicious hoppers - a fascinating process in itself. The whole experience is a wonderful celebration of Sri Lankan food and culture. We’ll be back!

Discover more

Experience

Signature Menu $85

La Favola

4.6

4.6 (574)

$40 and under

Italian

Newtown

About the restaurant

Whether you like to play it safe with spaghetti or go crazy with casarecce, you'll find all your favourite pastas, fresh and homemade, at new Italian diner La Favola. Let the carb-loading begin.

So who's the master of pasta at La Favola? That would be Italian chef Fabio Stefanelli.
Stefanelli's recipe for success is simple — six pastas and six sauces, and patrons can mix and match as they please.

So La Favola's Family is committed to producing top quality Italian gastronomy, to the use of authentic ingredients, and to keeping the tradition of Italian culture and hospitality vibrant and passionate.

We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Penny

Dined 1 day ago

Very good dining experience for 1derful night 😍

Impasto & Eatery

4.4

4.4 (18)

$40 and under

Italian

West Pennant Hills

About the restaurant

Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Italy at Impasto & Eatery. From wood-fired pizzas to pastas, desserts, and drinks, we’re bringing the flavors of Italy to Normanhurst.

We serve handcrafted, delicious pizzas made with the freshest ingredients. We are passionate about delivering an exceptional pizza experience. Our handmade pizzas are crafted with only the finest, freshest ingredients, ensuring bold, authentic flavors in every bite. Whether you're dining in or ordering out, we’re dedicated to providing quality, taste, and customer satisfaction with every pizza we serve. Join us and indulge today.

Top review

Chris

Dined 1 day ago

Love the menu and the general vibe. It feels like the staff are still finding their feet. They are pleasant and helpful but maybe need just a little more training on restaurant etiquette. Easy fix and not enough of a problem to stop us coming back

Explore Diners' Choice best of Sydney

Explore more Diners' Choice lists