Team Picks: Top Spots for Delicious Comfort Meals
Comfort food doesn’t have to mean basic. In need of warmth on a plate? These are the comfort food spots our team turns to again and again.
The answers? Simply delicious. From comforting curries to deeply decadent pastas, these are the spots and dishes that deliver big on flavour and the feeling of warm and fuzzies. Whether you're hungover, heartbroken or just hungry, here’s where we go in Sydney and Melbourne to get fed with solid eats that hit the spot, every single time.
“The ultimate comfort meal is the ‘Nduja pizza from Aperitivo in Leichhardt – hot and spicy with the perfect woodfire pizza dough. The 'nduja is hot but balanced with ricotta so your mouth isn't On Fire. My housemate and I literally nearly rented an apartment on this street so we could be close to it. For a morning fix, Boronia Kitchen in Hunters Hill is so so lovely. Local community vibes, it's the spot to be on a Sunday morning. The Quince and Pecan porridge is gorgeous and so warming on a cold winter morning.” – Tess, Digital Content Specialist
“For the ultimate comfort meal, you can’t go past Malabar. One of those sneaky weekday pleasures no-one admits to going to, but it's outlasted countless other venues in the area for good reason. The hearty Indian dishes set it apart with my favourite being their Palak Paneer. And don't get me started on their unbelievably huge wine glasses that have even the thirstiest among us settling for a less-than-modest half-pour! Another one great spot for a meet-up lunch in the city is Lotus at The Galleries - unbeatable dumplings, great surroundings and a good mix of quiet tables for 2, or round semi-private group tables, both a perfect backdrop for conversation.” – Simon, Chief Technology Officer
"Mr T’s has my number: prawn and ginger dumplings to start, pork and kimchi bao for round two, and a steaming bowl of beef pho to finish. It's a flavour marathon, and yes - I should have shares in this place. Might start tracking how much I’ve dropped there… for science. Across town, Chiswick Woollahra delivers its own brand of edible therapy. Barra-masalata and vegetable crisps that crunch like a dream, then the star of the show: slow-roasted lamb shoulder dripping with jus and a zesty mint salsa.” – Matilda, Ecommerce Operations Co-ordinator
“Comfort food starts at Stella Rooftop & Dining, where the vodka pasta is the star – rich, silky, and backed by fresh, daily-baked focaccia that’s worth the carb splurge. On another hand, Ladyboy brings the heat with its warm, vibrant Thai set menu and buzzy interiors. An extra mention to Marmelo, a flavour-packed Portuguese/Spanish dream – the baked cheesecake is an absolute must if you’ve got sweet cravings” – Catia, Parternships Manager
“For comfort food cravings, head straight to Matteo Downtown for the Pappardelle Agnello – a slow-cooked lamb ragu folded through house-made pasta that’s chewy, savoury and soul-soothing. On the lighter side, head to Sushi Taro in Artarmon for their Tofu Teriyaki Don. The silky tofu, sticky garlic-soy glaze and fluffy rice make it a wholesome bowl of joy that hits the spot every time. Definition of a comfort meal for me” – Rachael, Marketing Strategy Manager
"Sonora is a really great Mexican restaurant, it's perfect for a cheeky midweek Mexican or you can make a night out of it on the weekend by visiting the many local bars nearby. Their tacos are delicious, and they also make a mean margarita. For pizza cravings, Dimitri’s Pizzeria keeps it old-school in the best way. Thin crust, gooey toppings, no fuss – just pure satisfaction.” – Ryan, Head of Brand Marketing
“There’s serious comfort in a bowl of butter chicken or paneer butter masala from Sangham Tandoori – fragrant, rich and impossible to stop eating. A side of onion bhaji and fluffy rice rounds it out perfectly. Lezzet brings the Turkish comfort hits. Think creamy dips, rich vegetarian moussaka, juicy Istanbul köfte, and a 40-hour slow-braised leg of lamb that’s so tender it basically falls apart if you look at it too hard.” – Emily, Partnerships Manager