The Best Restaurants in Surry Hills

Inspired by the flavours of Spain, Morocco and the Middle East, Nomad Sydney offers a bold, contemporary dining experience. Expect a medley of dishes cooked over fire and smoke - from dry-aged pork cutlets to Hervey Bay scallops, and wood-fired eggplant. The seasonally-driven menu showcases premium Australian ingredients from local growers, while the wine list champions sustainably sourced, minimal-intervention drops from Australia and beyond.

Similar to Nomad (and just like the name suggests) - Firedoor is all about cooking over open flame. In fact, it’s Australia's first 100% fire-powered restaurant kitchen. We’re talking no gas or electricity. Outfitted with two ovens, four grills, and a wood-burning stove, this high-heat setup is fuelled by different types of timber to bring out unique flavours in each dish. Headed by renowned chef Lennox Hastie, Firedoor’s menu celebrates local produce with simple yet surprisingly complex flavours that will have your tastebuds buzzing. 

Share platters of roasted meats, perfectly charred vegetables, and a glass of fine wine to complete the feast - what more could you ask for? Porteño is the perfect spot for a laid-back experience with a touch of rustic elegance. Renowned for their Argentinian-inspired menu, Porteño is the 20th-best steak restaurant in the world, and it offers everything a meat-lover’s heart might desire, from premium beef cuts to succulent pork, tender lamb, and smoky sausages. The warm ambience, with exposed brick walls and vintage decor, only adds to the experience, making this a culinary haven for anyone seeking rich flavours and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Craving sushi instead? Toei is the spot. Combining refined Japanese cuisine with casual dining, Toei has become a local staple for good reason. The menu is a showcase of freshness and skill, featuring expertly rolled sushi, sashimi platters, and sizzling robata-style grilled skewers. The carefully curated drinks list offers a range of sake, Japanese whiskies, and creative cocktails, each perfectly complementing the vibrant flavours on your plate. Paired with a calm vibe, soft lighting, and attentive service, Toei is the ideal setting for an intimate meal. 

A vibrant izakaya where classic Japanese flavours are reimagined with an Italian twist, at ITO, you can expect share plates like you’ve never seen before. Sydney Rock Oysters with lemonade fruit and sake. Hokkaido scallops paired with green apple and milk. Hibachi Wagyu with shoyu jus and black garlic. Aglio e Olio Spaghetti tossed with spanner crab and togarashi - you get the gist. Just as creative is the drinks list, spotlighting sake and Japanese-style cocktails. It’s all served up in a lively, laid-back space that’s perfect for adventurous eaters and relaxed nights out alike.

Copains - French for ‘friends’ - is a charming, boho-style corner bar with a perfectly welcoming atmosphere. There, you can unwind over delicious bites like rustic terrines, King George Whiting sandwiches, or tender Wagyu flank beef grilled over fragrant Japanese coals and served on plates handcrafted and glazed by the chef himself. The carefully curated drinks list features natural wines, inventive cocktails, and a rotating selection of local craft beers, making Copains a perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy laid-back, flavourful dining. 

Located just steps from Sydney’s CBD, Gilda’s is the latest venture from Lennox Hastie of Firedoor fame. Inspired by the vibrant pintxo culture of Spain’s Basque Country, the menu features a range of quick bites and casual snacks with drinks at the bar, as well as shared meals perfect for groups. The wine list highlights Spanish selections alongside carefully chosen French, Italian, and Australian drops, making it a lively spot to savour authentic flavours and great company. 

A slice of Paris in the heart of Sydney, Armorica Grande Brasserie blends classic French elegance with bold, contemporary energy. Think oysters and Champagne at the marble bar, prime cuts cooked over fire, and classics like steak frites elevated with finesse. It’s moody, it’s glamorous, and it knows how to put on a show - from the open kitchen to the curated wine list. Whether you’re in for a long lunch or a luxurious night out, Armorica adds a bold dose of ‘oui’ with every bite.