Guidebook for Alexandria
Food Scene
Bake Bar
67 Frenchmans RdAmazing organic bread and great sandwiches
Wholefoods cafe serving healthy brunch and lunch - get there early on the weekend to beat the queue otherwise put your name on the list, grab a takeaway coffee from Campos next door and hang out with the locals and their friendly dogs while you wait for your table.
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Bread & Circus
21 Fountain StWholefoods cafe serving healthy brunch and lunch - get there early on the weekend to beat the queue otherwise put your name on the list, grab a takeaway coffee from Campos next door and hang out with the locals and their friendly dogs while you wait for your table.
Fratelli Fresh is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant with fantastic pastas and a great wine list. Great spot for lunch or dinner with friends, the buzzy vibe is fun and so is the service.
Don't miss the the Italian grocery store and delicatessen located at the back of the restaurant for some great cheeses, bread and fresh fruit and vegetables and Italian olive oils.
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Fratelli Fresh Alexandria
52 Mitchell RdFratelli Fresh is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant with fantastic pastas and a great wine list. Great spot for lunch or dinner with friends, the buzzy vibe is fun and so is the service.
Don't miss the the Italian grocery store and delicatessen located at the back of the restaurant for some great cheeses, bread and fresh fruit and vegetables and Italian olive oils.
This cute little cafe is located in a old electrical sub station building - great coffee and brunch/lunch with an Israeli Mediterranean influenced menu. A great spot for a quick coffee and lunch if you are outlet shopping on McEvoy Street - located across the road from Dan Murphy Cellars
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Sub-station cafe
124 McEvoy StThis cute little cafe is located in a old electrical sub station building - great coffee and brunch/lunch with an Israeli Mediterranean influenced menu. A great spot for a quick coffee and lunch if you are outlet shopping on McEvoy Street - located across the road from Dan Murphy Cellars
The pub remains famous for its pub food and my choice for the best sticky pork ribs in Sydney! Great for a mid week meal - well priced with a friendly vibe.
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Rose of Australia
1 Swanson StThe pub remains famous for its pub food and my choice for the best sticky pork ribs in Sydney! Great for a mid week meal - well priced with a friendly vibe.
a quirky, chic restaurant tucked away in Chippendale (Sydney’s equivalent to Greenwich Village), Ester’s wood fired oven spurs much of the menu, with everything from crab to cauliflower. The eclectic wine list is short but sweet.
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Ester Restaurant
46-52 Meagher Sta quirky, chic restaurant tucked away in Chippendale (Sydney’s equivalent to Greenwich Village), Ester’s wood fired oven spurs much of the menu, with everything from crab to cauliflower. The eclectic wine list is short but sweet.
Sydney newest downtown dining destination, with an eclectic mix of small restaurants. Don’t miss Kensington Street Social, Bistro Gavroche, Silvereye, Automata and Mekong. While a pre dinner drink at the Old Clare Hotel is a must
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Kensington Street
Kensington StreetSydney newest downtown dining destination, with an eclectic mix of small restaurants. Don’t miss Kensington Street Social, Bistro Gavroche, Silvereye, Automata and Mekong. While a pre dinner drink at the Old Clare Hotel is a must
Great local spot for some quick Japanese around the corner and only seconds away. They have a great selection of seafood dishes - the sashimi plate is my favourite along with the edamame and agadeshi tofu.
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Sushi Aoki
141 McEvoy StGreat local spot for some quick Japanese around the corner and only seconds away. They have a great selection of seafood dishes - the sashimi plate is my favourite along with the edamame and agadeshi tofu.
A new addition to the Sydney foodie scene. Located in an underground basement in the CBD this french inspired wine bar/restaurant is the perfect spot if you want something cool and sophisticated. The restaurant has two bars, one set for dining, the other as a drop-in for drinks with its own bar food menu. Perfect for late night supper or a midnight cocktail - open till 1am with last orders at 12.30am.
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Restaurant Hubert
15 Bligh StA new addition to the Sydney foodie scene. Located in an underground basement in the CBD this french inspired wine bar/restaurant is the perfect spot if you want something cool and sophisticated. The restaurant has two bars, one set for dining, the other as a drop-in for drinks with its own bar food menu. Perfect for late night supper or a midnight cocktail - open till 1am with last orders at 12.30am.
an upbeat restaurant in a converted warehouse serving contemporary cuisine with Middle Eastern accents.
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NOMAD
16 Foster Stan upbeat restaurant in a converted warehouse serving contemporary cuisine with Middle Eastern accents.
Local Vietnamese place - make sure you order my favourites, the papaya salad and curry chicken . Its BYO so grab a bottle of wine or beer from Dan Murphy across the road
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Nguyen Brothers
21 Fountain StLocal Vietnamese place - make sure you order my favourites, the papaya salad and curry chicken . Its BYO so grab a bottle of wine or beer from Dan Murphy across the road
Local Thai place with great stir fry, curries and noodles.
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Stir Crazy Thai Restaurant
128 Erskineville RoadLocal Thai place with great stir fry, curries and noodles.
The local chicken shop serving great BBQ chicken and thick cut chips. They also do great burgers.
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Chicky Char Char
4 McEvoy StThe local chicken shop serving great BBQ chicken and thick cut chips. They also do great burgers.
The best fish shop in town. Fabulous grilled salmon with Greek salad and amazing grilled squid. Great value and always fresh. Closed on Monday nights. Take-away only.
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Alexandria Seafoods
196 Mitchell RdThe best fish shop in town. Fabulous grilled salmon with Greek salad and amazing grilled squid. Great value and always fresh. Closed on Monday nights. Take-away only.
My top pick for brunch in the area. Meet Gerard is a funky cafe serving modern brunch and lunch - the chilli scrambled eggs are a must as is one of their naughty cakes/desserts. Great coffee and friendly service with outdoor seating available. Closed Sundays.
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Meet Gerard
54 Henderson RdMy top pick for brunch in the area. Meet Gerard is a funky cafe serving modern brunch and lunch - the chilli scrambled eggs are a must as is one of their naughty cakes/desserts. Great coffee and friendly service with outdoor seating available. Closed Sundays.
Best coffee in Sydney, Campos is famous for its consistently good coffee, pastries and light brunch/lunch. Located in a cool converted warehouse - and just across the road!
22 lokale inwoners raden aan
Campos Coffee Alexandria
21 Fountain StBest coffee in Sydney, Campos is famous for its consistently good coffee, pastries and light brunch/lunch. Located in a cool converted warehouse - and just across the road!
Drinks & Nightlife
A great spot for the gay, lesbian and transgender community to meet and socialise, the Imperial pub encourages acceptance, equality and the unexpected. The pub was made famous in the film Priscilla Queen of the Dessert.
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The Imperial Erskineville
35 Erskineville RdA great spot for the gay, lesbian and transgender community to meet and socialise, the Imperial pub encourages acceptance, equality and the unexpected. The pub was made famous in the film Priscilla Queen of the Dessert.
Great little pub in Erskineville Village - more of a hipster crowd but popular with locals. Has an outdoor smoking area too.
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The Erko Hotel
102 Erskineville RoadGreat little pub in Erskineville Village - more of a hipster crowd but popular with locals. Has an outdoor smoking area too.
Iconic bar with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
Graze on Australian artisan meats and cheeses, and enjoy the best of Australian wine at the Charcuterie bar, tucked away at the Northern End of The Opera Bar.
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Opera Bar
Macquarie StreetIconic bar with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
Graze on Australian artisan meats and cheeses, and enjoy the best of Australian wine at the Charcuterie bar, tucked away at the Northern End of The Opera Bar.
Gunther's Dining Room is open Tuesday-Saturday 5:30pm-late. With a great selection of wines and unique tap beers and delicious cocktails. Fun backroom location with an eclectic mix of Redfern locals. Enter via Redfern Continental Bistro.
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Gunther's Dining Room
180 Redfern StGunther's Dining Room is open Tuesday-Saturday 5:30pm-late. With a great selection of wines and unique tap beers and delicious cocktails. Fun backroom location with an eclectic mix of Redfern locals. Enter via Redfern Continental Bistro.
Saloon-style cocktail bar with a New Orleans vibe - perfect for pre or after dinner drink.
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Earl's Juke Joint
407 King StSaloon-style cocktail bar with a New Orleans vibe - perfect for pre or after dinner drink.
Hip, 2-level indie bar with a buzzy beer garden and restaurant with a balcony upstairs looking out over King Street.
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Newtown Hotel
174 King StHip, 2-level indie bar with a buzzy beer garden and restaurant with a balcony upstairs looking out over King Street.
Parks & Nature
Rustic swimming spot featuring an ocean saltwater pool, scenic cliffs & outdoor showers. Great place to escape the city hustle and bustle and with free parking .
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Mahon Pool
15R Marine ParadeRustic swimming spot featuring an ocean saltwater pool, scenic cliffs & outdoor showers. Great place to escape the city hustle and bustle and with free parking .
Giles Baths is located at the foot of the northern headland of Coogee Beach.
It's a natural rock pool, known as the "Bogey hole" and was used by male bathers in the nineteenth century and continues to be used today.
It's a popular swimming hole with young people and is a fun place to explore from Coogee Beach. You can access it from the Coastal Walkway in Dunningham Reserve, near where the Bali Memorial stands, or walk along the rocky foreshore north of Coogee Beach. The entry portico from the original "Giles Gym and Baths" still remains.
The baths can be rough during strong surf conditions but there are lifeguards there.
Giles Baths
105-109R Beach StGiles Baths is located at the foot of the northern headland of Coogee Beach.
It's a natural rock pool, known as the "Bogey hole" and was used by male bathers in the nineteenth century and continues to be used today.
It's a popular swimming hole with young people and is a fun place to explore from Coogee Beach. You can access it from the Coastal Walkway in Dunningham Reserve, near where the Bali Memorial stands, or walk along the rocky foreshore north of Coogee Beach. The entry portico from the original "Giles Gym and Baths" still remains.
The baths can be rough during strong surf conditions but there are lifeguards there.
Little Congwong Beach, as its name suggests, is the smaller brother of Congwong Beach. It is a more secluded beach and access is via a short walk continuing past Congwong Beach.
It is a beautiful, calm bay facing Botany Bay and reminiscent of the Mediterranean beaches of Greece and Italy.
WARNING: this beach is popular with naturists and nudists. Although it is not officially recognised as a nude beach please be aware that there is nudist activity on the beach.
The beach is accessible from the La Perouse Loop Road. Public toilets, shops and other facilities are located nearby.
Little Congwong Beach
Anzac ParadeLittle Congwong Beach, as its name suggests, is the smaller brother of Congwong Beach. It is a more secluded beach and access is via a short walk continuing past Congwong Beach.
It is a beautiful, calm bay facing Botany Bay and reminiscent of the Mediterranean beaches of Greece and Italy.
WARNING: this beach is popular with naturists and nudists. Although it is not officially recognised as a nude beach please be aware that there is nudist activity on the beach.
The beach is accessible from the La Perouse Loop Road. Public toilets, shops and other facilities are located nearby.
One of the best ways to enjoy the harbour views around Watsons Bay is to take a coastal walk. There are two walking paths from Watsons Bay wharf – one which takes you north past Lady Bay Beach and then on to South Head where you can see the Hornby Lighthouse. The other walking path meanders south past The Gap, an ocean cliff facing the Tasman Sea, and then along past the Signal Station and Macquarie Lighthouse.
Stop by Camp Cove and spend time swimming and snorkelling in calm, family friendly waters or sit back and admire uninterrupted harbour views.
Dine on fresh seafood at the Watson's Bay Beach Club while enjoying views across the waters of Sydney Harbour or enjoy a picnic in the park next door.
You can access Watson's Bay via a ferry from Circular Quay or drive from Bondi Beach.
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Watsons Bay
One of the best ways to enjoy the harbour views around Watsons Bay is to take a coastal walk. There are two walking paths from Watsons Bay wharf – one which takes you north past Lady Bay Beach and then on to South Head where you can see the Hornby Lighthouse. The other walking path meanders south past The Gap, an ocean cliff facing the Tasman Sea, and then along past the Signal Station and Macquarie Lighthouse.
Stop by Camp Cove and spend time swimming and snorkelling in calm, family friendly waters or sit back and admire uninterrupted harbour views.
Dine on fresh seafood at the Watson's Bay Beach Club while enjoying views across the waters of Sydney Harbour or enjoy a picnic in the park next door.
You can access Watson's Bay via a ferry from Circular Quay or drive from Bondi Beach.
Its combination of beaches, parks and spectacular views make this walk unique.
The total length of the walk (Bondi Beach to Waverley Cemetery) is approximately 4 km; allow 1.5 hours walking time.
If you prefer you can just walk to Bronte Beach and back to Bondi Beach which takes around 30-40 minutes each way.
There are some lovely cafes at Bronte Beach if you need a pit stop for refreshments, coffee or even brunch/lunch on the way.
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Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
1 Notts AveIts combination of beaches, parks and spectacular views make this walk unique.
The total length of the walk (Bondi Beach to Waverley Cemetery) is approximately 4 km; allow 1.5 hours walking time.
If you prefer you can just walk to Bronte Beach and back to Bondi Beach which takes around 30-40 minutes each way.
There are some lovely cafes at Bronte Beach if you need a pit stop for refreshments, coffee or even brunch/lunch on the way.
Shopping
Located 3kms from the CBD this is Sydney’s fashion and art heartland. The leafy back streets house the best examples of rare intact Victorian architecture showcasing the distinctly Australian ‘terrace houses’. This is matched by the spread of galleries, interior designers, antique dealers and restaurants.
Don’t miss these highlights:
William Street Paddington: off Oxford Street, this is where an eclectic bunch of designers and traders sell their wares from the tiny shops and terrace houses.
The Intersection: a strip of handpicked edgy boutiques and upcoming Australian designers on the corner of Oxford St and Glenmore Rd in Paddington. It embodies the charm of a Parisian laneway and the edge of New York Fashion week, priding itself on the individuality of each boutique. It is home to designers such as Scanlan & Theodore, Zimmerman, Ellery, Sass and Bide and Josh Goot who have put Australia on the global map of fashion.
Paddington Reservoir Garden: opened to architectural acclaim in 2008, this impressive urban park features a sunken garden, a pond, a boardwalk and lawns. Located on the corner of Oxford St & Oatley Rd Paddington.
Queen Street Woollahra: despite its status as the premier antique-shopping strip in Australia, tree-lined Queen St retains a village vibe, with pricey boutiques and delis.
Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation: the focus is on contemporary exhibitions of work by influential and innovative artists from Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
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Paddington
Located 3kms from the CBD this is Sydney’s fashion and art heartland. The leafy back streets house the best examples of rare intact Victorian architecture showcasing the distinctly Australian ‘terrace houses’. This is matched by the spread of galleries, interior designers, antique dealers and restaurants.
Don’t miss these highlights:
William Street Paddington: off Oxford Street, this is where an eclectic bunch of designers and traders sell their wares from the tiny shops and terrace houses.
The Intersection: a strip of handpicked edgy boutiques and upcoming Australian designers on the corner of Oxford St and Glenmore Rd in Paddington. It embodies the charm of a Parisian laneway and the edge of New York Fashion week, priding itself on the individuality of each boutique. It is home to designers such as Scanlan & Theodore, Zimmerman, Ellery, Sass and Bide and Josh Goot who have put Australia on the global map of fashion.
Paddington Reservoir Garden: opened to architectural acclaim in 2008, this impressive urban park features a sunken garden, a pond, a boardwalk and lawns. Located on the corner of Oxford St & Oatley Rd Paddington.
Queen Street Woollahra: despite its status as the premier antique-shopping strip in Australia, tree-lined Queen St retains a village vibe, with pricey boutiques and delis.
Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation: the focus is on contemporary exhibitions of work by influential and innovative artists from Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
Eclectic mix of casual and vintage clothing stores, cafes, book stores, ice cream and Dendy Independant Cinemas.
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King Street
King StreetEclectic mix of casual and vintage clothing stores, cafes, book stores, ice cream and Dendy Independant Cinemas.
Pitt Street Mall is the home of all the major international brands including Zara, H&M, Gap and more. Westfield features 2 major department stores (David Jones & Myer) and many other major fashion retailers from Prada, Chanel and Gucci to Australian stores like Country Road, Aquila, Zimmerman and more. There are also some great arcades to explore such as The Strand. Late night shopping is Thursday where the stores stay open till 9pm.
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Pitt Street
Pitt StreetPitt Street Mall is the home of all the major international brands including Zara, H&M, Gap and more. Westfield features 2 major department stores (David Jones & Myer) and many other major fashion retailers from Prada, Chanel and Gucci to Australian stores like Country Road, Aquila, Zimmerman and more. There are also some great arcades to explore such as The Strand. Late night shopping is Thursday where the stores stay open till 9pm.
Entertainment & Activities
Dendy Cinemas Newtown
261-263 King StIndependant movies