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BYO

14/20

Ho Jiak’s Fish Market spin-off embraces the kitsch with a subversive take on surf-and-turf

Tam Jiak’s concept could’ve landed like a bad joke writes David Matthews, but Junda Khoo explores the full spectrum of Malay cooking, starting with the fun tom yum “bombs”, a sequel to Ho Jiak’s laksa bombs.

  • David Matthews
 Lucette is a French cafe and bistrot in Bowral.
14/20

Lucette Bistro

Lucette is a breezy, beautiful bistro for all comers.

  • David Matthews
Warm tofu noodles.
14.5/20

‘Warm hug for your stomach’: This eatery takes three days to make its tofu noodles

This Hurstville venue is one of the few places in Sydney serving the traditional and “unapologetically bold” cuisine of Myanmar.

  • Helen Yee
The outdoor seating at Old Maids.

Old Maids

A local favourite for Hawaiian burgers and brekkie rolls.

  • Sarah Norris
The bruschetta of the day changes with the seasons, with the charred bread perhaps topped with ricotta mousse, tomato, shaved zucchini and prosciutto.
14/20

Lunchtime BYO, ‘glorious’ bruschetta: Count yourself lucky if this Italian is your local

The 30-seater from two ex-Caffe e Cucina stalwarts is slicker than your average middle-suburban restaurant, reviews Dani Valent.

  • Dani Valent
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Tender lamb shoulder skewers are marinated in raw onion overnight, cooked over charcoal and seasoned with cumin.

‘Outrageously juicy’: Lamb skewers are non-negotiable at inner-east Uyghur eatery Nur

His dad runs Melbourne’s oldest Uyghur restaurant, now chef Rifat Nur has followed in his family’s footsteps and brought the cuisine to Malvern.

  • Dani Valent
Hai Au Lang Nuong.
14/20

‘It’s my soul’: This Vietnamese spot engages the senses in ways few Sydney restaurants do

For more than 25 years, this eclectic venue has delivered a lively communal atmosphere (complete with Vietnamese crooners), and a fiery, fragrant and fresh menu. 

  • David Matthews
Moya & Co studio has designed an elegant dining room with a stunning cylindrical ceiling feature.
Good Food hat15/20

This elegant Japanese spot offers high-end sushi without the usual formality of omakase

Does omakase always need to be translated to a 20-course menu? Japasu by Sang proves there’s another way to hero premium seafood.

  • Kevin Cheng
Inside the Collingwood restaurant.
Good Food hat15.5/20

It may have dropped the degustation – and a hat – but this fine diner is still a winner

As customers look to spend less on dining out, Peter Gunn has traded the set menu for a la carte after 10 years at his hatted Collingwood restaurant Ides.

  • Dani Valent
Bistra’s vintage chrome-and-tile facade.

20 banging BYO restaurants from the Good Food Guide

From a forever-busy corner wine bar with great snacks to a raucous spot for grilled meat on sticks, these Victorian restaurants are the ones to know when you want BYO (plus, updated corkage info).

  • Frank Sweet and Good Food Guide reviewers