Balmain

An iconic inner-west corner is now home to a fire-powered Argentinian diner by the Tequila Mockingbird team. Come for the theatrical open kitchen, courtyard barbeques and one of the suburb’s strongest cocktail lists.

An ex-Sailor’s Thai chef brings a mix of tradition and innovation to Balmain.

The golden rule at this neighbourhood pizzeria? No half-and-half. It’s the same story at its Bondi sibling, where you’ll find a similar selection of red, white and vegan pizzas made in true Napoli style. There’s also a big focus on antipasti, and Negroni served nine different ways.

Go Saturday nights for raki, music and 40 kinds of meze, or on the weekend for an epic multi-course breakfast banquet.

It might feel like Grandma’s lounge room, but the drinks at The Cottage Bar & Kitchen beat Granny’s tea by a colonial mile.

With its sexy, colourful interiors and a Masterchef alumnus in the kitchen, Wilhelmina’s is the darling of Darling Street.

Starting out as a popular lockdown bakery, Home is the work of a self-taught pastry chef who’s also done stints at Noma and Quay. Everything from classic to crème brûlée-topped croissants are possibilities here.

Little M brings boutique coffee and brunch to Balmain.

A tiny cafe servicing local offices and lunch-hunters in the know.

Simple, earthy Mediterranean.

A cosy little nook in Balmain.

Poke, smoothie bowls and espresso served in a coconut.

With coffee from The Grounds, locally sourced produce and perhaps the best French toast in Sydney, what’s not to love about Bar Contessa?

A cosy bar across several levels.

A wine and cheese store celebrating small scale producers.

The Source Bulk Foods stores in Balmain and Willoughby are providing a relaxed, old-fashioned shopping experience.

This Aesop store over the Anzac Bridge was designed with Henry Wilson.

Rescued and restored European furniture with a story to tell.

Essential pieces for the female wardrobe.

Menswear that puts tradition before trends.