Fabulous Culinary Visit to Surry Hills
The World Loves Melbourne recently spent a few days in gorgeous Surry Hills and visited some of the standout restaurants and cafes in the precinct. We stayed at Cambridge Hotel in Riley St, a fabulous destination for both Sydneysiders and those of us looking to base ourselves in Sydney for a holiday, culinary adventure, or business stay.
Having stayed in several Sydney hotels over the years, I find Cambridge Hotel in Surry Hills ticks the boxes in terms of location, functionality, style and affordability.
We were guests of the hotel for a 2 night stay, with highlights of boutique modern fitout, business facilities including wi-fi and conference facilities, friendly staff, affordability, and proximity to a plethora of amazing restaurants and cafes.
Cambridge Hotel is just outside the hustle and bustle of the city and located in trendy Surry Hills. I would recommend Surry Hills as an accomodation location rather than staying in the Sydney CBD - it's still central and is one of the most attractive precincts in Australia. We were a short walking distance to iconic restaurants and cafes and notable Sydney attractions such as Darling Harbour, major shopping, Chinatown, Oxford St, and Circular Quay featuring the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The train station Museum is only about a 5 min walk away (which we visited to travel 2 stops to Circular Quay).
We had a fabulous few days visiting some of the culinary standouts of Surry Hills all in proximity to the hotel -
1. Nomad
This restaurant is so hot right now, as a cellar door in the city. Come here for an amazing wine list, modern cuisine and some 8 chefs on hand to please the constant packed out restaurant. Fresh seasonal produce is the emphasis in an ever changing menu with the Smoked Pork Empanadas with harissa hot sauce and Wood Roasted Pork with charred cabbage, sweet potato & cheddar gratin both amazing dishes.
2. Bar H Dining
A mainstay of Surry Hills on Foster St, Bar H dining has captured the imagination of diners in its corner location. With Asian influences, Bar H dining offers interesting almost exotic food. We enjoyed possibly Sydney's best bar snack in the Tempura saltbush, featuring branches of saltbush deep fried and served with chilli aoli and lemon. So good.
3. The Winery
The Winery is a hugely popular wine bar on Crown St, with quirky statues, a cool laneway and funky lighting that glows amid a dark ambience. I took a stool at the bar and indulged in Penfolds Grange at $99 a glass, a "must do". Bartenders were engaging and willing to chat about all things wine.
4. Devon Cafe
Come here for one of the best breakfasts in Sydney (near Central Station), the Breakfast with the Sakuma's, featuring Miso grilled King Salmon, smoked eel croquette, 63 degree egg, radish petit salad and kewpi mayonaisse. The fit out is modern and simple with beechwood a feature, and a large communal table. A gem is the courtyard out the back. Coffee from 5 Senses.
5. Chur Burger
Many say these are the best burgers in Sydney. Come here for loud music and awesome affordable burgers, among a hotch potch of furniture and street art. The burgers are only $10 but come as a gourmet sensation, and we enjoyed the Grilled Beef and cheese with tomato jam, mustard mayo and pickle. The Pulled Pork burger also looked tempting, for another day. Chips are top notch, including chunky Sweet Potato fries.
7. The Paramount Project
Open spaces and amazing coffee and cuisine in the foyer of Paramount House, with the coming together of Reuben Hills Russell Beard and Mark Dundon of Seven Seeds. This is a serious coffee haven with beans sourced form around the world. Cuisine is excellent with the Elvis in Cuba a standout.
