The 10 Best Restaurants In Glebe, Sydney
Located just south west of the center of Sydney, Glebe is surrounded by harbor views as it looks over Blackwattle Bay to the east and Rozelle Bay to the west. Here are 10 of the best restaurants you should check out in this Australian suburb.
The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay
Famed for its spectacular views of the Anzac Bridge in the bay and the city rising majestically behind it, the Boathouse takes dining with a view to a whole new level. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant give you an uninterrupted waterside view as you dine. You can watch the dragon boats serenely glide along the bay. It’s not just the views that are outstanding: the food is delicious and has won this place countless awards. Local seafood is the Boathouse’s speciality, with a fantastic selection of fresh oysters everyday, ‘shucked’ to order. If it’s a special occasion, we recommend arriving in style and getting the water taxi to the restaurant.
Ahgora
Adopting the Greek word for ‘meeting place’, Ahgora is a fine dining Greek affair in Glebe. It’s run by Michelin-star chefs from Rockpool, brothers Jan and Marek Oravec. They serve up outstanding traditional Greek food, but with an unusual edge. The interior is understated and stylish, with vertical gardens, polished concrete floors, an intimate bar and stunning strip light arch, curving from floor to ceiling and back again. The menu matches the decor with its minimalist touch. Meanwhile, the food is packed with fantastic textures and flavor. Try the charred octopus and halloumi ravioli, or their signature dish of 16-hour braised lamb shoulder.
Glebe Point Diner
Although called a diner, Glebe Point is famed for its top-class dining. With its firmly held concept of using only freshly sourced produce, the seasonal menus have become a big favorite among the locals. Two big blackboards take center stage on the wall. The first is a daily menu of five entrees, six mains and four desserts while the second lists the provenance of the day’s produce. If it’s on the menu, try the Thirlmore duck liver pate followed by Rangers Valley beef cheek with a celeriac purée, and cannolo and dark chocolate truffle for dessert. Glebe Point Diner also has an impressive and well curated wine list which is served by the carafe or by the glass.
Na Zdrowie
Na Zdrowie is the traditional toast you make in Poland before drinking beer or vodka, and it perfectly sets the tone for your experience here. This cozy, award-winning restaurant serves up some of the best Polish food you’ve ever tasted. If you’ve never tried it before, we recommend sharing a mixed plate of pierogi (Polish dumplings) and then a dish of bigos (traditional polish meat and sauerkraut stew). The four-course set menu with banquet-style entrees is fantastic value. The delicious food combined with the intimate atmosphere and the air filled with Polish music makes for an unforgettable dinner.
Alfie & Hetty
This fantastic, retro-styled restaurant is named after two of its 20th-century residents. The title of bar upstairs is inspired by the rumored gangster Alfie. Meanwhile, Hetty, the charitable local cook who was known to provide delicious roasts for under-privileged children, gives her name to the dining room. Now under the management of Parisian chef Benjamin Loiseau, the menu at Alfie & Hetty is a wonderful fusion of modern Australian and French cuisine. Hetty’s signature roasts for two are still on the menu, as are some fresh new dishes and midweek specials. Try the scallops with cauliflower puree, or the sumptuous saffron seafood chowder. With live music on Sundays, this place exudes a delightfully warm yet utterly sophisticated atmosphere.
Tom Yum Tum Gang
This no-frills mini-Thai venue, run by a husband and wife team, pulls in the crowds and it’s easy to see why. Serving 20 different types of stir-fry, six variations of curry (including house favorite beef massaman) and their popular larb (minced salad) and green papaya salads, Tom Yum Tum Gang spoils you for choice. Instead of desserts you can get a whole fresh coconut, served with a straw It’s cozy, cash only and there’s no booking but check it out if you’re in the mood for fantastic Thai food.
Himalayan Char Grill
This Nepalese establishment, with two other restaurants in nearby Mossman and Crow’s Nest, serves up food for sharing with fantastic flavors from all over Nepal. The interior is spacious and inviting, and there’s an outdoor courtyard at the back perfect for summer dining. Their generous portions are very reasonable, and the food is divine and packed with flavor. Try the house special of beef cheeks, or for the more adventurous, their secret recipe goat curry. Vegetarians won’t go hungry here either, with their delicious selection of vegetable stir-fry. Get the four-course banquet menu between four for a fantastic evening out.
41 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia +61 2 9552 1220
Ombretta
Authentic Italian restaurant Ombretta, taken over in 2013 by new owners Schiavello and Fagherazzi from the 20-year-old La Tavolaccia, has been completely renovated and given a new lease of life. Pass through the impressive iron gates, fronted by a courtyard for outdoor dining. Move into the intimately atmospheric interior with soft candle lighting, rustic decor and exposed brickwork. There are five clocks on wall, each showing the time of five different Italian towns and cities. Their blackboard menu changes daily and is always brimming with true, provincial Italian dishes. Try the delicious creamy mushroom risotto, followed by the dolce pasticera Napolitana, a ricotta cake with creme anglais.
Tommy’s Beer Café
If you are looking for great value, homely food, this Eastern European establishment will hit the spot. Centrally located among bars, shops and restaurants on the Glebe strip, Tommy’s Beer Café exudes a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with the feel of a local bar. There’s European beers on tap and bottled, and a fantastic array of their famous snacks. These include freshly baked pretzels and their shoe string pork crackling. The portions are generous and they offer daily specials. Try the shared schnitzel platter, or the Hungarian goulash, with pork knuckle and sauerkraut.
Baja Cantina and Beer Garden
This fun, vibrant, colorful Mexican restaurant is the place to hang out on hot summer nights. Listen to mellow Mexican Mariachi (folk songs) and while the night away with friends. Down jugs of sangria or shots of tequila accompanied by homemade corn chips and a choice of salsas. Eat al fresco (even on cooler evenings with outside heaters) and try their extensive menu of freshly made traditional tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Finish off with their yummy churros or decadent Mars Tart – a chocolate and caramel dessert with pieces of Mars Bar. Booking is essential as Baja Cantina is always full.