In partnership with Concrete Playground, we’re celebrating what makes Paddington such a vibrant community to live in and visit: its local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.
Image (above): Alimentari
DAY
HOW TO DO PADDINGTON
Do as the locals do by DAY
Cafes
Paddington's cafes are laidback, light-filled and splashed with greenery. Stop at one of these five to start the day with a guaranteed good cup of coffee.
- AMPERSAND CAFE & BOOKSTORE: Grab a cuppa and a good read at this cafe-meets-bookstore.
- MORRIS: A second kickass cafe from the Scout's Honour team.
- INFINITY BAKERY: Organic breads and French pastries are handmade daily with traditional techniques at this Oxford Street bakery.
- PADDINGTON ALIMENTARI: An authentic Italian cafe-deli decked with bunches of oregano and hanging prosciutto.
- FUNKIS KÖKET CAFE: A Scandinavian-inspired cafe serving open-faced sandos, cinnamon buns and pretzel croissants.
Image: Infinity Bakery
Restaurants and pubs
Whether you're after a craft beer or a gastronomical feast, expect to be surrounded by design — banquettes, pendant lighting and inviting beer gardens.
- THE PADDINGTON: This is the Oxford Street pub like you've never seen it before.
- THE CHICKEN SHOP: The old-school chicken shop gets a spin with The Paddington's roast chooks and fish finger sangas.
- DAILY GREENS: A bright, breezy sustainable eatery serving hearty salad bowls and cold-pressed juices.
- BARBETTA: Drop in for cannoli pancakes, a porchetta panini or a pasta making class.
- DON PEDROS: A brightly coloured Mexican joint overflowing with festive deals.
Image: The Paddington
Shops
To shop in Paddington is to take a journey through Australian fashion — from pop-ups run by emerging designers to flagships from leading talents.
- POEPKE: Discover this hidden collection of colourful international fashion pieces.
- DINOSAUR DESIGNS: Resin has never looked so delicious.
- JARDAN SYDNEY: The Australian furniture maker's first Sydney flagship store has been designed around the shifting colours of the city.
- FUNKIS: Fashion, accessories and homewares inspired by Swedish design, plus a cafe out-the-back.
- JUST WILLIAM CHOCOLATES: Treat yourself to a box of truffles from this family-run chocolatier.
Image:
Arts and culture
Name your artsy desires and you'll find them among Paddington's many cultural spots.
- BLENDER GARLLERY: Where you'll find fine art music photography — from Bowie to Buckley.
- PADDINGTON MARKETS: Find original wares by local designers, food stalls and a new growers market for fresh produce.
- UNSW GALLERIES: Expect exhibitions based on big ideas and cutting-edge research across art, design, culture, science and tech.
- KUDOS GARLLERY: An experimental art gallery that's part of UNSW.
- COOEE ART GARLLERY: Make a visit to Australia's oldest Aboriginal fine art gallery.
Image: Blender Gallery
More art
When we say Paddo is known for its art, we really mean it. Here are five more galleries worth adding to your list.
- DEFIANCE GALLERY: This is one of the city's best-known sculpture galleries.
- JUNIPER HALL: This heritage-listed Georgian house hosts the annual Moran Prizes in portraiture and photography.
- SAINT CLOCHE GALLERY: Here, you can browse works by emerging and established artists.
- PIERMARQ: A contemporary art gallery that aims to take the 'intimidation' out of buying art.
- BLINQ ART: Dress your bedroom wall with a print from this fine art photography gallery.
Image: Blinq Art
Shop online
Can't visit the area soon enough? Get gems from these Paddington-based businesses sent straight to you instead.
- COLLECTOR STORE PADDINGTON: Head into this Oxford Street boutique for a range of homewares and gifts.
- VENROY: Find Aussie-designed, internationally loved swim and leisurewear at this Paddington favourite.
- LEE MATHEWS PADDINGTON: This Australian fashion designer's laidback, simple and ethically conscious pieces are staple items in many a Sydneysider's wardrobe.
- BAG-ALL AUSTRALIA: All of the bags for all of the occasions.
- JACKIES CAFE: Find fresh, local produce turned into vibrant dishes with a Japanese twist at this Paddington institution.
Image: Venroy
Editor's itinerary
Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in Paddington.
- Infinity Bakery: Sit in for a morning coffee and croissant, or take away one of its delicious cakes when it's time to celebrate.
- Shopping in Paddington: Paddington is a mecca for shoppers. Less about fast fashion, more about Aussie-designed, the options of where to spend your dollars are bountiful.
- Paddington Reservoir Gardens: Head here when you need a break from shopping. The sunken garden modelled after the Gardens of Babylon are an idyllic spot for an afternoon recharge.
- Kudos Gallery: Check out Australian art up-and-comers at this free gallery run by UNSW art students
- The Light Brigade: Head to the rooftop in the late afternoon to enjoy a bottle of rosé as the sun sets over Sydney.
Image: Infinity Bakery
NIGHT
HOW TO DO PADDINGTON
Do as the locals do by NIGHT
Restaurants
Paddington's tree-lined streets are a culinary adventure, from truffle egg fettuccine to smoked eel pikelet.
- SAINT PETER: Josh Niland's nose-to-tail seafood restaurant is a must-visit.
- BUON RICORDO RISTORANTE: Neopolitan peasant food executed with refinement and delivered via first-class service.
- FRED'S: Hatted farm-to-table dishes made in a stunning Tuscan-inspired kitchen.
- LOVE SUPREME: Enjoy creative, gourmet pizza in a casual space with an industrial air.
- ITALIAN BAR: Pizzas inspired by Sardinian and Tuscan traditions, accompanied by a 100-percent Italian drinks menu.
Image: Fred's, Paddington
Bar
Whether you're looking for a good wine and a quiet chat or an all-night party, there's a bar for you in Paddington.
- CHARLIE PARKER'S: The cosy basement bar at Fred's with exposed sandstone, seasonal cocktails and killer bar snacks.
- 10 WILLIAM STREET: This lively Paddington stalwart has a new star chef at its helm.
- THE WINE LIBRARY: The sassiest library this side of the Eastern Distributor. If you like wine, you'll love it here.
- GOODBAR: Come for the cocktails and stay for the dance floor dazzling with mirror balls.
- THE LIGHT BRIGADE HOTEL: Woodfired pizzas and cocktails, 83 metres above sea level.
Image: Charlie Parker's
Pubs
Live music, elevated pub fare and local pups — these Paddo watering holes have it all.
- PADDO RSL: You'll find live music almost every night of the week at this local RSL.
- THE CAPTAIN PADDINGTON: Within walking distance of the SCG, this local is a go-to pre- and post-match.
- THE PADDO INN: Expect casual drinks and burgers in the front bar, and Matt Moran-created grill in the dining room.
- THE VILLAGE INN: Come for the relaxed, Sunday afternoon sessions featuring local musical talent — and local pups.
- THE LONDON HOTEL: This upscale pub caters to all — from dog lovers to peking duck lovers.
Image: The Paddo Inn
Shops
Should 6pm roll around before you're ready to drop, despair not. Trading hours are often extended at these beauties.
- OPUS: Where you go for gifts that are so clever they'll probably wink at you.
- FISH BUTCHERY: Saint Peter's Josh and Julie Niland have opened Australia's first fish butchery.
- PARLOUR X: High-end women's fashion housed in a 19th-century church.
- PADDINGTON FINE WINES: An independently owned, expertly run bottle shop specialising in drops you won't find anywhere else.
- SARAH & SEBASTIAN: Australian-designed minimalist jewellery that you'll easily fall in love with.
Image: Paddington Fine Wines
Leisure
When you're not shopping, beer-ing or art-ing, relax on a deck chair in a subterranean park or head to an art deco cinema.
- CHAUVEL CINEMA: Alternative, arthouse and cult flicks in the former Paddington Town Hall ballroom.
- PADDINGTON RESERVOIR GARDENS: This sunken park was inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
- PALACE VERONA: This multi-storey arthouse cinema screens cult classics.
- FLOW ATHLETIC: Visit for yoga, strength and cardio classes focusing on balance, power and fitness.
- BERELOUW PADDINGTON: This three-storey bookshop has new releases, second hand copies and a cafe and wine bar upstairs.
Image: Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Concrete Playground Staff Faves
Here are our favourite haunts for when the sun goes down and the streets of Paddington come alive.
- TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD: A Paddington terrace filled with tequila and tasty South American morsels.
- INDIAN HOME DINER: This spot's open late and loved for its Indian kebab with double chicken tikka.
- THE UNICORN: This friendly, unpretentious pub from the Mary’s gang is well-loved for its homegrown beer and wine list.
- CHUBBY CHEEKS: A fun and punchy Thai eatery on Oxford Street.
- COMES AS YOU ARE: This Oxford Street boutique stocks an always-great selection of local and international designers.
Image: The Unicorn
Editor's itinerary
Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in Paddington.
- Paddington Fine Wines: Enhance your oeno-knowledge and keep your eyes peeled for wine classes and wine and cheese tasting events and this haven of good drops.
- The Paddington: Rotisserie chicken is the name of the game here. If you haven't tried the succulent chook, rectify that immediately with a $50 banquet menu.
- Lucio's Art Collection: Having served incredible, authentic eats since 1983, this Italian eatery also boasts an epic collection of art that's been named as one of the top five restaurants for art in the world.
- The Unicorn: Come for the Mary's burgers, stay for the amazing wines. Make sure you order at least one glass of the house sparkling, Blind Unicorn Juice — it's made specifically for the bar.
- 10 William Street: Here you can go for something small like the whipped bottarga with pretzel and a glass of wine from the board, or something bigger like the spicy crab spaghettini and a nice bottle from the extensive list.
Image: Lucio's Art Collection
Content provided through a content partnership. To find more guides on Sydney visit Concrete Playground.
All details are accurate as of 01 May 2021. Information may change. Check businesses websites for the most up-to-date information.
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