In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes these suburbs such vibrant communities to live in and visit: their 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.
DAY
HOW TO DO POTTS POINT, WOOLOOMOOLOO AND KINGS CROSS
Do as the locals do by DAY
Cafes
It's all too easy to while away a day hanging out in the area’s cafes sampling quality brews, eavesdropping on conversations and swapping stories.
- GYPSY ESPRESSO: Meticulously made brews in an industrial-inspired hole-in-the-wall.
- ROOM TEN: A Melbourne-style laneway espresso bar serving Mecca's Darkhorse blend and featuring an ever-changing mural.
- FLOUR AND STONE: A tiny bakery producing some of Sydney's prettiest cakes.
- PRIMARY COFFEE ROASTERS: A sleek, minimalist espresso bar that serves a premium cuppa joe (and not much else).
- SMALL'S DELI: A Potts Point hole-in-the-wall slinging A-plus sandwiches.
Image: Flour and Stone
Restaurants and pubs
Potts Point's dining scene isn't one to rest on its laurels. Expect the unexpected — from lamb ragu sandwiches to nettle risotto.
- MS.G'S: Purposely 'street', achingly cool, a bit punk and absolutely delicious.
- FRATELLI PARADISO: Pair one of the dozen Italian classics on the blackboard menu with one of its wines off the 100 percent Italian list.
- CHINA DOLL: Save this fine diner on the wharf for when you want to treat yourself (or someone else).
- ET.AL: Share a meal with friends, family, lovers et al at this Lankelly Place bar and cafe.
- JOSEPH HYDE: A dietary requirement-friendly Potts Points laneway cafe.
Image: Ms G's
Shops
Potts Point's maverick spirit is most evident in its shops, crowded with curiosities old and new from all over Australia and across the globe.
- POTTS POINT VINTAGE: Trilby hats, Chanel heels, lizard skin handbags and a taxidermy fox are all within these cosy walls.
- MACLEAY ON MANNING: Peruse jewellery, apparel, furniture and homewares you won't find anywhere else, discovered by the owners on their international travels.
- PENNY'S CHEESE SHOP: You'll find your new favourite cheese — and cheesy toastie — at this Potts Point fromagerie.
- POTTS POINT BOOKSHOP: Browse the stacks of intelligently curated fiction, art, music, design, photography and history books.
- ARIDA: Splurge on designer fashion, homewares and furniture at this carefully curated store.
Image: Penny's Cheese Shop
Arts and culture
Brett Whiteley, Martin Sharp and William Dobell are just a few of the artists to have worked around here and their legacy continues to inspire experimental galleries and daring projects.
- ARTSPACE: Come here for brave and bold exhibitions set in Woolloomooloo's historic Gunnery Building.
- STATION GALLERY: Set inside a stunning Victorian terrace, Station Gallery's Sydney venue supports emerging artists from across the globe.
- ELIZABETH BAY HOUSE: This extravagant 19th-century mansion was formerly known as the ‘finest house in the colony’.
- FIRSTDRAFT: A challenging, ambitious, unafraid artist-led gallery and arts organisation.
- THE CROSS ART PROJECTS: Run by a crew of independent curators, this not-for-profit champions art that questions the status quo.
Image: Elizabeth Bay House
Leisure
When you need to de-stress, stretch it out, get some exercise and breathe some fresh air, change up your routine. Here are five ways to do just that.
- JUANITA NIELSEN COMMUNITY CENTRE: Head here for an affordable gym, fitness classes and creative workshops.
- KINGS CROSS WEEKEND MARKETS: A weekend morning cornucopia of organic veggies, fruit, cheese and international dishes, plus fashion, homewares, books and more.
- ARTHUR MCELHONE RESERVE: Pack a picnic and relax among the flowers in this peaceful patch of nature.
- EMBARKATION PARK: This tranquil park has an excellent vantage point overlooking Garden Island and Sydney Harbour.
- HOLEY MOLEY GOLF CLUB DARLINGHURST: The chain's second Sydney venue is right underneath the Kings Cross Coke sign.
Image: Holey Moley Golf Club
Shop online
Can't visit the area soon enough? Get gems from these Potts Point and Woolloomooloo-based businesses sent straight to you instead.
- POHO FLOWERS: Order elegant bouquets in signature blue wrapping from this art deco flower shop on Macleay Street.
- BECKER MINTY: Ostrich feather lamps, sea urchin sculptures, glowing paintings — if it's at Becker Minty, it's completely out-of-the-ordinary.
- PETAL MET SUGAR: A florist and patisserie within a pretty dreamy room in Woolloomooloo.
- SKARFE: This boutique does its one thing well: vibrant, luxurious silk and cashmere scarves.
- LOU MURRAY VINTAGE: Explore a carefully curated range of quality vintage clothing, accessories and costume jewellery.
Image: Poho Flowers
Editor's itinerary
Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in the area.
- Petal Met Sugar: This florist just across the road from The Domain doubles as a pretty little breakfast spot. Grab a pain au chocolat among the pastels and petals for a sweet start to the day.
- Macleay on Manning: With unusual pieces from local and international designers, this extensive gift, homewares and interior design shop makes for a prime treasure hunting experience.
- Penny's Cheese Shop: With two fridges stocked to the brim with creamy, stinky, funky and hard cheeses this little unassuming fromagerie is one of the best in Sydney. Make sure you grab one of the toasties — they're stuffed with smoked wagyu and jalapeños and cheese is put on the inside and outside.
- Elizabeth Bay House: In 1835, secretary Alexander Macleay started the construction of this extravagant house. Today, the opulent interior is open to the public as a slice of Sydney history.
Image: Petal met sugar
NIGHT
HOW TO DO POTTS POINT, WOOLLOOMOOLOO AND KINGS CROSS
Do as the locals do.
Restaurants and pubs
Down Darlinghurst Road and Victoria Street, on to Macleay and beyond, a truly international food caper awaits, taking in Japan, India, Italy, Mexico and beyond.
- CHESTER WHITE CURED DINER: Dig into moreish cured meats, cheese-wheel cacio e pepe and braised beef cheeks at this charming converted cottage.
- CHULA: Offering regional Mexican dishes in wicker chairs and a packed menu of tequila and mezcal cocktails.
- MÉTISSE: French fine dining that won't break the bank.
- BAYSWATER KITCHENETTE: This cosy joint is making the food you wished you had time to make for yourself — but now you don't need to.
- CHACO BAR: A new yakitori joint in Potts Point from the team behind Sydney's favourite ramen.
Image: Chula
Bars
Bright blue cocktails, neon jellyfish and hundreds upon hundreds of boutique wines — it's all in a night's bar-hopping around Potts Point, the Cross and Woolloomooloo.
- THE ROOSEVELT: A refined, NYC-inspired bar sending you back to the 1950s with champagne, plenty of cocktails and oysters.
- DEAR SAINTE ÉLOISE: Snack on mussels on toast and choose from over 350 wines at this Potts Point bar.
- SWEETHEARTS ROOFTOP: Consider this the Cross's openair diamond in the rough.
- THE TILBURY HOTEL: Linger over a long lunch or dive into dessert at the new-look Tilbury.
- ALIBI BAR & KITCHEN: An entirely plant-based restaurant and bar based in the Ovolo.
Image: Dear Sainte Eloise
Live music
Whether you're into jazz, blues, hip hop, indie or jam sessions, there's a room dedicated to your ears (and dancing feet) in the area.
- JANGLING JACK'S: Find blues, soul and cocktails inspired by the notorious historic locals of Potts Point at this neighbourhood speakeasy.
- THE EAST SYDNEY HOTEL: This country-style pub provides live tunes on the regular — from blues and folk to mellow jazz.
- KINGS CROSS HOTEL: This pub hosts indie bands, jam sessions and DJs, plus there’s a sunny rooftop to boot.
- EL ROCCO: Listen to jazz, blues and world music in a New York City-style jazz cellar.
- BOOGIE MOUNTAIN: Kit & Kaboodle is now a hedonistic poutine-slinging rock 'n' roll club.
Image: Kings Cross Hotel
Shops
Since the area tends to keep late hours, many shops stay open beyond 6pm. Drift seamlessly from day to night at these five.
- GRAND DAYS BOOKS & RECORDS: Second-hand books, old-school vinyl and vintage fashion are the name of the game at this retro haunt.
- BAYSWATER FINE WINES: Visit this multi-level bottle shop for aged wines — and for a peek at the giant champagne flute chandelier.
- POTTS POINT LIQUOR & DELI: A beloved local bottle-o with wine-savvy staff and gourmet deli goodness.
- THE LITTLE CANDLE SHOP: This shop of aromatic wax offers designer candles in all shapes, sizes, scents and shades.
- BOOTY SHOES: Want shoes that make a statement? This is where to splash your cash.
Image: Potts Point Bookshop
Arts and culture
Immerse yourself at an experimental art exhibition, settle in for a show or de-stress with a dose of stand-up.
- DULCIE'S KINGS CROSS: Step into the 1930s at this swish Kings Cross cocktail and cabaret bar.
- THE OLD FITZROY THEATRE: This pub-theatre has figured out a simple yet brilliant formula: beer and cheap eats upstairs, independent theatre downstairs.
- GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY: A cosy theatre that's been putting Australian stories on stage for nearly 40 years.
- HAPPY ENDINGS COMEDY CLUB: All's well that ends well at this no-holds-barred comedy club.
- HAYES THEATRE: This not-for-profit is dedicated to Australian and American musical theatre old and new.
Image: Hayes Theatre
Concrete Playground Staff Faves
Here are our favourite haunts for when the sun goes down and the streets of Potts Point come alive.
- THE BUTLER: Feast your eyes on this luscious French-Caribbean terrace restaurant and bar.
- RILEY ST GARAGE: Raw, edgy and impossibly chic, Riley St Garage brings a slice of the New York Meatpacking District to Woolloomooloo.
- YELLOW: The owners of Bentley and Cirrus are serving up vegan fine dining in Potts Point.
- THE APOLLO: Greek taverna comfort food that never goes out of style.
- CHO CHO SAN: In a minimalist, well-designed setting, you’ll enjoy Japanese cuisine in a reimagined izakaya style.
Image: The Apollo
Editor's itinerary
Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in the area.
- Cho Cho San: This dimly lit, contemporary Japanese diner is ultimate date night territory. Be sure to order the hibachi-grilled prawns doused with kombu butter.
- Grand Days: Grand Days on William Street stocks vinyl, second-hand books and even vintage clothing for a leisurely Saturday afternoon perusal. Sweep the store for some retro record finds.
- El Rocco: You’ll find jazz, cabaret, poetry and comedy at this NYC-inspired basement jazz bar ideal for a cultural night out in The Cross.
- Chula: Drink tequila the correct way thanks to this Mexican restaurant's cocktail menu dedicated to the agave spirit. Also, the food menu is 100 percent gluten-free — coeliacs, rejoice.
Image: Cho Cho San
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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