Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Sydney

Located above the Coronation Hotel, the Smoking Panda is what looks like a fun marriage between retro Americana and glitzy Shanghai. If you can adjust your eyes enough to see through the neon-pink haze that envelops this bar, you will also see red Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. That apart, the amazing cocktails are accentuated by their large spirit collection featuring 65 bourbons, 50 rums and a smattering of tequila and whiskey. The kitchen menu is not just an after-thought to accompany the booze, rather it stands on its own with exotic Chinese elements, with dishes such as Salt & Pepper Squid, Dim Sums and Pot Stickers.

The Mezz Bar is several genres all rolled into one. It is a bar and a restaurant, and once the dining is done, it turns into a dance party with a revolving selection of late-night DJs. Popular with city workers, it is cosy and comfortable and quite large, with bar and restaurant seating that can be moved back when the dance floor is pumping. Pasta dishes include popular favorites such as Lasagne and Spaghetti Napoli and tempting alternatives such as Fettuccine with Tiger Prawns. Call to check the timings.

Serving a variety of Japanese desserts and matcha options, Chanoma Cafe is a traditional tea house in George street with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Along with matcha and refreshing green tea, the shop also serves traditional Japanese desserts, matcha ice-cream, matcha floats, snacks and more. The dishes are served according to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony rituals and norms.

Located in the Central Business District, this branch of the iconic fried chicken brand was the first ever branch to open in all of Australia. Using the 11 secret herbs and spices which is the signature of all KFC chicken, the branch serves a range of chicken buckets, burgers, fries, wraps and more. If you want to get some delicious chicken to go, just get some take-out or order for it to be delivered right to your doorstep.

A Haymarket favorite when it comes to ramen, Tenkomori Ramen House is housed within Regent Place, on George Street. The Asian eatery offers an eclectic DIY menu that revolves around, well, ramen. Three types of broth are available - tonkatsu, shoyu and miso, these then are topped with a protein ingredient of your choice and freshly-made ramen noodles. The ordering process is quite easy and quick, while the offerings are delicious, thanks to the fresh, quality ingredients used and time-tested recipes employed. Apart from ramen soups, they have a selection of sides such as karaage, takoyaki and such, which are equally delicious. This a no-hassle, pocket-friendly Asian eatery that you'd want to come back to.

Housed within Regent Place, Izakaya Yebisu is a slice of Tokyo in Haymarket Area of Sydney. Located just a few minutes from the Central Business District, this izakaya-style of establishment offers an eclectic Japanese menu, with a nod towards Japanese libations such as soju, shochu and other Asian-flavored cocktails. While the food menu is dominated by authentic Asian small-plates such as karaage, gyoza and lots more, the bar program explores a wide variety of Japanese drinking habits; they even have a range of mocktails for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. The service is good, the food and drinks are exceptional and the prices are just right. Head here for a Tokyo-style, fun night.