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BILLY KWONG

This is more than a restaurant: it’s a culmination of projects, including wine and beehive collaborations, which make for some of the most interesting and ethical dining in Sydney. 1/28 Macleay St, Elizabeth Bay 2011.

CAFÉ PACI

What started as a pop-up restaurant is, lucky for us, still on the scene. Patron- chef Pasi Petanen creates menus that are as challenging as they are beautiful to behold. Lvl 1, 95 Riley St, Darlinghurst 2010.

ESTER

Ester was our Restaurant of the Year last year, and we’re still in love with its laidback vibes and top- class food. Try the sticky, gingery squid ink dumplings. 46/52 Meagher St, Chippendale 2008.

LP’S QUALITY MEATS

Almost everything here is given the smoker treatment, from big hunks of meat to little veggie sides. And have we talked about the mashed potato? 12-16 Chippen St, Chippendale 2008.

LUMI

Ormeggio’s former head chef, Federico Zanellato, opened this Japan-meetsItaly restaurant last year. Beautiful pasta and harbour views? Oh yeah. 56 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont 2009.

OSCILLATE WILDLY

It’s the tiniest fine diner around, but the food makes a big impact. Service is verging on perfection and the wine list is an education in itself. 275 Australia St, Newtown 2042.

SAGRA

It’s the informal Italian that sticks to the basics: great produce, simple treatment and maximum flavour – which is why we awarded it Best Casual Diner last year. Don’t miss the house- cured meats. 62 Stanley St, Darlinghurst 2010.

SOKYO SUSHI BAR

This might be Sydney’s best sushi. Seated at the bar, it’s like witnessing artists at work, watching chef Chase Kojima and his team prepare each dish to order. Lvl G, The Darling, The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont 2009.

YELLOW

Brunch at Yellow is one of the greatest pleasures in Sydney. Try the liquorice bread – it has a reputation for a reason – and the wine list is second to none. 57 Macleay St, Potts Point 2011.