Modern Oz

Relaxed

Bloodwood. Inner west denizens ram this gritty-hip dinerdrinker for gutsy shared plates by a pair of rising stars. 416 King St / Newtown / 9557 7699 / lunch Sat-sun, dinner daily / no dinner res for <8 pax / bloodwoodnewtown.com

Four In Hand. Real deal gastropub with feature squid art and urbanistas + bonzer herbivore and nose-to-tail eating. 105 Sutherland St / Paddington / 9326 2254 / lunch & dinner daily / fourinhand.com.au

Ester. Woodfire wonderland for emulsion-topped roasted oysters, smokey salt-baked mud crab and a cracking cauli. 46-52 Meagher St / Chippendale / 8068 8279 / lunch Fri & Sun, dinner Mon-sat / set menu or a la carte / ester-restaurant.com.au

Drake Eatery. Forget the quackery in the name, Oakes does more than just great Daffy. Chicken chamomile parfait, yay! Cnr Curlewis St & Gould St / Bondi Beach / 9130 3218 / b’fast, lunch & dinner daily / drakeeatery.com.au