Enmore Eat
Local Katie Cunningham names the hottest haunts in the inner-city suburb that’s become one of Sydney’s hippest ’hoods. SHENKIN
The undisputed breakfast champ of Enmore Road, Shenkin (cafe shenkin.com.au) puts a Middle Eastern spin on Aussie favourites, with dishes like avocado-encased falafel served on toast with Israeli salad. Don’t be deterred if the eatery looks busy, there’s a roomy courtyard out the back.
CAIRO TAKEAWAY
To find Cairo Takeaway (cairo takeaway.com), look for the stylish young things dining alfresco out the front (despite the name, you can eat in). This Egyptian eatery has proven super-popular since it opened in 2016, which you can put down to the fun atmosphere and cheap share plates filled with the likes of slow-cooked lamb and cauliflower rice pilaf. It’s BYO wine so you can (and should) bring a tipple from the boutique bottle store P&V (pnvmerchants.com), across the way.
HARTSYARD
In late 2017, this local favourite (hartsyard.com.au) ditched the fried chicken that it built its name on. More recently, it’s reopened under new management, with more vegies and seafood, as well as a set vegetarian menu. If you really want the chook, head down the road to Wish Bone (wishbonerestaurant.com.au), the new casual restaurant from Hartsyard’s original owners.
Drink JACOBY’S TIKI BAR
Potent tropical cocktails – some of which arrive flaming – rule the drinks list at what is definitely Sydney’s only Twin Peaks-themed tiki bar. Jacoby’s (jacobys-tiki-bar. com) offers specials like $12 piña coladas when temps hit 30°C and you can have pizza delivered to your table from the cult Manoosh Pizzeria (manoosh.com.au).
QUEENS HOTEL
The late-night dumplings at onsite restaurant Queen Chow and the tart cocktails are great but what sets Queens Hotel (merivale.com) apart are the opening hours: you can stay until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Stride through the kitchen like you own the joint to find Zebra Bar, the secret speakeasy.
Do SEE A SHOW
Enmore Theatre (enmoretheatre. com.au) is arguably Sydney’s best live-music venue. The world’s biggest bands and comedians hit the stage here – just pick your flavour and make a night of it. DIG FOR TREASURE
Do as the locals do and pick up your new favourite outfit with a rummage at Swop (swop. net.au), a vintage clothing store that’s full of second-hand gems.
Stay THE URBAN NEWTOWN
The relaxed design and extras like a free minibar for guests who book directly make The Urban (theurban newtown.com.au) a great option. But it’s the location – in Newtown, a short walk from Enmore Theatre and Newtown train station – that seals the deal. Light sleepers should request a room facing away from Enmore Road.
But first, caffeine...
Hit Black Market Roasters (blackmarketroasters.com.au), a cosy espresso bar that takes good coffee seriously.