Dining around the conference venue
The Educational Innovation team have brainstormed their favourite spots to eat and offer them here as suggestions for your time in Sydney. We’ve tried to cover a range of budgets and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and suggest options for both sides of campus and the areas you are likely to be staying in. If nothing here strikes your fancy, a wander through Haymarket, down Glebe Point Road, or through Newtown will almost certainly turn up the perfect spot.
There are also a huge number of places to eat on campus. The University of Sydney Union has cafes and restaurants across campus that will make you jealous that they weren’t around while you were at uni, and there are many other spots scattered throughout.
Cost key:
- $ = under $20
- $$ = between $20 and $50
- $$$ = between $50 and $100
- $$$$ = over $100
Breakfast and Lunch
Cafe Giulia
92 Abercrombie St, Chippendale
Open for: Breakfast and lunch
Cost: $/$$
Aussie cafe staple paradise. From breakfast favourites to soups, salads, sandwiches, and that amazing drink you had one time but haven’t ever been able to find again, Cafe Giulia has it all.
Dirty Red
Open for: Breakfast and lunch
Cost: $$
Among the many cafes of Glebe, Dirty Red is an Educational Innovation favourite! Great coffee, all day breakfast, and a lovely courtyard out the back in the Sydney fashion.
Rising Sun
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cost: $$/$$$
Two words: Breakfast ramen. Rising Sun is half-motorcycle workshop half-restaurant serving up both the lightest and darkest ramen you’ll taste in Sydney along with all of your other Japanese favourites, some with an Aussie twist.
Terracotta Roasters
Open for: Breakfast and Lunch
Cost: $/$$
If you’re staying at the Adina Apartments you can’t miss this spot – Terracotta Roasters is right downstairs. Home to one of the team’s pick for best bacon and egg roll in Sydney and excellent coffee, it’s a friendly spot to while away a sunny morning.
Toby’s Estate
Open for: Breakfast and lunch
Cost: $/$$
A ‘coffee experience’ with some of the finest roasts in Sydney along with traditional breakfast and lunch fare – think banana bread, croissants, and great sandwiches.
Lunch and dinner
Spice Alley
Open for: Lunch and dinner
Cost: $
Located near Central, Spice Alley is a tucked-away food court with personality. With enough options to satisfy the pickiest eater, you’ll find the best Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Chinese and Vietnamese food plus even more. There are also plenty of pubs up on nearby Broadway if you feel like a drink afterwards!
Thai La Ong
Open for: Lunch and dinner
Cost: $
A Sydney Uni Newtown student favourite, Thai La Ong will fill you up with a chicken Pad See Iew, tofu Pad Thai or prawn Tom Yum noodle soup and leave you with both enough leftovers for at least one more full meal and change from $20.
Salt & Palm
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Cost: $/$$
A slice of Bali in Glebe, Salt & Palm serve up all of your Indonesian favourites in a bright and airy spot close to campus. With great light bites along with larger meals this is a team favourite and one you shouldn’t miss while visiting Sydney University.
The Forest Lodge Hotel (‘The Flodge’)
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Cost: $$
Solid pub food with one of the best beer selections in Sydney (seriously, they’ve won awards). A great spot for mid-size lunch groups, but do ring ahead to book if that’s you.
The Sneaky Possum
86 Abercrombie St, Chippendale
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Cost: $$
ASCILITE burger fans can’t possibly miss the Sneaky Possum. A warm and friendly spot on busy Abercrombie St, the ‘Poss’ offers great food and even better drinks at a very reasonable price.
Thai Pothong
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Cost: $$
Come for the life-size Alien and Predator statues in the window, stay for the amazing food and delicious drinks. This is a Newtown institution and legend has it that you’re not allowed to leave Sydney Uni without having eaten there at least once. Great for large groups.
Golden Lotus Vegan Newtown
Open for: Dinner
Cost: $/$$
If you’re a Sydney vegan who hasn’t been to Golden Lotus, you’re not really a Sydney vegan. You’ll find all of your Vietnamese favourites here with fake meat that will convince even the most steadfast non-vegan.
Automata
Open for: Dinner
Cost: $$$$
Best for those with a significant amount of room in the per diem or a conveniently-timed celebration, Automata showcases some of the best food Sydney on offer in Sydney. Reservations a must!
Bloodwood Restaurant & Bar
Open for: Dinner
Cost: $$$
Industrial-chic meets shared dining, Bloodwood is a great spot for a small group looking for a memorable dinner. With produce sourced from small and local providers and an extensive beer list there’s something for everyone.