Indian Ocean and Pacific cuisine restaurants New South Wales

A wooden farm shed, a large parking lot, scattered open-air tables and an old truck loaded with huge logs as a backdrop - that's the first sight on arriving here. Hillbily Cider is a cider house and restaurant where it's good to stop on the Bells Line of Road. As many of you already know, it's a popular spot, especially at weekends. The cider served is excellent and so is the pizza (the only dish) that accompanies it. We'll be back for more! And you can also buy cider and bottles of wine in the store.

Crossing Bilpin by the Bells Line of Road, it is obviously to pass in front of the many orchards where grow apples which one guesses delicious. It's hard not to be tempted to stop and taste the flavors. In addition to the cakes and pies (with apples, of course), Mountains Bells Cafe offers several dishes that will allow you to have a complete, simple and quality meal, even if the burger remains the main ingredient. A few tables outside allow you to enjoy your meal, snack or sweet in the open air...

The owners have opted for comfort: square tables with tablecloths "just like home". Although located just a few meters from Bondi beach, one of Sydney's most show-off beaches, the restaurant is far from pretentious or fashionable. Here, it's "à la bonne franquette". Good food, charming and friendly waiters and no need to be dressed in the latest fashions. You'll feel right at home, and you'll want to stay a long time chatting with friends. Don't let the simple, nonchalant atmosphere fool you - the food is good.

Despite its modern French bistro concept, which brings a Parisian touch to the area, the Bistro Moncur building is one of the few that carries Australian history, particularly in the domed dining room. The restaurant is simply decorated, but the black-and-white mural by Melbournian artist Michael Fitzjames lends it style and elegance. The food menu features seasonal, quality products prepared with great skill, and the wine list offers an impressive choice.

It's an unlikely place that mixes retro motorcycles, an imposing café-restaurant and accessories (Parisian helmets, gloves, beatnik sunglasses, chukka boots). Don't be surprised to see strollers driven by their dads on weekends. You can sit everywhere between a look at the bikes and a chat with friends over coffee, fried eggs, goat cheese or salmon salads, ciabatta or pastries. The food is hearty but simple.

It is a special place. A little casual, spiritual, you feel like you're somewhere else. You come for the vegetarian food before going upstairs to relax, digest and sink into the cinema beds and its big cushions that allow you to watch the latest blockbusters or art house movies, in a small and very comfortable room. It feels a bit like home. The dhal, a chickpea curry mixed with vegetables, is an excellent choice that goes perfectly with potatoes and cauliflower.

This restaurant is one of the most frequented by Sydney's golden youth and models, and has certainly played an important role in the city's gastronomic scene. There's plenty of time for conversation, and the dishes come regularly but not too quickly. Unquestionably a restaurant with excellence in dishes, service and bill. We can only advise you to make a reservation, especially at weekends. You can continue the evening here, as it's one of the most popular bars at weekends.

Who'd believe that this trendy pub, a mecca for hip nights out, was originally a series of old warehouses and cells? The Argyle mixes styles and eras, with modern furnishings and contemporary chandeliers lighting up the wooden floors and beams as people stroll, day and night, through the old cobbled courtyard, subdued by red lights. You'd be hard-pressed to get lost here: it's the perfect place for gourmets, cocktail and wine lovers, and the beer selection attracts a wide range of locals.

Founded in 1881, this establishment is one of the oldest pubs in the city. You won't be able to escape the pokies room which is now an almost obligatory part of Australian pubs. Relaxed atmosphere in the lounge upstairs, in an Art Deco style. There is also a very good selection of beers. Why not sit in front of the nice fireplace surrounded by sofas and coffee tables. The clientele is mostly in their thirties and forties. Burgers are the common dish here. The meats are exquisite and the salad bar is quite varied.

Located on Woolloomooloo Wharf, in the heart of Sydney Harbour, Manta is a magical place to sip your fill, day or night. Lovers will enjoy a romantic aperitif stroll through the Opera House and Botanic Gardens. The oyster dishes are delicious and surprisingly inventive. Admittedly, it's a budget to eat here, but it's worth it... Everything is perfectly matched and seasoned. There's also a vegetarian and vegan menu. And last but not least, a fine wine list from around the world.

Long before he was fashion, Chief Peter Gilmore was already turned to the nature-based kitchen at Quay. In 2011, the Quay won Acqua Panna Continental Restaurant Award in the "Best Restaurant of Australasia" category.

Established in 1937, the Kirribilli Hotel has a reputation as one of the North Shore's favorite pubs. Located a few meters from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, next to Milsons Point Station, the establishment is divided into three distinct areas (pub, bistro, beer garden). In addition to a good atmosphere, this local pub offers classic dishes at very reasonable prices. Live music three nights a week. A good place not only to eat well but also to have a nice time on the other side of the bay.

This traditional pub with its wooden terrace is an institution! It's a friendly place to stop for a quick bite to eat or a drink. It serves classic steak and French fries, burgers, chicken wings and homemade pies . Live music is organized on Friday and Saturday nights: atmosphere guaranteed. Let's be honest: the food is not exceptional. However, the setting is pleasant and if the place is so warm, it is above all thanks to its smiling, competent and dynamic staff.

Music and Rock'n'roll....that's how you can describe the Gray Gum Cafe when you stop by on weekends. The place is at the same time a bar, a restaurant and a musical meeting place for a whole population of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. Of course, the place is open to everyone and the good-natured spirit of the place allows to integrate quickly. We like the open-air bar, the tables laid out here and there in the property and the burgers served, generously accompanied by fries, or the meats on barbecue. Beer at discretion.

When visiting Oberon's rolling countryside, this is the place to stop for a drink, a meal or even a country break. Founded in 1881, this pub has been restored to create warm, relaxed spaces with open fireplaces. This allows it to offer intimate spaces as well as a place for families and friends to gather. It has a children's play area and an outdoor café for the warmer months. Its excellent bistro serves pub fare based on local produce.

This large red building, topped with a green roof, is bustling with activity throughout the day. Park visitors come here to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or coffee in a relaxing setting. Our tip: wake up early and after a sporty hike, opt for the in-house brunch: it's delicious! Located at the northern entrance to the park, it offers a pleasant view of the Hacking River. You can also spend the night in Audley Ranger's Cottage, a charming cottage 50 meters away. A lovely stopover!

Nestled in a small street in Surry Hills, this gourmet restaurant with about 20 seats will surprise you with the quality of its dishes, but also with the care taken in the selection of its products, all of which come from organic farming and animal welfare. Dylan and Angelica welcome you here. Each of the dishes offered is a delight and is tasted with pleasure. The menu changes every week according to the offers proposed by the partner farmers. An excellent address that we can only recommend.

If you like the biker vibe, love nature and are looking for simplicity, both in presentation and in the type of dishes, the Old Road Cafe is not only for you, it's not to be missed. Burgers and salads make up the bulk of the menu, but you'll feel right at home in this simple building with its large outdoor terrace. A thousand and one motorcycles park outside on weekends. It has to be said that the Old Pacific Hwy, which follows the M1, is a delight to ride, whether by motorcycle or car.

Ideally located near the city center, along the railroad tracks (but without its inconveniences because of its elevated location), The bunker welcomes you in a haven of greenery. You can enjoy a meal in the magnificent garden or in the dining room, sheltered from the sun and the heat when these are annoying. The dishes served are great classics of Australian cuisine, presented with taste. The menu includes burgers, barramundi, grilled salmon and delicately cooked meat.

The history of the Pump House Tavern begins with the history of industry in Sydney. In the 1890s, the building was owned by the city and suburban water power company. In 1975, it was saved from demolition by the Heritage Council of NSW who transformed it into a brewery. Today it is a splendid microbrewery but also one of the most famous night spots in Darling Harbour. There is a wide selection of craft beers on draught and traditional food to suit all.

Located in one of Paddington's quieter streets, this pub is a Sydney institution... and brings its own share of excitement. It has been selling scotch and British beer since 1875 (Boddingtons, Newcastle Brown, Guinness, Old Speckled Hen). In its early days, it was frequented by soldiers from the Victoria Barracks. Today, it is a warm pub that has retained a typical British atmosphere. A lot of wood and old-fashioned decoration remind the timelessness of the place. We eat pizzas, salads and burgers.

Built in 1898, the Great Western Hotel is part of Cobar's heritage and was designated as a historic monument by the National Trust in 1974. Ideally located, this magnificent white-painted hotel boasts the longest veranda in the state (100 meters in total), decorated with beautiful ironwork. The restaurant, which serves some Italian specialties, is quite famous among the locals and pleases many visiting tourists. However, ask to see the rooms if you want to stop over for the night.

Don't let your first impression put you off: when you leave the station, the building (the former Savoy Theatre) doesn't look like much... But once you've climbed the stairs, you'll be delighted with your discovery: the bar area is beautifully decorated, and the restaurant offers a magnificent view of the Blue Mountains. On the plate, the dishes are beautifully crafted: we devoured the salmon and the dessert. And if you're feeling a little thirsty, you'll be spoilt for choice with our extensive cocktail list.

A nice stop for lunch when you arrive in Katoomba. The restaurant, located on Katoomba's main avenue, offers a different concept for lunch and dinner. At lunchtime, the menu is fairly simple and economical, offering vegetarian options. The cookies are very good and the service is quick and good. In the evening, the restaurant is more of a tapas experience, with tasting menus available at AU$70 and AU$80. The setting is pleasant, with a pretty room decorated in a sober, green style.

This restaurant is worth a visit for its setting alone: it's housed in a former church, superbly enhanced and decorated for its new purpose! There's also a large terrace for those wishing to soak up the sun. It's run by the same team as the Avalon restaurant, which is a guarantee of seriousness and quality. On the plate, fresh produce and a fairly classic menu for brunch. For dinner, the menu features dishes to be shared between guests. Several vegetarian and gluten-free options.

This is the only place to eat in the small town of Tarana. The establishment, which once had several cabins to accommodate visitors, no longer rents them out since the Covid crisis. The chef's specialty is the Tarana Tiger Burger. Fish, steaks and snacks are always available. The pleasant outdoor terrace offers a lovely view of the surrounding area. Byram and Deborah, the owners, provide impeccable service. An address not to be missed in this superb valley on your return from an excursion.