The best restaurants in Potts Point

In recent years, Potts Point in inner-city Sydney has established itself as one of the premium dining destinations in the city. Less than 2km from the CBD, it was once better known for its colourful nightlife, thanks to its proximity to Kings Cross. These days, however, the leafy locale has become popular with the well-heeled who enjoy its proximity to amenities, the array of well-preserved Art Deco apartment buildings, as well as an increasingly diverse culinary scene.

Whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week bite, a celebratory feast, or simply a delicious late night snack and a drink, Potts Point boasts a range of unique dining options, from casual eats to delectable dining.

Here are our favourites venues to visit in 2024.

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Fratelli Paradiso 

Regarded as one of Sydney’s first truly ground-breaking dining venues, Fratelli Paradiso has become a dining institution in the leafy Paris quarter of Potts Point, where it has remained since its opening in 2001. You come to Fratelli Paradiso—or “Frat Paz”, as it’s colloquially known—for a vibrant ambiance, unparalleled hospitality service, and a true taste of Italy.

Be sure to order classics like the calamari Sant’ Andrea (fried calamari with a special paradiso sauce); lasagna al forno; and of course, the tiramisu.

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Franca

A local’s favourite— and an institution in the making—Franca is the quintessential French-style brasserie that every notable suburb should have. Here at Franca, where its owners have “created an atmosphere built around a sense of belonging”, its soul lies in the exceptional menu that boats French classics with a modern twist.

Meat lovers, rejoice in classics like steak frites, or the equally-impressive, lunch-only Franca Burger with frites. Don’t miss out on the Sunday roast, either; the Plat du Jour is a generous 600g Chateaubriand Tenderloin paired with Sauce Diane, accompanied by a rotating selection of seasonal side dishes…delicious!

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The Apollo 

Another stalwart among Potts Point foodies, The Apollo is inspired by the ease and simplicity of Mediterranean hospitality, with a strong focus on community and shared food experiences. The menu, which highlights predominantly Greek classics, is as good as you’ll find anywhere outside of Greece. Start with the taramasalata dip with warm homemade pita bread, and saganaki cheese with oregano and honey. For mains, you can’t go past the oven baked lamb shoulder with tzatziki. Don’t leave without trying the traditional honey donuts, either!

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Cho Cho San

The cuisine that you can expect to find at the popular Cho Cho San would not be out of place in downtown Tokyo. This modern interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine calls for inventive Izakaya-inspired dishes that, as the restaurant proclaims, delivers “maximum enjoyment”.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy an assortment of snacks paired with Sake, or looking to feast on banquets that include mouth-watering pork katsu steam buns, fried soy rice with shiitake and egg, and stockyard striploin, it’s hard to go wrong.

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Yellow 

By now, it’s becoming clear that as a dining destination, Potts Point caters for everyone. Yellow is testament to this statement. From the team behind celebrated venues in Bentley Restaurant & Bar and Monopole comes Sydney’s first fine-dining vegetarian and vegan restaurant. That was 2016. Today, Yellow is a favourite for those seeking the finest—and tastiest—vegan cuisine.

Co-owner and chef Brent Savage is behind the success of its inventive menu, which centres around a famed six-course set menu, built around seasonal fresh produce that is brimming with colour, texture and flavour. Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan-inclined, Yellow comes highly recommended as a true culinary experience.

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Ezra

For co-owners Nick and Kirk Mathews Bowden, opening Ezra—their take on Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan dining scene—in the heart of Potts Point was a non-negotiable. As Potts Point locals, and former co-owners of French brasserie Bistro Rex, their time and effort is now dedicated to Ezra, the quaint 90-seater bar and restaurant with a clear dedication—and celebration—of Ashkenazi, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, and Jewish culinary staples alike.

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Dear Sainte Éloise

If you’re after a quaint wine bar-vibe for that low-key midweek dining experience, it’s very likely that Dear Sainte Éloise will become a favourite. Like its name—a reference from the George Orwell book, Down and Out in Paris and London—this restaurant and wine bar is heavily focused on curating one of the best wine lists in Sydney. The 400-strong wine list might intimidate some, but let the very capable team guide you along the way. Of course, be sure to enjoy a tipple with tasty plates of anchovies on brioche, burrata with salsa verde, and tuna crudo with yuzu sesame.

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Ms G’s

From the team behind some of Sydney’s most frequented dining destinations (like Mimi’s, Huberts, and Totti’s), Justin Hemme’s formidable Merivale outfit brings an authentic yet playful approach to various Asian cuisines to Potts Point (but they prefer you don’t use the word ‘fusion’). Led by executive chef Dan Hong, you can expect a wide-roaming menu that serves a side of the unpredictable; cheeseburger spring rolls, anyone?

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