5 Best Restaurants in Sydney CBD (Walk From Martin Place)
4 min
Work requires lunch out with clients regularly. Most times I go to a tried and true list of close by good but nothing special places. But it is good to have a list of places to go with your “better friends” that are a bit special.
My criteria to select this list was:
- In CBD itself—not CBD adjacent, which is usually to far, complicated for work lunch
- Able to book at short notice
- Good food, nice space, good service.
- Well priced—more than cheap and cheerful, less than, “nice but expensive” and
- There is something memorable about it.
1. Monopole
Light and airy space under Australia Square. Great food, big and interesting wine list, happy patrons, helpful staff. All good.
Menu is a treat—all sorts of things you have had before—but presented in a new and delicious way. We think we are too cool to take pictures of the food—but an exception should be made here as it looks as good as it tastes.
Address
Interior
Interior design reflects the menu’s marriage of traditional and modern. Large white light fixtures, blond-oak tables and chairs, while bespoke brass and Perspex mobiles hang overhead.
Perfect for a sunny day—classy place to feel good.
2. Mercado
Mercado offers a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean, with Spanish cuisine being a particular focus.
While there are plenty of yum vegetables to eat here, the meat courses really shine. Mercado works with small farmers, growers and producers, sourcing finest ingredients, so the menu changes with the best that is available on the day.
Address
4 Ash St, Sydney
Interior
A bit dark and hidden, perfect for what might be a long lunch.
3. Papillon
Excellent small French restaurant with wonderful food. The menu is what you expect for French restaurant. The menu is listed online. They will have a number of specials too and are always worth a look.
The wine list is limited, there are excellent their wines by the glass. There should be something to suit all tastes (provided you like French food). Room is small so booking needed. Atmosphere is good and the staff are attentive. A great venue for lunch with friends.
Address
Interior
Small room but always lively with a great atmosphere.
4. Tapavino
Located near Circular Quay, Tapavino is a Spanish tapas place split into two levels. Upstairs will be for those who thought ahead and made a booking in advance, while the ground floor, the bar and the outside seating has ample seating for the less organised walk-ins.
Big long list of tapas. Some mainstays, some unexpected, usually lots of specials. Lots of new things to try or stick to your favourites. You can’t really go wrong. Excellent food and wine, excellent atmosphere, squashy upstairs a bit loud, good fun for lunch or dinner.
Address
6-8 Bulletin Place Sydney
Interior
Two levels with great atmosphere. Upstairs will require a booking and the downstairs is a more casual bar and outdoor seating experience.
5. Ragazzi
Ragazzi is a small Italian café in Angel Place back alley.
This one breaks rule of easy to book—but if you are a planner a lunch here is well worth the advance effort.
Scott Williams who heads up the kitchen is a gifted pasta-crafter . Pasta specials on the day are terrific. The regular food and drink on menu have never failed to please. Relaxed and casual lunch.
Ragazzi’s menu is not extensive, a few starters, six or so pastas, two – three bigger protein-led dishes, salads or greens followed by desserts and cheese.
Address
Shop 3 2-12 Angel Place Sydney
Interior
Small Italian café in the back alley of Angel Place. Ragazzi is not a tablecloth fancy service place. Pre-Covid it was a bit snuggly but now it is spaced out as required. Making booking a bit harder. Ragazzi has a large table that works well for a small group.
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
This exemplary property in the heart of Toorak boasts a Paul Bangay-designed garden.
2 min
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Address: 8 Robertson Street, Toorak, VIC
Price guide: $19,950,000
Auction: Private Sale
Agent: The listing is with Marshall White Stonnington; Marcus Chiminello (0411 411 271), Mandy Zhu (0411 893 168), and Alan Crawford (0423 747 155).
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
