Now that they’ve had some time to settle in and explore the bustling streets of the Inner-West, the crew from Huffer have selected their nine favourite spots in Newtown to eat, drink and play. See their picks below, and pay Huffer a visit at 216 King Street:
The Stinking Bishops has one mission, and one mission only: To inject as much cheese as possible into the Inner-West. Their stellar reputation suggests that they’re kicking goals in this department, offering over 60 cheeses from around the world in their restaurant. If you’re feeling like something moreish, then there’s the macaroni & cheese dish and classic cheese accompaniments like free range pate, cold meats and an extensive wine list. Pretty much essential for everybody unless you’re severely lactose intolerant.
5/63-71 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Gigi’s caused quite the stir when they decided to implement a 100% vegan menu back in 2015, and while the initial reactions were mixed, the eatery has retained its position as one of Sydney’s most authentic pizzerias. And let’s be honest, if you’re going to open pizza place sans meat and dairy, Newtown is probably the place to do it! Gigi’s has also retained its Associazone Verace Pizza Napoletana certification – one that only a handful of Australian eateries have – which guarantees a traditional approach to the delicate art of pizza. It’s good enough to convert the most dedicated carnivores.
379 King St, Newtown
From day to night, Continental Deli has you sorted. Downstairs, you’ll find a deli by day: Meats, cheeses, salted fish and cocktails that’ve been canned by the crew themselves, playfully titled the Mar-tinny and the Can-hatten. When the clock strikes 6:00pm, the bistro upstairs is open, offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring everything from oxtail to octopus. And to finish off, Continental offer another creation from their preference to can, with cake in a can doused in chocolate and caramel. Can do!
210 Australia St, Newtown
The fact that Young Henrys have a brew called the ‘Newtowner’ should tell you that they’re very proud of their Inner-West roots and building a sense of community around their headquarters, tucked away in a quiet street just a heartbeat from Enmore Road. Their tasting bar and brewery provides a comfortable, rustic space to enjoy their beverages, splashed with music posters and murals from eras past. You can even take a tour of their in-house brewhouse and distillery to see how your fave beverages are born, and with tasty collaborations with everyone from Dune Rats to Brown Cardigan under their belt, you know that Young Henrys are consistently thinking of fun creations filled with attitude.
76 Wilford St, Newtown
Corridor stands as one of Newtown’s favourite intimate bars, even more so in summer – where you can lounge on their rooftop terrace which they call the suburb’s ‘best kept secret.’ The warmer months practically call for long afternoons spent with a Bloody Mary or two, while the local art decorating the walls is also complimented with local brews on tap. Part of the Corridor experience is also the knowledgable bartenders, who can guide you through a thorough cocktail menu if you’re feeling particularly thirsty. Fried nibbles also available, which is a huge plus.
153A King St, Newtown
Doors on the ceiling? Only in Newtown. It comes courtesy of Bloodwood and designer Matt Woods, with an industrial-esque interior built using recycled and reclaimed materials. It makes for an exciting atmosphere before you’ve even tried the food – and when starters like the famed polenta chips with gorgonzola dipping sauce are this good, you know there’s going to be a long night ahead of delicious food. The rest of the menu is filled with BBQ chilli pork, fried chicken and charred lamb and charred brussell sprouts. It’s a scientific fact that every food becomes 26 times better when it’s charred.
416 King St, Newtown
By now, Mary’s needs no introduction. The Newtown burger spot has earned a cult audience over the years, initially born from drunken nights spent wondering how to combine alcohol and fast food. Well, the lads have found the perfect marriage in their Newtown abode, which is frequently packed and unapologetically loud – there’s even a drink dedicated to thrash lords Slayer, so prepare to air guitar to ‘Angel of Death.’ Although Mary’s have expanded their wings to a CBD wing and pubs like The Unicorn and The Lansdowne, there’s a certain snarling, rustic charm about the Newtown spot that can’t be replicated.
6 Mary St, Newtown
American cuisine has been sweeping absolutely every corner of Sydney over the past few years, but it’s hard to go past Hartsyard with US-born chef Gregory Llewelyn steering the ship since 2012. Fried chicken has been the restaurant’s signature for years – so much so that Llewelyn has released a book titled Fried Chicken & Friends alongside his wife Naomi Hart, who also upholds Hartsyard. Power couple! They serve up tasty, crispy, finger-licking food where everything is made in house.
33 Enmore Rd, Newtown
The world’s best gelato, right in our own backyard! Taking out the title at the Gelato World Tour in Italy, this will give you a taste of Europe on the streets of Newtown, with adventurous flavours including Apple & Wasabi as well as a bunch of classics. Sitting right opposite The Enmore Theatre, this is the perfect pre-gig snack before you head onto the dancefloor.
181 Enmore Rd, Enmore