What Food To Try in Sydney and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Sydney for 2025.
National currency: Australian Dollar, symbol — A$ (international currency code AUD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Sydney cafes and restaurants
$11.5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.54
$61.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $45.79
$7.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.11
What to Try in Sydney
Must-try Dishes
Lamb Kebab - Kebap (grilled meat skewers) - Tender pieces of marinated lamb, chargrilled and served with fresh pita bread and tzatziki. Locals often grab this after a night out, especially from a favorite street vendor in the city center.Avocado Smash - Avokado Ezmesi (hearty breakfast staple) - Smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, topped with feta, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. A brunch favorite among locals, it’s often enjoyed on weekends with friends at a café.
Fish and Chips - Balık ve Patates Kızartması (classic coastal dish) - Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut chips and tartar sauce. Popular at seaside pubs, this dish is best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon by the beach.
Meat Pie - Etli Pay (savory pastry) - Comforting meat-filled pie with a flaky crust, typically stuffed with minced beef and gravy. You'll find this hearty dish at bakeries, often gobbled up at lunchtime by busy locals.
Barbecue Octopus - Ahtapot Izgara (grilled seafood treat) - Tender, chargrilled octopus, marinated in lemon and herbs, served with a side of chimichurri sauce. A delightful seafood option popular during summer barbecues, enjoyed with friends along the harbor.
Veggie Paella - Sebze Paella (vegetarian rice dish) - Aromatic saffron-infused rice cooked with seasonal vegetables like peas and bell peppers, often served in a large, communal pan. A great choice during spring and summer, it’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings.
Chili Crab - Acı Crab (spicy seafood delight) - Cracked crab smothered in a spicy tomato and chili sauce, served with crusty bread for dipping. This fiery dish is a local specialty, best enjoyed in winter when the crabs are at their freshest.
Desserts & Drinks
Flat White - Flat White (creamy coffee) - A velvety mix of espresso and microfoam milk, creating a smooth texture without excess foam. Local coffee lovers appreciate it all day, often grabbing one from cozy cafés during their morning ritual.Frosé - Frosé (frozen rosé) - A refreshing blend of rosé wine and frozen fruit, often garnished with herbs or citrus. Ideal for lazy afternoons by the beach, especially during the warmer months; it’s deliciously slushy and full of summer vibes.
Pavlova - Pavlova (meringue dessert) - A light and airy meringue topped with whipped cream and seasonal fruit, usually strawberries and passionfruit. This sweet treat is perfect for celebratory gatherings, especially during holidays when it’s a common centerpiece on dessert tables.
Smashed Avocado Toast - Smashed Avocado (casual brunch classic) - Creamy smashed avocado on artisanal bread, often sprinkled with chili flakes and a drizzle of local olive oil. Usually enjoyed at brunch spots on weekends, it’s become a beloved staple—just don't confuse it with an avocado sandwich!
Acorb Gem - Acorn Gem (seasonal delight) - Muffin-shaped sweets made with caramelized sugar and sprinkled with coconut, created especially during the spring festivals. These little goodies are popular at community fairs, bringing sweetness to celebrations while giving a nod to local traditions.
Food and Groceries in Sydney
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.3 |
| Oranges | $2.51 |
| Potatoes | $2.29 |
| Apples | $3.06 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $2.09 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3.91 |
| Imported Beer | $4.36 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $15.26 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $8.29 |
| Cigarettes | $17.55 |
| Rice | $2.24 |
| Local Cheese | $8.12 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through one of Sydney’s bustling markets last weekend, I was struck by the predictable rhythm of mealtime conversations. Locals swarmed the food stalls around noon, indulging in fresh banh mi or a quick bowl of pho, making it clear that lunchtime is a serious affair here. While tourists might be busy snapping pictures of the vibrant food scene, they often overlook that the best way to experience Sydney is through its meals – timed just right within the local culture.
In terms of typical meal times, breakfast runs from about 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with brunch becoming a weekend favorite that stretches until early afternoon. Lunch spots start filling up around noon and peak around 1:00 PM, while dinner generally sees crowds from 6:00 PM onwards. It’s good to keep in mind that many restaurants get really busy during these times. My personal tip is to aim for a late lunch around 2:00 PM to avoid the rush and score a better table.
Price ranges can vary significantly between districts. For instance, a hearty breakfast can set you back about $25 in the CBD, whereas the same meal in Newtown might only cost around $15. Dinner can swing between $30 to $50 per person in posher areas like Surry Hills, but in neighborhoods like Marrickville, you can enjoy a satisfying meal for around $20. And oh, if you’re a fan of street food, you can feast on tasty options for as little as $10, particularly at night markets.
Payment customs in Sydney are straightforward, but don't be surprised if you encounter cashless venues where you can only pay by card or mobile. The tipping norm here isn’t as pronounced as in other countries; rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage is appreciated but not expected, especially in casual settings.
Now, one common tourist mistake is thinking they can stay in the same area and experience Sydney’s diverse food offerings. Each district, whether it’s the fancy dining in Darling Harbour or the trendy cafés in Bondi, offers its own unique palette. Also, while locals are great at enjoying meals in the sun, don’t hesitate to seek cover during those intense heatwaves that hit in summer – a shady café outdoor seating can be paradise.
As we move deeper into these lunch months, it’s worth paying attention to how prices can fluctuate. Seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets can uplift your meals and offer opportunities for better deals. With such a dynamic food culture, knowing when and where to eat is key to savoring Sydney properly.
In terms of typical meal times, breakfast runs from about 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with brunch becoming a weekend favorite that stretches until early afternoon. Lunch spots start filling up around noon and peak around 1:00 PM, while dinner generally sees crowds from 6:00 PM onwards. It’s good to keep in mind that many restaurants get really busy during these times. My personal tip is to aim for a late lunch around 2:00 PM to avoid the rush and score a better table.
Price ranges can vary significantly between districts. For instance, a hearty breakfast can set you back about $25 in the CBD, whereas the same meal in Newtown might only cost around $15. Dinner can swing between $30 to $50 per person in posher areas like Surry Hills, but in neighborhoods like Marrickville, you can enjoy a satisfying meal for around $20. And oh, if you’re a fan of street food, you can feast on tasty options for as little as $10, particularly at night markets.
Payment customs in Sydney are straightforward, but don't be surprised if you encounter cashless venues where you can only pay by card or mobile. The tipping norm here isn’t as pronounced as in other countries; rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage is appreciated but not expected, especially in casual settings.
Now, one common tourist mistake is thinking they can stay in the same area and experience Sydney’s diverse food offerings. Each district, whether it’s the fancy dining in Darling Harbour or the trendy cafés in Bondi, offers its own unique palette. Also, while locals are great at enjoying meals in the sun, don’t hesitate to seek cover during those intense heatwaves that hit in summer – a shady café outdoor seating can be paradise.
As we move deeper into these lunch months, it’s worth paying attention to how prices can fluctuate. Seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets can uplift your meals and offer opportunities for better deals. With such a dynamic food culture, knowing when and where to eat is key to savoring Sydney properly.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
Everyone knows the story of how kangaroos were brought to Australia, and they, lacking natural predators and possessing heightened "edibility," proliferated uncontrollably? It seems we were told about this in school, as they say, the written truth: in Australia, kangaroos are everywhere! 🙆♀️
How surprised I was when I learned that this is not quite the case. Buying kangaroo meat in a store is nearly impossible; they simply aren’t available! And online, you find it in the exotic section, alongside crocodile and emu meat, but the kangaroo available is wild, not farmed. 🐨
But I am an adventurous eater! And I love to try unique flavors. That's why last week I sought it out! 😉
EXOTIC!!! 😱😱😱 And for $30 per kilogram! 😩😩😩 For comparison, chicken is about $4-5, pork $7-8, and premium beef can be found for $15.
But that’s not all! 😲 The average weight of these chunky creatures is around 1 kg! 😩 Maximum - 1.2! What is that???!!! 🤩🤩🤩 And how can it be that “kangaroo meat is not only nutritious but also 3, or even 4 kilograms of diet-friendly, lean meat!”
In taste, it turned out to be quite delectable, but the sensation it left me feeling was... 😕 »
We don't eat out every day; we try to cook at home more. First, I enjoy it, and second, it saves a lot of money. The average price for a hot dish in a restaurant is about $30, and a glass of wine goes for $10-15. For groceries, we go to the nearest Woolworths, where there's always a big selection and everything is fresh. On the downside, supermarkets are freezing cold, so I find myself running rather than walking around. »