As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, is there anything better than assembling your nearest and dearest for a languid afternoon of good food and plenty of drinks? The long lunch is a staple in Australian culture – particularly as we near the end of the year. And, luckily for those of us living Sydney-side, there’s arguably no city better equipped for a summer spent long-lunching. Not only does Sydney’s food scene rival some of the best in the world, but the city itself – with its vast harbourside, picturesque, and hidden pockets of inner-city cool – is primed for some pretty stellar restaurant locations.
Below, assemble your friends, colleagues, or family with our pick of six restaurants worthy of your next long lunch booking.
Sean's, North Bondi
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You've probably seen Sean's retro pink interiors and beachfront view splashed over your Instagram feed. Not only is the North Bondi institution one of the most photogenic restaurants in Sydney, but it's also been serving up one of the city's most delicious menus for more than 30 years. Owner Sean Moran champions fresh, local produce, with a simple menu that offers a selection of three entrées, mains, and desserts daily. Be warned: the intimate space only has room for 45 people at a time, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Baba's Place, Marrickville
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Over in Marrickville, Baba's Place has all the makings of a hidden inner west gem -- except it's quickly earned cult status. Housed in a converted industrial warehouse, the space is kitted out in kitsch furniture trinkets, with the kind of flair that feels plucked straight from the home of an eastern European grandmother. The menu is similarly eclectic, paying tribute to a range of cuisines and cultures, through mouth-watering dishes like BBQ chicken with toum and house pickles, or cucumbers spiked with sesame, burnt shallot, and shiso.
Dear Saint Eloise, Potts Point
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If the cosiness of a home-cooked meal is what your after, Dear Saint Eloise has you covered. The unassuming Potts Point bar oozes warmth and charm, in large part thanks to the cozy, dimly-lit interiors, which are hidden behind a nondescript door on Potts Point's Orwell Street. Aesthetics aside, the menu is equally inviting, with classic European nibbles and mouthwatering mains to suit every occasion. There's also a strong emphasis on wine here: the menu spans 400 varieties, with friendly staff there to help you decipher the perfect drop.
Emma's Snack Bar, Enmore
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When you're dining with a big group, it can be easy for the bill to get a little out of hand. For an option that's a little more wallet-friendly, but definitely not short on great food and even better vibes, why not look to Emma's Snack Bar? The inner-west venue has been serving up fresh, authentic Lebanese fare for more than 50 years, and has the loyal clientele to prove it.
Mr Wong, CBD
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With capacity for 200 people at a time, there's a reason Mr Wong has become a go-to for group bookings. But beyond the venue's epic proportions (which still manages to feel moody and ambient, despite its vastness), the venue is home to some of Sydney's most-loved Cantonese food. Headed up by chef Dan Hong (who's also behind Ms Gs, Lotus, and El Loco), platters of dumplings, duck pancakes, and deep-fried ice cream make for the perfect sustenance for your next long lunch.
Theeca, Darlinghurst
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A cafe by day, at night, Theeca transforms into a Darlinghurst hotspot. It's also a favourite for locals looking to host long lunches and intimate dinners, if not for the delectable share plates, then for the venue's 'gram-worthy tablescapes, featuring fresh flowers, eclectic serveware, and plenty of candles.
