The dining scene in Sydney has always been fantastically diverse, and that’s especially evident this month with new restaurants serving everything from high-end, pan-Asian cuisine to Ukrainian dishes with heart. Plus, walk with dinosaurs in the Blue Mountains and sleep in a refreshed hotel a stone’s throw from Manly Beach.

FOOD AND DRINK

Fix up, look sharp

Beloved Darlinghurst local and craft beer pioneer Taphouse Sydney reopened in September after a refresh by Applejack Hospitality (Rafi, Forrester’s). The interiors have been updated with respect to the pub’s history (original ceilings and timber flooring) downstairs; plus there’s new summery white picnic tables and linen umbrellas on the rooftop offering an immediate holiday vibe. Hard-to-find brews are still on offer, alongside a menu of pub-friendly Cantonese dishes including egg noodles with crispy pork belly.

Pearl of the Quay

The Lotus Dining Group, known for its casual but modern Chinese restaurants, is branching out for its next venue. Pearl, located in Quay Quarter, will offer refined Cantonese cuisine, centred on dim sum, barbecue and seafood. Get a seat on the balcony with awe-inspiring views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and dig into a cocktail menu packed with refreshing twists.

Bentley heads East

The Bentley Group is known for its refined, high-end restaurants, tome-like wine lists and distinctive takes on European cuisine. The newest venue, King Clarence, shifts focus to explore influences from China, Japan and Korea. Opening in mid-October, find a custom-built barbecue and grill and live seafood tanks as well as an extensive wine list focusing on lesser-known varieties. Located in the CBD in an industrial chic space, expect to see a move lively, rambunctious side to the hospitality group.

Boba time

Bubble tea fans will be thrilled to know Sydney has its first outpost of Milksha, the cult Taiwanese brand with more than 200 stores around the world. Located in Haymarket, fans can try the signature honey pearls, premium tea lattes and coffee options using St Ali beans.

A French touche

Acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi is behind the refresh of The Waiting Room's (TWR) menu, the open-air hotel bar in The Crown Sydney. It’s a display of classic French dishes such as niçoise salad, steak frites and chocolate profiteroles, plus hotel classics like a decadent club sandwich, all using some of Brahimi’s favourite NSW producers.

A Lebanese feast

When the craving for a homecooked meal hits, Feast in the Middle East in Granville will provide. A family-run restaurant, it specialises in both classic Lebanese dishes as well as harder-to-find home style dishes like loubia with meat (green bean stew) and bamia (okra stew).

Chicken Kyiv on Broadway

Get a plate of Ukrainian food, with a side of social action at Kyiv Social, the latest venue from Plate it Forward, a socially minded hospitality organisation dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. Try green borscht soup made with sorrel, chicken Kyiv and all kinds of dumplings made by Ukrainians displaced by the war.

Paris in Potts Point

There’s now a smorgasbord of choice when it comes to French restaurants doing things differently. Caravin is the latest wine bar to open in Potts Point, by the owners who brought us Bar Suze. Don’t come expecting steak frites – think steamed fish with braised prawns and Thai basil, and smoked beetroot with wasabi in an intimate setting.

ACCOMMODATION

Sleep by the beach

Ocean views, chic, minimalist rooms and modern amenities make Peppers Manly Beach an attractive new option for Sydney stays. Previously known at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach, most guests' rooms and serviced apartments have been updated – of note is the Fairy Bower suite, located on the 7th floor, which has a wraparound balcony with glorious views, two bedrooms and an open plan living space.

EXPERIENCES

A taste of Vietnam

The Sydney Opera House is offering a luxurious pre-show dining experience for Opera Australia's epic love story Miss Saigon. Chef Luke Nguyen will prepare a three-course feast at Overture, starting with a glass of sparkling cuvée, with dishes such as five-spice beef short ribs with broccolini, lemon myrtle and Saigon chimichurri, and the decadent coffee cake, lychee pudding, coconut tapioca, fruit and soy sauce ice cream to be enjoyed along with uninterrupted harbour views.

Laneway action

Parramatta Lanes will turn the streets of this Western Sydney hub into a maze of free fun on 11-14 October. More than 120 musical acts across seven stages will play everything from First Nations hip hop to jazz and local up-and-coming acts; food stalls will offer okonomiyaki, biryani and dumplings (plus much more), and larger-than-life artworks will light up the night.

The Lost World

Travel back in time at Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World: catch the world's steepest train into Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains, where the kids can discover with delight a herd of roaring dinosaurs (double the amount of last summer’s experience) via elevated rainforest boardwalks. The Dinosaur Ranger team will talk you through all things fossils and then catch a ride back up on the aerial cable for magnificent views.

A bush cook up

Take a deep dive into Aboriginal food and culture with a new experience by Splendid Tailored Tours. The Indigenous Cooking Class and Picnic, run by mother and daughter duo Kirra and Janelle, is a private class held in Lane Cove National Park – expect stories, food, laughter and spirit.