Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in New South Wales

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in New South Wales? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Stick

4.8

4.8 (123)

$41 to $100

Global, International

Port Macquarie

About the restaurant

Over 18 only. Stick is a restaurant focusing on food that can be cooked over a wood fire and has a selection for all diets. Most global cuisines have a specialty food served on a stick and that is the predominant menu theme, amongst another delicious tapas ideal for group sharing. The bar team at “Stick” will also be serving high quality cocktails that are now one of the latest revival beverage/bar trends. The cocktail recipes will follow the Codex system that simplifies the concept behind complex recipes. Stick also has a selection of craft and non-craft beer, as well as a selection of sommelier chosen wines. Nestled down a secret alley, it's a suave space dimly lit by antique lights and flickering candles, perfect for groups, couples, or individuals.

Top review

Richard

Dined on 16 Nov 2024

Great food, great atmosphere, the staff were amazing. Loved it, and I'll be back!

Larrys's Pizzeria and Cocktail Bar

4.8

4.8 (81)

$40 and under

Italian

Broadway

About the restaurant

LARRY’S PIZZERIA
home of the Happy as Larry Pizza Truck
A new pizzeria/ cocktail bar coming to Botany

Top review

anna

Dined 7 days ago

What a great place ! Fanatstic food, drinks and ambience ! Love having this place so close.

DUX

4.7

4.7 (49)

$41 to $100

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Albury

About the restaurant

Welcome to Dux, where excellence is the new standard.
For curated wines, cocktails and share plates, a seat at the bar or an intimate table awaits. You bring the witty banter, and we’ll take care of the rest. With distinction.

Dux sits proudly in the heart of Albury, serving share food, boozy cocktails and an enviable choice of quality beer and wine. Named Critic’s Pick in the SMH Good Food Guide 2025. Take a front row seat at the bar, find an intimate corner, or grab a table with the family - once inside you will immediately feel the Dux culture.

Top review

Zoe

Dined 3 days ago

Food was incredible and service was outstanding. Had a really enjoyable date night and will be returning!

Paterson Tavern & Bistro

4.7

4.7 (25)

$40 and under

Australian

Paterson

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Upper Hunter Valley, the Paterson Tavern & Bistro is a charming country pub and bistro that offers a delightful dining experience. With a focus on serving delicious and contemporary Australian pub food, the Paterson Tavern & Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The menu features a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes, from classic pub fare to more modern and innovative creations. The chefs use fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. The Paterson Tavern & Bistro also has a great selection of wines, beers, and spirits. The friendly staff is always happy to help you choose the perfect drink to complement your meal. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a special occasion dinner, the Paterson Tavern & Bistro is the perfect place to go. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Top review

Dave

Dined on 6 Dec 2024

Great evening out with family and friends. Welcoming atmosphere and staff. Order process is a bit chaotic but does give you a chance to mingle.

The Mez Club

4.6

4.6 (830)

$41 to $100

Mediterranean

Byron Bay

About the restaurant

Inspired by Moroccan architecture and the Greek Islands, The Mez Club opened its doors in September 2016 and is renowned for its beautiful styling and feel good vibe. The Mez Club was designed to offer locals and tourists alike a beautiful and feel good meeting place which has a flexible menu, that works for both grazing and dining. The upstairs space known as The Souk has been designed specifically to care for parties and group events. We welcome you and your friends to join us in enjoying our restaurant and of course, beautiful Byron Bay.

Top review

Dianne

Dined 6 days ago

Brilliant night, thank you 🙏 service and food was exceptional! Will be back when we are in Byron xo 💋

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4.5

4.5 (374)

$41 to $100

Asian

Lennox Head

About the restaurant

Mr Tipsy's is the love child of Industry professionals Peter Walker & Ben Taylor.
Bursting onto the scene in the beautiful coastal town of Lennox Head in November 2021 you can expect to experience a burst of flavours from across Asia. The menu is designed with love and dedication assuring that there is something for everyone.
Enjoy indoor or outdoor alfresco dining complimented by a casual atmosphere and energetic funky beats.
Signature favourites are Tipsy's special fried rice, Taiwanese fried chicken bao buns, Rendang beef curry & Char Kway Teow Malaysian noodles. For the sweet tooth you can't go past the crispy mars bar wontons.
The locals favourite cocktails include our grilled pineapple and chilli margarita, nashi pear sour, wasabi bloody mary and pink samurai.
Kick the sand off your feet and let us take you on a culinary adventure across Asia.
Who knows. Mr Tipsy himself might even grace you with his presence and spin a yarn or two.
We look forward to seeing you very soon.

Top review

Deb

Dined 4 days ago

As always, the food was incredible. Great flavours and all served promptly and correctly. Service was really good. We’re regulars so decided to bring our visitors from Sydney. They loved it too.

The Yard Brewery and Smokehouse

4.5

4.5 (335)

$40 and under

Brewery

Morisset

About the restaurant

The Yard Brewery and Smokehouse, home to Yard Kings Brewing Co.
Visit our tap house bar in Morisset, serving dangerously drinkable craft beers and low 'n' slow cooked meats from our onsite smokehouse. Meat taster plates, loaded fries, nachos, smoked kransky dog and brisket burgers are just a few highlights from our mouth-watering menu.
Kick-back and enjoy the relaxed vibe with live music every weekend.
Looking for somewhere intimate and cosy to hang out? Venture upstairs to our adults-only area "The Deck", enjoy our range of brews and cocktails in comfy chairs with a view of over the brewery below.
Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged, so if your desired date appears 'booked out'. Don't be discouraged. Only half of tables are available to book in advance.

Top review

Darren

Dined 5 days ago

The food and drinks were fantastic but it was a little bit warm in the seated are a few more fans would be great 👍👍 10 out of 10

Maew Maew

4.5

4.5 (138)

$40 and under

Thai

Terrigal

About the restaurant

MAEW MAEW! Terrigal's coolest Thai restaurant! 90 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260

Top review

Amber

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent wait staff, so helpful, fast service, great cocktails

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4.3

4.3 (413)

$40 and under

Bistro

Ettalong Beach

About the restaurant

For classic bistro-style dining with something for everyone, this is the place! Juicy steaks from the grill, schnitzels, succulent fresh seafood, pasta, salads and kids’ meals….with beautiful views to match.

Choose to dine on the sun-drenched Tallow Beach Terrace or Bistro 51.

While you dine at Bistro 51, the kids can enjoy our Starfish Kids Play Zone which features an enclosed play area for younger children plus arcade games.

Top review

Maria

Dined on 18 Dec 2024

Fabulous Venue for Friends and Family Staff are So Friendly Food is Great Value Generous Serves Highly recommend

Don Pedros Umina Beach

4.2

4.2 (56)

$40 and under

Mexican

Byron Bay

About the restaurant

If you like your margs spicy, your music loud & tacos with a crowd, Don Pedro's is the place to be! We bring the vibes, food and keep the drinks flowing all night long. With three venues across Sydney and Byron, rest assured we have you covered for your celebrations. With set menus are available, we’re perfect for any function and venue hire needs.

Top review

Debbie

Dined 5 days ago

The food was amazing, service was ok after we had to physically find a staff member to take our order. Initially we were taken to a table and then totally ignored for the next 15 minutes

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