When it comes to choosing the best Surry Hills restaurants, it helps that Man of Many is talking about its own backyard. With an office located in the heart of Darlinghurst, the team is only a stone’s throw from some of the best bars, restaurants, and local haunts, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about picking a good spot. Nonetheless, in putting together their list Man of Many considered a wide range of cuisines, drinks options, and price points before rounding up their top spots in the guide below.

Our list of Surry Hills’ best restaurants goes like this.

A friendly neighbourhood bar in the heart of Surry Hills, The Rover is a bar with charm and sophistication like no other. After reopening its doors in 2022, the bar and restaurant have revealed the final phase of its much-anticipated reinvigoration, complete with a British-inspired seafood bistro upstairs, serving a coastal-inspired menu and fresh seafood. You can also enjoy seasonal cocktails, biodynamic wine and all the dimly-lit, good vibes you could dream of.

With a focus on Italian classics married with a creative spin, Pellegrino 2000 is Sydney’s answer to a modern, Italian garage-style trattoria. The mood is set as soon as you step inside, with decor firmly affirming the Italian inspiration, with framed vintage photographs, packets of pasta and bottles of olive oil adorning the space, which gets even better when you head downstairs to the wine cellar that doubles as a moody dining room. We recommend the rigatoni bolognese, paired with one of the many Italian drops on offer, of course.

A Bourke Street institution, Jane is a 70s throwback with all-Australian, fine-dining quality. The sister venue to Surry Hills fine diner Arthur, the menu is what really sets the Jane apart, packed full of nostalgic dishes inspired by head chef Rosier’s memories of his grandmother, made with unique Australian ingredients. We can’t go past the kangaroo mortadella gougere, the lamb dumplings with saltbush, chilli and yoghurt, and the mango Tasmanian saffron sorbet for dessert.

Nomad is a celebration of the world’s finest produce and best wines in a cosy dining space in Surry Hills. The menu is full of smoky flavours, inspired by the chef’s travels through Spain, Morocco and the Middle East. We recently had a chance to dine at NOMAD for the launch of the new Mini Electric Hatch in Sydney and sample the chefs tasting menu, it was simply outstanding and we can’t wait to go back. Did we mention the wine list is an ode to small growers making sustainable wines across the globe? Fine dining with a touch of sustainability.

A true amalgamation of Italy, South America and of course, Surry Hills, Bastardo has it all. While Italian influences dominate the menu, there’s also a solid Argentinian influence, however, we can’t go past the pasta —  the Conchiglie with Zucchini Flowers, Garlic, Chilli & Stracciatella deserves a special mention. And, there is a wine list with over 150 drops, so don’t forget to try a few to complement the kilos of pasta you will undoubtedly be devouring.

It’s not often that an Indian restaurant doubles as a classy Surry Hills bar, but Foreign Return is here to change that. Taking a modern take on Indian cuisine, you can expect a combination of age-old Indian recipes, modern Indian fare, and an edgy, Indian-inspired cocktail list, right in Surry Hills. They have a vegan menu, a la carte menu, a feasting menu and a chakhna menu, which all pay homage to the cultural influences that have shaped the Indian diaspora. Oh, and they offer a bottomless brunch every weekend, starting from $79 per person, not that you need convincing.

Known for its laid-back vibes, Poly is the perfect spot for quality food and drinks when you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual. The wine menu is dominated by small-scale producers, championing wines with minimal intervention. The food menu is designed to be wine-friendly — we love the Moreton Bay Bug served with fermented hot sauce butter, the smoked beetroot with fried garlic and labneh and the almond and egg yolk tart for dessert.

In the mood for something Spanish? Look no further than La Salut, conveniently located on Cleveland Street. The wine shop and tapas bar have a strong seafood focus, think caviar with patatas bravas and crema fresca and the infamous Jatz-like crackers topped with anchovies, tomato and a manchego custard. The food menu is accompanied by an extensive wine list that explores Spanish wine, while the bottle shop is more international in scope.

A culinary experiment turned fine-dining success, Firedoor’s signature style of cooking with fire is what sets it apart. Upon a visit to this Surry Hills establishment expect smokiness, plenty of meat options and a new flavour experience that will have you coming back for more. This has been a staple of the best Surry Hills restaurants for years, and for good reason.

Affordable fine dining in a relaxed space – what more could you want? The warm interior which looks out onto Bourke streets quaint terrace houses is also an essential part of the Arthur experience. A set menu paired with the finest local wines for an additional $80pp is the perfect combination for a memorable evening at one of the best Surry Hills restaurants.

For the carnivores amongst us, Porteno is your place. This Surry Hills restaurant is a taste of authentic Argentinian BBQ with a combined wine store and tapas wine bar. We suggest trying the 42-day dry-aged riverine rib eye on the Bone if you want the full Porteno experience.

An all-day eatery with a prime location on Surry Hills’ bustling Crown Street, stop by Bartolo at any time of the day. We recommend coming to Bartolo if you’re in the mood for a long lunch with indulgent Italian food and an endless stream of wine being poured into your glass. Yes, they offer one of our favourite bottomless brunches in Sydney!

Bills in Surry Hills is a sleek establishment offering some of the best food in Sydney from breakfast until late into the evening. Our favourite time to visit is breakfast time for the special occasion brekky. Start your day off with a white peach bellini paired with a ‘Fresh Aussie’ breakfast complete with gravlax, poached eggs, greens, avocado and tomatoes.

An exotic fusion of Australian and South-East Asian flavours, Chin Chin is a bustling foodie hub. Taking up two levels, the menu matches the space in size and there are also plenty of banquet menus to fill you up. The neon lights make this the perfect spot for a fun celebration.

One of the best restaurants in Surry Hills for authentic, delicious Middle-Eastern flavours, Nour knows no boundaries. Take a journey through Middle Eastern towns through the charred flavours and vibrant colours of the restaurant’s interior. Enjoy your meal with one of Nour’s signature cocktails for the full, sensory experience.

The Dolphin Hotel is the answer to a classic pub that has it all – food, a wine bar, beers and a rooftop. The no-thrills menu is full of the classics, with plenty of burger and salad options. The stylish interiors and central location on Crown Street make it the perfect spot for a Sunday arvo bevvy in the sun.

At Don’t Tell Aunty it’s a family affair, reminiscent of the neighbourly comrade created through cooking and sharing delicious food. But here it’s a little different- Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Expect vibrant street foods, tandoori specialities and plenty of chai.

A cocktail bar that also has a delectable menu, you’ll be here all night long – good tunes, delicious cocktails and tasty food. The menu is seasonal and full of weekly specials. You can’t go past the Black Angus Sirloin with black garlic mustard – delish!

Izakaya is one of the best restaurants in Surry Hills if you’re in the mood for Japanese. The menu is aplenty and has some delicious veggie options. Our favourite is the cauliflower Nanban for vegetarians or the kingfish ceviche for the ceviche lovers out there.

You can taste the passion that is put into the pizzas at D.O.C, and combined with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you can see why it’s one of the best restaurants in Surry Hills. Their pizza dough has been evolving since 1969 and there are so many delicious pizzas on the menu we can’t possibly recommend just one!

Not just a humble wine bar, Gildas manages to balance food, drinks and atmosphere in equal measure. Paying homage to the original pintxo created in San Sebastian which coincided with the screening of the film, Gilda, this Surry Hills hot spot seamlessly combines the Basque region and Australia. Whilst drinks are the main show here, from delicate fino to the richer expressions of the Sherry spectrum, this doesn’t mean the food menu holds back, with options for a quick bite, a few snacks, or something bigger to share.

Butter is a hybrid like no other, combining sneakers, fried chicken and champagne in one location in Surry Hills. This doesn’t mean they are complacent with their food menu though, which goes above and beyond the classics. They have Nutella fries and the ‘Butter Box’ which includes most things on the menu!

One of the first plant-based eateries in Sydney, Yulli’s has paved the way for the vegan and gluten-free fine dining scene. With plenty of events including live art, spoken word, film nights and live music, there is always something going on. And yes, the famed Yulli’s brewery was also born here- so expect an array of delicious brews as well.