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Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Inner South

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OpenTable
Updated 05 September 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Inner South? 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!


A photo of Fontana - Redfern restaurant
Fontana - Redfern
4.9
4.9 (301)
$41 to $100
Italian
Redfern
About the restaurant
A bustling, independent restaurant located upstairs on Redfern Street.
Fontana serves Italian food from a frequently changing menu, wines made with care, a small selection of cocktails, and plenty of good times.
We have a small bar where walk-ins are always welcome.
Top review
Helen
Dined 1 day ago
Great service, great food, a perfect luncheon! Our waitress’s knowledge about the food and wines guided our choices and we were not disappointed!
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A photo of Fontana large group dining - set menu of a restaurant
Experience
Fontana large group dining - set menu
A photo of Ester restaurant
Ester
4.8
4.8 (191)
$100 and over
Modern Australian
Chippendale
About the restaurant
Ester is a restaurant powered by fire in a pared back, industrially inspired room in Sydney's Chippendale. Head chef Mat Lindsay's produce led approach to food - with an emphasis on native ingredients - is paired with a thoughtful wine list of natural wines from Australia and around the world.
Top review
Samantha
Dined 2 days ago
Never disappoints. Everything is 10/10, food and service stunning.
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A photo of Bar Seating Selected of a restaurant
Experience
Bar Seating Selected
A photo of Standard Booking & Mud Crab of a restaurant
Experience
Standard Booking & Mud Crab
A photo of Bar Seating - Set Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Bar Seating - Set Menu
A photo of Mezepotamia Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Mezepotamia Restaurant & Bar
4.8
4.8 (247)
$41 to $100
Middle Eastern
Redfern
About the restaurant
At Mezepotamia, we take you on a delicious journey through Turkey and the Middle East with a spread of vibrant mezzes, perfectly paired with wines and crafted cocktails. Our mezzes are packed with rich flavours and a nod to tradition, all served with a warm smile in the heart of Redfern. So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and join us for a laid-back, unforgettable experience!
Top review
David
Dined 5 days ago
Everything amazing again except my favourite capsicum dip was missing from the mezze plate entrees 🥲
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A photo of Halloumi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Halloumi
A photo of Onion Dolma of a restaurant
Popular dish
Onion Dolma
A photo of Chef's Selection of a restaurant
Experience
Chef's Selection
A photo of BART Jr. restaurant
BART Jr.
4.7
4.7 (234)
$40 and under
Australian
Redfern
About the restaurant
About Bart Jr.
Bart Jr. is the love child of local lethario and legend Bart, a frisky ginger tomcat, it's also your new favourite neighbourhood bar.

We are passionate about good booze, good food and good times.

TUESDAY - Bart FAMILY Night.
A Pasta & Glass of Wine for $35/hd

WEDNESDAY - Bart CHEF's Menu.
A carefully selected $45/hd menu of all our Fave things.
Our usual delicious Menu also available to order as you like!

THURSDAY - Steak Frites!
Our usual delicious Menu also available to order as you like.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY - Lunch & Dinner.
Good vibes all weekend, regular menu and specials!

SEATING
Standard seating is inside the venue on a stool or chair, Outside seating is under cover on the 'Bart Patio'.
We are a small bar and require flexibility in seating arrangements.

GROUPS
Groups of 7+ Attract a 10% Service Charge and are required to go on a Set Menu.
Top review
Jonathan
Dined 2 days ago
Just a fantastic night. Everything was perfect. Thank you!
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A photo of WEDNESDAY's at Bart. of a restaurant
Experience
WEDNESDAY's at Bart.
A photo of TUESDAY @ Bart - Family Night of a restaurant
Experience
TUESDAY @ Bart - Family Night
A photo of Regina La Pizzeria restaurant
Regina La Pizzeria
4.6
4.6 (41)
$40 and under
Pizzeria
Redfern
About the restaurant
Welcome to Regina La Pizzeria, where mid-century Italian charm meets contemporary dining in the heart of Redfern’s Wunderlich Lane.
Founded by passionate restaurateurs Matteo Ernandes and Michela Boncagni, Regina blends authentic Italian cuisine with warm hospitality, offering a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere.

At the core of our kitchen is Australia’s first Fazzone oven, crafted in Naples, Italy, and known for its ability to create pizzas with the perfect balance of a crispy crust and tender interior.
Matteo, alongside two of Sydney’s finest chefs, Federico Zanellato and Karl Firla, has designed a menu that celebrates quality, tradition, and creativity.

On the floor, Michela ensures every guest feels at home, combining fun, approachable service with professionalism. Our beverage selection, curated by Michela, features distinctive Italian wines and innovative drinks to perfectly complement your meal.
Top review
SusanGold
Dined 1 day ago
Enjoyed sitting at the counter watching wood fire pizzas being made. Wonderful and friendly staff.
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A photo of MARINARA of a restaurant
Popular dish
MARINARA
A photo of Pizza Nutella of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pizza Nutella
A photo of Set Menu - The Bishop’s Strategy - $75pp of a restaurant
Experience
Set Menu - The Bishop’s Strategy - $75pp
A photo of The Potting Shed restaurant
The Potting Shed
4.4
4.4 (4257)
$40 and under
Modern Australian
Alexandria
About the restaurant
The Potting Shed is a place to meet, eat, drink, relax and chat your day and night away – where hanging plants, terracotta pots and timber beams meet brass, brick and iron. Where you can plant yourself down on the swing seat, bench or at the bar and feel like you are on your family’s porch.

It’s a lively place where you can hoe into fresh, locally harvested produce, delivered by our shed-hands. The same hands that will deliver you good-natured banter, craft beers on tap, great tasting wines and unique cocktails.

The menu offers cozy share options for groups, three course substantial meal choices for those wanting to make an evening of it and a fun selection of nibbles for people wanting a light after-work snack with their cocktails or a share jug amongst friends.

Plus, enjoy exclusive after-dark access to The Grounds of Alexandria's latest laneway attractions when you dine in!
Top review
Ros
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent venue, service and food as always. Winnie the Pooh specials were great too.
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A photo of Date Night Romantic Table Setting of a restaurant
Experience
Date Night Romantic Table Setting
A photo of The Grounds' Famous Sunday Roast for Two of a restaurant
Experience
The Grounds' Famous Sunday Roast for Two
A photo of Dine In The Potter's Corner of a restaurant
Experience
Dine In The Potter's Corner
A photo of Holy Duck! restaurant
Holy Duck!
4.4
4.4 (221)
$41 to $100
Contemporary Asian
Chippendale
About the restaurant
Located smack-bang between Central and Broadway, you’ll find Holy Duck! on Sydney’s favourite foodie laneway, Kensington Street. This is modern-Chinese cuisine at its ducking best. You’ll be saying “duck me!” when you taste how they transform traditional dishes into exciting new favourites. With a diverse menu of casual eats and next-level Chinese BBQ, Holy Duck! is a nod to the joys of Chinese street food.

Watch as the chefs expertly prepare crispy, succulent ducks from the huge, traditional hanging gallery. They’re delicious! Not in the mood to duck? No worries. There’s plenty of other meat and vegetarian options. Love hot and spicy? Just ask your friendly waiter for more chilli; that’ll really set off some firecrackers.
Top review
Mervyn
Dined 4 days ago
We ordered the "All you can duck" with the boneless roast duck add on. Food comes out thick and fast and everything was tasty. It was my girlfriends birthday and they bought us a little cake with a candle at the end which was a thoughtful and appreciated touch!
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A photo of $20 Yum Cha Lunch of a restaurant
Experience
$20 Yum Cha Lunch
A photo of $48 All You Can DUCK! of a restaurant
Experience
$48 All You Can DUCK!
A photo of Not Just Duck ! Cantonese Set Menu $58pp of a restaurant
Experience
Not Just Duck ! Cantonese Set Menu $58pp
A photo of The Grounds of Alexandria Cafe restaurant
The Grounds of Alexandria Cafe
4.2
4.2 (3297)
$40 and under
Cafe Dining
Alexandria
About the restaurant
The Cafe food and drinks menu is bursting with fresh flavour, made with the finest quality ingredients and created with The Grounds own grown and locally sourced produce. The Cafe at The Grounds has team of chefs who constantly push the boundaries and reinvents the classics in order to deliver you perfect flavour combinations that will make you want to come back time and time again.

NOTE: At The Cafe, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to dine in, we operate on a walk-in only basis for smaller tables during peak hours. If no tables are available on arrival, we will add you to an electronic waiting list and text you when your table is ready, leaving you free to explore the rest of The Grounds. Rest assured, all groups on the wait list will be able to dine-in on the day.
Top review
Belinda
Dined 4 days ago
Although the venue was extremely busy and there was a little wait for our table the staff were super friendly and kept us updated all the time. Once seated the service was great and our drinks and meal came out fast. Highly recommend. Also the options for children were create not just the standard chips and nuggets or burger. They had some great healthy options.
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A photo of The Glasshouse High Tea of a restaurant
Experience
The Glasshouse High Tea
A photo of The Patisserie High Tea of a restaurant
Experience
The Patisserie High Tea
A photo of Chez Beckett's restaurant
Chez Beckett's
4.2
4.2 (30)
$41 to $100
French
Chippendale
About the restaurant
At Beckett’s Bar & Dining, we celebrate refined French cuisine guided by the creativity of our Head Chef Frédéric Plat.

Our menu showcases seasonal produce and classic techniques, featuring signature dishes such as Escargots en Cocotte baked in garlic butter, Classic Wagyu Beef Tartare and carefully prepared seafood and steak dishes that highlight the richness and elegance of French cooking. Each plate reflects our dedication to craftsmanship and the finest ingredients.

Our bar complements the kitchen with signature cocktails, elegant martinis and an award winning wine list recognised with Three Glasses at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. Guests dine in a softly lit space where heritage character meets modern French style, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Live piano performances add a gentle sense of theatre, making every evening feel relaxed, social and unmistakably Parisian.
Top review
Ana
Dined on 6 Sept 2026
Really lovely dining experience, staff were amazing and friendly and it was lovely to see Chef at work in the open kitchen. Great food and ambiance. Will be back to try more of the menu.
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A photo of LUNCH MENU | 2 or 3 Course of a restaurant
Experience
LUNCH MENU | 2 or 3 Course
A photo of A LA CARTE | Standard Booking of a restaurant
Experience
A LA CARTE | Standard Booking
A photo of Chef's Table | An immersive dinner with the chef of a restaurant
Experience
Chef's Table | An immersive dinner with the chef
A photo of Olio Kensington Street restaurant
Olio Kensington Street
4.1
4.1 (469)
$41 to $100
Italian
Chippendale
About the restaurant
Olio Kensington Street is a modern Italian restaurant that opened in early 2017. Located in The Old Rum Store, it features a contemporary indoor dining room and a rooftop terrace overlooking Chippendale. The menu highlights quality produce and fresh flavours, with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian touches. Olio offers a dining experience that celebrates Italy’s culinary heritage in a refined, modern way.


Top review
Vangelis
Dined on 8 Sept 2026
We had a great time at Olio Kensington Street! The food was absolutely amazing, and the service was excellent. Everything was beautifully presented and delicious. A wonderful experience overall — we’ll definitely be back! Thank you guys . We had the 9 course menu
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A photo of $80 Olio Experience of a restaurant
Experience
$80 Olio Experience
A photo of Olio First Seating Experience! of a restaurant
Experience
Olio First Seating Experience!
A photo of Spring Truffle Experience of a restaurant
Experience
Spring Truffle Experience
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