Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Sydney

Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Inner South

Red OpenTable logo
OpenTable
Updated 05 June 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 (266)
$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
Caron
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent food! Wonderful service! Terrific experience!
Discover more
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 (156)
$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
Jenny
Dined 1 day ago
Had a wonderful evening - everything was just perfect and the food was delicious!
Discover more
A photo of Bar Seating Selected of a restaurant
Experience
Bar Seating Selected
A photo of BART Jr. restaurant
BART Jr.
4.8
4.8 (220)
$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
Sophia
Dined on 21 May 2026
The service, the food, the atmosphere is always exceptional. Always so accommodating. This is hospitality at its finest. One of Sydney’s best. As always, thank you.
Discover more
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 Mezepotamia Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Mezepotamia Restaurant & Bar
4.8
4.8 (211)
$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
Irene
Dined 1 day ago
This is my 4th time here and this restaurant is a real gem . Food was delicious , full of flavour and fresh . the kanufe has become my new favourite dessert even though it’s a little pricey, I could not resist. Highly recommended for food lovers
Discover more
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 Mezepotamia Feast of a restaurant
Experience
Mezepotamia Feast
A photo of Regina La Pizzeria restaurant
Regina La Pizzeria
4.6
4.6 (28)
$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
Jeannie
Dined on 23 May 2026
Amazingly tasty pizza and pasta, sat at counter and it was fun watching the pizza being made. Bustling popular spot for a good reason.
Discover more
A photo of Pizza Nutella of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pizza Nutella
A photo of MARINARA of a restaurant
Popular dish
MARINARA
A photo of Set Menu - The Bishop’s Strategy - $75pp of a restaurant
Experience
Set Menu - The Bishop’s Strategy - $75pp
A photo of Gavroche Chippendale restaurant
Gavroche Chippendale
4.4
4.4 (383)
$41 to $100
French
Chippendale
About the restaurant
Gavroche Brasserie is your little corner of Paris in the heart of Sydney. It brings not only classic French cuisine to Sydney, but also an accoutrement from the culinary epicentre of the country – like an imposing oakwood entrance from Lyon’s venerable Brasserie Georges, brass-railed banquette seating, oversized carved wooden bar and hand-painted tiled walls for an authentic Parisian experience.

Taste your way through our classic Parisian menu by French-born Chef Batiste Gouraud and his team, from escargots de bourgogne, steak frites and canard confit to the classic crème brûlée. With an array of classic dishes that capture the Parisian spirit, and a wine list with a mix of hand-selected French and Australian wines, you’ve got the buzz of Paris in the heart of Sydney!

Located inside the heritage-listed historic Old Rum Store located on the bustling Kensington Street in Chippendale. In close proximity to Sydney's Central Station and University of Technology.

Top review
Rachael
Dined on 30 May 2026
Had a fantastic area to sit Staff great Not intrusive We had a set menu choice and picked off regular menu All meals full of flavour Great place
Discover more
A photo of $78 I Love Paris Menu - 6 course menu of a restaurant
Experience
$78 I Love Paris Menu - 6 course menu
A photo of $48 Steak Frites of a restaurant
Experience
$48 Steak Frites
A photo of The Potting Shed restaurant
The Potting Shed
4.4
4.4 (4154)
$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
Tasha
Dined 3 days ago
Our recent dining experience was nothing short of spectacular! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, while our waiter's service was top-notch. The food was a true delight, and the birthday dessert with a personalized singing message was a wonderful surprise. We also appreciated the convenient parking. The Sunflower & Swirls walk-through was a divine experience that left us in awe. Our photos 📸 gallery expended to stratosphere.
Discover more
A photo of Date Night Romantic Table Setting of a restaurant
Experience
Date Night Romantic Table Setting
A photo of Dine In The Potter's Corner of a restaurant
Experience
Dine In The Potter's Corner
A photo of Group Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Group Menu
A photo of Eastside Bar & Grill restaurant
Eastside Bar & Grill
4.4
4.4 (201)
$41 to $100
Grill
Chippendale
About the restaurant
Eastside Bar & Grill pays homage to the upmarket dining experiences of New York, nestled within a heritage listed warehouse, evoking the atmosphere of New York’s famed meatpacking district.

At Eastside you'll find incredible seafood and the finest cuts of meat that have been dry-aged in-house and prepared on the beautiful custom-built Parrilla wood-fire grill by Head Chef Sebastian Plazas and team.

Dark, sexy and theatrical, the restaurant features a leather paneled bar with bronze back bar display. A custom brass light fixture, a runway of herringbone flooring and an assortment of steel and leather chairs, marrying the existing raw structure of this 100-year-old building.
Top review
Tina
Dined 2 days ago
Pleasant dining experience! We keep coming back to Eastside! Highly recommended ❤️👍
Discover more
A photo of The Early Table Promotion of a restaurant
Experience
The Early Table Promotion
A photo of $80 Butcher's Banquet of a restaurant
Experience
$80 Butcher's Banquet
A photo of Holy Duck! restaurant
Holy Duck!
4.4
4.4 (200)
$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
Cheryl
Dined on 14 May 2026
I highly recommend this place, we went there for lunch for my daughter’s birthday lunch, the service was fantastic and staff are friendly we had a male waiter sorry I forgot his name he was amazing. He really made my daughter’s birthday really special. Honestly go there you will not be disappointed. Thank you again ‘Holy Duck’ we will be coming back. 💯💯
Discover more
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
4.3
4.3 (3199)
$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
Sarah
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing food and service, we visit the grounds every time we are in Sydney, we normally dine at the potting shed but wanted a more casual lunch. Service was amazing as always, the setting is beautiful and we loved the laneway. The patisserie’s are so delicious, highly recommend.
Discover more
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
Explore Diners' Choice best of Inner South
Best Overall
Best Overall
Best Food
Best Food
Best Service
Best Service
Best Ambience
Best Ambience
Best Value
Best Value
Explore more Diners' Choice lists
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Booking Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo