Kings Cross Food and wine

The best food, wine, restaurants and bars in the Cross

Kings Cross caters to food and wine fans, cocktail lovers and party animals, but on weekends, it’s a total zoo – so keep your wits about you!

Start with a casual drink at The King’s Cross Hotel, a towering multi-level establishment at the top of William Street and opposite the iconic Coke sign. The Rooftop Garden Bar may be four flights up, but it’s worth the hike for the views and the chilled-out ambiance – and the levels below, including the subterranean Dive Bar – aren’t too shabby either.

Peckish? On the main strip, Barrio Chino is both bar and budget Mexican eatery – but it’s often packed, so if you can’t get in, head down Llankelly Place to Wilbur’s Place, which serves hearty food at very reasonable prices. Or mosey over to bar/restaurant Concrete Blonde on Bayswater Road, which serves up decent Mod Oz fare and is good for dinner or Sunday lunch.

There’s a choice of casual or fine dining at the two-hat Bistro Ortolan on Bayswater Road, or try Hugo’s Bar Pizza across the road. Also on this strip, bars to check out include The World Bar; it hosts open mic nights, local indie bands, DJs and a serious party vibe (and is famous for its Teapot Cocktails). Over on Roslyn Street, where the iconic Barons used to be, you’ll find Gastro Park, with a menu serious gourmands won’t want to miss.

The LL Wine and Dine site, down Llankelly Place, was once an illegal casino and then, an adult book store. These days, the slick space is as classy as they come (and worth a visit for the Chilli and Coconut Martini). Of course, if you’d rather plonk yourself right in the midst of the action, head to Goldfish or The Piano Room – both are heavy on attitude and perfect for people watching! Hard-core party animals should venture behind 21’s solid black metal door on Kellett Street; part cocktail bar, part club, it’s open til 5am. Nearby, the Iguana Bar remains a grungy old favourite, even if it isn’t the rock star hangout it was years ago.