Marrickville

It's official – Marrickville is one of the world's coolest spots. The up and coming Inner West suburb placed 10th in the annual Time Out survey of the coolest neighbourhoods around the globe. And it's easy to see why.

Make sure you’re hungry when you arrive, because its reputation as an eating suburb is well deserved. A former Greek enclave, you can still find a great Greek deli and Greek restaurants, plus an amazing Italian cheese shop, but the predominant flavour in this inner Sydney neighbourhood these days is Vietnamese.

Things to do

If you’re into the arts or enjoy live music, you’ll have a fine time in Marrickville. It’s home to three venues that each have their own vibe. Red Rattler is a community-run warehouse theatre, the Factory Theatre puts on live performances from emerging talent and Camelot Lounge has everything from cabaret to comedy.

On Sundays, visit Marrickville Market at the Addison Road Community Centre to pick up everything from organic fruit to handmade goods. While there, pop into Reverse Garbage, a creative reuse centre that will unearth some treasures and support you with DIY skills.

Eat and drink

Stroll along Marrickville Road for fantastic Vietnamese at Pho PHD, the old school Corinthian Greek Rotisserie to Italian food hub Paesanella Food Emporium, which has the cheese room of your dreams as well as a cafe and pizza bar. Nearby Illawarra Rd is where you’ll find one of the best banh mi in Sydney at the tiny Marrickville Pork Roll.

Cafe culture is alive and kicking in Marrickville, with many warehouse spaces being transformed into coffee roasters. Coffee Alchemy on Addison Road has single origin and house blends, Roastville Coffee is on Victoria Road and Ona Coffee is so serious about their brews that they encourage you to ask the barista where it came from.

An easy way to enjoy the flavours of Marrickville is on a foodie tour. Gourmet Safaris is a wonderful introduction to what the suburb offers or join Dave’s Brewery Tours for locally brewed craft beer, plus classic pubs, hip small bars and microbreweries such as the Batch Brewing co. 

A local favourite is the beautifully restored art deco The Henson, a pub with a traditional front bar and a charming beer garden that includes a play area for the kids. The Vic on the Park is a popular pet-friendly venue while The Marrickville Hotel is a cross between a small bar and a pub.

Getting there

Marrickville is 7km from Central station and an easy 20 minute train or bus trip from the city centre.