Food and Wine in Parramatta
Those in the know arrive at Parramatta hungry. This way, they can fit in a light brunch before exploring World Heritage sites or seeing a show at Riverside Theatre and by the time they're done, they’re ready for lunch. You're spoilt for choice, with a variety of fantastic restaurants that range from fine dining to authentic, traditional cuisine.
Eating in Parramatta
Start out at Church Street, Parramatta's major ‘eat street' which is lined with alfresco dining options. It's close to Riverside and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Old Government House and Parramatta Park. Enjoy a coffee and a pastry at Bourke Street Bakery, Laos/Thai cuisine at Holy Basil or Lebanese at local institution, El-Phoenician.
Discover the hidden delights in the smaller side streets, such as acclaimed Malaysian restaurant Temasek, modern Australian cuisine at Courtney’s Brasserie, which has been operating for nearly 40 years, The Ginger Tiger at The Collector Hotel for Thai or Sahara for Turkish cuisine.
Drinking in Parramatta
Like the rest of Sydney, Parramatta locals take their coffee seriously. Circa Espresso is a standout for coffee and Middle Eastern breakfasts. If you can't get in, other popular options include Social Hideout, Paper Plane Café, XS Espresso, White Henry Espresso Bar and social enterprise Darcy St Project.
If coffee isn't your preferred form of caffeine, make a beeline for the Gatehouse Tea Rooms. Built in 1887, it's one of the oldest high tea venues in Australia and has UNESCO World Heritage Listing. The tea rooms at Elizabeth Farm are open on weekends and offer another chance to have a colonial-style tea break.
For something a lot more modern, scan the cocktail menu at Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar or Alex & Co. One of the swankiest places to have a drink is Nick and Nora's, a champagne rooftop bar on level 26 with breathtaking city views. Or head to the opposite end of the spectrum to Uncle Kurt's, a hidden bar tucked away under a carpark.
Parramatta Food festivals
In October, Parramatta Lanes' vibrant mix of food, pop-up bars, live music and cutting-edge art in eight themed spaces across the suburb draws huge crowds. Parramasala in March celebrates Western Sydney’s cultural diversity with food, music, dance and more. Find out about more arts and culture events by checking out the exciting events calendar.
Sub-continental cuisine
Some of the best Indian and South-Asian restaurants in Australia, such as Chatkazz and and Billu's are in Harris Park, an easy walk from neighbouring Parramatta or only one train stop from Parramatta Station. Wigram Road is the local ‘eat street’ where you’ll find a tempting range of eateries, including casual and vegetarian options.
Getting to and staying in Parramatta
Getting to Parramatta is easy by public transport, a train from Central Station is less than 30 minutes. You can also take a ferry from Circular Quay, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past harbour islands, to Parramatta Wharf. The scenic ride is about 80 minutes. You’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.