It’s been said before, Paramatta is on its way to becoming the next Sydney CBD, but this time in the heart of Greater Western Sydney. With its buzzy nightlife, culinary hub, and parks, it’s a great place to live or visit.
You can thank the younger families and university town for its cheap eats, and culture. The government has been continuously reinvigorating the area, which also happens to be a riverside region. Expect an artsy scene, a melting point of cuisines, and plenty of lush green parks to bask in.
With that said, here are the best restaurants and bars in Parramatta to discover.
Restaurants
Lilymu
Lilymu is a venture created by Nour’s Ibby Moubadder and Jorge Farah. The kitchen is steered by former Mr Wong chef, so expect a Chinese-centred menu, with strong South Asian vibes. The interior is modern, dark, and moody, with neon lights adorning walls. The banquet menu, which is between $88 to $118 per person is the best way to taste the best of the kitchen, but if you’re worried about having too much on your plate, just order a few small and large plates to share. The bar is also shaking and stirring some pretty impressive cocktails.
Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches
If you’re looking for a quick casual lunch, stop by Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches, for American-diner style sandwiches. The kind on big long baguettes, stuffed with deli meats, vegetables, and slathered in sauce. Each sub is around $15, or $14 for classic subs, including turkey sandwiches, and meatball subs. The pastrami sub with cured and pepper-crusted beef is a must. The roasted low and slow brisket is also a winner. Did we mention they have a Nutella fountain?
Butter
Butter needs little introduction. Similar to its other locations, the Paramatta store sells fried chicken, French champagne and footwear. This little spot is great for a casual bite or bucket of fried chicken tenders and a delicious cocktail. You can find vegetarian and vegan options too now, thanks to Impossible Foods. You can’t go wrong with a stop at Butter.
Chefs Gallery
While you’re wandering around the Westfield mecca, stop into Chefs Gallery, a modern, experimental Chinese restaurant. It’s a popular spot, so you might have to wait in line for a bit, but when you do manage to get a seat, get ready for a flavour explosion. Think crispy honey eggplant and saucy duck pancakes. There’s also a great selection of noodles, and mango pancake to finish with something sweet.
Biang Biang
Biang Biang serves delicious bowls of Shaanxi chewy pulled noodles. Situated inside the Westfield, stop by for a post-shop lunch, and dive into native fare from Shaanxi. One to try is the cold noodles in garlic sauce, or there is an $8 burger called the rougamo, which is made from a disc of pastry stuffed with pulled pork.
Bars
Nick and Nora’s
Settle into the glamourous, post-prohibition days of the 1920s, where velvet booths lined bars and champagne towers flowed freely. At Nick and Nora’s it’s all about getting lost in the noir-themed champagne and cocktail bar. It’s a little pricey, but it’s considered the high society in Parramatta. On the menu, the cocktails are all murder-mystery inspired. Think French Conspiracy and burnt-butter old fashioned.
Riverside Brewing Company
Looking for a good brew? This craft beer destination churns out small-batch experimental cans, which you can try on-site. This includes their 33 Golden Ale, 69 Summer Ale, and 88 Robust Porter—a smooth dark beer. They have everything from crisp, hoppy fruit-driven brews to the darker, chocolate and coffee forward cans.
The Albion Hotel
The Albion Hotel is the local beer garden, where local punters crowd around for a pub feed, to watch sports, and generally, hang out with friends. You can sprawl out in the expansive beer garden for some sun and beers, or settle inside to watch a game and chow down on a burger or classic schnitzel. After dark, expect a nightclub vibe, with Fridays and Saturday nights reserved for DJ’s and hip hop anthems. On Sundays, it’s all about the tropics. Think reggaeton, Caribbean, and Latin tunes in the beer garden.
Get the latest from Thrillist Australia delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe here.
