Modestly sitting in the Inner-Western suburbs of Sydney is our own ‘Little Italy’, also known as Leichhardt. This is one of Sydney’s favourite spots to eat out of a weeknight or weekend, with over 50 places to wine and dine or just pick up a take away meal, these restaurants cater to everyone’s tastes – restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bars and deli’s all add to the vibe of this ideal food destination.
An always busy spot in Leichhardt is Norton Street, with mainly Italian, Middle Eastern or Greek restaurants as well as relaxed yet lively bars and small clubs through the night. During the day it’s tempting to stop into a busy cafe for the perfectly made cup of coffee or through the Italian deli’s run by generations of the Italian families.
Cafe Moretti – the outside may not look entirely that great, it is a small space located in the quieter section of Norton Street, opposite a few boutiques and close to some apartments. Though, this small little cafe has wood-fired pizza not to be ignored. Their flavours are an unexpected mix of ingredients; one example is the ‘potato pizza’ with garlic, basil and thinly sliced potato all on the one pizza, very different to anything ever tasted before.
Martini Bar – upstairs from the cinemas and next to the well-know Greek restaurant-turned-club called Mykonos is the Martini Bar. There is always a crowd in this chic bar full of twenty-something year olds with new and old style music, a perfectly sized dance floor, a large and centred bar, a pizza and pasta menu and many, many cocktail flavours to choose from and a cool, downtown sort of vibe. With a great crowd, optional food and sweet tasting cocktails, Martini Bar is a great place for a Friday night with a close group of friends to catch up on the balcony of the bar or over on the dance floor.
Zenobia – a homely restaurant with a range of Middle-Eastern foods is not only what this restaurant is all about. On a Friday or Saturday night the Arabic music plays loudly, male and female belly- dancers start to dance and interact with the guests and the atmosphere becomes even more alive. Zenobia is definitely a place to visit with high reviews on the food, service and entertainment.
You will find that at these places, you will feel comfortable with the staff and overall feel of the place you’re buying from or eating in at. It’s hard to not enjoy a meal when you are surrounded by people who are pleased you are eating with them in their place. The best way to describe it would be homely, toned down compared to the usual busy, swanky restaurants in Sydney city and a whole lot more welcoming.
