Known for its exceptional Asian dining scene, sprawling shopping centres and rich cultural offerings, Chatswood has become one of Sydney’s most exciting destinations.
The suburb is attracting more and more visitors as word spreads about its incredible, authentic Asian eateries. The Concourse draws crowds with an impressive program of live music, comedy, theatre and ballet, while the bustling Chatswood Mall Markets bring flavours, fresh produce and artisan goods from around the world to Victoria Avenue.
Getting there has never been easier, either. The metro now connects Chatswood with Martin Place, Gadigal and Central stations in as little as 10 to 15 minutes aboard its fast, driverless trains.
Here’s our locals’ guide to Chatswood, featuring the best cafes and restaurants to visit, plus all our favourite things to do.
The best cafes in Chatswood
Flower Child
Focusing on decadent brunch plates made with fresh, local ingredients, Flower Child is a standout in Chatswood’s cafe scene thanks to its innovative, aesthetically pleasing dishes that taste as good as they look. Their OG French Toast is a must-order, topped with dark chocolate crumb, berries, salted toffee, maple syrup and banana mascarpone. Other top picks include their chilli crab, scrambled egg, blackberry and ricotta hotcake, and truffle mushroom toast.
Where: Shop 391/1 Anderson St, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Tea Journal
Tea Journal is dedicated to showcasing the finest Oriental teas while honouring traditional brewing methods in an approachable, modern way. This serene tearoom is the perfect place to slow down over a pot of tea, paired with one of its light, fluffy chiffon cakes, baked fresh in-house every day.
Where: Shop 44, 436 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Black Potion
Getting on the metro to Chatswood is worth it just for Black Potion’s prawn katsu and fresh cabbage sandwich. Throw in a Yuzu iced matcha, and you may never leave. This Japanese-inspired cafe has only been open for a year, but it is always bustling with hungry locals after their quality coffee and matcha, wagyu don, thick sandos and katsu rice bowls.
Where: 26b/1-7 Short St, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Apothecary Coffee
Apothecary Coffee has built a loyal following for its expertly crafted specialty coffee, whether you take it black or with perfectly frothed milk. What began as a quiet neighbourhood cafe has become one of Chatswood’s go-to coffee destinations. Just be sure to visit on a weekday, as it’s closed on weekends.
Where: 1/6 McIntosh Street, Chatswood NSW 2067.
The best restaurants in Chatswood
Hanasuki
Hanasuki is the first restaurant in Sydney dedicated exclusively to Japanese shabu shabu, a popular hot pot dish featuring thinly sliced meat and veggies, cooked in a simmering broth. Choose your pot and base, then load it with Wagyu meat, chicken balls, seafood and even ox tongue if you’re feeling adventurous.
Where: 18 Anderson Street, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Hakata-Maru
Hakata-Maru is an easy pick when you’re looking for Sydney’s best bowls of ramen. Consistency counts for a lot here, and the strong following this brand has built over the years is almost entirely based on the simple selection of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. Hakata-style ramen favours simplicity and is generally much more well-balanced than broths that are either too light or too heavy: think rich pork bone broths that will both warm you up and fill you up.
Where: 1/475 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Star Capital Seafood Restaurant
This bustling Hong Kong-style yum cha restaurant feels truly authentic thanks to its traditional decor and friendly staff pushing dim sum carts. Enjoy plump shrimp dumplings, silky yellow-hued egg custard tarts, and roast pork rice. The lively atmosphere is perfect for a big weekend family feed or casual dinner with mates.
Where: 399 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Amah
Malaysian comfort food is the go at Amah, a Chatswood restaurant opened as a tribute to owner Loong Oon’s grandmother, or “Amah”. Order their signature handmade Spanish Mackerel Fish Ball Soup, the indulgent Assam Nonya Curry Toothfish and the Caramelised Soy Char Siu Pork Belly. You won’t be disappointed.
Where: Kiosk 1&2, The District, Podium Level, Chatswood Interchange, 436 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067.
Mamak Chatswood
Serving up award-winning roti, satay and more, Mamak is one of the best places in Sydney to enjoy authentic, hearty Malaysian food. Their menu is also on the more affordable side, although this isn’t reflected in taste and flavour. Order their goreng fried chicken, chicken satay, kari ayam and roti canai for the ultimate feast.
Where: p9/1-5 Railway St, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Mama Mulan
Mama Mulan wants to combine the traditional Chinese dining experience with modern creativity. Serving up a wide range of Chinese favourites and seasonal specials in their sleek, contemporary space, go for juicy prawn dumplings, Peking duck pancakes and flavour-packed wok-fried wagyu beef.
Where: Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Ramen Manpuku
Walk past Ramen Manpuku during lunch or dinner any day of the week, and there will probably be a queue outside. This is no surprise, given that they serve up perfectly springy noodles and tender meats, swimming in rich, steaming broth. If you’re looking for a place to slurp away and enjoy the highest quality ramen, check out Manpuku immediately.
Where: 226 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Things to do in Chatswood
The Concourse
Labelled as the “cultural heart of the North Shore”, The Concourse is one of Sydney’s leading entertainment venues, home to an exciting variety of live arts and entertainment. From symphony concerts and theatre productions to stand-up comedy and ballet, their stacked program has something to entertain everyone all year round.
One of their most popular recurring shows is their “Jazz at The Lounge” evenings, which bring world-class musicians into their intimate Lounge venue from March to December. The performers include James Morrison with Darren Percival, Simon Tedeschi, and Emma Pask, alongside jazz greats Michelle Nicolle, Paul Grabowsky and Monica Trapaga. Adult tickets start from $52, with children’s tickets and under-35s can score $42 tickets.
Where: 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Chatswood Mall Markets
The Chatswood Mall Markets run weekly from 10am to 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A variety of food stalls offer up bites from around the world, whether it’s authentic South African biltong, savoury Chinese crepes, Thai pandan and creamy coconut rice, or traditional Turkish gozleme.
Where: 443 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Chatswood Chase and Westfield
Chatswood Chase is a shopper’s paradise, featuring a diverse mix of premium Australian and international fashion, luxury boutiques, lifestyle brands and fresh food retailers. Their shopping directory includes Aesop, Cartier, Le Creuset, Oroton, Salomon, Tiffany & Co. and Incu. The first Australian alo store recently popped up in Chatswood Chase, as did T2’s new flagship shop.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Chatswood Chase, head to their Westfield Shopping Centre, which has a Black Star Pastry, by charlotte, T. K. Maxx, Zara, Country Road and more.
Where: 345 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Archie Brothers
If you’re looking for a fun night out in Chatswood, Archie Brothers delivers with wall-to-wall arcade games, carnival-style attractions and plenty of prizes to be won. Better still, it’s located alongside Holey Moley mini golf and Strike Bowling, making it easy to combine arcade action, friendly competition, food and cocktails all under one roof.
Where: Level 4/65 Albert Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
