As a Newtown local, it’s crazy to me how many visitors stick to the Eastern suburbs (or the ‘Bondi bubble’) and skip some of the city’s coolest, most creative neighbourhoods.
Ok, so the Inner West suburb may not have the sand and the sea, but Newtown is a foodie and vintage lover’s dream, plus one of the few places in Sydney known for actually having decent nightlife.
I’ve put together all my local tips for Sydney’s best suburb, from the top bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes to fun activities and my favourite places to shop. If you’re looking to elevate your visit to Sydney, read our Newtown guide and map out the perfect day of Inner West fun at one of these standout spots.
Things to do in Newtown
Bars and clubs
Pleasure Club
Pleasure Club’s status as one of the best late-night venues in Sydney is no surprise, as it was the first bar in Newtown to be granted a 4am liquor license in over a century. Naturally, this 120-capacity basement bar attracts a steady crowd, thanks to its inviting mix of expertly crafted cocktails, laid-back lounge atmosphere and live music rotation.
Where: 6 Wilson St, Newtown, Sydney NSW 2042.
When: Thursday-Sunday, 5pm-4am.
Earl’s Juke Joint
Earl’s Juke Joint made the 2026 Good Food Guide’s top 10 essential cocktail bars list, and we’re not surprised. Who wouldn’t love this groovy little bar, that’s actually disguised from the outside as a deli called ‘Betta Meats’? The disguise means that many people, even locals, don’t even realise that the bar exists. However, once you go in for a glass of natural wine, locally brewed beer or a funky cocktail, there’s no doubt you’ll be back.
Where: 407 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-12am.
The Marly
You can’t write a guide to Newtown without mentioning the Marly. Another iconic venue with a 4am license, they have a spacious beer garden, a 9pm-11pm happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays, and resident DJs spinning tunes all evening. A night at the Marly is a night well spent.
Where: 145 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open 10am-4am every day (except Sunday, closes at 12am).
The Courthouse Hotel
The Courty is your quintessential pub garden, serving great beer, burgers and live sport. Their outside courtyard is always busy, and no need to worry about getting cold in the winter as the heaters have you covered. It’s also a great family-friendly venue, and you’re not just welcome to bring your dog, you’re encouraged.
Where: 202 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open every day of the week until midnight (except Sundays, closes at 10pm.)
Websters Bar
Websters is a rustic, 1950s industrial-inspired bar with a killer rooftop. The three different floors include the King Street Bar on the ground floor, the Lounge Bar on level one, which is known for its “speakeasy experience”, and, of course, the sunny rooftop terrace on level two. With plenty of great Aussie beer on tap and a license until 5am, Websters is the perfect place for a cold one and a late-night boogie.
Where: 323 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open 10am-5am every day (except Sundays, closes at 12am).
Kelly’s on King
Kelly’s on King claims to be “the best Irish pub in Newtown”, and we have to agree. Whether you’re after a pint of Guinness, a game of pool, live music or a spice bag, Kelly’s has you covered. They also have trivia and karaoke nights, so there’s always something to get involved in at this lively venue.
Where: 283-285 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Monday-Friday: 10am-3am, Saturday: 10am-4am, Sunday 10am-12am.
Odd Culture
Odd Culture is a sleek bar and restaurant focused on European-style dining and drinking. They serve up an extensive offering of natural wine and wild ales, and also have an incredible happy hour from 4pm-6pm on Wednesday to Friday. Think $15 martinis and Negronis, a selection of natural wines by the glass starting at $8 and schooners for middy prices across all 12 of their tap beers.
Where: 266 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Wednesday-Sunday, Wednesday: 4pm-11pm, Thursday: 4pm-12am, Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am and Sunday 12am-10pm.
Newtown Hotel
The Newtown Hotel balcony is one of the best places for people watching over King Street. They also have a colourful beer garden with outdoor heaters and plenty of live shows, often featuring talented artists from the queer and trans community. It’s the perfect spot for midweek dinner, after work drinks or a Sunday session.
Where: 174 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042.
When: Open Sunday to Wednesday, 10am to 12am. Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 1am.
Coopers Hotel
$12 cocktails between 6pm and 8pm every Saturday and Sunday? We’re in. Coopers have amazing drink deals, a ton of events and delicious pub food from cheeseburgers to bangers and mash. They also show live sport, have a rotation of great events (including Gender Bender Bingo and Friday Raffles), and to top it off, $16 Schnittys on a Tuesday.
Where: 221 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Monday to Thursday, 7am-12am, Friday & Saturday 7am-2am, Sunday 10am-12am.
The Bank
Monthly Drag Bingo, live sport and a great happy hour: the Bank has it all. Every Wednesday, they host the “Birdcage” at Waywards (which is upstairs), a weekly, high-energy queer party featuring DJs, non-stop drag shows, wild dance-floor moments, and a crowd that knows how to let loose. There’s also a garden bar and terrace perfect for sipping a pint of Guinness and having a catch-up with friends.
Where: 324 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday & Tuesday: 10am-2am, Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-4am, Sunday: 12pm-12am.
Botany View Hotel
Botany View Hotel is located on the St Peter’s side of King Street, right by leafy Sydney Park. One of the best live music venues in Sydney, the venue has nine different rooms, including the Tiki Bar, the Main Stage (with a 180-person capacity), a pool room and an open-air rooftop. This is a great one to book for a birthday party, whether you’re celebrating with a big or small group.
Where: 597 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open every day 12pm-12am (except Sundays, open 12pm-10pm).
Bar Planet
Mucho Group’s funky, grungy martini bar is known for serving some of the filthiest martinis in Sydney (think 10 olives, tinned octopus levels of dirty). Bar Planet is the sister of some of Sydney’s most iconic watering holes, including Cantina OK!, Tio’s and Centro 86, yet it still has its own vibe and incredibly cool flair. Snack on endless supplies of popcorn and sip your perfect cocktail at this Enmore Road joint.
Where: 16 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Monday-Thursday: 5pm-12am, Friday: 5pm-2am, Saturday: 3pm-2am, Sunday: 3pm-12am.
BUDDY’s Bar
BUDDY’s schtick is their self-pour beer stations, featuring over 40 taps of local craft beer. The two-level self-serve boozery also serves premium wines, housemade cocktails and non-alcoholic options, with a constant lineup of live music, DJs and even stand-up comedy.
Where: 391 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Tuesday- Thursday: 4:30pm– Late, Friday: 4:30- 12am, Saturday: 2pm-12am.
Restaurants
Cafe Paci
Finnish-born chef Pasi Petanen showcases his Scandinavian roots at Cafe Paci, using Mexican and Asian influences to create something truly unique. The Newtown staple is known for its extensive wine list, incredible share plates and low-key but chic atmosphere, with the likes of Nigella Lawson raving about it:
“I love Cafe Paci. I find it very difficult not to order the same thing all the time. But those fermented carrots with ‘nduja, I mean, that’s all I can think about. And the minute I know I’m going back, I think, ‘good, soon I’ll eat those again’”.
Where: 131 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Monday-Friday: 5:30pm-11pm, Saturday: 12am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm.
South End
One of the latest additions to King Street’s thriving dining scene is South End, which (surprise, surprise) can be found right at the bottom (or south end) of King Street. Their philosophy is seasonal dishes, local ingredients and a divine wine list, with an unfussy but sleek interior. It matches the less busy south end of King Street perfectly by quietly delivering some of the tastiest dishes in Newtown.
Where: 644 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Dinner from 5.30pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Lunch from 12pm Saturday-Sunday.
Thai Pothong
Perfect for celebrating a birthday with a big group of friends, Thai Pothong is a neighbourhood favourite in Newtown. They’ve won the Thai Restaurant Association’s “Best Thai Restaurant” for four years, thanks to their delicious traditional Thai cuisine, warm hospitality and funky interior (which features huge transformer statues).
Where: 294 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Sunday-Thursday: 12–3:30 pm, 5:30–10 pm, Friday & Saturday: 12–3:30 pm, 5:30–11 pm.
Bistro Grenier
Another Odd Culture Group venue (so you know it’s going to be good), Bistro Grenier is an intimate French restaurant set on top of the Odd Culture wine bar. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer a bottomless lunch for $99 per person, which includes free-flowing Hugo Spritz and bubbles, accompanied by a delicious spread of dishes. You can’t go wrong with their steak frites and baked scallops.
Where: 266 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Wednesday & Thursday: 5pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday: 12–3 pm, 5–11 pm, Sunday: 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm.
ANTE
ANTE is first and foremost a sake bar, as their selection represents over 65 sake from 21 different breweries across Japan. However, we’ve included it in the restaurant section thanks to its incredible dishes. Their carefully curated seasonal menu was made to pair perfectly with the sake that they offer, and includes standouts like grilled pork neck with red elk and apple and beef tartare crostini with curried egg.
Where: 146 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042.
When: Open Thursday & Friday: 5pm- Late, Saturday & Sunday: 12pm- Late.
Bella Brutta
Mamma mia! Bella Brutta is known for its mouth-watering pizzas and authentic Italian ingredients. If you want something a bit different, order the Clam Pizza, which features surf clams, pecorino, fermented chilli, garlic and parsley. Their chickpea fritters with anchovies are also surprisingly delicious.
Where: 135 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – Late, Friday & Saturday: 5pm-Later.
Osteria Mucca
Osteria Mucca is pretty new to the game, however its already attracted the attention of plenty of Sydney foodies. The sleek, family-owned Italian restaurant was awarded a hat last month, thanks to its crispy arancini (see above), classic cassata, courtesy of pastry chef Lauren Eldridge and the unforgettable lamb. If you want the perfect intimate setting for a dinner date, this 50-seat restaurant is the perfect choice.
Where: 212 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Monday-Friday 5:30pm-11pm, Saturday & Sunday: 12–3 pm, 5:30–11 pm.
Olotl
Olotl is brand-new to King Street, serving up homemade tacos made completely from scratch by mother-daughter duo Blanca Perera and Blanca Mejia. Previously hosting a pop-up above Campos Coffee down the road, they’ve now found a permanent location on King Street. Think classic birria tacos, braised shiitake mushroom and cheese quesadillas and mole verde tacos. In Sydney, truly authentic Mexican food like this is hard to come by.
Where: 12 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Friday & Saturday: 11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm, Sunday: 11am-3pm.
Clem’s Chicken Shop
Clem’s isn’t technically a restaurant. It’s a local takeaway, but it’s such a Newtown institution that we couldn’t leave it off the list. Serving since 1982, the family-run business serves some of the best chook and chips in Sydney, from whole roasted BBQ chicken to schnitzel and chips and fried chicken wraps. Served with a smile and their signature Greek flair, Clem’s is the place to go if you’re craving a quick, easy, but delicious takeaway meal.
Where: 210 King St, Newtown 2042, NSW.
When: Open daily from 9am-10pm.
Continental Deli
This vibrant, European bistro-style spot on Australia Street is home of the “Mar-Tinny” (yes, a martini in a can), and is perfect for those who are obsessed with all things salty and savoury. Think specialty Spanish anchovies, signature Gildas, imported and local tinned seafood and stacked charcuterie boards. They also do a special off-menu “flan in a can”, which is likely to either delight you or disgust you. Either way, Continental Deli thrives off its unique menu combined with warm and friendly hospitality.
Where: 210 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily from 12pm-11pm.
The Italian Bowl
Newtown has many tried-and-true dining stalwarts that get by on their simplicity and affordable prices. The Italian Bowl nails that brief ten times over, fashioned as the inner west’s favourite red sauce Italian restaurant with an overabundance of pasta and hearty sides like garlic bread and hot chips. The pasta isn’t amazing, but it’s consistent, with students particularly swearing by The Italian Bowl’s generosity. One pasta dish could easily last you three days, and that’s the beauty of having such a place still standing after all these years.
Where: 255 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
When: Monday-Thursday: 12pm-10pm; Friday-Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Belly Bao
Ever tried a bao-ger? The clever hybrid of a bao bun and a burger was perfected at Belly Bao (one of our editors, Chris Singh, swears it’s one of the best burgers in Australia). But this modern Malaysian joint doesn’t quit when it comes to a frenetic sense of creativity, the kitchen constantly rethinking South-East Asian dishes with new and inventive takes like bao noodles and salted egg fried chicken. It’s still one of the most underrated restaurants in the inner west.
Where: 184 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
When: Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm; Friday: 11:30am-3pm and 5pm-10pm; Saturday: 11:30am-10pm; Sunday: 11:30am-3pm and 5pm-9pm
Drunk Dumpling
Walk up an unassuming, skinny staircase, and you’ll reach Drunk Dumplings, a low-lit, Asian fusion restaurant known for its innovative and delicious cocktails and dishes. This Sydney institution is always busy, offering a tasty yet cheap set menu, starting at $35 per person. An ordering tip— their pan-fried eggplant dumplings are to die for.
Where: level 1/196 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Sunday-Thursday: 5pm-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10:30pm.
Cafes
A.P. Town
A.P. Bakery’s cool younger sister sits on the corner of Bucknell Street and always has a queue coming out the door. It’s for good reason, too, as the cult Sydney bakery continues to make some of the most delicious pastries in the city (and their coffees aren’t bad either).
Where: 1a Bucknell St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday-Saturday: 7 am–2:30 pm, Sunday 7:30am-2:30pm.
Shenkin
Shenkin is known for its delicious matcha, quality coffee and tasty pastries. The family-run business has a few locations; however, the Newtown cafe is a favourite thanks to its cosy atmosphere and big windows facing the bustling street. Their menu revolves around Middle-Eastern cuisine, including a homemade shakshuka, beetroot avo toast and crispy sabih.
Where: 239A King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday-Friday: 6:30 am–4 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 6:30 am–4:45 pm.
Rolling Penny
Located at the south end of King Street, Rolling Penny is dedicated to fresh produce and funky takes on breakfast classics. If you’re after something light, order their lemonade scone with jam and cream, or if you’re feeling hungry, get the hot smoked chorizo, poached eggs, tajin butter, and house curtido with kohlrabi and cabbage. Everything is made from scratch, in-house and using sustainably sourced ingredients. They’re even licensed, so bring on the Bloody Marys and mimosas.
Where: 583A King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday-Friday: 7:30am-2:30pm, Saturday & Sunday: 8am-2pm.
Campos Coffee
The flagship Campos Coffee store and cafe is located just off King Street, on Missenden Road. Easy to spot thanks to its pistachio coloured walls, the flagship serves some of the most delicious coffee in Sydney (and that’s saying something). Also on offer are delicious, sweet and savoury pastries to pair with your brew.
Where: 193 Missenden Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday-Friday: 7am-4pm, Saturday: 8am-5pm, Sunday: 8am-4pm.
Flour Drum
Flour Drum embodies that fresh, farm-to-table vibe: everything is prepared, baked or cooked on site in the kitchen. Don’t miss their signature buttermilk banoffee pancake stack: think a huge portion of fluffy pancakes, caramelised banana and dulce de leche. Grab a specialty coffee (with beans by the Blind Coffee Roaster) and even a locally-brewed beer (it’s 12 o’clock somewhere).
Where: 533 King St, Newtown 2042.
When: Monday- Friday: 7am-3pm, Saturday: 8am-4pm, Sunday: 8am-3pm.
Activities
Posy Ceramics Studio
The adorable Posy Ceramics Studio always has a steady stream of workshops and events at its gorgeous, pastel-coloured store. Whether you just want to buy some unique ceramics made by the experts, or you want to get your hands dirty yourself, there’s something for everyone. From pottery painting to private wheelthrowing and sculpting clay workshops, you’re spoilt for choice at Posy. You can check out their full calendar here.
Where: 555a King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open Tuesday-Friday: 11am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm.
Nature’s Energy Day Spa & Bathhouse
You wouldn’t expect to find a serene bathhouse right in the middle of King Street’s hustle and bustle, but inside Nature’s Energy Day Spa and Bathouse’s unsuspecting exterior is the ultimate hub of relaxation. Sydney’s most awarded bathhouse offers a variety of deeply restorative experiences, helping you unplug and slow down.
A session at Nature’s Energy includes full access to our mineral pool, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, ice bath, pail shower, and small red light therapy panel. You can also enjoy herbal tea, Celtic hydration salts, Australian sea salt scrub, and a locker, towel, changerooms, toiletries, and hair dryers, all included.
Where: 173 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday: 9am-7pm, Sunday: 10am-7pm.
Watch a movie at the Dendy
Newtown’s beloved cinema, Dendy, has 10 screens showing a variety of the latest blockbuster releases, as well as smaller indie films and foreign movies. They also partake in a variety of film festivals, from the Sydney Underground Film Festival to the Mardi Gras Film Festival, so there’s always an exciting lineup of incredible cinema to enjoy with popcorn in hand.
Where: 261-263 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042.
When: Open daily 9am-9pm.
Concert venues
Enmore Theatre
Built in 1908, the Enmore Theatre is now Sydney’s oldest and longest-running live theatre. It’s played host to notable stars including Bob Dylan, Coldplay and The Rolling Stones and will be the stage that the Fray, Addison Rae and Leon Thomas play on later this year. The Enmore Theatre is a hub of culture, creativity and vibrancy, continuing to bring people from all over Australia to the Inner West.
Where: 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown, NSW 2042.
When: Concert times vary.
The Vanguard
The Vanguard is another venue on King Street that has an unassuming storefront with a vibrant, bustling interior. From jazz performances, sultry burlesque, DJ sets and rock concerts, the Vanguard always has something exciting going on. Also known for their well-shaken cocktails and divine bar bites, a night at the Vanguard promises to be a great time.
Where: 42 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Concert times vary.
Where to shop
Irreplaceable Store
Irreplaceable Store might be Newtown’s worst-kept vintage secret, especially since Zendaya visited while here promoting Challengers last year. You’ll find the basis of some series Insta-worthy outfits here, including early-2000s streetwear and rare Y2K finds. The space is small, but the edit is tight and always on trend.
Where: 411 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily, 11am-6pm.
Maplestore
Maplestore has been selling premium men’s and women’s clothing since 2003, and their Newtown Flagship is brimming with some of the coolest labels in Sydney, from Deji Studios and Nudie Jeans to Carhartt WIP, A.P.C, Peachy Den and Salomon. Although this shop is on the pricier side, it feels worth it for the high-quality, fashion-forward clothing, accessories and shoes it has to offer.
Where: 244 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily, 10am-6pm.
Hunter Candles
Even if you have no intention of buying a candle, the warming scent of Hunter Candles that blesses your nose as you walk into the store may change your mind. Perfect for gifts to take home or a little treat for yourself, Hunter Candles began in a Newtown backyard and is now an Inner West institution. Make sure to get a whiff of their most-popular candle, ‘Australia’, with scents of blue gum, lemon myrtle and wattle.
Where: 133 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily: Monday-Wednesday: 10am-6pm, Thursday: 10am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm.
Uturn
Uturn is so nice that Newtown does it twice. On King Street, you’ll find Uturn Newtown Vintage at number 305, which focuses more on preloved, retro fits, while their other Newtown location (at 286 King Street) mixes both vintage vibes with modern must-haves. Both stores update their stock regularly, meaning there’s always the chance you’ll find something new and exciting.
Where: 305 King St and 286 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Monday-Saturday: 10:30am-6pm, Sunday: 11am-6pm.
So Familia
Any girls obsessed with Y2K have to stop by So Familia and browse their colourful, handpicked pieces. From rhinestone caps and string bikinis to chunky necklaces and oversized sunglasses, the store has both vintage options and brand new stock from independent Australian labels just waiting for you to get your hands on.
Where: 428 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily, 11am-5pm.
Better Read Than Dead
One of Newtown’s most popular independent bookstores, the literary landmark offers plenty of colourful covers to peruse and friendly staff who are always ready to give you a good recommendation. The store, which was established in 1996, also hosts author events, book clubs and writing competitions, creating plenty of ways for the community to get involved and keep reading.
Where: 265 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily 9:30am-9pm except Sunday: 10am-6pm.
Red Cross Op Shop
Newtown has its fair share of Op Shops, all offering new, preloved and vintage clothes at great prices. The best part? Your purchase goes to charity, so you’ll get a fabulous new outfit without the guilt. Keep an eye on their Instagram to check out what stock they have in store, and for plenty of styling inspo.
Where: Shop 2/359 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily, 10am-6pm.
Hands
Another gem tucked away on Australia Street, Hands sells the cutest lifestyle gifts and home decor, from gorgeous pastel dishes to candles in the shape of stuffed olives and hand-blown glassware. If you want to up your homeware game, or you’re looking for a unique gift, make sure you stop by here.
Where: 279 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Open daily, 10am-6pm.
