Dinner

High
Saké Sydney
Nobu-trained chef Shaun Presland makes sushi and sashimi as good as it gets outside of Tokyo in a retrofitted wool store decorated with hand-lettered sake barrels. Kingfish jalapeño is a specialty – kingfish, yuzu soy, jalapeño and coriander – along with a range of artisanal sakes by Japan’s Kozaemon San.
12 Argyle St., The Rocks, 61-2-9259-5656

Low
Spice I Am
Sydney’s most awarded hole-in-the-wall eatery, on the fringe of ‘‘Thai Town,’’ is the spiciest and best-value authentic Thai meal around: noodle soups and kanom jeen (rice noodles with a curry sauce) – permanent queue and location noisy enough to rival Bangkok included.
90 Wentworth Ave., Surry Hills, 61-2-9280-0928 

Drinks


High
The Local Taphouse
Tour Australia in 20 brews at this house of beer worship. The taps rotate through different boutique ales, lagers and stouts, such as the Whale Ale and Retro Rocket. Munch on gastropub fare like the beef burger marinated in Schlenkerla Rauchbier.
122 Flinders St., Darlinghurst, 61-2-9360-0088

Low
The Fortune of War
This pub with Sydney’s oldest liquor licence catered to ‘‘colourful’’ sailors and soldiers from 1828 onwards. Now you’re more likely to find university students, upmarket backpackers and tourists swaying to a jazz band with a pint of Tooheys and Australia’s culinary staple – a meat pie.
137 George St., The Rocks, 61-2-9247-2714

Shopping

Photo: Guy Wilkinson Photography

High
Paddington
Wander along Oxford Street, Paddington, and down its side streets for a tour of who’s who in Australian fashion, from Calibre’s tailored shirts to geometric wraps from Sass & Bide. On Saturdays, the next wave of designers sells its wares around the corner at Paddington Markets.
Oxford St., Paddington

Low
Birkenhead Point
A 20-minute bus ride from the city centre is where some of Australia’s most famous labels – Alannah Hill, Mimco and Oroton – quietly flog off their excess stock for a fraction of the price. You’ll also find everyday classics like trench coats from Witchery and Merino sweaters from Marcs.
Roseby St., Drummoyne, 61-2-9812-8800

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