Best Diners in Cockatoo Island

"At the more casual end of Sydney’s nightclub spectrum is this Surry Hills favorite, which pumps out daggy old-school tunes that the bouncing dance floor adores. Past Soda Factory’s kitschy American diner-style entrance lies an inviting, unpretentious industrial space that serves affordable cocktails and great classic hits, two ingredients that are always conducive to a heaving dance floor and a cracking night out."

"The entrance to The Soda Factory is hidden behind a Coke vending machine – and it would actually be a secret were it not for the queues out front every weekend night. The reason people are waiting probably has something to do with the $15 happy-hour cocktails and the affordable American diner fare. Add in regular DJ sets, and this spot can break out into a throbbing dance floor at any moment."

"The Soda Factory is a winning date night bar in Sydney for its secret location, American refreshments and live music sessions. Go through the Coco-Cola fridge of Bobby's Boss Dogs and you'll find a cavernous venue decorated with neon signs and old school memorabilia."

"While some places go for a modern approach, others love to simply capture an era gone by. Doughbox Diner is your go-to if you need to indulge in authentic 60s America, all the way down to the tables. They’re also famous for their handheld crepe cones, but we drool for their banana splits!"

"No matter how far you stroll down the beckoning path of American cuisine, you’ll always end up finding burgers. The Hub House Diner redefines them so beautifully that it’s impossible to ignore them. But the menu is not just about burgers, they even do chicken wings, Mexican corn, and specially designed loaded fries."

"Their plating isn't boring either, order the popcorn chicken and find it in a jar with real bits of popcorn!. Must try:The House Plank platter also has it all. Southern fried chicken wings, pork ribs, corn and zucchini fritters."

"With a Southern Cali spin on Americana style, The Eathouse pulls bold flavours and high quality produce together for a refreshing take on diner eats. Think less burgers, more trendy salad, with beetroot fattoush ($16) and roasted eggplant ($18) making way for mains of Southern fried chicken pieces ($19) and the baby quid and chorizo gumbo with green chilli, rice and a spicy tomato sauce ($19). The banana split ($14) with banana ice cream, dulce de leche, chocolate ganache and peanut crumble will stifle any hunger that rears its head."

"The red vinyl stools around a curved bar and crimson walls with a chalkboard menu on the wall conjure 1950s Americana, but there's no schtick here. The menu features Southern classics that aren't too heavy, such as fried okra in corn maize batter with spicy chipotle and tomato sauce and the delicious spicy Creole gumbo, as well as dishes with a more English or Australian heritage. The fun atmosphere and seriously good food means that, years in, this place is still full most nights of the week."

"Cafe Vizio Caffe e Cucina is laden with old-world charm and customers are treated like family. For a unique breakfast experience, order your cup of robust, specially-curated beans and bring a few friends along to enjoy a breakfast fit for royalty. Pair it with a traditional Italian pastry, or fill yourself up with some bacon and eggs."

"Share the pleasures of life with friends and family at Vizio Caffe e Cucina on William Street in Woolloomooloo. With a name that has two meanings – family and home – catch up over a good dose of caffe..."

"Cruise around the harbor in luxury aboard the Magistic Two, a luxe catamaran that offers state-of-the-art accommodations and entertaining narration. Your two-hour harbor sightseeing tour includes a complimentary beverage, cozy seating, GPS-based narration about the sites you’re going to pass, and plenty of fantastic photo opportunities."

"Bringing some serious US diner vibes to Sydney, Valentinas is open for delivery. 📍 Valentinas, 132 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204"

"At this Palm Springs-inspired getaway on the lower North Shore, you can revel in summer holiday vibes while getting your fill of a true Australian classic – the humble schnitty. The Villa at the Longueville Hotel is dishing up a full-on schnitzel menu including cauliflower schnitzel, katsu fish schnitzel, and veal tonnato schnitzel."

"Between 5pm and 8pm, the go is to grab some cheap house reds, listen to some soft tunes and maybe play a game of darts or a board game. After that, anything can happen – a patron on the piano, topless dance floors, a 20-strong crowd singing along to Whitney Houston. It’s scruffy and rowdy pretty much every night of the week."

"Leichardt is known for its authentic Italian, and Capriccio Osteria E Bar does not disappoint. Here you’ll find handmade pastas and wood-fired oven pizzas, along with a chef’s signature menu should you not be able to decide. Proudly part of Shop Small by American Express."

"When a bookstore meets a café, it really is the best of both worlds at Ampersand Café & Bookstore on Oxford Street in Paddington. The perfect setting for book clubs and foodies, this venue has more th..."