Marrickville

Home to a handful of craft breweries, vibrant music and arts scene, and a smorgasbord of eateries, it’s easy to understand why Marrickville was recently named in the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. This culturally-diverse inner Sydney neighbourhood is friendly, fun and a magnet for foodies.

Make sure you bring your appetite because Marrickville’s reputation as an eating suburb is well deserved, serving up a range of cuisines. A former Greek enclave, you’ll find a great Greek deli and Greek restaurants, along with an amazing Italian cheese shop and some of the most authentic Vietnamese food in Sydney.

Small Batch by Batch Brewing Co., Petersham

Things to do

If you’re into the arts or enjoy live music, you’ll have a wonderful time in Marrickville. Head to the community-run Red Rattler warehouse theatre for alternative drama, film and music. Factory Theatre puts on live performances from emerging talent, Camelot Lounge has everything from cabaret to comedy, and Lazybones Lounge offers live music every night of the week.

On Sundays, visit the popular Marrickville Organic Food Market at the Addison Road Community Centre to pick up organic fruit and handmade goods. While there, pop into Reverse Garbage, a creative reuse centre that will unearth some treasures and support you with your DIY skills.

Camelot Lounge, Marrickville

Eat & drink

Stroll along Marrickville Road for fantastic Vietnamese at Pho Phd and VN Street Foods, find authentic Greek fare at the Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant and pick up all your Italian staples at the Paesanella Food Emporium, which also has a dreamy cheese room, cafe and pizza bar. One of the best spots for banh mi in Sydney is at the tiny Marrickville Pork Roll.

Marrickville has a strong cafe culture, with many warehouse spaces having been transformed into coffee roasters. Coffee Alchemy on Addison Road sells single-origin and house blends, Roastville Coffee is on Victoria Road and ONA Coffee is so serious about their brews that they encourage you to ask the barista where it came from. For a different kind of breakfast, head to Kurumac, which dishes up all-day meals that emulate the morning staples you might find in family-run joints all over Japan.

VN Street Foods, Marrickville

An easy way to appreciate the flavours of Marrickville is on a foodie tour. Gourmet Safaris provides a wonderful introduction to the suburb’s culinary delights or join Dave’s Brewery Tours and discover some of the suburb’s iconic microbreweries such as Batch Brewing Co, Sauce Brewing Co, Wildflower Brewing & Blending, Willie the Boatman and Philter Public Bar and Brewery.

Marrickville also offers an assortment of other drinking establishments, from lively pubs to small wine bars such as Where’s Nick. A local favourite is The Henson, an Art Deco pub with a charming beer garden. The Vic on the Park is a beloved pet-friendly venue, while The Marrickville Hotel is a cross between a small bar and a pub. Gin connoisseurs should head to Poor Toms to sample spirits in the Gin Hall, and those who want to dine on delicious Chinese bar snacks while sipping on a cold one shouldn't miss the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre.

Poor Toms, Marrickville

Getting there

You can catch a train direct from the city centre to Marrickville, getting off at either Marrickville or Sydenham stations, with the journey taking around 20min. There’s also a range of bus services that connect Marrickville to the city and the neighbouring suburb of Newtown.