Man shot in buttock helps police

A man who was shot in the buttock after being ambushed by two men in Sydney's inner west has spoken to police but it's still unclear why he was targeted, police say.

The 27-year-old man was reportedly visiting his girlfriend in Foy Street, Balmain about 8pm (AEST) on Tuesday when he was confronted by the men.

Two shots were fired, one hitting the man in the bottom, and the other hitting a nearby parked car, police say.

The two men fled in the man's girlfriend's silver Mazda.

The car has since been found, burnt out, at about 4am on Wednesday in nearby Annandale.

Police say they have seized it to be forensically examination.

The victim was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition and may need surgery.

Police say the victim has given a statement and is known to police but has no known gang links.