Western Sydney suburb named one of the best places to eat in 2026

If you want to find the best food in Sydney, jump on a train to the west.

At least, according to Conde Nast Traveler, which has named the Best Places to Eat all around the world in 2026.

Only one Aussie spot made it to the list, and it's a humble suburb that offers "melting-pot flavours in Sydney's geographic heart", per the article.

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The prestigious US publication has named Parramatta as a must-visit spot for foodies next year.

"Sydney's geographic centre has been reborn as one of its most important dining hubs," the article reads.

A 25-minute train ride from Sydney Central, Parramatta has established itself as a dining destination that rivals the well-known restaurants in the city.

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Asian city named 'number one' destination for foodies

With hyper-authentic food from across the globe, courtesy of the area's immigrant community, Parramatta has it all.

Whether you want Indian, Lebanese, Malaysian, hatted fine-dining, casual breakfast, world-class coffee, or Mediterranean brunch, you'll be sorted.

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Conde Nast also shouts out the nearby Harris Park, one train stop away, also known as Sydney's Little India.

"The streets are lined with close to 50 separate eateries serving cuisines from each's respective home country," the article reads.

Specifically, Chatkazz, "where the Bombay street-food dishes dazzle the taste buds so effectively that some diners don't even realise it's a meat-free zone".

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Parramatta also appears on CN's list of the Best Places to Go in Oceania in 2026. It highlights the "blockbuster museum, bold architecture, and a global dining scene in Sydney's geographic heart".

Powerhouse Parramatta (the largest museum in NSW), which will open in late 2026, and the new international airport in Western Sydney, have helped establish the 'second city' as a must-see part of Sydney.

This has led to a surge in creative food ventures and food festivals like Parramatta Lanes, which turns the city's hidden alleyways into pop-up food and art hubs.

Best places to eat in Parramatta in 2026

• Henrietta: A new outpost of a beloved specialist known for Lebanese charcoal chicken.

• Ruse Bar & Brasserie: A spot for seafood and steaks cooked over an open-fire grill, featuring sides like roasted carrots with labneh.

• Lilymu: Located in Parramatta Square, it is noted for "culinary cross-pollination," specifically its prawn dumplings in Thai tom-yum dressing and XO-sauce pippis.

• Oribu: Set in a sandstone heritage building and led by ex-Nobu chef Harry Cho, it offers elegant Japanese cuisine.

• Circa Espresso: Housed in a Victorian terrace house, this buzzing cafe is famous for quality coffee and Middle Eastern-inflected dishes like Ottoman eggs.

• Homage Specialty Coffee: A popular spot for caffeine aficionados that serves unusual items like a Wagyu breakfast muffin alongside classic breakfast rolls.

• Misc.: A stylish all-day dining venue in Parramatta Park with a Mediterranean sharing menu, including lamb shoulder and "pillowy" pita bread.

• Pho Pasteur: A family-run stalwart that has been serving the area's best pho for more than 30 years.

• Temasek: A venerable institution famous for Singaporean and Malaysian favourites like laksa, Hainan chicken, and fish-head curry.

• Harris Park (Little India): A precinct with nearly 50 eateries in workers' cottages; described as Sydney's hub for authentic subcontinental cuisine.

• Chatkazz: An alcohol-free, meat-free diner in Harris Park famous for dazzling Bombay street food.

• Ginger Indian Restaurant: Located on Wigram Street, it is highlighted for its aromatic Mughal cuisine.