Friends and fans of the late Anthony Bourdain, the beloved globetrotter and culinary storyteller, continue to feel his lasting impact. As fellow chef Gordon Ramsay said, “He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food,”

Perhaps the best way to honour Bourdain is to follow his footsteps from the Sydney instalment of No Reservations TV series (2012), and dine at the spot he loved, embracing the unfamiliar just as he always did.

Begin your Bourdain-inspired journey at the Argentinian-themed Porteño, where “the best meats in town” are prepared on a traditional parrilla (barbecue) and asado (pit of fire). While Bourdain enjoyed Porteño’s “absurdly delicious” meats at their original location on Cleveland Street, which is currently reserved for private events, you can head to its new location on Holt Street. The ambience may be less freewheeling than in its original iteration, but the food still thrills.

Next, seek out Sydney’s best pie at Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, which has outlets throughout the city. Bourdain was certainly enamoured with this luscious pie, which he called a “volcano of love.” What’s in it? As Bourdain described: “Curry beef, a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes, a volcano crater full of mushy peas, and an eruption of brown gravy.”

For your next main meal, head to Chiswick, where Bourdain bonded with owner Matt Moran, whom he regarded as Australia’s “most important and visible chef—and its best ambassador.” Be sure to order the mouth-watering Moran Family lamb shoulder, sourced directly from Moran’s family farm.


Get directions to Porteño
Locations of Harry’s Cafe de Wheels
Get directions to Chiswick

Ever wondered where Sydney’s top eat when they're not whipping the food? Here are a few of their off-duty favourites spots, where you can savour Sydney's dining scene through their expert eyes.

For Chef Alex Wang of Lana, nothing beats a leisurely Sunday lunch at Ormeggio at The Spit, a waterfront gem in Mosman on Sydney’s lower North Shore. With fresh Aussie seafood and Italian flair, it’s the place where innovative dishes take centre stage alongside classics like squid ink tagliolini (ribbon pasta) with spanner crab. Don't miss the house-made gelato for a theatrical and delicious finale.

Chef Josh Niland from Saint Peter, on the other hand, is partial to the Charcoal Kingdom. He praises their simple yet delectable food utterly charming, calling its rotisserie chicken, tabouli, pickles, toum, and flatbread "absolutely worth the drive and also worth the wait in the line out the front."

Even for a chef who creates Italian magic daily, comfort food cravings can strike. Known for his warm and welcoming Da Orazio, Chef Orazio D'Elia heads straight to Lucio Pizzeria when a taste of home (back in Italy, of course) beckons. Their pizza fritta is his ultimate comfort dish, and he declares: "The pizza fritta (classic street food of Naples)  is the best; I always order it."

Get directions to Lana
Get directions to Ormeggio at the Spit
Get directions to Saint Peter
Get directions to Charcoal Kingdom
Get directions to Da Orazio
Get directions to Lucio Pizzeria

If you are looking for recommendations for Sydney attractions and activities, welcome to browse our Destination Insights for inspiration. Stay at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour when you visit the city and take advantage of its prime location. Just steps away from iconic attractions, dining, entertainment, and shopping, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the city.