Mike’s guidebook - Local guide for the Mort Bay Studio
Food scene
Here are some of the many local restaurants we can recommend first hand.
There are a lot of good places that haven't tried of course!
Let us know what you think of any of these places or places that you tried and would like to recommend to other guests.
The Royal Oak on Curtis St is about 5 minutes away. It’s a modern pub that is usually lively. Great top end bistro meals here. The Sunday Roast is a local legend.
63 Einheimische empfehlen
Royal Oak Hotel
28 Bay StThe Royal Oak on Curtis St is about 5 minutes away. It’s a modern pub that is usually lively. Great top end bistro meals here. The Sunday Roast is a local legend.
Further afield, the Riverview on Birchgrove Road is probably the best of the bunch for high-quality food. The pizza is great, and they usually have a live musician on Saturday nights.
51 Einheimische empfehlen
The Riverview Hotel
29 Birchgrove RoadFurther afield, the Riverview on Birchgrove Road is probably the best of the bunch for high-quality food. The pizza is great, and they usually have a live musician on Saturday nights.
Charlotte Café (5 min walk – hilly) on Rowntree St. High-quality modern café fare. Lots of good breakfast and lunch options
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Charlotte Cafe
127 Rowntree StCharlotte Café (5 min walk – hilly) on Rowntree St. High-quality modern café fare. Lots of good breakfast and lunch options
The Greek Door on Darling St, further down towards Balmain East ferry terminal. Great traditional and modern Greek food, and the owner will often do a demo Greek dance!
Greek Door
191 Darling StreetThe Greek Door on Darling St, further down towards Balmain East ferry terminal. Great traditional and modern Greek food, and the owner will often do a demo Greek dance!
Phamous Kitchen on Darling Street is modern/fusion Vietnamese, and one of only a handful of decent Asian options in the area.
Phamous Kitchen
233 Darling StPhamous Kitchen on Darling Street is modern/fusion Vietnamese, and one of only a handful of decent Asian options in the area.
The best Thai food in the area, and also the closest! This is cut above the regular Thai menu, offering more original and fusion options.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Chon Thai
300 Darling StThe best Thai food in the area, and also the closest! This is cut above the regular Thai menu, offering more original and fusion options.
Actually we have never been here, but have had Tacos delivered and they are awesome!
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Cantina Bar
350 Darling StActually we have never been here, but have had Tacos delivered and they are awesome!
This one is bit of hidden gem. In a small arcade behind Bakers Delight. Actually probably the place I have eaten more often than anywhere else. Open for lunch or dinner.
It is very much a local Vietnamese cafe, nothing fancy at all. It’s all about the food. Truth be told, I have only had the same dish over and over - Beef Pho. Yum!
New Star Takeaway & Eat
269-271 Darling StThis one is bit of hidden gem. In a small arcade behind Bakers Delight. Actually probably the place I have eaten more often than anywhere else. Open for lunch or dinner.
It is very much a local Vietnamese cafe, nothing fancy at all. It’s all about the food. Truth be told, I have only had the same dish over and over - Beef Pho. Yum!
Actually, this has changed, and its now has new owners and new name "Colonial British Indian Cuisine". By far the best Indian in the area. Frankly, there is not much competition, but this is still quality, flavoursome indian cuisine with friendly service.
Some object to the name. I'll leave that to you.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Not Just Curries Balmain
237 Darling StActually, this has changed, and its now has new owners and new name "Colonial British Indian Cuisine". By far the best Indian in the area. Frankly, there is not much competition, but this is still quality, flavoursome indian cuisine with friendly service.
Some object to the name. I'll leave that to you.
Its a BBQ chicken and salad place. You can eat in, but its really a takeaway. The best salads in Balmain in my opinion and the Portuguese Chicken is also excellant
The Char Rotisserie
264 Darling StreetIts a BBQ chicken and salad place. You can eat in, but its really a takeaway. The best salads in Balmain in my opinion and the Portuguese Chicken is also excellant
This is the most recommended place by our guests. Great for lunch or dinner. Modern Australian menu and relaxing atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
53 Einheimische empfehlen
The Cottage Bar & Kitchen
342 Darling StThis is the most recommended place by our guests. Great for lunch or dinner. Modern Australian menu and relaxing atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
There are a few French bistros in the area, but this is our pick. Small, so book in advance, but cozy and authentic French feel. The menu is just a small selection of home-style favourites, which is the way I like it.
L'Auberge du Bout du Monde
There are a few French bistros in the area, but this is our pick. Small, so book in advance, but cozy and authentic French feel. The menu is just a small selection of home-style favourites, which is the way I like it.
This is the local hidden gem that you would be unlikely to find unless you were looking. Its actually the closest restaurant to home, only a flat 5 min walk away. Many have said that this has some of the best Persian food in Sydney - who am I to argue.
Its nothing fancy to look at. More cafe style than a fancy restaurant, but prices and food make up for that.
Sadaf Persian Restaurant
This is the local hidden gem that you would be unlikely to find unless you were looking. Its actually the closest restaurant to home, only a flat 5 min walk away. Many have said that this has some of the best Persian food in Sydney - who am I to argue.
Its nothing fancy to look at. More cafe style than a fancy restaurant, but prices and food make up for that.
This is the favourite brunch spot for locals. Always busy with a lively atmosphere.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Contessa Balmain
371A Darling StThis is the favourite brunch spot for locals. Always busy with a lively atmosphere.
At the time of writing (Nov 23) this is about the re-open after a couple of years closed and complete re-furnishment. It will (once again) be the closest pub and eatery. They have a name chef running the kitchen so should be good. Will have to try it and review. Let me know what you think.
The Dry Dock
At the time of writing (Nov 23) this is about the re-open after a couple of years closed and complete re-furnishment. It will (once again) be the closest pub and eatery. They have a name chef running the kitchen so should be good. Will have to try it and review. Let me know what you think.
Sightseeing
This is our local park and the walk to Balmain ferry terminal. Less than a minute walk from Mort Bay Studio. Really interesting history - first dry dock in Australia
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Mort Bay Park
Mort StreetThis is our local park and the walk to Balmain ferry terminal. Less than a minute walk from Mort Bay Studio. Really interesting history - first dry dock in Australia
This is a hidden gem that is only 4 stops on the ferry. A harbour island with a long ship building and prison history, and great views.
104 Einheimische empfehlen
Cockatoo Island
This is a hidden gem that is only 4 stops on the ferry. A harbour island with a long ship building and prison history, and great views.
Local Walks
From Mort Bay Studio, cross McKell St to enter Mort Bay Park going towards Balmain Ferry Terminal, then turn left and walk along the waterfront to Ballast Point Park. Once in Ballast Point Park, there are maze of paths to explore, climbing up the various levels of the park, with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and the City – great at sunset as the western side of the city gets lit up by the setting sun.
• This walk can be extended by going along Wharf Road to Birchgrove Park. Wharf Road is great for some super expensive real estate viewing, and Birchgrove Park has even more spectacular views over the harbour.
• If you want go even further, take a right at the end of Birchgrove Oval and walk down Louisa Road to Birchgrove Ferry terminal. This is rumoured to be the most expensive street in Sydney! Several celebrities live here including Rebel Wilson, so keep your eyes peeled!
46 Einheimische empfehlen
Ballast Point Park
Ballast Point RoadFrom Mort Bay Studio, cross McKell St to enter Mort Bay Park going towards Balmain Ferry Terminal, then turn left and walk along the waterfront to Ballast Point Park. Once in Ballast Point Park, there are maze of paths to explore, climbing up the various levels of the park, with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and the City – great at sunset as the western side of the city gets lit up by the setting sun.
• This walk can be extended by going along Wharf Road to Birchgrove Park. Wharf Road is great for some super expensive real estate viewing, and Birchgrove Park has even more spectacular views over the harbour.
• If you want go even further, take a right at the end of Birchgrove Oval and walk down Louisa Road to Birchgrove Ferry terminal. This is rumoured to be the most expensive street in Sydney! Several celebrities live here including Rebel Wilson, so keep your eyes peeled!
•Tom Uren Walking Trail. Starting in Mort Bay Park, walk past the Balmain Ferry Terminal to Thames St. At this point you can’t follow the waterfront for a few blocks so work your way along Trouton St, Wells St, the Caroline St till you get to Colgate St. Now turn left towards to the water down Colgate St, walking through the converted historic Colgate Factory. When you get to the water, you can turn right to continue along the waterfront, going underneath the wooden jetty. Take care at high tide! This will take you to Propeller Park which looks back towards Birchgrove.
• Extend this walk by going to the end of Propeller Park and turning right up Duke St (very steep!). From Duke St, look out for signs for the Tom Uren Walking Trail. This well sign posted walking loop takes you right around the East Balmain end of the peninsular. Google will take you to a detailed walking guide and map. One of the top historic walks in Sydney!
Propeller Park
The Avenue•Tom Uren Walking Trail. Starting in Mort Bay Park, walk past the Balmain Ferry Terminal to Thames St. At this point you can’t follow the waterfront for a few blocks so work your way along Trouton St, Wells St, the Caroline St till you get to Colgate St. Now turn left towards to the water down Colgate St, walking through the converted historic Colgate Factory. When you get to the water, you can turn right to continue along the waterfront, going underneath the wooden jetty. Take care at high tide! This will take you to Propeller Park which looks back towards Birchgrove.
• Extend this walk by going to the end of Propeller Park and turning right up Duke St (very steep!). From Duke St, look out for signs for the Tom Uren Walking Trail. This well sign posted walking loop takes you right around the East Balmain end of the peninsular. Google will take you to a detailed walking guide and map. One of the top historic walks in Sydney!
Elkington Park, White Horse Point is a great sunset walk. This is about 20-25 mins walk each way along Birchgrove Road. Great sunset views.
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Elkington Park
42 Glassop StElkington Park, White Horse Point is a great sunset walk. This is about 20-25 mins walk each way along Birchgrove Road. Great sunset views.
Bottle Shops
Royal Oak Hotel
28 Bay StThis is the closest but not a great selection
BWS Balmain Darling Street
263 Darling StThe second closest and a much better range
Misc
Excellent local market. Mixture of antiques, pre-loved stuff, craft and some good food trucks.
Check opening. It used to be Saturdays and Sundays, but went down to Saturday only during Covid.
79 Einheimische empfehlen
Rozelle Markets
663 Darling StExcellent local market. Mixture of antiques, pre-loved stuff, craft and some good food trucks.
Check opening. It used to be Saturdays and Sundays, but went down to Saturday only during Covid.
This is very small - only 6-8 stalls last time I looked, but some really high-quality crafts.
Saturdays only.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Balmain Market
Curtis RoadThis is very small - only 6-8 stalls last time I looked, but some really high-quality crafts.
Saturdays only.
The main attraction here is the Bath House - The spa and Sauna. Has a traditional sauna, steam room and hot and cold spa. Great rainy day option. Also a great range of massages etc.
Nature's Energy
312 Darling StThe main attraction here is the Bath House - The spa and Sauna. Has a traditional sauna, steam room and hot and cold spa. Great rainy day option. Also a great range of massages etc.
Our most local Laundrette. Only does bag washes, so you need to drop then pick up.
Balmain East Laundrette
129 Rowntree StOur most local Laundrette. Only does bag washes, so you need to drop then pick up.
Brand new and ultra-modern launderette about 10-15 minutes walk away. Has live machine status on their web page! Ask us for a bag if you need one to carry your laundry.
laundrlab
Brand new and ultra-modern launderette about 10-15 minutes walk away. Has live machine status on their web page! Ask us for a bag if you need one to carry your laundry.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Get the ferry!
If you are visiting the area as a tourist, you are missing a trick if you don’t get the ferry. 3-5 mins walk to Balmain Ferry terminal, then the ride into Sydney (Circular Quay) under the harbour bridge is a destination in itself. Find a nice spot outside and soak in the views. Or go the other way, to historic Greenwich or Cocktoo Island (see separate entry).
Note that there is also a second Ferry stop at East Balmain, about 20mins hilly but pleasant walk away. Here you can get the ferry to Barangaroo and Pyrmont for Darling Harbour, as well as more ferries to the northside and Circular Quay.