Take a bite out of Balmain

Hop on a ferry from the centre of Sydney and head out to Balmain for a day of shopping, history and of course delicious restaurants. 

Home to some of Sydney's oldest pubs, as well as Australia’s oldest swimming pool (built in the 1880’s) Balmain is rich in history, dotted with restored workers’ cottages and terrace houses. You’ll also find weekend markets full of fresh local produce and local art, as well as boutique shopping along Darling street.

Take a bite out of Balmain and try out some of First Table’s restaurants in this vibrant corner of Sydney.

The Colonial British Indian Cuisine Balmain

When it comes to British Indian cuisine, this award winning restaurant should be number one on your list. 

First, let's take a look at this eatery's specialties which you're unlikely to find on any other menu. From the royal chicken daal to Anglo-Indian mango chicken, British fish curry and railway goat curry, these are just a few dishes unique to this one of a kind restaurant.

Love traditional Indian food? There are plenty of fan favourites, from the butter or Tandoori chicken, tikka masala, or the lamb cutlets, as well as 11 types of naan (stuffed or not) to soak up the last of your curry! 

Monkey King Thai Balmain

Authentic Thai recipes are all in the family at Monkey King Thai Balmain, where you’ll be whisked away to Thailand with authentic recipes and the aroma of Thai spices and herbs.

Entrées include favourites such as the prawn and chicken dumplings, or the satay chicken skewers, with mains offerings encompassing a huge variety of traditional Thai soups, salads, stir-fries, curries and noodles. If you can’t decide, visit the Chef's recommendations for dishes such as the roast duck with ginger, bok choy and soy sauce, or the spicy crispy pork with green beans, chilli and kaffir lime leaves. One thing is for sure, this is Thai food made with a whole lot of love!

Forlì Ristorante Italiano

Sitting pretty on Darling street lies a true taste of Italy, and we couldn't be more happy about it!

Forli's menu is full of handmade traditional Italian fare, with a dash of Australian spirit. And like any good Italian, pasta is rolled, pressed and cut daily and topped with homemade meatballs, shellfish or slow-cooked beef ragu. 

Up next, enjoy a slice off the best with pizza bases hand-stretched for the ultimate pizza affair and all of your favourite traditional toppings. If you're not feeling pizza or pasta, there’s a wide variety of meat, fish or chicken dishes, all done the Forli way.

Cantina Bar

Take the ferry across in the afternoon, get the Maracas out and get in the party mood at Cantina Bar! What's more moreish than the humble taco?  These soft tortilla shells are packed with mouth-watering fillings, from slow-cooked lamb with slaw, baji crispy fish with pickled cabbage or crispy beer battered cauliflower, are you getting the tasty drift?

Heartier mains include nachos, risotto, gnocchi or the Cantina burrito. Add on a signature Cantina margarita and get the party started.

The Reverie Cat

The Reverie Cat is a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant with a menu that boasts the same delicious flavours as they do in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

Start with some mouth-watering butternut and blue cheese wontons, or chicken skewers with Vietnamese sate to accompany a comforting pho with your choice of beef, chicken or veges. Mains are a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine, with anything from the Hanoi-style sizzling barramundi to the twice cooked pork belly with 6 minute egg. Add on an open pancake filled with mixed seafood, pork and prawn or veges, and enjoy this restaurants fresh take on Vietnamese food in a quirky setting.