Prosciutto-wrapped figs at Watts on Crown (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

 It’s been a wild year for restaurants in Sydney. Some of the city’s best and trendiest—Ad Lib, Berowra Waters Inn, Bird Cow Fish, Aperitif, Cotton Duck, Etch, Manly Pavilion, Smiths on Bayswater, Montpellier Public House, the list goes on—have abruptly shuttered. The critically acclaimed rising star Becasse filed for bankruptcy in June, but for now it’s still standing. The much-hyped, molecular-infused Gastro Park just emerged from a short hiatus. But despite all the upheaval, the dining mood in Sydney is far from glum. In fact it’s quite cheery, mostly because the slew of new restaurants moving in to fill the gaps are more casual—and much more sensibly priced—than those that have shuttered. Here are 10 of the hottest restaurants in Sydney this winter (our summer). Continue reading →