Gourmet Trail

Visit Balmain before 7am and you’ll see three types of people – runners, dog walkers and Bertoni customers. It’s one of the first cafés to open its doors every day, and the last one to close. Serving the community for over 15 years, Bertoni is still a local favourite and many customers have been coming here since day one.

7AM

9AM

Balmain and Rozelle aren’t short on pastries so finding a spot for morning tea won’t be difficult. If you’re visiting Balmain Thursday to Saturday a trip to Sandy in the old Institute Building is a must. Their apple and sage cake is divine! Down the road you’ll find Bonfire Bread who serves certified organic treats and bread all day.

How early is too early to have a beer? If you’ve spent the morning exploring the neighbourhood, 11am seems like a perfectly reasonable time. And with 19 pubs to choose from you don’t have to go too far to find one. For high street people watching you can’t go past The Sackville and Cricketer’s Arms.

11AM

1PM

With pubs come gourmet pub fare! Local foodie favourites include The Riverview, Royal Oak and East Village Hotel. If you’re after more of a café vibe – Kafeine and Hancock Lane never disappoint. The Reverie Cat in Rozelle serve up authentic Vietnamese food and their Banh Mi is a lunchtime favourite.

Cheese lovers now have three specialty shops on their doorstep. Field Blend has been around for a few years as has Willowbrae Cheese in Rozelle. Specialising in artisan goat milk cheeses and all their goodies are produced in Sydney. The latest edition to the cheese circuit is Cheese Celebration offering a wide array of cheeses alongside gift hampers and grazing platters.

3PM

4PM

If you visit Balmain on a Sunday, pop by The Unity Hall Hotel. It’s heaving with jazz tunes and swing dancers! The hotel even has its very own jazz band - The Unity Hall Jazz Band. They’ve been performing at the hotel for 52 years and are the longest running resident jazz band in Australia.

Italian, French, Chinese or Australian? Fish, meat, vegetarian or vegan? It’s all here. Dine al fresco at one of the restaurants along Darling Street and take in the best of our village atmosphere. If you’re looking for something more quiet, explore the backstreets and find a new favourite.

6PM

8PM

For a cheeky cocktail or a nice glass of red visit the intimate Lodge Bar. If you’re after nibbles with your drinks head to Local Bar in Rozelle. Famous for their fabulous cocktails (come here on a Thursday and they’re only $12) and delicious dumplings Local Bar is a clear favourite in this part of the hood.