Now that the autumn chill is quietly making its entrance, our minds naturally wander towards thoughts of warm, spiced beer, delightful comfort food, crackling fireplaces, and comfortable dining.
And for those who’ve come from lands of cold and snow, the delightfully nippy weather here in the Balmain Peninsula is the perfect excuse to cosy up in one of the best Balmain restaurants or pubs on this list.
The Royal Oak
One of the older pubs in Balmain, The Royal Oak opened in 1878 and is still going strong. Here, you can enjoy warm, relaxing evenings by any of their three fireplaces, while partaking of their gastronomic offerings with your favourite beverage.
The dog-friendly Royal Oak offers some of the best pub food in Balmain. Their international menu features favourites that range from Pacific oysters and Szechuan fried squid to Moroccan lamb pie, potato gnocchi with wild boar ragu, and their classic Greek salad.
36 College St Balmain
The London
The London is a Balmain mainstay and favourite that’s been operating as a pub since 1870. Even today, it continues to offer that old-world charm that’ll have you feeling at home, drinking your choice of beverage by its fireplace or dining in their spacious restaurant. The London serves Redback Beer on tap, aside from ciders, cocktails, wines and other spirits, grazing plates, salads, and several types of steaks.
234 Darling St Balmain
The Riverview
Another testament to the Balmain Peninsula residents’ love affair with pub culture is The Riverview Hotel, which opened in 1888. Today, The Riverview bar continues to serve a range of beers on tap, delicious pub grub and Australian favourites, such as Sydney rock oysters, arancini balls, crispy roast duck salad, wagyu beef, fish and chips, roast beef (Sunday special), pizzas and comforting pasta dishes.
29 Birchgrove Rd Birchgrove
The Cottage
The Cottage, which opened in 2012, is one of the more special cosy restaurants in Sydney. Describing itself as ‘a little bit vintage and a whole lot of fun’, The Cottage has a beautiful courtyard for outdoor garden parties and relaxing alfresco dining. But with the colder weather on its way, you’re sure to delight in its warm and inviting interiors and menus for individual diners, couples and groups.
Here, you can sample their grazing plates, one-of-a-kind pizzas (e.g. fun guy and zucchini flower) and salads, among other things.
342 Darling St Balmain
The Lodge
More like a private club than a bar, with leather, wood, rugs and artworks, The Lodge wine bar features an extensive range of wines, cocktails and all types of spirits, plus a mostly Mediterranean menu. Here, you can enjoy plates of warm olives, Middle Eastern lamb kibbeh with hummus, and your favourite charcuterie with your spirit of choice. And if you’d rather a sweet treat, tuck into some churros, a favourite late-night snack for the Spanish.
3/415 Darling St Balmain
The Welcome
Also known as The Welcome Hotel, this pub officially opened in 1878. They now offer 13 types of craft beers on tap and a seasonal menu based on whatever fresh produce is abundant. The intimate dining area is always popular with locals.
91 Evans St Rozelle
Ready for Inner West winter wining and dining?
Take your pick from our shortlist of delightfully homey pubs and restaurants in Balmain – or just sample them all.
Now’s actually the perfect time to enjoy pubs with open fireplaces in Sydney as Dine & Discover NSW has just started and offers $100 vouchers to those who are eligible to apply.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
