Take a stroll around iconic Central Station, and you’ll find it’s not just a transit hub; it’s the beating heart of the city. Amidst the hum of trains, the bustling locals, and wide-eyed tourists searching Google Maps, an array of enticing aromas from nearby eateries will lure you in.
For food lovers, the area is not just a stopover but a destination. As we embark on this culinary journey, we’re not merely searching for sustenance but stories, flavours, and unforgettable moments. So, if you’ve ever wondered where to treat your taste buds after hopping off the train, get ready for a mouthwatering exploration as we uncover some of the best restaurants near Central Station in Sydney.
YokYor Thai: A Taste of Authentic Thailand
Located on bustling Castlereagh Street in Sydney’s Haymarket, YokYor Thai proudly waves the flag of Thailand’s culinary legacy. Originally founded in Bangkok in 1982, the restaurant carries forward traditions handed down through generations, with authentic Thai food rich in fragrant flavours. Spearheading their kitchen is head chef Sittichai Pingsumpant, whose dedication to Thai cuisine spans over an impressive 18 years. The menu is filled with dishes inspired by age-old traditions, from braised beef massaman and classic spicy and sour soup—Tom Yum Goong, to crowd favourites like chicken pad Thai and red curry with crispy pork belly. For something a little more exotic, the restaurant also serves up a selection of Thai street food options, including salted crab and fermented fish. For a culinary experience that celebrates Thailand’s distinguished culinary history, YokYor Thai is a standout amongst restaurants near Central Station.
Address: Shop G06, 323 Castlereagh St, Haymarket Sydney 2000 NSW
The Historic Great Southern Bar
A stalwart of Sydney’s CBD since 1844, the Great Southern Bar is one of the city’s top meeting points, located mere minutes from Central Station. The bar offers the charm of your friendly local pub combined with the energy of a lively sports bar. Dive into their bistro menu, and you’ll be met with a range of pub classics—from bangers and mash and beer-battered barramundi to chicken schnitzel. Offering an extensive beer selection and weekly specials that provide a refreshing twist, regulars and new patrons always have something to look forward to. With daily happy hours and exciting cocktail nights on Thursdays and Fridays, the Great Southern Bar beckons all to revel in its rich heritage while sipping on cold beers and contemporary concoctions.
Address: 717 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Nikkei Bar & Restaurant: A Fusion of Cultures
Journeying through the intertwined histories of Japan and Peru, Nikkei Bar & Restaurant near Central Station offers a captivating culinary experience. After the first Japanese immigrated to Peru in the late 1890s, a unique cuisine was born, featuring a tantalising fusion of flavours. Here, diners are treated to an array of Nikkei-styled share plates, from hiramasa kingfish with watermelon and black garlic to market fish ceviche and asparagus with whipped tofu huancaina. From the vibrant taste profiles to the artful presentation, every dish at Nikkei Bar & Restaurant is a flavourful surprise served alongside Japanese-Peruvian-inspired cocktails and a diverse range of wines. With thoughtful decor and an inviting atmosphere, the restaurant entices with its fusion of refined flavours, making each visit a unique dining experience.
Address: 216 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, NSW
Gogyo: A Contemporary Take on Ramen
In the heart of Surry Hills lies Gogyo, the culinary brainchild of the internationally renowned “Ramen King”, Shigemi Kawahara. With a vision to reimagine traditional ramen, Gogyo has expanded globally, with Surry Hills marking its sixth location. Gogyo’s menu is a delightful tapestry of flavours, from contemporary a la carte dishes perfect for sharing to their signature Kogashi-style ramen. The Kogashi technique, known for its charring process, infuses the ramen with a unique, fragrant, and slightly bittersweet profile exclusive to Gogyo. Yet, Gogyo offers more than just exceptional dishes. Designer Paul Kelly has masterfully blended contemporary flair with traditional Japanese influences in the restaurant’s design. Whether you’re seated at a cosy tabletop or enjoying the theatrical display of Kogashi-style ramen preparation at the counter, every detail — from the retro ramen bowls to the elegant glassware — ensures that a visit to Gogyo is not just a meal but a multisensory experience.
Address: 52-54 Albion St, Sydney, NSW
Platform 818: Remnants of Sydney's Historic Rail
Platform 818 does more than entice your palate; it takes you on a journey through Sydney’s illustrious railway history. With a prime location opposite Central Station, the restaurant draws inspiration from the city’s heritage with rustic design elements and a chic industrial feel. Beyond its historic charm, the restaurant promises a gastronomic adventure. Whether an intimate dinner or a casual meal with friends, diners can expect a modern take on classic Australian dishes made with the freshest local produce, from lamb shoulder with miso eggplant and battered monkfish to Riverina Angus sirloin with truffle mushroom butter. And as for drinks, Platform 818 isn’t short on options, with an impressive cocktail menu and an all-Australian wine list.
Address: 818 George St, Chippendale NSW 2008
InCafe Restaurant: A Convenient All-Day Eatery
Sitting on the ground floor of the Sydney Central YHA building on Rawson Place and only a 2-minute walk from Central Station, InCafe Restaurant is a popular dining destination amongst city dwellers and globe-trotting visitors. This all-day eatery offers the perfect morning pitstop on the way to Central Station, with a range of French pastries, toasties, veggie-filled omelettes and tasty breakfast sandwiches to enjoy in the cafe or on the go. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or something hearty, Incafe’s lunch menu offers a range of favourites from chicken Caesar salads to fish and chips, while their dinner menu delights with classics like cheeseburgers, beef lasagna and chicken parmigiana.
Address: Shop 1/11-23 Rawson Pl, Haymarket NSW 2000
A Culinary Experience Awaits Near Central Station
From an intriguing Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Nikkei Bar and Restaurant to authentic Thai delights at YokYor and classic pub grub at the Great Southern Bar, Central Station’s restaurants promise a diverse culinary journey that showcases Sydney’s rich food scene.
