Dining OUt in Gay Sydney - A guide to Gay Restaurants

Sydney has some of the most varied and reasonably priced food anywhere on earth, with a striking emphasis on fresh, quality seafood, and local produce. Asian and Mediterranean cuisine is particularly influential.

The city is jam-packed full of world-class restaurants to suit every budget, so book a table at one of the best restaurants in the world, Tetsuya's (529 Kent St., Sydney, 011-61-2-9267-2900). Reservations are essential.

For a little less haute, China Doll's pan-Asian flavors reflect the makeup of modern Sydney (6 Cowper Wharf Rd., Woolloomooloo, 011-61-2-9380-6744).

Sean's Panaroma (270 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, 011-61-2-9365-4924) has one of the most delicious menu's we've tried, serving modern Oz comfort food. Bentley Restaurant & Bar (320 Crown St., Surry Hills, 011-61-2-9332-2344) will take your tastebuds "on the journey of their life" with its 10-course degustation menu.

Spice I Am (90 Wentworth Ave., Surry Hills, 011-61-2-9280-0928) serves some of the best Thai outside of Bangkok at bargain prices.If you happen to be in Newtown, your best bet is to try one of the numerous Thai joints lining King Street, or for terrific Vietnamese, go to Thanh Binh (111 King St., 011-61-2-9557-1175).

Whilst a slew of Chinese/Thai restaurants abound in Sydney, you'll be hard pressed to find sumptuous cuisine that hails from Laos. This is where gay-owned Pink Peppercorn (122 Oxford St) steps in. Beguiling taste buds are dishes such as gaeng phed phak, salmon souffle, perfectly presented mains of chicken, lamb, beef, and seafood flavored with lime, dill, lemongrass, chili, and garlic. Prices are good value, with quality main courses under AU$20.

The lentil soup at Betty's Soup Kitchen (84 Oxford St) hits the spot, and there's more home-style fare to choose from. Just about everything is priced under AU$10.

Heading away from Oxford St, Lumiare (425 Bourke St) an elegant cafe and patisserie is a perfect place to tryst. Located across the street from a homeless shelter, it has a very Surry Hills feel to it.

If you're not too fragile the next day, Café Sopra (7 Danks St., Waterloo, 011-61-2-9699-3174) is a must. No bookings, fantastic fresh produce Italian-style and worth a detour, but be prepared to queue.

Zinc (77 Macleay St., Potts Point, 011-61-2-9358-6777), run by gay boys, where all the locals hang out. Ten Buck Alley (185A Bourke St., East Sydney, 011-61-2-9356-3000) has the best coffee and best breakfast.

Bills 2 at the Medina on Crown, is a true must-go for the weekend brunch set.

To really experience Sydney surf and swim culture, eat at the Bistro at Iceberg Swim Club on Bondi Beach. It offers one of the best dining experiences in the city but be sure to go in the afternoon or early evening so you can check out the hunky surfers and the romantic sunset.

Remember, it gets crazy busy in these places during the peak Summer months so some charm, a smile, and being a little forward will get you a long way. You'll get even further with an accent and a tan. Try everything, and be prepared to party all weekend!

Have we missed someting? Got a restaurant you want to recommend? Or are you a restaurant owner and you want to let our readers know about your restaurant or cafe, then contact us and we will be glad to help.