Not many Sydneysiders would be willing to call their area of residence a village but for those dwelling in the leafy streets of Dulwich Hill there isn’t a more appropriate word to describe this suburb’s close-knit community feel.
With the Dulwich Hill Village Fair coming up on Sunday 14th September we thought we’d make like a local and sample one of Sydney’s most delectable destinations…
The Larder Epicerie Fine
A family owned food store, which stocks products from all around the world. Their focus is on fine cheeses but they also offer a range of international honeys, conserves, pastas, chutneys and much more. They also stock ‘Brasserie Bread’, a well-known sourdough cut that is baked fresh and delivered every day. They pride themselves on stocking fine produce that is hard to find anywhere else.
Sideways Deli Café
Tucked away in the back streets of Dulwich Hill this café is always busy. Famous amongst locals for its family friendly environment, uniquely catering to children, with brightly coloured pencils, toy boxes, books and a welcoming attitude. It has something to offer for everyone, with baked good, delicious cakes, even teacups made of marshmallows. The menu has a wide selection of whimsical options from breakfast through to lunch.
Strawberry Fields Patisserie
This is an-award wining French-inspired patisserie. It offers unique and delicious treats that are renowned throughout the Inner West. Their menu includes classics such as brownies, tiramisu, custard tarts and a range of cupcakes.
The Hub House Diner
This is a new and trendy diner that looks like it belongs in the narrow streets of Surry Hills. They offer a delicious menu and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is inspired by American diner food, featuring ribs, burgers and a range of delicious sliders.
Coffee 1st Espresso Bar
This spot is famous for having a great breakfast and good vegan and gluten free options on the menu. The coffee is first class and they serve up a unique ‘Dirty Chai’ for those who like cinnamon in their coffee.
Gleebooks
Gleebooks is an independent bookstore, which has been running for more than 30 years. They have a great kids section and are known for being involved in the Dulwich Hill community, hosting a number of lectures throughout the year. It’s a cute little blue shop which offers the latest titles as well as an expansive second-hand section.
Gourmet Meats
A gourmet butchery passionate about organic, free range and grass-fed meats. The butchers here like to experiment with gourmet foods, and produce a number of savoury treats. They are popular amongst Dulwich Hill locals for their fresh produce and great cuts of meat.
Empire Café
Empire Café boasts the best coffee in Sydney, let alone Dulwich Hill. The Empire is the only place in the suburbs where you can find Arabic bean coffee from Columbia. They offer an amazing breakfast menu and are situated in the heart of Dulwich Hill’s restaurant and commercial district.
Little Portugal
A hidden gem in Dulwich Hill, which provides authentic Portuguese food rivalling the best in Petersham. The chicken is cooked on charcoal and is served with a mix of Peri Peri, lemon and herb sauces. It’s nothing fancy but the service is excellent, the food is cheap and the restaurant provides an authentic Portuguese experience. No wonder Dulwich Hill is keeping it a secret.
Oricco Chicken
If you’re feeling like some Mediterranean style charcoal chicken, Oricco Chicken is the place for you. It’s known in the Dulwich Hill area for its authentic food, quick service and amazing garlic sauce. They also have a great selection of burgers, rolls and fries. Though what makes this a standout business is the welcoming environment you receive when entering.
Abla Patisserie
Abla specialises in Lebanese pastry. It has the greatest variety, sweetest rose syrup and most delicate pastry you’ll find in the whole of the Inner West. Among many things on the menu are, baklava drizzled in syrup, ashtar filled Damascus rose and crunchy spring rolls filled with finely ground pistachios.
Do or Dye
This unique salon is run by Marylee Gallo who owes her success to the combination of experience within the industry, passion and own distinctive style. Gallo has developed a fiercely loyal client base and is most popular for her incredible bridal dos. The products she uses are top quality and her prices are affordable.
Fernandes Patisserie
No ordinary patisserie, this sweets shop offers a range of authentic and traditional treats. A major drawcard to this particular patisserie is that it stays open until 8pm. So when you’re having that late night craving you can always enjoy brioche smothered in syrup, egg custard and cinnamon, almond-meal slice or sweet pumpkin delights. They are most famous for their delicious Portugese tarts but be warned, they run out quick!
Luigis Bakery
This Italian bakery is famous for its fresh daily baked bread. The bakery offers a selection of mouth-watering and unique breads, such as fresh ciabatta, polenta bread and bread rings coated in semolina. The best time to visit this bakery is in the early hours of the morning, when the smell of baking goodies fills the kitchen and spills out onto the street.
Summerlane Kids
A bright and cheerful gift shop that stocks all things kid related. The shelves are full to the brim with toys, gifts and clothing. Fashionable kids’ brands include Toshi, Seedling, Micro Scooters and more. The staff are friendly and create a welcoming environment.
Connie Dimas Jewellery
Every piece of Connie Dimas’ jewellery is uniquely crafted by hand. She draws influences from all across the world, collecting bits of inspiration in every country she visits. Her pieces are filled with colour and offer a range of different textures and cuts. She has a beautiful collection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings to choose from.
Gladstone Hotel
This is your typical sturdy local pub, with good food, good beer and great entertainment. The new bistro offers a chargrill flavour with tantalising meats of all cuts and sizes. On Saturday nights you can enjoy live music in the garden bar and there are two-for-one frozen daiquiris from 7:30pm-8:30pm.
Revive Beauty
This salon provides an intimate environment that offers a range of beauty services. They are known for their relaxing massages, so if you’ve had a stressful day why not head over and enjoy a hot stone massage or a Swedish massage? They specialise in skin treatment and offer spray tanning, peels and microdermabrasion. They are an award-wining salon and a popular choice for Dulwich Hill locals.
The Graff Caff
This café is popular among the locals for its homemade cakes, pastries, muffins and brownies, including plenty of delicious options for the gluten-free among us. The café is inspired by street art and they are always looking for local artists whom they can celebrate on their walls.
Bettys Fitness and nutrition for women
Betty Concina, a professional athlete, founded this unique gym. She noticed the need for women to have their own environment in which they could feel safe and be informed within the Dulwich Hill area. This gym has a passion for helping women achieve their goals and to maintain healthy lifestyles through exercise and nutrition.
Jel’z Barber Shop
Jel’z looks like an old school barber shop with a modern interior and cool hair stylists inside. Catering to men of all ages and styles Jel’z barber shop is a cool new addition to Dulwich Hill. Having opened it’s doors in 2007, the salon gives the strip a bit “new school” style.
Vinnies
You know what they say; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This large charity store is filled with great vintage items. Once a small shop, Vinnies recently doubled in size. Row after row of shoes, stacks of belts and bags and – if you’re happy to rummage – lots of great dresses and skirts. Pick up some vintage sunglasses and know that you’re making a difference.
• Words: Millie Cotes
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