The Secret Recipe to a Great Night Out in Parramatta
A memorable night out is made much like a great recipe. There’s all the essential ingredients to consider — the drinks and snacks to start, the main event (dinner, of course) and something sweet.
From cocktail hour to a spot of culture at the theatre, a memorable feast and everything between.
A memorable night out is made much like a great recipe. There’s all the essential ingredients to consider — the drinks and snacks to start, the main event (dinner, of course), something sweet, and perhaps a spot of culture to top it all off — and with that tried-and-tested base in place, you can leave a little room open for spontaneity.
Where to go for cocktail hour
Nick & Nora’s is one of the best ways to kick off your evening. Head up to the 26th floor of SKYE Suites at golden hour to catch what are arguably the best views in the city. Perch outside over one of their 60 champagnes, grab a cocktail and a couple of snacks and soak in the uninterrupted horizon, where you can see all the way out to the Blue Mountains on a clear day.
Taking you back down to earth (aka the ground floor) is Ruse Bar & Brasserie. It’s one of the top destinations for a long lunch or full-blown dinner, but if it’s cocktails you’re after, you can drop by the alfresco bar area for a drink and watch the world of Parramatta Square go by.
Enjoy a sprinkle of culture
Riverside Theatre is our premier performing arts venue in Parramatta and sees crowds flocking in from all over Sydney (and beyond) to catch one of the 30 shows going on at any one time — from music to musicals and cabaret, comedy and theatre, as well as a special program for kids. Check out their current program here.
Where to enjoy the main course
Start your quest for an unforgettable feast at Church Street, a buzzing cluster of restaurants sprawling out from the banks of the Parramatta River. Top of the list is Holy Basil, dishing out fragrant Thai and Laotian fare (and exceptional cocktails) to the backdrop of flaming woks and a stunning gilded interior — it’s one of the best dinner spots to head to with a big group.
A little further up Church St on the border of North Parramatta, you’ll stumble upon Marinades BBQ at Mine. Run by Mr and Mrs Kim for over 20 years, and recently taken over by Cristina and her family, it’s something of a institution in the area. Say hi next time you’re in! They’ve kept much of the offering the same, with a few additions paying tribute to their Filipino and Lebanese heritage. Plus, they have plenty of specials running through the week and great options for the kids, too!
For some extra spice head to Harris Park, recently given the official title of Australia’s ‘Little India.’ Make a beeline straight for Not Just Curries to try their specialty — their aromatic Bombay-style butter chicken. Looking for more? Spy our full guide eating with a crowd in Harris Park here
Finish on a sweet note?
If you are in Harris Park, drop by Rocket Kulfi for a sweet kulfi ice-cream on a stick or Durga’s Paan and Falooda House for a mouth-freshening, digestive paan or tasty falooda.
There is, of course, Gelato Messina on Church St, with an ever-changing menu of icy specials, plus ice cream cakes to take to your celebratory dinner.
