The Faces, Families and Cultures Shaping Parramatta’s World of Flavour
No matter what you're craving, Parramatta offers authentic dining experiences that celebrate the rich cultures of the families behind them. Here are a few standout restaurants you won’t want to miss.
Parramatta’s food scene is bursting with vibrant cultures and family owned venues, each with their own unique offerings and flavours. Every bite tells a story, whether it's a recipe passed down through generations or a modern twist on a classic dish. So, next time you're in Parramatta, take a culinary journey through its streets—you’re bound to find something that satisfies your cravings and leaves you coming back for more.Here are a few local favourites that are well worth a visit.
Baba Ghanouj
51 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Baba Ghanouj is a traditional Lebanese restaurant at the heart of Parramatta, known for its authentic, homestyle meals lovingly prepared in-house daily. Named after the iconic Lebanese dish, Baba Ghanouj offers a genuine taste of Lebanon, adding to Parramatta’s vibrant dining scene. Enhance your meal with a wine or beer imported straight from Lebanon, and indulge in traditional desserts like knefeh or beklewa mshakal. Owner and longtime Parramatta resident, John Ayoub, who has called the area home for over 20 years, envisioned the restaurant as a much-needed destination for people to experience authentic Lebanese cuisine with family and friends. Conveniently located on Phillip St, Baba Ghanouj is the go-to spot for an exceptional Lebanese dining experience.
Oribu
215 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
From traditional Lebanese to experimental Japanese; Parramatta’s first Japanese fine dining restaurant, Oribu, is a family-owned gem tucked away in the Heritage Lounge. The Olive tree, that inspired the venue’s name, stands tall in the centre of the restaurant and pokes out of a beautiful open air terrace. The venue boasts beautiful light and serves up even more beautiful food to match. Head Chef, Harry Cho (ex. Nobu), brings over 20 years of his expertise and has created a menu full of unique flavours. Try one of their delicious Japanese tacos, such as the tasty salmon jalapeño tartare taco with guacamole and tobiko or blow your dining experience away with the 7 course chef's menu. Every dish is crafted to perfectly balance all textures, flavours and aromas, and the team’s passion for Japanese cuisine shines through the intricacy of its plating. Oribu’s fusion of history and luxury creates a memorable dining experience that, owner Louis says, "honours Parramatta’s heritage while embracing innovation at its core." It also stands as a tribute to his father, Tony Louis Arida, who migrated to Australia from Lebanon in 1975. Louis says his father’s legacy of courage and community connection is embodied in every aspect of the Heritage Precinct.
Fratelli Pulcinella
399 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Once hidden in a backyard before finding its home on Church St, Fratelli Pulcinella has been delighting Parramatta diners since 2022. This 200-seater, family-owned gem serves up a comforting and authentic Italian feast that feels like you’ve stepped right into Nonna's kitchen. With two dedicated pizza ovens—one for classic bases and another for gluten-free options—they deliver perfectly woodfired crusts every time. Beyond their iconic pizzas, the menu boasts classic pastas and a mouth-watering selection of antipasti. Don’t miss the mortadella burratella pizza or the gnocchi a tegamino for a true taste of Italy. For a genuine Italian dining experience, head to Fratelli Pulcinella, where the Zullo family welcomes you with open arms and hearty dishes straight from their kitchen to your table. If you go early enough, you will likely catch Nonna and Nonno Zullo hand rolling gnocchi - you can't get fresher than that!
The Zungle Korean Marinade BBQ
329 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Korean BBQ is a favourite across the nation, but this Parramatta gem takes the experience to a whole new level! At The Zungle Korean Marinade BBQ, you’re in for a dining adventure where premium meats are expertly flamed right at your table by the attentive staff. The extensive menu is brimming with classic Korean favourites like crispy fried chicken, savoury japchae, and refreshing naengmyeon (cold noodles). Amongst their standout meat dishes are the super king kong rib, premium oyster blade, and pork belly bone and when paired with a soju bomb the meal is taken to the next level. Not only is the food outstanding, this family run Korean BBQ spot pairs excellent food with excellent service making it a must-visit for any food lover.
Homage
Shop 1/71 - 73 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Founded by Liza Chehade in tribute to her brother-in-law Sam, who passed away from brain cancer, Homage is a café with heart and soul. Inspired by the grungy, vibrant café culture of northwest Melbourne, this industrial-style gem on George Street has become a go-to for coffee enthusiasts. The café prides itself on serving exceptional brews, using beans from Five Senses and Proud Mary—names that guarantee quality in every cup.
But coffee isn’t the only thing drawing crowds. Homage’s sandwich offerings are hard to resist, with their cheeseburger jaffle quickly becoming a standout favorite. Whether you’re stopping by for your morning coffee or a quick bite, Homage delivers a dining experience that’s both comforting and memorable, much like the story behind its creation.
Whether you are in the mood for delicious Lebanese food, authentic Italian, 5-star Japanese, fiery Korean BBQ or an inspiring latte and jaffle; Parramatta’s dining scene is a unique World of flavour that pairs great food with even more passionate people.
