Parramatta’s Most Beloved Food Institutions
Before the trends, there were the trailblazers. Discover the institutions that shaped Parramatta’s dining identity and continue to lead it today.
Before the hype, before the hashtags, these iconic restaurants laid the foundation for Parramatta’s food scene and have continued to stand the test of time. Rooted in family, community, and cultural pride, each venue has a story as rich as the dishes they serve.
Restaurant 317
317 Church Street, Parramatta
In 2005, when few venues in Sydney were catering to gluten-free diners, Restaurant 317 opened its doors on Church Street with a clear mission: to make quality Mediterranean dining inclusive, accessible, and memorable.
Founded by Pierre Sande and inspired by his Coeliac family member, 317 became one of the first venues in Parramatta to offer a dedicated menu for gluten-free guests, without compromising on taste. Blending the bold, sun-soaked flavours of the Mediterranean with a warm, family-style atmosphere, the venue quickly became a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
Nearly two decades on, it proudly holds the title of the longest-standing restaurant on Church Street, a place where stories are shared, wine is poured, and cultural connections are celebrated. In a city now known for its food scene, 317 was ahead of the curve proving that great hospitality doesn’t follow trends, it starts them.
Pho Pasteur
137 Church Street, Parramatta
Since opening in 1992, Pho Pasteur has become a cornerstone of Parramatta’s food scene, a place where consistency, tradition and heart have built decades of loyalty. Founded by Southern Vietnamese refugees Mr and Mrs Pham, the restaurant was born from years of hard work and a dream to share the flavours of their hometown, Tay Ninh, with their new community.
Using recipes passed down through generations, their signature pho, pronounced “fur”, is layered with secret spices and herbs that set it apart from the rest. But the menu goes well beyond pho, with standout dishes like bún bò Huế, cơm tấm, and gỏi cuốn, plus an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan options. Still independently owned and operated, Pho Pasteur Parramatta is not only an enduring local favourite, it’s proof that some of the strongest flavour legacies start with family and lead the way.
Temasek
2/100 George Street, Parramatta
Temasek has been a Parramatta institution since 1992, well before Singaporean-Malay cuisine was a fixture of the local dining scene. What started as a humble venture by a mother has become one of the city’s most enduring and beloved eateries.
With recipes passed down and perfected over generations, Temasek has built its reputation on consistency, authenticity and house-made pastes that flavour signature dishes like their rich laksa, satay chicken, and show-stopping chilli crab. For more than three decades, it has led with heart and heritage.
Sahra by the River
Platform 2/76 Phillip Street, Parramatta
Perched on the edge of the Parramatta River, Sahra by the River has been a pillar in the local dining scene. Known for its generous hospitality and vibrant Lebanese flavours, this long-standing favourite continues to set the standard for authentic Middle Eastern dining.
The menu is steeped in tradition, with standouts like slow-cooked lamb shoulder and mezze spreads dishes that have kept generations of locals coming back. With its longevity, heart, and cultural significance, Sahra by the River is the perfect example of how Parramatta leads the flavour trail, not follows it.
Their focus on family dining and generous hospitality has kept locals coming back since day one.
Kouzina Greco
16 Phillip Street, Parramatta
Since 2000, Kouzina Greco has stood as a cornerstone of the local dining landscape. Family-owned and operated by Alana and Peter Laliotitis, the venue has become a second home for many, a place where traditional Greek flavours meet heartfelt hospitality.
With dishes like the slow-cooked lamb kleftiko and a menu that blends authenticity with a modern twist, it’s no wonder this venue has stood the test of time. Alana and Peter are a constant presence, greeting guests like old friends, while their talented kitchen team strives for perfection plate after plate. Centrally located near Riverside Theatres, shops and public transport, Kouzina Greco caters for everything, from romantic dinners to lively group celebrations.
After more than two decades, it remains a shining example of what it means to be a true Parramatta institution, proudly leading the flavour trail, not following it.
