The Dry Dock’s light-filled dining room.
14.5/20

The Dry Dock

Comfort-first pub that’s a bit too nice to wear thongs to.

The new-look Dry Dock in Balmain.
14.5/20

This new-look Balmain boozer feels like an entirely new venue. So,how’s the food?

There’s no chicken schnitzel,but there is a juicy pork chop at The Dry Dock. Just don’t wear your thongs.

  • Callan Boys
Casa Esquina’s sprawling indoor-outdoor vibe has a special sense of freedom.
14/20

This indoor-outdoor Argentinian-inspired grillfest boasts Balmain-to-Buenos Aires vibes

Casa Esquina’s menu includes 10 different dishes from the parrilla,from Gundagai lamb tomahawk chops to a one-kilo dry-aged Ranger’s Valley Black Market rib-eye.

  • Terry Durack
Fire-roasted whole baby pumpkin with mushroom risotto (centre right),and kingfish tiradito.

Sprawling indoor-outdoor Argentinian restaurant opens in former Efendy site

The Tequila Mockingbird and Esteban restaurateur is behind the latest opening on the Balmain peninsula.

  • Scott Bolles
Crumbed pork cutlet,burnt lemon,and beurre noisette with Baker Bleu baguette and salad.

Balmain’s 156-year-old pub jewel the Dry Dock is back with a crack team and ex-Felix chef

The historic boozer returns after a year-long polished yet timeless revamp,with serious food cred to match.

  • Scott Bolles
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Fabbrica’s deli sandwich will be available at the Rozelle bread shop.

After years flatlining,an inner west pocket is riding a wave of new eateries (including a second Fabbrica spin-off)

After a series of closures,things are coming up roses in Rozelle-Balmain with a crop of new venues set to open.

  • Scott Bolles
Potato and sea salt croissant.

‘Chips in croissant form’:Don’t miss the potato and sea salt croissants at Home Croissanterie in Balmain

You no longer have to order in advance at this inner west spot but be warned:these pastries fly off the shelf.

  • Lee Tran Lam
Go-to dish:Gigli pasta with lamb ragu and ricotta.
14.5/20

Fabbrica’s Balmain pop-up is more inner-city panache than slapdash

The pasta bar’s soothing lamb ragu is set to be many locals’ best friend this winter.

  • Callan Boys
Apple and sage cake at Sandy Bake Shop.

This Balmain bake shop proves the simple pleasures are indeed the best

Forget the circus,simple is the key to success for this bakery.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Tomato salad at One Ford Street in Balmain.

One Ford Street

Balmain's One Ford Street nails pubside Italian.

  • Myffy Rigby