All sorts of good eating at reasonable prices can be found along Oxford Street through Darlinghurst and into Paddington. Check first to see if your choice of restaurant is “BYO,” bring your own beer or wine. If so, hit the nearest liquor store (or “bottle shop” as the locals say) to select a bottle of Australian wine. The country produces some terrific, inexpensive vintages. The Capal Vale chardonnay was a favorite at my table.
Among the restaurants I’d return to on (or just off) Oxford Street are:
-- Thai Nesia, where I enjoyed outrageously good red curry chicken with pumpkin. (BYO)
-- Clove, neatly set in an old church on Crown Street just south of Oxford. Here, tasty Indian cuisine is served dirt cheap.
-- Kelly’s (further off Oxford on Crown) promises the “best steak in town.” Certainly, my rare slab of sirloin was as good as any I’ve eaten.
-- Roo Bar (also on Crown) is a good choice for breakfast, especially its filling pancakes and egg dishes. At the internet cafe in back, you can log on and check your e-mail.
-- Balkan Sea Food on Oxford grills up an excellent assortment of fresh fish. I loved the red snapper, though the John Dory is also a popular choice. Don’t miss the local oysters. Dinner includes a generous Greek salad. (BYO)
-- Cafe 81 offers great people watching at its outdoor tables fronting Taylor Square. It’s a solid choice for coffee, breakfast, or a light lunch.