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I am Dee

@diaryof_dee

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📍 Sydney
Food 🥘 | Travel ✈️ | Lifestyle 🦋
Weekend café and restaurant explorer
Outfit : @fitcheckandcoffee
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@fullertonhotelsydney | Martin Place, Sydney

We decided to enjoy a staycation last July and chose The Fullerton Hotel Sydney as our destination. Located in the heart of the CBD, this beautiful hotel is set within the historic GPO building at No. 1 Martin Place. It offers a perfect blend of heritage charm and contemporary style, with spacious rooms, attentive service, and an unbeatable location close to Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Sydney’s major shopping precincts.

From the moment we stepped inside, it felt as though we had been transported to Europe, the grand sandstone architecture and refined design evoke a timeless elegance.

We particularly loved the high ceilings in the Heritage rooms, as well as the amenities like the 24-hour fitness centre and the Endota Spa. The Place restaurant offers a delicious fusion of modern Australian and Southeast Asian cuisine, and The Bar is the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Their high tea selection is seasonal and often refreshed, so it’s worth checking in advance (mine, a few months ago, was a delightful experience).

While the hotel doesn’t have a pool, and the Tower rooms feel more conventional compared to the Heritage wing, The Fullerton remains a polished and well-located choice, ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

@fullertonhotelsydney
📍1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW

[self funded]

#sydneyhotel #staycation #sydneyaccomodation #luxuryhotel #luxuryawaits #luxuryhotels #thefullertonsydney #hotelsydney #wheretosydney #sydneyholidays #sydneyholiday taken in The Fullerton Hotel Sydney by @diaryof_dee

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a year ago

@voguecafesydney | Darling Harbour, Sydney

I have been eyeing this iconic café since its opening in early June 2024. A fusion of fashion and food has arrived in Australia, located in the heart of Sydney’s picturesque Darling Harbour in the Ribbon Building. It shares a neighborhood with other Sydney landmarks, including W Sydney, the IMAX Theatre, and the International Convention Centre.

The new Vogue Café spans two levels, seamlessly blending an elegant dining area with a future-forward cocktail bar. The space is meticulously designed to honor Sydney’s vibrant dining scene while embodying Vogue’s modern and fashionable edge.

Upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the sophisticated interior, masterfully crafted by award-winning interior architect Callie Van Der Merwe and Roberto Zambri from COOOP. The walls are adorned with iconic photographs from memorable shoots featuring Australian stars such as Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett by Will Davidson, Margot Robbie by Mario Sorrenti, and Adut Akech by Josh Olins.

The menu showcases modern Australian cuisine with standout dishes like an extravagant seafood platter, perfect for groups of four or more, steamed king salmon with prawn emulsion, and an applewood-smoked Wagyu steak burger with Asian slaw—a must-try for my next visit. The rotating cocktail list highlights Australian botanicals and liquors from renowned local distilleries.

Have you been?

We ordered :
🍴 The Devil’s Pasta - tiger prawn, pepper, squid ink pasta $38
🍴 Steamed Alpine King Salmon - prawn emulsion, zucchini $48
🍴 Grilled Spatchcock (half) - fermented chilli, lemon $29
🍴 Signature Skin on Chips, Sweet Chilli Salt $16

☕️ Hot Chocolate $6
☕️ Flat white by @vittoria_coffee $6

We initially planned to indulge in some desserts, but we were too full to have any. Next time, we’ll make sure to come back with empty stomachs. Thank you to @angie.wp and @cynthiaathiaa to come along with me to check this cafe ❤️

@voguecafesydney
📍Retail 05/35, Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney taken in Vogue Cafe Sydney by @diaryof_dee

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2 years ago

@flaminia_sydney | Circular Quay, Sydney

Finally visited this restaurant, and it absolutely delivers on that effortless sense of casual luxury and breezy coastal vibe.

Flaminia at Circular Quay isn’t your average waterfront spot, it’s a sun-drenched, high-execution tribute to Italy’s iconic port cities by culinary icon Giovanni Pilu. The entire experience is themed around an elegant maritime voyage, inspired by the MS Flaminia, the migrant ship that brought the Pilu family to Sydney in 1959.

Here is the essential foodie checklist:
• The Crudo Bar: Pristine Shark Bay scallops and oysters lightly dressed to let the fresh seafood shine.
• The Pastas: The spanner crab spaghetti with savory bottarga is a non-negotiable order.
• From the Ocean: Murray Cod with Spinach
• Dessert: Seven Veils Cake

Opening hours:

☀️ Lunch
• Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Monday: Closed for lunch

🌙 Dinner
• Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed for dinner

(Note: They also serve an à-la-carte breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM

@flaminia_sydney
📍 Level 2, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
61 Macquarie Street, Sydney taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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2 days ago

@baronsrestaurant | Sydney, CBD

Tucked away in Sydney’s CBD, it has that effortless old-world charm, intimate candlelight, rich timber, leather seating and vintage details that make the space feel wonderfully timeless.
The menu is rooted in classic British-inspired dining, with quality produce and generous, comforting flavours. But for me, the ambience was just as memorable as the food. There was live jazz playing during our visit, which added such a beautiful, sophisticated energy to the evening (every Thursday and Friday, from 6pm).

It felt intimate, relaxed and effortlessly elegant without being overly formal, exactly the kind of place where you want to linger over good food, drinks and conversation.

A little old-school glamour, candlelight and live jazz in the heart of Sydney.

On the table:
~ Wood Fired Bone Marrow
~ Cremed Spinach
~ Murray Cod
~ Barons Classic Roasted Chicken
~ Mashed Potato

~ Bread and Butter Pudding

Opening hour:
LUNCH : Wednesday – Friday 12pm - 3pm
DINNER : Monday – Saturday 5pm – 12am

@baronsrestaurant
📍 52 Bridge St, Sydney 2000 taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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9 days ago

@kafe.kooks | Ultimo, Sydney

I recently visited KAFE KOOKS in Ultimo, a charming spot that puts a creative spin on Southeast Asian flavours, with roti at the heart of the menu.

Apart from their roti, we tried their special KFC wrap, along with murtabak and rojak, two of my personal favourites. Everything brought together familiar Southeast Asian flavours with a modern café approach, making the menu both comforting and fun to explore.

And not to mention, I absolutely loved their coffee, definitely one of the highlights for me.

I also enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming ambience. The space has a fun, laid-back character that makes it an easy spot for brunch or a casual catch-up. The staff were warm, friendly and attentive, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, KAFE Kooks is a lovely addition to the Ultimo café scene, especially if you enjoy roti, Southeast Asian flavours and good coffee. Definitely one to add to your Sydney foodie list

On the table:
~ Chicken Satay
~ Roti Canai
~ Thai Beef Madtarbak
~ Rojak Salad
~ Loaded Fries
~ KFC Wrap

☕️ Coconut Sua Da (double shot of coffee & coconut condensed milk, poured over ice - 100% dairy free)
☕️ Ice Mocca
🫖 Ice Tea

Opening hours:
7 days a week : 6am - 4pm

@kafe.kooks
📍 63 Mountain Street, Ultimo, Sydney by @diaryof_dee

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14 days ago

@kiddo.coffeesydney | Surry Hills, Sydney

New in Surry Hills ❤️

Woohoo, one more spot ticked off the list!
So glad I finally had some time to try Kiddo Coffee (thank you everyone who had share this spot before)

Kiddo Coffee is the kind of neighbourhood café that gets the details right, where Hong Kong-style café culture meets Thai heritage, bringing together great coffee, a relaxed atmosphere and a space that feels effortlessly cool.

A gorgeous new addition to the Surry Hills café scene. And the pandan bun? A must-try! soft, fragrant and absolutely delicious.

We had:
~ Fly me to the moon (Cold brew, signature cream, orange zest)
~ Momokawa (Espresso, oat milk, vegan cream, genmicha)
~ Einspaner (Coffee, signature cream)

> Pandan polo bao with coconut lava, recommended, it’s so good ❤️
> Cheesecake, this also another great option, so good ❤️

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday : 7am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday : 7.30 - 3pm (it quite busy on the weekends)

@kiddo.coffeesydney
📍 84-86 Mary Street, Surry Hills, Sydney taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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24 days ago

@shorelinekitchenbar | | Darling Harbour, Sydney

A new brunch and all-day dining spot alert

Part of the newly refreshed Adina Sydney Darling Harbour, Shoreline Kitchen brings an effortless casual-luxury close to the waterfront.

Relaxed yet polished, it’s the kind of place that works beautifully from a leisurely brunch through to lunch and evening drinks. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients with modern Australian favourites, while the atmosphere feels warm, stylish and wonderfully unhurried.
I love the easy-going vibe here, sophisticated enough for a long brunch or catch-up, but relaxed enough to simply settle in and take your time.

A fresh new addition to Darling Harbour, where casual dining meets a touch of understated luxury

On the table:
~ Smoked Salmon Rosti
~ Flat white

Opening hours:
7 days : 7am - 3pm

@shorelinekitchenbar
📍 60 Lime Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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a month ago

@amiocafe | Milsons Points, Sydney

After my morning weekend run around Milsons Point, I stopped by Amio Cafe for a little coffee and matcha break, with some of the best views of Sydney. I saw in many posts before how gorgeous is the view and yes, it is!

I love the relaxed yet stylish feel here, the perfect spot to slow down after a run, enjoy a good coffee or matcha, and take in the harbour views.

Starting the day with a run, fresh air, beautiful views and a good cup of coffee and matcha

~ Banana Pudding Matcha 💚
~ Vietnamese Salted Coffee (I will comeback for this, it’s so good) 🤎

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday : 7am - 7pm

@amiocafe
📍 55 Lavender Street, Milsons Point, Sydney taken in Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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a month ago

@barbruno_sydney | York Street, Sydney

Finally checked out Bar Bruno, a new Italian wine bar and neighbourhood-style osteria from Odd Culture Group, tucked away on York Street in Sydney CBD.

The space has a beautifully relaxed yet sophisticated feel, with high ceilings, exposed brick, timber details and a warm amber glow. It has that effortless Italian charm that makes you want to settle in for an aperitivo and stay for dinner.

The wine list is distinctly Italian, with around 100 bottles ranging from established producers to emerging winemakers, alongside a selection of aperitivo-style drinks. The food follows the same Italian spirit, with seafood, crudo, pasta and generous plates made for sharing. It’s the kind of place that takes you effortlessly from aperitivo to dinner and late-night drinks.

A stylish new addition to Sydney’s dining scene and definitely one to keep on the list for an Italian-inspired evening.

On the table:
~ MUSHROOM CARPACCIO - Pine nuts, porcini vinaigrette, parmigiano reggiano
~ MURRAY COD - Brodo di parmigiano, lemon, chives ⭐️⭐️
~ SPAGHETTINI - Balmain Bug, spicy tomato sugo, basil ⭐️⭐️
~ TIRAMISU ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - One of the best I’ve had! The coffee really kicks, the sweetness is just right, and that salty cream balances everything so beautifully. I absolutely love this version! ❤️❤️❤️

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday : 11:30am - 12am
Saturday : 12 pm - 12am
Sunday : Closed

@barbruno_sydney
📍 18-20 York Street, Sydney 2000 taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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a month ago

@ona.sydney | Marrickville, Sydney

As a coffee lover, I’m always curious to discover new coffee spots wherever I go, so I was delighted to finally experience ONA. And with its recognition as The Good Food Guide’s Café of the Year 2025, I had high expectations, and it certainly delivered.

The moment I stepped inside, I fell in love with the beautiful coffee bar. I settled into a cosy corner seat, perfect for enjoying a quiet coffee moment and taking in the atmosphere. The coffee menu is truly impressive, with an amazing selection of classics and creative designer drinks. Since I can only have two/three caffeinated drinks a day, I had to choose carefully, and exploring the creative side was definitely the right decision.

I started with the Ice Berry Latte, refreshing and beautifully balanced with coffee, sweetness and fruity berry notes. But The After Dark was the standout for me, salted caramel, Riverina cream and tonka beans. The combination of coffee, caramel and that delicate layer of salted cream was simply divine. I could honestly come back just for this one. The Maple Miso Cream was another favourite, made with maple coffee, black sesame syrup, white miso and salted cream. Sweet, savoury, nutty and creamy, such an unexpected but beautiful combination.

The staff also made the experience extra special. They were incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain the drinks, which made choosing from such an extensive menu so much easier.

And the experience goes beyond coffee, we also enjoyed a beautiful brunch here (must try their signature dish : tteokbokki french toast). If you’re visiting ONA, don’t leave without trying their famous “raspberry candy tiramisu”. A beautiful finish to an already memorable coffee experience.

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday : 7.30am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday : 8am - 3pm

@ona.sydney
📍 58 Smith Street, Marrickville, Sydney taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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a month ago

@meisterstuckcoffee | Clarence Street, Sydney

Solo coffee date brought me here, Meisterstück is one of those little CBD coffee spots that feels like a lovely find. Located on Clarence Street, it’s a great place to escape the usual CBD rush and enjoy a proper coffee break.

I had their Signature No. 1, made with espresso, milk, brown sugar and sea salt caramel foam. It’s creamy, slightly sweet and has that lovely balance of coffee and caramel without feeling too heavy, definitely a little more special than your everyday coffee. (If you prefer non-coffee, they have Signature no 2 - Jasmine tea milk green tea foam)

The space has a simple, relaxed feel, perfect for a quick caffeine fix, a casual catch-up or just taking a moment for yourself. I love discovering cafés like this that have a neighbourhood feel while still being right in the heart of the city. Definitely one to add to the Sydney coffee list ❤️

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday : 8am - 4pm

@meisterstuckcoffee
📍 185 Clarence Street, Sydney taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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2 months ago

@scala.lane | Sydney, CBD

Tucked away within the secluded enclave of Wynyard Lane, Scala Lane stands as a hidden CBD gem that richly rewards discovery. Having quietly opened its doors last year, this sophisticated sanctuary has captivated discerning diners ever since.

The philosophy draws beautiful inspiration from the intimate towns of Italy, where a meal is never merely sustenance, but a joyous celebration, a dedicated time to gather, converse, and share stories that linger long after the table is cleared.

The venue effortlessly marries a refined, intimate ambience with the captivating choreography of an open kitchen, where guests can observe the chefs masterfully at work. It is an experience that seamlessly blends traditional culinary wisdom with a contemporary sophistication tailored for the modern dining scene.

Every dish reflects a steadfast commitment to honest ingredients, bold flavours, and an undeniable sense of heart.An evening here begins exquisitely with a refreshing Scala Spritz (I choose the Non-Alcoholic), perfectly complemented by the house, vibrant green king prawns. For the main course, the meticulously prepared prawn linguine and the deeply comforting, slow-simmered pappardelle al ragu stand as essential orders. To conclude, the signature tiramisu (elegantly served table-side) provides a theatrical and unforgettable finale to an exceptional dining experience.

On the table:
~ Green king prawns $32
~ Prawn linguine $39
~ Pappardelle al ragu $39
~ Tiramisu $20

Drinks:
🍹 Raspberry & elderflower spritz $16
🍹 Mango-tini $16

Opening hours:
Monday : 5-10pm
Tuesday - Friday : 11:30 am–3 pm/5–10 pm
Saturday : 5-10pm
Sunday : Closed

@scala.lane
📍 36 Wynyard La, Sydney NSW 2000

[Invite] taken in Sydney, Australia by @diaryof_dee

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2 months ago