Best Restaurants in Chatswood Sydney: 2026 Dining Hotspots & Top Picks

Why Chatswood Is Sydney’s Foodie Hotspot in 2026

Chatswood Restaurant Scene: What’s New This Year

In 2026, Chatswood stands out as Sydney’s premier dining destination, thanks to the newly transformed Chatswood Chase food precinct, which features over 40 retailers blending local and global flavors. Modern design, chef-driven pop-ups, and a surge in Asian, fusion, and wellness-focused concepts have elevated the area’s appeal. Positive feedback indicates that despite ongoing upper-level construction, cuisine quality and innovation are at an all-time high.^[1]

Recent Food Trends and Culinary Innovations in Chatswood

Chatswood’s 2025-2026 trends feature continued dominance of Asian cuisines, a rise in wellness dining such as herbal soups, group-focused hotpot and shared plates, and a notable shift toward sustainability with outlets like Scoop Wholefoods. Additionally, the area experiments with digital menus and in-venue ordering technology, though specific adoption rates are proprietary. Bold flavor hybridizations—such as tom yum calamari and Korean soju cocktails—signal a culinary landscape driven by creative chefs with immigrant and local roots.

Quick List: Best Restaurants in Chatswood Sydney Right Now

Top 3 Must-Visit Restaurants for 2026

Khao Pla – Thai cuisine, 4.4/5 (179 reviews), famous for pad si ew and tom yum calamari. Consistently high bookings and praise for value.^[1][2]
Garfish Crows Nest – Seafood, 4.6/5 (1011 reviews), leads for sustainable fresh catches and impressive service.^[1]
MATKIM – Modern Korean, 4.6/5 (limited reviews), noted for innovative dishes and polished ambiance appealing to luxury diners.^[1][4]

Editor’s Hidden Gem Picks

Bao Dao – Taiwanese street food specialist, pork belly buns and beef noodle soup. Always busy with devoted local following.
Spicy Joint – Sichuan Chinese; bold flavors, efficient for groups and casual diners seeking authentic hotpot.

New Openings and Rising Stars to Watch

Han Soup Bar Chatswood – Fresh in 2026; Cantonese herbal soups and healthy steamed fare. Affordable group combos ($56-136 for 2-4 people).
Dopa Donburi & Dessert – Japanese contemporary, part of the new Chatswood Chase precinct, showing early promise with young diners.

Chatswood Dining Guide by Cuisine

Best Asian Restaurants in Chatswood Sydney

Khao Pla: Balanced Thai classics with modern twists.
Han Soup Bar Chatswood: Cantonese soups emphasize health and tradition.
Mamak: Malaysian street food—crispy roti and satay—high volume, consistent quality.

Top Korean & Japanese Eateries in Chatswood

MATKIM: Modern Korean chef-driven menu, upscale feel.
Amah by Ho Jiak: Korean fusion standards and unique soju list.
Dopa Donburi & Dessert, Taka Sushi, Nana’s Green Tea: Offering donburi, sushi, and premium Japanese teas (Nana’s rated 4.5/5).

Standout Chinese and Taiwanese Restaurants

Bao Dao: Legendary pork buns, authentic noodle soups.
Spicy Joint: Sichuan flavors, ideal for social dining.
Dragon Pastry: Chinese baked goods and dim sum, part of food court resurgence.

Italian, Thai, and International Standouts

Dodici: Classic Italian pasta and pizza in central Chatswood.
Chat Thai: Efficient, crowd-pleasing Thai food for quick meals.
Quattro Deli, Sandoitchi: International market delicacies in the Chatswood Chase precinct.

Family-Friendly and Casual Dining Spots

Flower Child: Casual cafe, flexible kid’s menu, all-day brunch.
Mamak, Spicy Joint: Shareable plates, lively atmospheres, suited for children and groups.
Orchard Tavern: Renovated pub with kid-friendly options near station.

Best Restaurants in Chatswood Sydney for Every Dietary Need

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Flower Child: Several vegetarian plates, adaptable for vegans.
Khao Pla: Vegan-friendly curries and stir-fried tofu upon request.
Scoop Wholefoods: Health-focused options; ideal for plant-based snacks.

Gluten-Free Friendly Picks

Han Soup Bar: Steamed herbal dishes customizable for gluten-free diets.
Garfish: Seafood dishes prepared gluten-free if requested.
Nomu Korean Fried Chicken: Offers gluten-free fried chicken upon order.

Halal and Allergy-Friendly Restaurants

La Viet: Vietnamese halal options, food prepared with allergy notices in mind.
Bao Dao: Flexible for various food allergies; pork-free alternatives available.

Kid-Friendly and Group Dining Choices

Mamak, Spicy Joint: Shareable, spice levels customizable.
Han Soup Bar: Group combos, child portions upon request.
Flower Child: Dedicated kids’ menu, family-friendly brunch hours.

Beyond the Plate: Dining Experience, Ambiance, and Sustainability

Best for Date Nights, Celebrations, and Big Groups

MATKIM: Modern, romantic, excellent for special occasions.
Tre Viet Restaurant: Vibrant for group celebrations.
Khao Pla: Cozy but lively, great food for sharing.

Eco-Conscious and Sustainable Practices

Garfish: Ethical seafood sourcing, positive diner feedback.
Scoop Wholefoods: Focus on reduced-waste packaging and organic selections.
Han Soup Bar: Low-waste preparation techniques, healthy menu focus.

Ambiance, Design, and Unique Restaurant Features

Flower Child: Garden-inspired space in Westfield; bright, playful interior.
Dragon Pastry: Modern open kitchen, visible pastry preparation.
Dodici: Italian café coziness with open-plan seating.

Local Chef Insights and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Many venues are chef-driven, particularly Asian fusion spots. Spicy Joint is run by Sichuan immigrants, while Khao Pla is helmed by local Thai culinary experts. Innovation in flavor, such as Korean-Malaysian mashups or tom yum salt, reflects Chatswood’s global palate.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Best Restaurants in Chatswood Sydney

Reservation Advice and Peak Times

Reservations are essential for MATKIM, Garfish, and Khao Pla, especially for weekend dinners. OpenTable and direct online booking are widely used.^[1]
Popular family and group spots (e.g., Mamak, Bao Dao) accommodate walk-ins but get busy after 6pm. Hotpot venues see peak bookings Monday-Thursday evenings.

Getting There: Parking and Public Transport

Chatswood Station offers frequent train service from Sydney CBD (about 15 minutes).
Major bus lines serve Victoria Avenue, and Westfield/Chatswood Chase offer ample parking for diners.

Best Times to Visit Each Restaurant

Cafes like Flower Child open from 8am (best before 11am for short waits).
Lunch peak: 12–2pm; Dinner peak: 6–8:30pm. Book luxury spots and popular hotpots well in advance for these hours.

What to Know About Chatswood’s Dining Scene in 2026

Chatswood’s mix of accessible pricing ($$ average $30–50pp; luxury $$$$ $100+pp), authentic flavors, and rapid new venue rotation make it a continually evolving foodie destination. Bookings have grown 20% year-on-year since 2024.^[1][2]

FAQ: Best Restaurants in Chatswood Sydney Answered

Budget-Friendly Eats & Luxury Experiences

Budget: Bao Dao, Mamak, Spicy Joint (get authentic, generous plates for $15–$30 pp).
Luxury: MATKIM, Garfish, special tasting menus at select venues ($100+ pp).

Special Occasion or Last-Minute? What to Choose

Special: Reserve MATKIM or Garfish at least one week ahead.
Last-minute: Try walk-in friendly Bao Dao, Mamak, or food court pop-ups inside Chatswood Chase.

Your Ultimate Chatswood Food Adventure (2026 Update)

Ready for a memorable culinary journey? Book your table now at OpenTable Chatswood or plan your weekend tour of the new Chatswood Chase food precinct for Sydney’s broadest variety of trending cuisines. Whether savoring tom yum calamari or exploring a sustainable seafood dinner, Chatswood is the go-to for foodies in 2026—diverse, dynamic, and delicious.

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Restaurant	Cuisine	Rating	Price	Strengths
Khao Pla	Thai	4.4/5	$$	Consistent quality, signature dishes
Garfish	Seafood	4.6/5	$$$	Sustainable catches, peak service
MATKIM	Korean	4.6/5	$$$$	Luxury, modern fusion
Flower Child	Cafe	3.9-4.0/5	$$	Fun atmosphere, family-friendly
Bao Dao	Taiwanese	N/A	$$	Authentic street food, top reviews
Han Soup Bar	Cantonese	N/A	$$$	Herbal soups, group combos

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