The picturesque suburb of Surry Hills is a gem worthy of a full day of exploring. It transforms with the season and with the time of day, from specialty coffee to pop-up shops to good pub feed.
With an overwhelming amount of things to do, it’s easy to wonder: where does one even begin? This is where our local guides at It’s Recess come in.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Located on Bourke Street, It’s Recess is a sandwich and salad shop that draws in locals for a no-fuss breakfast or lunch break. These days, a good hearty and healthy lunch under $15 is hard to come by, but that’s where these guys thrive.
They’re not just for the neighbours getting through the 9-5, though. People come from all over to try the likes of their pesto chook toastie and iced lattes with banana cold foam.
We asked the team at It’s Recess for other spots in the area they’d recommend before or after stopping by for a sandwich. Keep reading on for their answers.
The It's Recess team helping us put together this Surry Hills guide
- Clark - Co-owner
- Paddy - Co-owner
- Libby & Matilda - FOH/BOH
What's your go-to when you knock off?
- Clark - Courthouse Hotel - legendary team & unmatched people watching.
- Paddy - One of the big three: Courthouse AKA 'the office', Surlys if there is a game on or outside at Avia for a Beericano.
- Libby & Matilda - The Riley Hotel.
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
- Clark - Rosie Campbells for the jerk chicken and crinkle fries. Or Avia when we're feeling a touch bougie.
- Paddy - Obsessed with LARP when we can't be bothered to cook, my favourite Thai & the best staff.
- Libby & Matilda - Shaffa - so much flavour & the ambience to match.
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
- Clark - Surlys for shuffleboard & fireball, of course.
- Paddy - Pasta making at Pasta Emilia.
- Libby & Matilda - The Colombian - open 'til 7am, for better or worse...
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Clark - Lavie & Belle for their salami baguette - simple & delicious.
- Paddy - My Zakaya - fresh, quick, delicious and a welcome change after too many days of sandwiches.
- Libby & Matilda - Lode Bakery for the flakiest of pastries.
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
- Clark - Bandsome on Crown St - has quietly rescued every birthday I nearly forgot.
- Paddy - C's Flashback - always go in needing a specific one thing, find it and leave with 4 more items.
- Libby & Matilda - Above the Clouds.
