Where to find Sydney’s best food courts

While it’s not technically a food court in the way you might expect, Spice Alley is full of delicious, affordable options. Located in the heart of vibey Chippendale, this outdoor foodie destination lives up to its name and is essentially an alley bustling with Asian hawker stalls as well as tables and stools for the crowd to sit at.

The setting might remind you of eating street-side in Southeast Asia, and you will find fab Malaysian food from Sedap, delicious ramen and sushi from Kyo-to and even cool cocktails from Gin Lane, plus Chinese, Thai, Singaporean, Vietnamese and even Italian to choose from. Mix it up with dishes from 12 different stalls or go with just one. Either way, you’ll share a fab feast with mates here.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Bang Luck Thai Street Food

Sleek and polished, Barangaroo’s The Canteen provides a welcome reprieve from some of the pricier options in the vicinity, not to mention some serious bang for your buck.

A buzzy place to grab a quick bite and recharge during the day, this food hall is sunny and cheery, with plenty of natural light during the day to keep the vibes light.

Food-wise, you’ll find casual international offerings with sushi, pastries, Middle Eastern fare and brekkie options as well as super sandwiches from ToastieSmith and fried ice-cream from Holy Basil.

Dish Cult’s top pick: ToastieSmith

Set in the heart of the city, Westfield’s casual dining precinct is the perfect place for busy shoppers, date-goers and tourists alike, which means that no matter the time of day, be prepared to face a crowd.

It’s a sprawling space so chances are that you won’t find yourself jostling too hard for a table, and you’ll find tons of food options from Thai and sushi to healthy nourish bowls and Turkish pide.

If you’re looking for an international spread that’s convenient and relatively affordable in the middle of the shopping district, you’ve found it.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Umma Kitchen

Haymarket’s Market City is well-known for both factory outlets selling clothes at a fraction of the price and Paddy’s Market, where you’ll find great value fruit and vegetables.

All that shopping tends to work up an appetite, so at the very top of the centre you’ll find the 1909 Dining Precinct, with excellent options like hotpot from The Dolar Shop, Malaysian and Singaporean at Nanyang Tea Club, and quintessential k-bbq at Kogi Korean BBQ.

The space is located next to an arcade: perfect for you to wait for a spot in a restaurant (and they do work up quite a line, especially on weekends).

Dish Cult’s top pick: The Dolar Shop

Regent Place will remind you of Tokyo’s huge subway malls which are lined with eateries where you can grab quick bites, leisurely long dinners or cold matcha treats.

The Sydney version has lanterns hanging overhead as you grab a salmon rice bowl from the famed Dopa by Devon, ramen from Tenkomori, yakitori skewers at Yakiniku Yokocho and finish it off with some soft serve and matcha lattes at Oh!Matcha cafe.

A fun spot to explore with friends, this “food court” is decked out in neon lights and set across several levels making it a great place to spend the night, a cold Japanese beer from Assembly Bar in hand.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Tenkomori

The Galeries is packed with some of Sydney’s biggest names. There’s Black Star Pastry, Gram Pancakes and The Grounds of The City here, and if that doesn’t convince you that this dining hall is worth a visit, then we don’t know what will!

From Garlic pork with rice at Chat Thai and healthy bowls at Soul Origin to some stellar cafe food at the ever-bustling Grounds, get ready to explore the variety of food and dessert options at this sprawling contemporary food hall with multiple sections, each with a unique feel.

Settle down at a long communal table if you’re planning on staying a while, or grab a quick bite for one at the small individual tables.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Chat Thai

For food court dining smack in the middle of Circular Quay, look no further than Gateway.

With international offerings from over 30 different restaurants, this food hall stays open till almost midnight seven days a week and provides a contemporary environment to enjoy diverse and casual dining.

Nab xiao long bao soup dumplings from Din Tai Fung, gelato from renowned ice-cream scoopers Messina, or inhale sushi rolls at Hero Sushi Express.

You’re spoiled for choice here, and with lots of tables available, you won’t find yourself jostling for a seat most of the time either.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Four Frogs Creperie