Handpicked Cellars

As the name suggests, Kensington Street’s very own cellar door ‘handpicks’ wines from over 21 regions in five countries, making it a must-visit one-stop urban bottle shop for curated drops. If you can’t resist cracking open your chosen bottle, take a seat in the contemporary lounge area and order a charcuterie board to match. Stop by on Tuesday evenings in July for their ‘Cheese Dreams are Made of These’ raclette night.

Winter warmer: Melted raclette straight from the wheel, served with pancetta, potatoes and pickles/ paired with a ‘Swipe Right Perfect Match’ wine flight

handpickedwines.com.au, 50 Kensington Street

Holy Duck! 

Duck lovers rejoice! The latest kid on the Kensington Street block is a modern Chinese restaurant from those masters of pan-Asian cuisine, Chefs Gallery. Age-old traditional Chinese barbecue is given a touch of modernity with signature crispy duck and a killer orange hoisin sauce. For a more casual offering, visit for lunch and get your hands on a ‘What the Duck’ burger.

Winter warmer: Sichuan-style hot and numbing chicken wings

holyduck.com.au, 2-10 Kensington Street

Mekong 

With a menu taking its cues from a journey down the Mekong River, Mekong Restaurant is bringing some heat to Kensington Street. The newest venture from chef Tiw Rakarin explores cuisine from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Drift your way through vibrant share plates, curries and desserts, inspired by recipes from across the Indochine region. Quench your thirst with a selection of Vietnamese and Thai beers, or keep it local with the Australian-focused wine list.

Winter warmer: Braised beef rib curry with carrot, sweet potato and Burmese doza

mekong-restaurant.com.au, Upper level, 14 Kensington Street

Eastside Grill 

Eastside Grill brings grill dining with a NYC attitude and Japanese flair to Kensington Street. Chef Stanley Wong delivers an American-influenced menu enhanced by the distinct flavours of the Japanese Binchotan charcoal grill. Think grilled octopus and oven-roasted bone marrow, or bourbon-brined Kurobuta pork chop. The Super-Sized New-York Style Cheesecake is a stand-out dessert.

Winter warmer: Slow-braised lamb shank, persimmon and preserved lemon

eastsidegrill.com.au, The Old Rum Store, Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street

Bistrot Gavroche

With French restaurants popping up left, right and centre, Kensington Street has added another one to the mix. Bistrot Gavroche is home to quintessential French cuisine, with a menu that celebrates chef Frederic Colin’s French roots. The moody interiors are reminiscent of a 1920’s French bistro, heightened by accented waiters in suited uniform. A mix of French and Australian wines populate the extensive wine list, all hand selected by sommelier and co-owner Lionel Richard.

Winter warmer: ‘Couquelet’ roasted spatchcock with spinach and sweet corn and a tarragon jus.

bistrotgavroche.com.au, Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street

Olio

Sicilian is the new Italian, so they say, and Olio is out to prove that. Award-winning chef Lino Sauro celebrates his Sicilian roots at Olio, with dishes featuring seasonal seafood, saffron, raisins, wild fennel, and, of course, olive oil – sourced directly from Sauro’s family farm in Sicily. Set inside the expansive Old Rum Store on Kensington Street, the light-filled warehouse space features splashes of Mediterranean flair, with the 40-seat scenic rooftop, complete with views over Chippendale, emulating an idyllic Italian courtyard.

Winter warmer: Zuppo’ – Sauro’s signature seafood stew, served in a terracotta pot with toasted chunks of sourdough

olio.kensingtonstreet.com.au, Second floor, Old Rum Store, 2-10 Kensington Street

Kensington Street Social

Set in the Old Clare Hotel, Kensington Street Social is an industrial-accented space, dotted with towering concrete columns and brass light fittings. Here, British Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton and executive chef Robert Daniels have created a relaxed menu focused on share plates. The menu, which showcases the best Australian produce, is filled with options to satisfy whatever size appetite you bring.

Winter warmer: Rump of lamb with smoked bacon, garden peas, white onion and anchovy mint relish

kensingtonstreetsocial.com,  3 Kensington St