Recently featured in the Sydney episode of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix, this small but mighty Thai eatery delivers big flavours with unapologetic intensity. As the name suggests, cooking with rendered pork fat is part of the philosophy here, infusing curries, wok-tossed greens and deep-fried bites with a signature depth and richness. The space is compact but lively, with occasional flashes of flame illuminating the kitchen. BYO (wine only) is enthusiastically encouraged, making it easy to bring a bottle of something sharp and mineral-forward to offset the menu’s spice- and fat-driven complexity. A must-visit for serious flavour chasers. Shop 2, 79 Quay St, Haymarket; porkfat.com.au.

“Ho jiak” translates to “good eats” in Hokkien, and this hawker-style Malaysian restaurant lives up to its name. Start with loh bak – crunchy spiced pork wrapped in bean curd skins; or chicken satay that’ll have you desperate for the recipe. For a taste of how head chef Junda Khoo made his name, hit the Signatures. Khoo’s char kway teow is seafood-laden and spicy. Nasi lemak ticks all the boxes: a tender beef rendang with spicy chili sambal, soft-boiled egg, peanuts and fried anchovies. Cooking food Khoo learnt from his grandmother, Ho Jiak shows that all good food starts at home. Corkage fee is $25 per bottle. 92 Hay St, Haymarket; hojiak.com.au/haymarket.

There is no shortage of outposts from this Thai restaurant empire that still commands a crowd after 33+ years. From its OG location near Capitol Theatre, a flurry of waiters delivers the best of Thailand’s street food with precision. On the hit list: crisp fish cakes with pickled cucumber and a spicy, sweet and salty salad of green papaya with pickled crab. There’s no better lunch than the gratifying grapao gai sup or the emerald duck – fragrant five-spice roast duck served on a bed of just-cooked gai lan and bok choy. While finding a table can be difficult, it’s worth the wait. 20 Campbell St, Haymarket; chatthai.com.

This corner plot in Redfern bustles across breakfast and lunch – and while it’s not open for dinner you can buy pre-marinated chickens, falafel, dips and salads from the well-stocked fridges for a feast at home. Israeli chef Michael Rantissi peddles modern Middle Eastern fare that would be well-matched to a juicy red blend or straight up Cabernet Franc. Turophiles will enjoy scooping lashing of Mutabel smoked eggplant dip or Kepos Hummus onto wood-fired bread, while the Tel Aviv falafel is a must-order and crowd favourite. BYO wine only is $10 per person. 96 Kepos St, Redfern; keposstreetkitchen.com.au.

This Chinatown outpost is Mamak’s original venture and it’s been serving up a strong game of casual fun eats for well over a decade now. Think Malay satay skewers and bold curries that by no means compromise on flavour or spice. You might have to queue, but the restaurant’s famed sweet and savoury iterations of roti are a practically instant reward. As is the cheerful $4 per person for corkage. 15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket; mamak.com.au.

“BYO and barefoot-friendly” is the saying at this Italian trattoria in harbourside Mosman. Soak up dazzling water views while you tuck into freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters alongside a crisp prosecco. Or opt for the seafood spaghetti with scampi, vongole and mussels to pair with your favourite French rosé for a little Saint-Tropez dreaming on a Sunday afternoon. Corkage here is $15 per bottle. d’Albora Marina, Spit Rd, Mosman; chiosco.com.au.

This vibrant Chippendale laneway brings together eleven eateries spanning Japanese, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian and Chinese cuisines. And the best thing about a visit to Spice Alley—besides the hawker hall vibes and soon-to-be flavour party in your mouth—is that BYO comes free of charge. So round up some mates, choose your own Asian adventure and hunker down under the glow of the lanterns with a bottle or two. Handpicked Wines is the closest wine repository and make sure to pack a drinking vessel to cut down on your plastic (cup) consumption. Kensington Street, Chippendale; spicealley.com.au.

Rosso Pomodoro moved from its post in the White Bay area of Balmain onto central Darling Street during Covid lockdowns, which has done little to disrupt its incredible popularity. This is authentic Napoli-style pizza; the bases are thin and slightly charred. “Rosso” has maintained its bold decor – think bright red tomatoes painted on the concrete floor, bright green chairs. The pizza toppings are simple and quality, the ever-popular “Diavola” features tomato, fior di latte, hot salami and capsicum. BYO is $10 a bottle and there’s also a Bondi outpost.360 Darling St, Balmain; rossopomodoro.com.au

Bangkok-born chef Pla Rojratanavichai worked the woks at Spice I Am, Ms. G’s and Mr. Wong before opening his own Thai eatery in Chatswood. Many consider it the city’s best. Khao Pla translates as rice and fish, but for us, it’s all about the green curry. It’s made here with clusters of pea eggplants, wild ginger and bird’s-eye chillies. It’s an absolute firecracker. The menu includes all the spice-laden staples, from pad thai to massaman, alongside modern favourites like the twice-cooked pork ribs in a sticky tamarind sauce. Wines start at $10 a glass or you can bring your own. Various locations; khaopla.com.au.

Don’t be misled by the “takeaway” in the name. It’s well worth waiting for a seat at this Inner West institution. The ’90s alt soundtrack and clientele sipping BYO natty wines are pure Enmore, but the menu owes everything to Egyptian street vendors. Fill your stomach and soul with lentil koshari rice and maalouba pilaf with slow-cooked lamb. Or sample a bit of everything with a mixed plate, featuring the likes of light falafel (crispy outside, parsley-green within); spiced, tender cauliflower; or charcoal-grilled lamb kofta and boneless chicken, served with pickled turnip and chili, fresh fattoush salad and silken tahini or toum. BYO is wine only. 81 Enmore Rd, Newtown; cairotakeaway.com.

What began as a humble Lebanese takeaway has grown into one of the Inner West’s most beloved neighbourhood restaurants. Emma’s is all about sharing – mezze plates piled with whipped garlic toum, fried cauliflower, lamb skewers and fluffy pita – and BYO only adds to the communal spirit. The room hums with energy most nights, with tiled floors, glowing pendant lights and a steady stream of regulars ferrying bottles of red and white to waiting tables. It’s casual but confident; the kind of place where good food and good company go hand in hand. Just make sure you bring enough wine to share. 59 Liberty St, Enmore; emmassnackbar.com.au.

One of the best cheap eats you’ll find in Parramatta for show-stopping Singaporean-Malay dishes. Those in the know come here for curry fish head (which, like the Singapore chilli crab, must be ordered in advance), Hainanese chicken rice and almond butter king prawns. Temasek is the ancient Javanese name for Singapore, where the restaurant’s owner Jeremy Cho and his family come from. Temasek also does a best in-Sydney Singaporean-style laksa. It’s fragrant and almost dense with herbs and spices – and all laksas come in under $26. Temasek has been serving locals for nearly 30 years – a family-run restaurant turned cult classic. Temasek Shop 2-4, 71 George St, Parramatta; temasekrestaurant.com.

At this French‑leaning bistro above P&V Merchants’ wine shop, chef Nicholas Hill weaves magic from more than just pork. With a stunning line-up of natural and biodynamic wines available downstairs, guests can grab any funk-forward bottle they like to pair with dishes such as game-bird roasts or mussels steeped in garlic butter. Expect comfort with nuance: hearty flavours, creamy sauces and iconic desserts. The dining room’s brick fireplace and wood accents set a warm tone, while service is relaxed and informed. It’s a BYO paradise for those who love a glass of something special alongside an equally special meal. 268 Oxford Street, Paddington; porcine.com.au

Imagine European‑style coastal dining where every meal feels like a celebration and BYO is not just permitted; it’s embraced. At lunchtime from Friday to Sunday, guests are encouraged to bring in their favourite bottles and flex their private collections. The space dazzles with thoughtful interiors and a menu that stars seasonal seafood, steaks and straightforward, elegant dishes. It’s convivial, relaxed and designed for lingering, with owner Alex Cameron personally championing wine geekery. Think Moreton Bay bug sandwiches, heavenly pasta dishes and intricate share plates, each complemented by your own personal favourite drop. As the menu suggests, bring something nice. 56-60 Macpherson St, Bronte; tablemanners.com.au

A historic watering hole dating back to 1857, this Balmain institution operates as both pub and refined dining room. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the latter welcomes BYO at lunch and dinner, so you can choose your own pairing for the diverse menu that includes salted cod croquettes, steak frites off the Josper oven or duck liver parfait; familiar bistro fare wrapped in crisp-but-comfortable formality. It’s a spot where kids, dogs, beer sippers and wine lovers all feel equally at home. Expect heritage charm melded with modern polish, making every BYO night a celebration of both bottle and Balmain. 22 Cameron St, Balmain; thedrydock.com.au