Luxury travel brand Conde Nast Traveller has released its Best Places to Eat in 2026 list – foodie locations across the globe worth travelling for. While it’s no surprise to see places such as Hong Kong, Crete in Greece, and Seville in Spain on this year’s list, there is one rather unexpected inclusion – Parramatta in Greater Western Sydney. 

While inner-Sydneysiders might scoff (jealous much?), anyone who’s been watching the transformation of Sydney’s ‘other CBD’ would know that the food scene here has been on the up for some time. Conde Nast calls it “Parramatta’s makeover from slightly scrappy city to Sydney’s second centre”.

The writers call out the “melting pot” of flavours on offer, including recently opened Lebanese charcoal-chicken favourite Henrietta and modern Asian restaurant Lilymu, which are both operated by the same team. Japanese fine-diner Oribu also rates a mention, as does Middle Eastern/Med-inspired riverside gem MISC.

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The listing also name-checks long-time Parramatta stalwarts who’ve been dishing up the classics for yonks, including family-run Pho Pasteur, and Malaysian/Singaporean standout Temasek, where you’re guaranteed to find one of Sydney’s best laksas.

While you’re there, they also recommend heading to nearby Harris Park, known as Sydney’s ‘Little India’. While there are dozens of places to eat, the writers recommend South Indian street-food sensation Chatkazz, and Ginger Indian Restaurant, which specialises in North Indian Mughlai cuisine.

This isn’t the first time an Aussie spot has made the list. Last year in the inaugural Best Places to Eat list, Conde Nast named Clare Valley in South Australia as one of its top 10 picks. 

So next time you’re thinking about planning a slap-up meal somewhere in Sydney, why not go west? 

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