Leading chef Oscar Solomon, the powerhouse behind Sydney eateries The Apollo, Cho Cho San and Olympus Dining, has revealed the unlikely location he regards as the city’s best restaurant.
In a recent TikTok interview with foodie account Secondz, Oscar revealed his ultimate picks for where to eat in Sydney.
From unmissable roast chicken to the best coffee and the pub giving five-star restaurants a run for their money, the list reads like a secret local bible.
One recommendation stunned the interviewer, as he was asked to nominate the most underrated gem in Sydney.
‘Casa Do Benfica, a Portuguese restaurant in Marrickville tennis club,’ Oscar answered in the clip.
‘It’s like the best blend of true European food, but then an Australian bar that has Resch’s on tap.’
The unsuspecting recommendation is located on Centennial Street in Sydney’s inner west and has an old-school community vibe.
‘It’s just excellent,’ he added.
In a recent TikTok interview with foodie account Secondz, top Aussie chef Oscar Solomon (pictured) revealed his ultimate picks for where to eat in Sydney
The Portuguese restaurant inside an unassuming Marrickville tennis club
One unexpected answer was a hidden Portuguese restaurant inside Marrickville’s inner west tennis club called Casa Do Benfica
However, the praise for Casa do Benfica isn’t new in the industry, with Timothy from Olympic Meats also raving about the venue.
‘If people keep reccing’ it, it’s not going to stay underrated,’ Oscar warned.
What was once a hidden gem among locals is fast becoming the place for long Sunday lunches and laidback Euro-style dinners, with prices far friendlier than your average fine diner.
The restaurant, named in honour of Lisbon football giants Benfica, serves hearty portions of grilled Portuguese chicken, chargrilled seafood, beef espetadas, and crisp vinho verde in a fuss-free setting.
In the same interview, Oscar dropped a lineup of Sydney’s best-kept food secrets, which form a hit list for your next long weekend.
His top pick is legendary Bondi institution Sean’s Panorama, where the roast chicken reigns supreme.
‘Sean’s Panorama – every day of the week,’ he said.
‘No one comes close, it’s just true hospitality.’
‘It’s like the best blend of true European food, but then like an Australian bar that has Resch’s on tap,’ said of Casa Do Benfica’s menu
For a ‘good time’ he listed Steki Taverna in Newtown (pictured)
‘Classic Greek taverna, one of the oldest in Sydney. Traditional Greek music, loud music, live bands, amazingly good food, great atmosphere’ he said
‘Single O, Surry Hills,’ he added when asked to name the best Sydney café.
‘They have the best selection of coffee. It’s really efficient.’
Oscar’s best pub recommendation was the cosy Dry Dock Hotel in Balmain.
‘Everything a pub should be. The food is spectacular – so, so good. The drinks service is amazing, no one is getting close to it,’ he said.
And for a cheap and cheerful treat, he named Mogu Mogu Onigiri Community in Surry Hills.
Oscar’s best pub recommendation was the cosy Dry Dock Hotel in Balmain (pictured)
‘The food is spectacular. The drinks service is amazing, no one is getting close to it’
‘It’s so, so good. They also do really good iced tea and amazing onigiri all made fresh. Crispy seaweed, crispy everything.’
For a ‘good time’ he listed Steki Taverna in Newtown.
‘Classic Greek taverna, one of the oldest in Sydney. Traditional Greek music, loud music, live bands, amazingly good food, great atmosphere. Big hangover the next day.’
So, whether you’re chasing the city’s crispiest seaweed snack, a no-fuss roast chook with ocean views, or a plate of flame-grilled espetadas hidden behind a tennis court, Oscar’s off-duty dining guide is a gift to Sydney’s food scene.
With a list this good, it’s only a matter of time before the city’s best-kept secrets become everyone’s new go-to spots – so you might want to get in before the lines do.
