This *HUGE* Chinese restaurant is still one of the best choices for Yum Cha in the city. Even though it seats about 600 people, you will need to get there well before 12 on the weekends to avoid having to queue. The staff are reasonably helpful, so if you like your yum cha experience to include typically rude waiters and rowdy, impatient customers you might be disappointed! The choice of yum cha dishes is staggering and the quality is generally pretty high.
I am very disappointed though that they, like many Chinese restaurants in Sydney serve SHARKS FIN. What will it take to get this totally unsustainable and completely overrated product off our Chinese menus?

Approximate cost: $22

This is the newest incarnation of the Beach Burrito Company - the other one is in Bondi Beach and has exactly the same menu. Bright colourful decor - tacky but fun and fine for a cheap little beachside eatery. It has a young, fun vibe but the loud music they play can be a little annoying. The food is really great value, one of the best value options for a cheap fresh cooked meal in Coogee. Still everything seems a little bit bland. The burritos and tacos have lots of beans and rice in them when they need more meat and more flavourful, fiery sauce. Will go back there just because its great value though, especially with the Tuesday special ($3 tacos - not as good as the original $3 taco joint though, Flying Fajita Sistas in Glebe).

Approximate cost: $12

A fairly reliable mechanic who doesn't push for unnecessary work to be carried out. They've been fine for services although sometimes they don't call up when the car is ready. Once they weren't able to figure out the cause of a breakdown/electronics problems was a faulty battery! Still at least they are honest which already makes them better than most.

Beautiful Irish/English style pub with a warm, lively atmosphere. Nice mix of traditional and contemporary decor. Food is slightly above average pub fare and decently priced. Good choice of beers on tap too.

Approximate cost: $16

Phenomenal food, exceptional wine list and faultless service. You must have the degustation for the complete experience. Cosy atmosphere and much more consistent and considerate than certain fine dining establishments in the city who charge much more, so in my opinion Balzac is very good value.

Approximate cost: $40

Somewhat overrated I think. Nice food but a little overpriced. I found the food a little too salty and the presentation of the dishes a little lacking. Friendly service but a bit forgetful. Found the meze to be much better than the mains.

Approximate cost: $30

Everyone raves about this very famous bakery but it really is that good. No one else does that beautiful caramelised pastry as well as them. The sausage rolls are ridicuously good, especially the lamb and harissa one. It's extremely busy - we like to go on a Sunday for brunch and there's always a massive queue. Service is really variable, there are some really friendly guys there but there are others who seem terminally grumpy or hungover or something and that can bring down the atmosphere. A shame but still I'll always keep going there because their stuff is just the best. Not really anywhere to sit, better for takeaway.

Approximate cost: $4

This has been the most popular cafe in Clovelly for ages. ALWAYS busy, get there early or you will have to wait. Parking can be difficult. Surprisingly good value for the kind of place it is. Really delicious breakfasts and excellent coffee.

Approximate cost: $14

Authentic South and North Indian food and sweets just like what you would find in India. Vegetarian, but so tasty even meat eaters will be happy. Great dosas and thalis and the best Indian sweets in Sydney. Very good value. Staff are mostly nice, sometimes grumpy/indifferent but it's a cheap restaurant where you go up to the counter to order, so who cares? Love the Bollywood video clips.

Approximate cost: $12

A unique way to buy meat inside a giant walk-in cool room. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Overall the quality of the meat is excellent with a lot more variety than you can find in your standard butcher. Good wagyu, some game, and organic/freerange meat. Expensive, but worth it if you need a really nice cut of meat for a special dish.