This place makes some seriously good sushi! My favourites are the aburi beef and aburi salmon, both of which are the best I've had of their kind at any sushi restaurant in Sydney. You can sit either at the train or at tables, which makes if a great venue for one-on-one catch ups over lunch and family dinner alike.

Approximate cost: $4

Average service, but a great mixed menu with options for all palates for any time of the day. Have been here for coffee and cake, breakfast, and big dinners. I particularly like the nachos. One of the few places in Sydney that you can get a good cup of sahlep, too, which they do really well.

Approximate cost: $18

Whether it be a busy and noisy Saturday night dinner or a mid-week lunch, Yulli's has an amazing atmosphere. The food is delicious, and best shared so you can try more dishes! My absolute favourite dishes are the crispy fried tofu and the panang curry pot pie. Amazing flavour combinations in all of the dishes, a lot of which have inspired my vegetarian cooking at home.

Approximate cost: $18

I've eaten from here often, both dine-in and takeaway. The pizzas are excellent, with thin, crispy bases and the right amount of toppings. The different pizzas are all delicious, interesting combinations you can't get straight off the menu from other pizza restaurants. I really enjoy their spaghetti bolognese as well. Also, the delivery guys are really nice - have ordered pizza for movie nights with friends and they've been really helpful!

Approximate cost: $18

My family was given a voucher for this restaurant and we absolutely loved it! There is a wide range of options on the menu, all of which is gourmet and delicious (vegetarian options available too). The crispy fried quail and parmesan gnocchi were definitely the standout dishes of the night. Additionally, the steamed greens were delicious, with a subtle garlic flavour.

Lovely waiters and waitresses, and the location is gorgeous, with the restaurant set back from the road in a garden. If money were no object I'd be returning again soon.

Approximate cost: $27

I love this place! A secret garden hideaway in the middle of Darling Harbour. The gardens are absolutely beautiful, and the surrounding high rise buildings only serve to make this place more special. The entry is very reasonable ($6) especially as a student ($3) and I always have a lovely time. The tea house is a little overpriced and the quality of the dumplings aren't amazing (I wouldn't get them again) but the Chinese teas are delicious, and a good size to share.

Approximate cost: $6

Liquid nitrogen aside, this place makes awesome ice cream desserts! They're really establishing themselves as a great place for desserts, and not just plain ice cream. I have tried a few of their different options (ferrero rocher, and almond freeze) and loved everything. There are many elements to each option, not just a scoop of ice cream, so it's fun and delicious every time. The service is good, but make sure you stand close enough to the counter to hear your name called. It can be a bit hard to know when yours is ready if the shop is packed, as it often is.

Approximate cost: $8

This tiny salon is tucked away in a back street in Paddington. With only Tina working here it is sometimes difficult to get an appointment as she is booked out for weeks at a time because she's so great! However she will put your name on a list and call you if there are cancellations, which I really appreciate. When you are there it is only you being attended to, which makes it a really personal service. She cuts hair exceptionally, I have never had any issues and would definitely go back.

Approximate cost: $40

A clean and quiet establishment, with friendly and helpful employees. I've made appointments over the phone and the girls have been very helpful. I have had cheaper waxes before but now exclusively come here as it is worth the premium for the quality service. The waxes take a lot less time without compromising comprehensiveness, and hurt a lot less than other places I have been to.

I've had only good experiences here! A very supportive environment with good quality equipment, an incredible number of classes running each day with lots of different options, and some great seminars offered! As a student it's fairly standard at $24/wk (no pool access). I've enjoyed being able to bring friends for trial classes, and 2 weeks free for each who joined. Also, for being on the mailing list, I was given a free 7 day pass for a friend who thoroughly enjoyed using it. A very clean and relaxed atmosphere with excellent amenities. I particularly enjoy coming from 5:00 until closing at 7:00pm on a Sunday when the gym is quiet - get the whole place to myself!