Easily the best coffee in Leichhardt. They are very no nonense about their coffee — no skim milk, no soy. And the staff are almost rude at times. But I still go there nearly daily since the coffee rules. The food is good too, nice simple Italian style, and if you've a sweet tooth try the Marscapone, it is amazing.

Approximate cost: $9

This is nearly a weekly spot for my crew. You are pretty much crammed in shoulder to shoulder, not to mention rushed in and out. But it's worth it, the dumplings are cheap and awesome. If you manage to peer into the kitchen through the crowd you will see them freshly making the dumplings. Try the eggplant in special sauce, and pancakes with shredded pork to share between your table along with dumplings.

Approximate cost: $8

Sushi club is a tiny little restaurant tucked away on Harris St, so small you could easily miss it. Every time I've eaten here the fish has been exceptionally fresh. The menu is small, and quite traditional Japanese style sushi. The service is quiet but super polite as can be expected from a small Japanese restaurant. Definitely recommended

Approximate cost: $5

Shakey Tables is my best memory from the Hunter Valley... after a day of visiting the wineries, we were struggling to decide on where to eat. We'd had a few different recommendations but ended up deciding on here, and I'm glad we did. Honestly one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Inventive modern Australian cuisine with a Scottish influence. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone — you won't be dissapointed. Also, try a bottle of their Shakey Tables house wine. As well as a restaurant they also make their own wine and it is fantastic. Amazing food with service to match, I can't wait to eat here again.

Approximate cost: $45

The name says it all — steak and wine! And they do both pretty well. The steaks are delicious, good cuts of meat cooked well, and a good range of local and imported wines. If you're not afraid of raw beef, try the beef carpaccio which is delicious, and try the vodka & blue cheese sauce with your steak. It's not a cheap night out, but you get what you pay for.

Approximate cost: $40

The dumplings here are pretty good, I think the best Newtown has on offer. Though I don't know if they really quality as the dumpling KING — think you need to head to Chinatown for that. Service is ok and the food is reasonably priced, I'm always happy to eat here when in the area.

Approximate cost: $8

Have eaten here a couple of times — the food is very tasty. The service is a little average at times but something there keeps me going back so it has to be the food!

Approximate cost: $25

I love Belgian bier so this place is dangerous for me. They have a huge range of Belgian bier, most of which are very rare to find at other pubs and bars around Sydney. Be prepared to spend a small fortune though. Best is Wednesday night when they have half price mussels — 1kg pot of mussels for around the $10 mark. It's always rammed though so book ahead! That said I have always found the service to be pretty good considering how busy it is.

Approximate cost: $10-20

This used to be a regular lunch spot when I was working at St Leonards. Service is basically non-existent and the food can be VERY slow coming out at times, but the food is cheap and pretty tasty.

Approximate cost: $10

Umi is my favorite sushi restaurant in the world, true story. The sushi is always fresh - you can see the chefs making and putting out new plates as you eat, the place is usually pretty busy and the turnover is very high. What I love is they are always happy to take custom orders and they are inventive in their sushi. I also love the beef tataki, their teriyaki sauce is delicious and you have to try the hotpots. It can be a little expensive, it's pretty easy to build up a huge pile of plates before you realise, but the food is good value and worth the money.

Approximate cost: $10