Sydney Surry Hills Food Tour: 8 Tastings & Oxford St Walk

Summary

Eat your way through Surry Hills on foot with real locals

You’ll taste your way through Surry Hills with eight local dishes — from fried zucchini flowers to fresh oysters — guided by someone who knows every corner and story here. Expect laughter over ginger beer, surprising flavors at every stop, and glimpses into Sydney’s layered history as you wander Oxford Street together.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it past the first block of Oxford Street when our guide, Li, handed us a crispy zucchini flower — still warm, light batter crackling in my hand. I remember the faint smell of fried herbs mixing with city air and someone’s perfume as we all tried not to drop crumbs. There’s something about starting a Sydney food tour this way — no big intro, just straight into eating and chatting. Li pointed out a mural across the street, told us how Surry Hills used to be full of Italian delis and Greek bakeries. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “kolokithokeftedes” (I definitely butchered it).

The pace was easy but not lazy. We crossed the rainbow-painted crosswalk into the heart of Surry Hills, passing couples with dogs and old blokes reading papers outside cafes. At one stop, we shared ginger beer that tasted spicy-sweet and somehow nostalgic (Li said it was brewed nearby). The butcher’s tasting was next — thin slices of something smoky and rich; I honestly couldn’t tell you what cut it was but everyone nodded approvingly. The private Sydney food tour kept surprising me — oysters on crushed ice at a tiny counter, honey biscuits from a Greek family bakery that stuck to my teeth in the best way.

People waved at Li everywhere we went. She knew which places had changed hands after lockdowns and which ones were still run by the same families since post-war migration waves. We even peeked inside an old church-turned-art space before heading down a side street for our “secret dish.” I won’t spoil it here but let’s just say I’ve never tasted anything quite like it before or since. My shoes were dusty by then but my stomach was happy — and I still think about that view back toward the city skyline as we finished our last bite.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Surry Hills and Sydney landmarks

• Start with modern Australian dining
• Cross the rainbow road
• Visit iconic gay district
• Learn about immigration history
• Pass by Sydney Opera House
• Pass by Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Pass by Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
• Pass by Museum of Contemporary Art
• Pass by Royal Botanic Garden and The Domain
• Pass by The Rocks historic laneways

Top questions

How many tastings are included in this Sydney food tour?

This Surry Hills food tour includes eight authentic local tastings.

Is this Sydney Surry Hills food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Please contact the operator in advance about dietary requirements so they can do their best to accommodate you.

Does this Sydney food tour include drinks?

Yes, Australian ginger beer and local wines are included during the tour.

How much walking is involved on this day trip?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking through Surry Hills and Oxford Street; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are children allowed on this Sydney food tour?

No, this experience is strictly for adults over 18 years old.

Is hotel pickup included for this Surry Hills food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Can people with limited mobility join this Sydney food tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What if there are changes to the itinerary or menu?

The itinerary and menu may change based on location availability, weather, or other circumstances.

What’s included

Your day includes eight different tastings like crispy fried stuffed zucchini flowers, butcher’s choice cuts, Australian ginger beer, local wines, fresh oysters, Greek honey biscuits, plus a delicious secret dish — all led by a knowledgeable local guide as you walk through vibrant Surry Hills and along Oxford Street.