A Local's Guide to Sydney

Luke Nguyen’s Sydney: Surry Hills

by Sarah Henry

Name: Luke Nguyen
Neighborhood: Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
Occupation: Luke is co-owner of the award-winning Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern. He also hosts a culinary travel show called Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam, which airs on the...

Mao and More Artifact Store, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

The guy who runs Mao and More, John Williams, must have been Asian in his past life. His eclectic shop is full of Asian artifacts, including traditional silk Chinese lanterns, Shanghai sofas from the ’50s,...

Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

This gallery offers glimpses into the private world of one of Australia’s most renowned artists, Brett Whiteley, who lived and worked in Surry Hills until hisdeath in 1992. It’s in this old warehouse, full of...

The Norfolk Pub, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

Since Surry Hills was an industrial and commercial center early on, it seems like there’s a pub on nearly every corner. The Norfolk recently got a makeover. It’s a funky little place with great photos on the...

Twig Café at Garden Life, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

This spot is an oasis of greenery in the middle of the city. Chef Richard Francis and his wife, Rainey [a server at Red Lantern], run this café in Richard Unsworth’s garden store. The result is a warm...

Surry Hills Library and Community Centre, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

Here is an amazing, ultramodern building. It’s mostly glass, but there’s no air-conditioning—it’s totally green. The library specializes in fashion and design, and it has comfy leather couches, so it’s a good...

Dolly Up, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

Luke Nguyen says: “My wife absolutely adores Dolly Up and its owner,the lovely Erin Paige Hutchings. She offers vintage fashion at its best—a carefully curated collection.” 361 Cleveland St., 61/(0)...

Porteño, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

This Argentine-inspired grill is cool and kitschy. The decor is a mix of cowhide, faded South American posters, and leather furniture. Whole pigs or lambs roast slowly over an open pit, and the bar upstairs...

Red Lantern, Surry Hills, Sydney

by Luke Nguyen, As Told To Sarah Henry

Luke Nguyen says:“Our restaurant’s dining room is rustic, and we hope it feels warm and inviting, like you’re visiting our home.” 545 Crown St., 61/(0) 2-9698-4355, redlantern.com.au

Photo by Petrina Tinslay....