Leichhardt

Things to do

An enjoyable way to experience Leichhardt’s heritage and culinary delights is on a walking tour, either self-guided or with the Italian Association of Assistance. Established in 1968, this community organisation offers three charming tours, including a heritage tour that concludes with a traditional Italian lunch. Check the events calendar for Italian cooking classes.

One of the biggest events on the cultural calendar is the Norton Street Italian Festa. During this splendid community festival, the whole street is closed off to cars, allowing pedestrians to take in all aspects of Italian culture, from the food to the entertainment and the delight of la dolce vita.

Norton Street Italian Festa, Leichhardt

Creatives will love Art Est, a light-filled creative space in a converted warehouse that hosts classes in everything from drawing to ceramics and has a great gallery. If art is your thing, also pay a visit to Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-op, a gallery that celebrates urban Aboriginal art. Other things to do in Leichhardt include a visit to the Sydney Bus Museum, Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre and local arthouse cinema Palace Norton Street.

Palace Norton Cinema, Leichhardt 

Eat & drink

Call into some of the Italian eateries that gave Norton Street its reputation. Mezzapica Cakes has been serving amaretti biscuits, decadent tortes and crisp cannoli since 1952. Bar Italia opened the same year, serving strong espresso, simple Italian fare and homemade gelato. Alternatively, visit Capriccio Osteria for modern Italian cuisine, and Aperitivo or Moretti Ristorante for pizza cooked to perfection.

Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria, Leichhardt

Grappa Ristorante e Bar is good for big groups and long lunches. But it’s not all Italian food in Leichhardt, there’s also plenty of great wine bars, chic cafes, pubs and restaurants serving other cuisines, including French, Greek and Asian. The Royal Leichhardt is a popular local watering hole, as is relaxed cocktail bar Otis, and The Twisted Indian for craft beer with hearty Indian fare.

For an insider look into the neighbouring suburb of Five Dock, which also has a strong Italian influence, join a guided food tour with Local Sauce Tours, stopping at hand-picked venues and learning about the Italian heritage of the area along the way.

Capriccio Osteria, Leichhardt - Credit: Lindsey Hoad

Getting there

It’s easy to get to Leichhardt by public transport. Buses from the inner city travel down Parramatta Road and along Norton Street, getting there in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, catch the light rail from Central Station to Leichhardt North light rail stop.