MR PORTER Style Council member Mr Nick Tobias shares his favourite home-town hangouts.

Architect Mr Nick Tobias set up his own practice at the incredibly tender age of 22, and has gone on to build a reputation as one of Australia’s foremost design talents with his award-winning residential, retail and commercial projects. As if that weren’t impressive enough, he moonlights as a property investor, cultural advisor and speaker, plus, when he gets a spare minute, enjoys meditation, watersports and collecting contemporary art. It’s all a little bit envy-inducing, eh? Happily though, as a member of MR PORTER’s Style Council, he’s been more than willing to share a slice of his undeniably pleasant life in the form of recommendations for the best places to eat, drink and sleep in the world – head on over to his Style Council Member page for his full recommendations. Here, he obliges us further by focusing on his hometown, and providing his top insider tips for a great time in Sydney.

“I’m not a coffee drinker, but I’m told on good authority this is the coffee mecca of Sydney. That said, I’m hooked on the milkshakes. The food is awesome – some sort of confluence of styles ranging from American, to Middle Eastern to Japanese. It sounds weird, but works a treat. There’s a great vibe, super-casual and right in the heart of Surry Hills.”

“A hole-in-the-wall-feel, Italian-style restaurant. The slightly cramped space creates just the right amount of theatre. The food is authentic Italian and very direct. By that, I mean there’s no fuss. Each dish aims for a knockout via one or two simple elements – oozes confidence.”

“I generally like pretty straightforward, old-fashioned food. I usually don’t go for arty food and always feel hemmed in by set degustation menus, but Automata in Chippendale is different. A simple space means all the focus is on the food. For some reason, the flavours and textures of what I was eating just made me happy. The food is unusual, but still really honest. The combinations of ingredients are new, but the flavours feel timeless. It’s hard to articulate in words, but not to be missed.”

“This converted rail yard is a multi-arts centre that has been delivering the most diverse and ambitious programme of theatre, exhibitions, performances, festivals, markets, and events for the past 10 years. Permanent fixtures include artists’ studios, artists in residence programmes, farmers’ markets and art galleries. My next visit is coming up – a fire-cooking night market by some of the country’s best chefs.”

“The bar at Bennelong sits nestled between the sails of one of the greatest pieces of architecture on the planet with views of one of the greatest harbours on the planet. It has some great zesty cocktails and the bar food is the perfect light pre-show meal. Its cured and cultured offering is really good.”

Visit Mr Tobias’ Style Council Member page here

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