NOMAD Sydney
Sydney
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
NOMAD Sydney, located in bustling Surry Hills, offers an enticing culinary experience inspired by the vibrant flavors of Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East. The restaurant focuses on using some of the world's finest produce, with a dedication to sourcing exceptional ingredients from local growers. Fire and smoke play a crucial role in their food preparation, creating distinct flavors that echo the essence of traditional cooking methods.
The interior exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, providing a contemporary yet rustic dining setting. The open-plan design allows diners to view the lively kitchen environment, enhancing the overall experience. Inside, tables are positioned to suit a variety of group sizes, from intimate dinners to larger gatherings.
NOMAD Sydney's menu is comprised of creatively crafted dishes and offers a range of options, including mezze, snacks, and a selection of items cooked over a wood fire grill. Each dish is thoughtfully curated to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. The wine list is extensive, focusing on sustainable practices by featuring small growers from around the globe.
This establishment prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices, with a commitment to serving Australian-sourced seafood and accommodating most dietary preferences with advance notice. The relaxed atmosphere, along with its diverse menu, makes NOMAD Sydney perfect for those seeking an adventurous dining experience in a contemporary Australian setting.
Reviews
We recently dined at NOMAD after a family member gifted us a voucher. We've been to NOMAD many times over the years and one thing that stands out is the consistency... you know you're going to have a great meal and experience. There were a few changes to the menu since our last visit, likely due to seasonality. While I didn't think this iteration of the menu was quite as strong as previous visits, everything we ordered was still excellent. The oysters were fresh, the scallops were perfectly cooked, and the yellowfin tuna was the standout dish of the night for me. We also ordered the lamb and the market fish, which was grouper. The fish was *Chef's Kiss — beautifully cooked with incredible flavour. The lamb was good, although I've had better versions of the dish at NOMAD before. The potatoes were delicious and ALWAYS worth ordering. We finished with the olive oil ice cream sandwich, which remains one of the best desserts in Sydney. The wine list was good, service was attentive, and the restaurant had that great full-house energy that makes a Saturday night at NOMAD feel like a vibe. We'll be back.
We had the Experience menu, and overall the food was just okay. There was a lot of it, and you could tell everything was fresh and made with care, but when I think back on each dish, none of them really stood out as that delicious. The service, however, was very attentive throughout. The atmosphere was bustling and lively for a Saturday evening.
My husband had been to Nomad a few times with work colleagues and enjoyed it so much he wanted to bring me and it absolutely did not disappoint. We started with several entrees and every single dish was incredible. The Lebanese style kebi naya using kangaroo instead of traditional beef was such a standout and surprisingly delicate. The burrata with green tomatoes sounded simple but somehow the flavours worked perfectly together and really elevated the dish. Even the fried olives were memorable crunchy outside with a sweet date-like filling that was addictive. By the time mains came we already had so much food, but we shared the lamb shoulder and I also ordered the tongue, which in my opinion was the best thing on the menu. I originally wanted the fish of the day (snapper), but honestly I have no regrets because the tongue was exceptional. The wine list is extensive, I ordered a NZ Pinot Noir specifically asking for the Mt Edward 2021 vintage. The only downside was that the drinks waiter returned with a Mt Edward 2022 bottle without properly explaining the change beforehand, and we later noticed we’d been charged $165 instead of $160. It’s not really about the extra $5 it’s more the principle that if a different vintage is being substituted, it should be communicated clearly before pouring. When we questioned it, we were simply told that was the price of the bottle served. Aside from that interaction, our waiter was attentive, friendly and helpful all afternoon, and overall the service was still very good. The open kitchen was great to watch and added to the atmosphere, and the bathrooms were very clean as well. Parking is definitely difficult, we were lucky enough to get a spot around the corner. It’s also not especially close to public transport, probably around a brisk 10 minute walk from Central Station. Overall though, the food alone makes this place worth returning to and I’d absolutely go back again.
Nomad remains one of the top restaurants in Sydney for a reason. I’ve been back countless times and it never disappoints. The food is consistently excellent, and there are a few dishes I always come back for — the Nomad charcuterie selection, zucchini flower, ox tongue and yellowfin tuna are all must-orders. The spatchcock is always spot on — perfectly cooked and full of flavour. And surprisingly, the rainbow trout was a standout this time as well. Overall, a place that consistently delivers on food, quality, and experience. Highly recommended.
Yummm!!! The food was exquisite. The service was great and very much in line with other places in the area with a similar vibe and setting. Because everything else was so incredibly tasty and full of flavour, the fish ended up feeling a little lacking for us, though I think that was mainly because the other dishes were just so flavour-packed. Overall, it was a great feed with a fantastic atmosphere.
