The Lakes Hotel

The 1930s brick exterior is nondescript but inside woven basket lightshades, natural-toned upholstery and cane pod chairs create one of Sydney's more stylish watering holes. The food is noteworthy, too. Fresh ingredients are interpreted with a knowledgeable hand, resulting in a menu featuring old favourites (tender chicken schnitzel) and modern hits (perfectly pan-seared Atlantic salmon fillet served with silky creamed peas and spinach, mash and herb salsa). The $10 meal specials (Monday to Thursday and Saturday) are good value and the daily specials cover all bases.