Where to catch up with friends for Christmas in Sydney

Where to catch up with friends for Christmas in Sydney

Group-friendly, budget-friendly, kid-friendly, veg-friendly or just plain friendly spots for festive catch-ups.

Matteo Downtown.

More rebuild than revamp: The new Vicar on New Line Road.

Meet your old mates at Dural's new-look The Vicar

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Breakfast at the Boathouse Hotel in Patonga.

Boathouse's $5m revamp: Take a road trip to Patonga

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The signature manhattan is made to a recipe that dates back to the 1860s.

Sip a manhattan at the Sydney spin-off of NYC's Employees Only

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Maybe Frank's Bondi Beach pop-up will serve post-swim snack-size pizzas and Aperol spritz.

Snack-sized pizzas and spritz at Maybe Frank's Bondi pop-up

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New venture: Luke Powell from LP's Quality Meats.

Hit up Newtown's new pizza hot spot, Bella Brutta

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Nick and Nora's, Parramatta, which is licensed for 330 punters.

Go sky high at Nick & Nora's rooftop bar in Parramatta

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Buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce at the Quarryman.

The Rooftop opens at The Quarryman Hotel in Pyrmont

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Finally ready to be served: Ortiz sardines at the Manly Greenhouse.

Join the party at South Steyne's 400-seat Manly Greenhouse

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New secret spot: Old Mate's Place.

Find the secret door at Old Mate's Place

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Mixing rum-based cocktails at Brix Distillery in Surry Hills.

Brix Distillery brings rum to the limelight in Surry Hills

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A spread at Bang Bang in Darling Square.

Meet for a casual lunch at Steam Mill Lane's Bang Bang Izakaya

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The wine bar has broadened its initial focus from San Sebastian to a wider coastal Mediterranean brief.

Find a perch for pinchos at Mister Percy in Pyrmont

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Green curry of organic chicken and market vegetables.

Head to Woy Woy's Lucky Bee for a taste of NYC

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Twice-cooked saltbush lamb ribs with almond, sumac and coriander at The Alcott.

Slip into plush club surrounds at Lane Cove's Alcott restaurant

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Lort cha, made with rice drop noodles, bean sprouts, spring onions and a fried egg.

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Treat your date to Cambodian cooking at Kingdom of Rice

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Kangaroo mortadella with olives.

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Do the dip at Continental's CBD spin-off

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'Red' pizza fritta at Bonnie's.

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Join the cool kids for pizza fritta at Bonnie's

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The classic napoletana carries no more than tomato, fior di latte, capers, olives and anchovies.

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Take a party crowd to Matteo Downtown

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Go-to dish: Prosciutto di Parma Principe and parmigiano reggiano with carasau crispbread.

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Take the fam to AcquaFresca by Pilu at Harbord Diggers

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Wild and native: Grilled prawns with kelp butter and sea lettuce.

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Share a drink with the locals at Pacific Club Bondi Beach

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