Best casual diner - Sydney Food Awards 2010

01 Bloodwood

Bridging the gap between Newtown's cheap ethno offerings and a nine-course molecular journey Oscillate Wildly, Bloodwood is a very welcome addition to the Inner West.

Don't expect a fine diner when you visit - it's not that kind of place. Instead, you'll find a neighbourhood restaurant with an ever-changing menu bashing out share plates such as fried chicken wings so meaty and crisp they'd make the Colonel jealous. They're served with light, tangy yoghurt remoulade. You'll also find plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, such as polenta chips – all golden and super crunchy, with a gutsy gorgonzola dipping sauce on the side. It's far from curtains for protein fans, though. Co-chef Jo Ward (she shares the title with Claire van Vuuren and Mitch Grady) spent time with legendary Australian chef Cheong Liew and it shows in dishes such as the mix of pork, crab and shiitake mushroom wrapped in bean curd skin, fried then cut into rounds. The result is juicy and rich yet incredibly light and very moreish – especially when paired with a Manhattan on the rocks. Oh, and did we mention they serve longies of Coopers?

It's all about sharing here and the food is fantastic for groups. Larger dishes include lamb kibbeh – missiles of spiced lamb mince blanketing a dice of merguez sausage on a bed of eggplant – and the sweet-as-a-nut king prawns with garlic and lemon. If you're dining solo, order the likes of the grilled squid salad with radicchio and green olives, which also works well as a bar snack.

Dessert wise, go the Bloodwood trifle – a handsome hunk of pound cake with a scattering of blueberries, rhubarb jelly and pomegranate granita – all served in a stemless wine glass. 416 King St, Newtown 2042. (02 9557 7699).

RUNNERS UP

02 Bodega

Chefs/owners Ben Millgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz have been pumping out awesome tapas for more than four years. Shop 1/216 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9212 7766).

03 Four in Hand

Colin Fassnidge is doing some of the best food in a pub setting. The pig's ear schnitty is well and truly the bomb. 105 Sutherland St, Paddington 2021. (02 9326 2254).

04 Fratelli Paradiso

All-Italian, from the food to the wine to the swarthy waiters, Fratelli is brilliant for a casual mid-week dinner or a roudy Friday dinner throwing back the vino. 12-16 Challis Ave, Potts Point 2011. (02 9357 1744).

05 Lotus

This Potts Point bistro features excellent crisp-skinned roast chook for two and the oof-inspiring honeycomb and hot chocolate fudge sundae. 22 Challis Ave, Potts Point 2011. (02 9326 9000).

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