ellaslist Reviews: Hay Street Market at Paddy❜s - Sydney’s Newest Foodie Playground

Sydney’s iconic Paddy’s at Haymarket has had a glow-up, and the reimagined marketplace is a multisensory extravaganza for foodie families. Reminiscent of Melbourne’s Queen Vic Market and Adelaide's Central Market, the fresh, new Hay Street Market at Paddy's is alive with new energy.

We visited the market with our teenage daughter in tow (a tough food critic and seasoned shopper), and from the moment we walked through the iconic brick archways and heard the beats of the live DJ spinning from the back of a vintage trailer, we knew we were in for a fun experience.

Hay Street Market has breathed vibrant new life into a beloved old space, and we’re here for it. The undercover, all-weather urban playground is a win for Sydney families.

ellaslist Reviews: Hay Street Market at Paddy's - Sydney’s Newest Foodie Playground

Hay Street Market is a visual feast with more than just exotic cuisine to delight the senses. The behemoth is adorned throughout with vintage decor, neon signage, cool food carts, multicoloured store fronts and long aisles of vibrant produce, sizzling street food, and stylish artisan stalls. With over 48 vendors, it’s easy to meander for hours trying myriad offerings, and trust us, we did. There’s live-action cooking on nearly every corner — dumplings being meticulously folded, pasta being stretched and twirled, and flames licking woks bursting with chilli and spice. And oh, the smells! It’s like taking a food safari around the globe — Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern — all under one roof. 

Our Top Foodie Picks

On this autumn evening, we took a virtual trip to Italy, with a detour to Greece for dessert.

We started at Pasta E Basta, where handmade pasta is king. My teen couldn't resist a hearty classic and ordered the traditional slow-cooked Ragu Bolognese. The delicious and generous serving hit the spot. Next door, the grown-ups indulged in a variety of wood-fired Sicilian slices from Pizzarina - Salami Picante with pomodoro, mushroom with a hint of fresh chilli, and the unmissable pork sausage - all bursting with fresh, authentic flavours.

Next up was a stop at the Loukamades shop, where fluffy Greek doughnuts were served warm and dripping with honey, cinnamon and walnuts. Honestly, we’d go back just for those. The dish was piled high with plenty of these sweet goodies for the three of us to share, and we demolished every last one with fervour.

What Else We Loved

 

Celebrity Chef Luke Nguyen has brought his A-game to the market, with several stalls including Luke Luk Dumplings, Pho Chu Lap and Madame Banh Mi featuring his signature Vietnamese flavours.

House-made gelato from Scoop & Sons, freshly roasted coffee at Hay St Roasters and smoothies, juices and healthy snacks from Haymarket Health Lab covered every craving.

The Urban Farm by Greenspace is an awesome glass-walled room full of thriving microgreens, edible flowers and native herbs. It's a great conversation starter with the kids, showing where food comes from in a sustainable, high-tech way. Flowers by Agnes Harrington is also a gorgeous addition to the mix with a range of pretty, joyful bouquets.

The Cheese Table was a cornucopia of gourmet cheeses curated from around the globe, and La Charcuteria boasts an eye-catching display of salumi and cured meats, served with an array of exotic condiments and grilled bread.

Parents, don’t miss Cans and Crates, the world’s first can-only bar made from upcycled crates, where you can sip chilled bevvies and take in the colourful atmosphere. There’s also the Traders Bar, which has a warm, old-school Sydney charm.

It's A Total Vibe

The genius of Hay Street Market is that it’s designed for real families. Whether you’ve got a toddler, a teen, or three generations tagging along, there’s something for everyone. The indoor space is cosy, with lots of scattered nooks with seating.

But what sets Hay Street Market apart is the atmosphere. It’s not just about getting your foodie fix among the mix of high-energy stalls with street food artists working their magic. It’s also an urban adventure - exploring, discovering, and trying new things. 

Hay Street Market at Paddy's is now one of Sydney’s top family day-out destinations. It's vibrant, inclusive, and full of flavour and fun. Whether you're heading in for a meal, grabbing fresh produce and pantry staples, or just soaking up the good vibes, Hay Street Market is the kind of place you'll come back to again and again.

Plan Your Visit

You’ll find Hay Street Market on the ground floor of Market City, right next to Paddy’s Markets and just minutes from Central Station. It’s open late, seven days a week, and there’s no entry fee.

Hot tip: Thursdays to Sundays are especially lively with weekend DJs and entertainment, so time your visit then for extra buzz.

So, if you’re looking for a new spot that blends Sydney's lively culture, world-class food, and family-friendly fun, this is it. Hay Street Market at Paddy’s is officially our new weekend go-to.

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