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Once considered somewhat of a cultural cul de sac, the past few years have seen Sydney’s second city emerge as a ‘must visit’ destination in its own right. And nowhere is this more evident than in Parramatta’s flourishing café and dining scene, according to Michael Johnson, PARKROYAL Parramatta’s General Manager.

“There’s no doubting that multicultural diversity has been a real boon to Parramatta’s eat streets,” he says. “We now boast a culinary offering that is second to none, offering everything from fine dining to homey and hearty, cuisines from east and west or a blend of both, pastry pit stops or gourmet gelato. For me it’s just another compelling reason for people to head west and discover a destination which has formerly been one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.”

Here are Michael’s top Parramatta eateries, guaranteed to delight diners of all tastes.

Kouzina Greco, 16 Phillip Street, Parramatta

Busy and buzzy, this family-owned and operated restaurant is Michael’s favourite, offering Meze and classic Greek mains – authentic fare lavished with love. Just a one-minute walk away from PARKROYAL Parramatta, the checked tablecloths and cosy seating give a homey feel. According to Michael, the slow cooked lamb shoulder is not to be missed!

Circa, 21 Wentworth Street, Parramatta

Eccentric and eclectic, this buzzy café is sandwiched between two buildings in an unused laneway, only 15 minutes’ walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta. Enjoy the urban edginess of graffiti art from a cluster of milk crates on the footpath. Circa Espresso doesn’t take reservations and you may have to wait for a table, but Michael say’s the imaginative brunch offerings are well worth it. Vegan and vegetarian options are also well catered for. His tip? Tantalise your taste buds and start your day with one of Circa’s house specialties – home-made granola or Ottoman Eggs.

BL Burgers, 3/188 Church Street, Parramatta

Burger lovers can rejoice! Sydney’s famous Bar Luca Burgers have now set up a permanent shop in Parramatta. Michael recommends indulging in their popular ‘Blame Canada’ burger with streaky maple glazed bacon and American cheese, topped off with loaded fries. Or check out their Facebook page for create weekly limited-edition burgers.

Gelato Messina, 279 Church Street, Parramatta

Gelato Messina has a cult following amongst gelato gourmets and lovers of ice-cream – and rightly so! With over 40 flavours to choose from, this is definitely the ultimate gelato shop. Indulge in ever-changing daily specials including Apple Pie, Coconut, Pandan and Red Velvet flavours, with taste tests welcome for those struggling to decide. Just a one-minute walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta, for Michael it’s the perfect place to fulfil those ice-cream cravings.

Paper Plane Café, 5/2 Horwood Place, Parramatta

Cute and quirky, decorated with chalkboard chic, this café is one of Parramatta’s most popular spots, with crowds often spilling onto the footpath. Just a short two-minute walk away from the hotel, the café’s loungey, lazy ambience adds to its appeal. But the key drawcard for Michael is the café’s seriously good food. His favourite dishes? A Jalapeño Popper burger or eponymous Paper Plane burger, and the truffle eggs are not to be missed.

Bourke Street Bakery Parramatta, 186–190, 1 Church Street, Parramatta

For the perfect pastry pit stop, according to Michael this Parramatta institution is hard to go past. If the smell of fresh baking alone is not enough to tempt you inside, the amazing range of homemade pies and sweet treats on offer certainly will. Try the popular brisket and red wine pie or delicious delicacies like the lemon ricotta cheesecake with its tangy flavour and tell yourself you have earned it after the brisk seven-minute walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta.

Where to Stay.

Located on the bank of Parramatta River, the ever-so-sleek 286-room PARKROYAL Parramatta hotel is situated right in the centre of Parramatta’s premium shopping and entertainment belt on Church Street, and within easy walking distance of its vibrant hub of restaurants, bars and cafes. All of which make it the perfect place to stay according to Michael, whether you’re visiting from interstate or a local looking for a relaxing ‘staycation’.

Even better, from right now through until the end of August you can stay at PARKROYAL Parramatta and enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast for two people each day. And, if you plan on travelling with little ones, they can stay and eat breakfast free too. Rooms priced from $155 per night, plus a Club Room upgrade with Club Lounge access for DISCOVERY Members.

So what are you waiting for? Go west, now.