Restaurant in Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Ester
Chippendale restaurant with wood-fired cooking techniques and inventive vegetable-forward dishes. Rustic elegance with share-plate dining.
Ester is a celebrated wood-fired restaurant in Chippendale, Sydney's inner-west, occupying a converted warehouse space at 46–52 Meagher Street. Opened by chef Mat Lindsay in 2013, Ester has established itself as one of Australia's most consistently innovative dining destinations, earning widespread recognition for its commitment to open-fire cooking techniques. The kitchen centres on a custom-built wood-fired oven and charcoal grill that define the menu's character, lending smoky depth and char to both vegetable and protein dishes alike.
The menu at Ester follows a share-plate format, designed for groups to order broadly and eat communally. Dishes change with the seasons to reflect the best available produce from New South Wales and further afield. Vegetable cookery receives equal billing to meat and seafood, with the kitchen elevating humble ingredients through fire and technique. Among the most emblematic dishes is the fried chicken sanger — a crispy, gochujang-glazed sandwich that has developed a cult following since the restaurant opened — and the dry-aged duck, which undergoes a lengthy aging process to concentrate flavour before being finished over coals.
The wine list is a curated selection of natural and minimal-intervention bottles, mostly from Australia and Europe, with a strong emphasis on producers working with low-sulphur methods. The dining room is warm and atmospheric, housed in an exposed-brick space with visible ceiling beams and an open kitchen where the fire is the centrepiece. The mood is convivial and relatively informal for a restaurant of this calibre — dress codes are relaxed, noise levels are energetic, and service is knowledgeable without being stiff.
Reservations at Ester are strongly recommended and should be made at least two to three weeks in advance for weekend sittings. The restaurant operates dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday, with no weekend lunch currently offered. Walk-ins are sometimes possible at the bar counter, which seats a handful of guests and offers the full menu. Ester sits within walking distance of Chippendale's creative precinct, close to the White Rabbit Gallery and the Central Park retail complex, making it a natural destination for a cultural evening in inner-Sydney.
Signature dishes
- Sanger (fried chicken sandwich) — $28
- Dry-aged duck — $62
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:00 PM - late
Reservations: Recommended
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +61 2 8068 8279
Location
46-52 Meagher St, Chippendale NSW 2008
-33.8883, 151.2003 — View on map
Highlights
- Wood-fired cooking over a custom charcoal grill defines every dish — from seasonal vegetables to dry-aged duck
- The legendary fried chicken sanger ($28) has developed a cult following since the restaurant opened in 2013
- Share-plate format with a seasonally rotating menu showcasing the best New South Wales produce
- Natural and minimal-intervention wine list curated from Australian and European producers
- Warm warehouse interior in Chippendale's creative district, steps from the White Rabbit Gallery
Tips
- Book two to three weeks ahead for weekend sittings — demand consistently outstrips availability
- Arrive at the bar counter early (from 6 PM) for walk-in seats and the full menu without a reservation
- Order broadly across the menu — the share-plate format rewards groups of four or more
- Ask the floor team about bottles not yet on the printed natural wine list — the selection rotates regularly
- Dinner only, Tuesday to Saturday — no lunch service is currently offered
FAQ
Does Ester offer a tasting menu or is it purely à la carte?
Ester serves à la carte in a share-plate format rather than a fixed tasting menu. Diners order freely from a rotating seasonal menu that typically comprises snacks, vegetable dishes, proteins, and desserts.
Can guests with dietary restrictions dine at Ester?
The kitchen accommodates many dietary requirements, including vegetarian diners, given the restaurant's strong vegetable focus. Notifying the team of specific restrictions when making a reservation is advisable.
Is Ester good value for a special occasion?
Ester sits at the upper end of casual fine dining in Sydney, with a shared meal typically running AUD 80–120 per person including drinks. The quality of wood-fired cooking and distinctive atmosphere make it a popular choice for celebratory dinners.
How do I make a reservation at Ester?
Reservations can be made online through the restaurant's booking platform or by phone on +61 2 8068 8279. Weekend sittings fill quickly and bookings two to three weeks in advance are recommended.
Accessibility
Ester is located at street level in a converted warehouse with wheelchair access available at the main entrance. The dining room has some low-level lighting and can be noisy at peak service. The bar counter area is accessible for guests with mobility requirements.