you are welcome locals only. In this series, we’re tapping notable locals in the style space to share a short list of their top recommendations of what to see, what to eat, and what to buy in their home city. They’ll share off-the-radar information you won’t find in your average guidebook, resulting in a digestible mini guide to where the city’s most fashionable residents are actually hanging out.
Sydney is one of those cities that has always fascinated me. This is the way a morning can start with a saltwater swim on a sunlit beach and somehow end with natural wine in a dimly lit bar just a few streets away. Living in New York, I meet people from this magical city all the time, and they have the most down-to-earth and friendly spirit. It feels like a space that’s polished but never ostentatious, outlandish yet impossibly chic, and filled with the kind of effortless style that feels more lived-in than curated. It is also a city that reveals itself gradually. Beyond postcard destinations, Sydney has a rhythm that only locals know how to take advantage of.
That’s why I wanted to hear from someone who experiences it every day. Enter Leslie Germanus, founder of resortwear label Elemis, whose designs feel as vibrant and transportive as the city she calls home. Having lived in Sydney for almost two decades, she has mastered the art of the perfectly balanced day out – equal parts beach, culture and really good food. Ahead, she’s sharing her edit of the city’s most stylish corners, from under-the-radar beaches to the wine bars and boutiques that make Sydney feel like a destination you’ll want to return to again and again.
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(Image credit: Courtesy of Alemis; Getty Images)
Where are you originally from and how long have you been living in this city?
I spent my childhood in Brisbane, Queensland and moved to Sydney in 2007.
What are some of your favorite neighborhoods, and where do you find yourself spending the most time?
One of my favorite neighborhoods is Surry Hills, where our studio headquarters is located. It’s full of energy and creativity (and) packed with great cafés, wall-to-wall galleries, wine bars and really good restaurants. There is always something happening. I also spend a lot of time along the coast near home. Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee each have their own charm, but all have that relaxed, community-minded feel that makes Sydney’s beaches so special.
What does a typical day off look like for you?
Spending time with my partner, Chris, and my son, Bowie – we’d go to a local market, walk around Centennial Park. We are also really interested in planting and growing vegetables in our backyard garden. Our son is attracted to the slow nature of watching things grow. It’s a special way for all of us to connect. Family time is incredibly important to me. Amidst the busy studio days and traveling, the leisurely moments spent together are the most precious and closest to me.
If you had to create the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city with limited time, what area would you send them to and what would their afternoon entail?
I would keep it downtown, walkable and full of character – finding places that give you an instant feel of the rhythm of the city.
WATCH: Visit the Art Gallery of NSW. It always has a great exhibition, and the architecture of the new Nala Badu building is enough to see. You also get spectacular views of Sydney Harbor nearby.
WATCH: Sydney’s incredible beaches! I love the hidden harbor bays scattered around the eastern suburbs – quiet areas that feel a world away from the city for sunset. Redleaf is particularly delightful or Camp Cove, a little off the beaten path, but worth the trek!
Eat: Shaun is an absolute Sydney classic. Located right off the beach in Bondi, it has a farm-to-table menu that changes almost every day. The room is decorated with shells, making it feel like stepping into a beach hut. This is the kind of food that captures the spirit of Sydney all at once.
Experience: Sydney Opera House, if you have time go and see a show there. It is truly world class and always leaves an exhilarating experience.
Dancing: If you’re in the mood for something to do after hours, try the Caterpillar Club in the city or head to the Pleasure Club in Newtown in the inner west.
Stay: Paramount Hotel, Surry Hills – my favorite hotel in Sydney. It’s located opposite our design studio, and the entire building offers everything. It has a great café, and you also get AP Bakery on the rooftop. The Golden Age Cinema downstairs is the perfect place for drinks after a long day exploring, or if you want to stay in, they offer the best room service in town from Poly around the corner.
As a fashion designer, you should be aware of the best places to shop. Where would you send a dear friend?
AXL Studio in Potts Point is a real hidden gem. The owner has the most incredible eye. His compilation of old finds is always spot-on. I have been visiting him over the years and somehow always come away with something special. I recently found the most amazing vintage Gucci blazer there. This is one of those places I browse for inspiration as well as shopping.
Insider Tip: Send them a message on Instagram to make an appointment. They usually have a collection of treasures that they can bring for you.
The best place to pick up a gift for someone special is the DEA Store. This is a truly special place filled with beautiful Japanese ceramics and art creations from local artists and artisans. I always come out with something unique that creates a one-of-a-kind experience.
Where do you go when you want to see and be seen?
Every time we drop a new collection at Alemais HQ, it’s bursting with creativity and filled with the people who inspire me the most. I’ll buy a strawberry matcha from Pina in Potts Point for the ultimate pick-me-up when we’re on set shooting.
Are there any phrases or slang people should know before going “down”?
Flip-flops are called “thongs”. Yes true. Everyone calls you “friend” and asks instead “How are you?” You will hear “How are Then?” Afternoon is “Arvo,” and “No worries” covers almost everything. It means “It’s okay,” “You’re welcome,” “Don’t stress.”
What’s one Sydney habit you didn’t know about until you moved there?
Living in coastal Sydney, waking up with the sun (and) enjoying a morning swim and the color white is a ritual I share with many Australians. When friends visit from abroad, they always comment on how early we wake up! I don’t take this daily ritual lightly. It’s so unique to experience a peaceful moment in nature before heading into the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s vibrant city to start your work day.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Studio Elm)
If you’re an internal person, this is a place that stops you in your tracks. Thoughtfully crafted and quietly elevated, every corner feels intentional – like stepping into someone’s impossibly chic home that you wish you could replicate. The best thing you can do.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Away from the crowds of Bondi, Gordon’s Bay feels like a true local secret. This is the kind of place where you pack snacks, claim the reef, and lose track of time between swims in the clear waters.
Alberto’s has that rare, hard-to-fake magic – dim lighting, a bustling but intimate room, and pasta that really lives up to the hype. This is the place you go when you want a meal to feel like an occasion, even if it’s a Tuesday.
Locals advice only: If you’re lucky enough to be there when cacio e pepe is on the menu, make sure you order it.
(Image credit: Getty Images, courtesy of Elemis)
There’s always something new to discover here, whether it’s an extraordinary exhibit or just the architecture. Between the striking Nala Badu building and views of Sydney Harbor nearby, it’s as inspiring from the outside as it is from the inside.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Cantina OK!)
Small but prestigious, the cantina is fine! When you want a drink that really delivers this is where you go. Germanus is a fan of mezcal, so the mezcal and tequila selection being imported straight from Mexico makes it next level, and the energy is as strong as what’s in your glass.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Alemis, Courtesy of Caterpillar Club)
This is where the fashion crowd goes when the night starts going on. It’s equal parts cool and chaotic in the best way. Expect packed dance floors, great music, and a room full of people who understand the assignment.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Jimmy’s Falafel)
For something quick but still worthy, Jimmy’s Falafel delivers every time. The rooftop is always buzzing, the falafel is arguably the best in town, and it’s a rare place that sounds just as fun at midnight as it does earlier in the evening.
Locals advice only: The restaurant is open until 3am, so if you want a late night snack, this is the place.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
For those who grew up watching jawsWylie’s Baths is a great option for a swim in the big blue sea. The natural pools here make our city unique and embrace the best of Sydney’s beach culture. Kids, families, couples and singles throw down their towels and call it a day. You may have seen it a dozen times on Instagram, but nothing beats experiencing it IRL.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Alemis)
Low-key and effortlessly charming, this is one neighborhood spot you almost won’t want to share. It’s intimate, uncluttered, and already feels like a major thing—perfect for those nights when you want something cool without the scene.
