Perched on Crown Street in Surry Hills, the newly transformed White Horse has traded its party‑pub past for a ground‑floor restaurant, an upstairs bar and a rooftop terrace that opened in April 2024. This review draws on the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food guide, Time Out’s five‑star rating and official tourism information to give you a fact‑checked look at what the revamped venue offers.
Last checked: 2026-10-22
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Address: 381 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney · Monday: Closed · Tue–Wed: 3 PM – 11 PM · Thu–Fri: 3 PM – 11:30 PM · Sat: 12 PM – 11:30 PM · Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-22.
Sources reviewed: Local journalism (Sydney Morning Herald), industry publications (Time Out, Eat Drink Play), official tourism publisher (Sydney.com), dining guides (Best Restaurants Australia), user reviews (Tripadvisor, Reddit).
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Snapshot: The White Horse Surry Hills
- 381 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 (Sydney.com)
- Reopened after a major renovation in April 2024 (Sydney Morning Herald)
- Leafy rooftop terrace above the restaurant and upstairs public bar (Time Out Sydney)
- Time Out rated it 5 out of 5 stars and marked it “recommended” (Time Out Sydney)
Timeline
- 1930s – Building constructed (Sydney Morning Herald)
- 20th century – early 2020s – Operated as piano bar, brasserie and live‑music venue
- Early 2023 – Hospitality group led by Craig Hemmings took over before relaunch
- April 2024 – Renovated White Horse reopened
- 23 May 2024 – Sydney Morning Herald review published
- 2026 – Six‑course lunch special promoted at A$55 per person (Sydney Travel Guide)
Why is White Horse Tavern famous?
A landmark pub reborn
The White Horse has been a part of the Surry Hills streetscape since the 1930s, with its white facade and the iconic horse‑and‑pony sign still visible on the roof (Sydney Travel Guide). After years as a party pub, the venue was taken over by a hospitality group led by Craig Hemmings and underwent a multimillion‑dollar renovation that Reddit commenters and editorial guides alike describe as a complete transformation.
“The White Horse is back and better than ever.” – Avril Treasure, editor, Time Out Sydney
What does The White Horse offer?
The revamped venue now covers three levels: a ground‑floor restaurant serving modern Australian food with an ethical‑sourcing emphasis, an upstairs public bar with a wine list of about 100 bottles, and a leafy rooftop terrace that looks out over tree‑lined Surry Hills backstreets. The rooftop is not a harbour panorama but a lush escape designed for cocktails and share plates. Besha Rodell of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food guide called it a “highly tuned pub‑restaurant with fine‑dining chops”.
The bottom line: The White Horse is famous for its dramatic 2024 relaunch, shifting from a rowdy pub to a refined, multi‑level dining destination that has quickly earned critical praise.
Is Surry Hills a rich suburb?
Surry Hills at a glance
Surry Hills is an inner‑city suburb of Sydney known for its concentration of restaurants, bars and creative industries. It sits immediately south of the central business district and is often described as trendy and walkable. Real estate prices are high, but the suburb’s identity is more about food culture than old money.
The White Horse’s neighbourhood
The venue sits on Crown Street, a corridor lined with cafes, boutiques and pubs. Its immediate surroundings include residential terrace houses and small parks. The view from the rooftop is of these backstreets and the local skyline, not the harbour (Sydney.com). For visitors, the suburb is a destination in itself, with a dense food scene that includes everything from cheap eats to fine dining.
Why this matters: The White Horse fits into a neighbourhood that rewards exploration. Its location means you can easily pair a meal with a walk through Surry Hills’ streets and a visit to nearby galleries or markets.
What is the best restaurant in Surry Hills, Sydney?
The White Horse as a top contender
Since reopening, the White Horse has been consistently included in editorial lists of Surry Hills’ best dining spots. Time Out gave it a perfect five‑star rating, and the Sydney Morning Herald review highlighted dishes such as marron with sweetcorn and ice plant (A$58) and a meal for two estimated at about A$180 excluding drinks.
Other Surry Hills favourites
While the White Horse is a strong candidate, the suburb is packed with highly regarded venues. Below is a comparison with two other notable Surry Hills restaurants, based on publicly available information. Note that detailed independent reviews for these alternatives were not part of this research.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Vibe | Must‑try dish | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The White Horse | Modern Australian | Refined dining + rooftop bar | Marron with sweetcorn and ice plant (A$58) | Recommended for groups of 7+ |
| Porteño | — | — | — | — |
| Cantina OK! | — | — | — | — |
The catch: Without verified details on Porteño and Cantina OK!, this comparison is limited. For a broader survey, we recommend consulting dedicated guidebooks or recent user reviews.
What is a must eat in Sydney?
Signature dishes at The White Horse
Two dishes consistently appear in critical and user coverage. The Sydney Morning Herald recommended the marron (priced at A$58), a freshwater crayfish served with sweetcorn and ice plant. A second review from Sydney Travel Guide highlighted a six‑course lunch special (A$55 per person) that includes Western Australian rock lobster pappardelle, Bannockburn chicken with gochujang jus, and Adelaide Hills brie ice cream. The lunch special runs Friday to Sunday, noon to 3 pm.
Why it’s a must‑visit
Beyond the specific dishes, the White Horse offers a cohesive experience that blends a refined restaurant, a casual upstairs bar with a A$10 schooner of Reschs on tap, and a rooftop that Eat Drink Play calls “laid‑back and stylish, with city skyline views”. The wine list’s emphasis on organic and regenerative producers also appeals to diners who value sustainable sourcing.
“A lush haven with greenery and good vibes.” – Time Out Sydney editorial team
The bottom line: For visitors seeking a multi‑level dining experience with a rooftop terrace and a menu that showcases Australian produce, the White Horse is a strong choice in Sydney’s current food scene.
Location and getting there
The White Horse is at 381 Crown Street, Surry Hills, within walking distance of public transport and local attractions.
The White Horse at a glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Modern Australian with ethical‑sourcing emphasis |
| Chef (reported) | Jun Hwang (Sydney Travel Guide 2026); also mentioned: Jed Gerrard (Best Restaurants Australia) |
| Building period | 1930s |
| Wine list | About 100 bottles, organic & regenerative focus |
| Event capacity | Up to 28 seated board‑style / 200 standing (Naboo) |
| Rooftop views | Surry Hills backstreets and city skyline (not harbour) |
Our pick: The White Horse Surry Hills
Best for: Foodies, pub goers, Sydney visitors, local diners.
The 2024 renovation has created a venue that works for both a celebratory dinner and a relaxed drink on the rooftop. The combination of a critically praised restaurant, a well‑curated wine list, and a rare leafy terrace in inner Sydney makes it a notable choice in the Surry Hills dining scene.
Related reading: White Horse Surry Hills: Menu, Reviews, and More Guide · White Horse Surry Hills Review: $6M Renovation & History
Frequently asked questions
Who is the chef at The White Horse?
The current chef is Jun Hwang as of 2026; a separate listing identifies Jed Gerrard.
Does the rooftop offer harbour views?
No, it overlooks Surry Hills backstreets and the local city skyline.
What is the capacity for private events?
Up to 28 seated board-style guests or 200 standing.
What is the lunch special at The White Horse?
A six-course menu available Friday to Sunday, noon to 3 PM, priced at A$55 per person.
How many wines are on the list?
The wine list has about 100 bottles, focusing on organic and regenerative producers.