Part of the buzzy Kensington Street precinct, Automata has minimalist industrial styling with two long tables interrupted by concrete columns. It's a little quieter – the term is relative – at the upstairs one. The degustation sees robust flavours and up-front textures packing a gourmet Japanese-influenced punch. The combinations don't always work but it's a fun night out. Three-course lunches.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Newtown & the Inner West attractions

1. Central Park

0.06 MILES

Occupying the site of an old brewery, this major residential and shopping development is a striking sight. Most impressive is Jean Nouvel's award-winning,…

2. Mortuary Station

0.13 MILES

This ornate disused Victorian sandstone station used to be the departure point for funeral trains out to the Rookwood cemetery in Sydney's west. It's a…

3. White Rabbit

0.13 MILES

In many ways Sydney's best contemporary-art gallery, White Rabbit is tucked away behind the Central Park development in Chippendale. It's the project of…

4. Christ Church St Laurence

0.27 MILES

Step off Sydney’s main drag into this calming 1845 sandstone church. The rather charming neo-Gothic interior is atmospheric, with dark wooden fittings and…

5. Dr Chau Chak Wing Building

0.28 MILES

Opened in 2015, this university business school was donated by the father of an alumnus and designed by Frank Gehry. It's a striking sight, all windows…

6. Central Station

0.33 MILES

Sydney’s main railway station was built in 1906 on top of an old convent and cemetery (watch out for ghosts). The 75m Gothic clock tower was added 15…

7. Golden Water Mouth

0.43 MILES

On Chinatown's Hay St, the surreal Golden Water Mouth sculpture drips with gilt and water. Formed from a eucalyptus trunk from Condobolin, the destination…

8. Powerhouse Museum

0.47 MILES

A short walk from Darling Harbour, this cavernous science and design museum whirs away inside the former power station for Sydney’s defunct, original tram…