The end of the year is a great time to look back and remember the dishes which gave us joy.

From an unforgettable tiramisù to a taco with an unexpected filling, these are the top five must-try dishes of 2022. If you haven’t tried them yet, we suggest making a booking ASAP!

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1. Tiramisù al cucchiaio from a’Mare
Image credit a'Mare

You would have to be mad to not want to taste acclaimed chef Alessandro Pavoni’s version of his nonna’s tiramisù. It’s full of espresso coffee flavour, rich mascarpone and sweet savoiardi biscuits, balanced by bitter cocoa, and it’s scooped out of a large tray onto your plate right at your table at a’Mare. Sign us up!

Where to get it: a’Mare, Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Read the full story: Must-try dish: A sweet pick-me-up

2. Mixed lamb plate from Jasmin1
Image credit Jasmin1

It’s not all about fancy restaurants on this list! The mixed lamb plate at Leichhardt’s Jasmin1 features garlicky, smooth hummus and smoky baba ghanoush, a side of super refreshing tabouleh, plus some crunchy-on-the-outside, fluffy-in-the-middle falafel as well as chunks of chargrilled, marinated and super juicy lamb. There’s a reason this is one of Sydney’s most popular Lebanese restaurants.

Where to get it: Jasmin1 Leichhardt, 116 Marion St Leichhardt NSW 2040
Read the full story: Must-try dish: A Lebanese feast

3. Cannoli from Mezzapica Cakes
Image credit Mezzapica Cakes

We should probably apologise for the number of gangster references we packed into our description of the cannoli from Mezzapica Cakes back when we wrote it in August. But we’re not going to because Tony Soprano and his wise guys don’t apologise for nothin’. Also, the only thing to be sorry about is if you miss out on these perfectly deep-fried crisp and crunchy shells, filled with smooth ricotta and dusted in just the right amount of icing sugar.

Where to get it: Mezzapica Cakes, 130 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
Read the full story: Must-try dish: A pastry you can’t refuse

4. Korean fried eggplant taco from Vandal Taqueria
Image credit Vandal Taqueria

Newtown’s Vandal Taqueria does things its own way, including no meat in the kitchen, but we guarantee you won’t miss a thing with the Korean fried eggplant taco. It’s got crispy karage-style fried eggplant on top of an organic corn tortilla with shaved queso, a carrot and coriander slaw, cashew créma and a sticky barbecue sauce. Meat eaters, prepare to be converted! 

Where to get it: Vandal Taqueria, 403 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Read the full story: Must-try dish: A kick-ass taco

5. Espetada a Costa Do Sol (beef), espetada de barrego (lamb) or espetada de frango (chicken) from Costa Do Sol
Image credit Costa Do Sol

Are you after more drama in your life? What could be more dramatic than a literal sword of grilled meat hung from a special frame at your table? Nothing really, and that’s what you’ll get in the heart of Sydney’s Little Portugal at Petersham’s Costa Do Sol. Whether you choose the lamb, beef or chicken, you’ll enjoy the succulent meat with delicious fried potato rounds and Portuguese salad. Oh and the Portuguese chicken here is pretty damn good too!

Where to get it: Costa Do Sol, 102 New Canterbury Rd, Petersham NSW 2049
Read the full story: Must-try dish: The sword is mightier than the steak

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