Seed Oil-Free Dining in Sydney
Having spent my entire life in Sydney, I’ve become increasingly conscious of what I put in my body, especially when it comes to avoiding seed oils. While cooking at home gives me full control over the ingredients, dining out is often a different challenge. After doing a bit of research and contacting local restaurants, I found that only a handful of places in Sydney are completely seed oil-free. Interestingly, many places typically use seed oils but are more than happy to cook with healthier alternatives like butter or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) if you ask. Some also use seed oils only for deep frying, which I’ve made a note of at the end of this article.
What Are Seed Oils, and Why Should You Avoid Them?
Seed oils, such as sunflower, soybean, canola, and corn oils, are commonly used in home kitchens and processed foods due to their low cost and neutral flavour. However, these oils are highly processed and contain a large amount of omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can lead to inflammation. Research has linked seed oils to several serious health concerns, including cancer, fertility problems, mental health issues, and chronic diseases.
On the other hand, healthier oils like tallow, ghee, coconut oil, and EVOO are much more stable and have better nutritional profiles. These oils are less prone to oxidation, meaning they won’t create harmful compounds when exposed to heat. If you’re curious about why seed oils are so harmful to your health, check out this article on Why Seed Oils Are Bad for You.
For anyone following a seed oil-free lifestyle, it’s important to find restaurants that use healthier fats in their cooking, so each meal supports your health goals and helps avoid inflammation and other risks.
Tip: Always double-check with the restaurant about their cooking methods, either when you arrive or in advance, as preparation techniques may change over time.
Fully Seed Oil-Free Eateries in Sydney
Mediterranean Magic
Location: Pyrmont
Cuisine: Mediterranean Greek
Best For: Traditional Greek Dishes
Mediterranean Magic is a fantastic spot for authentic Greek cuisine, with every dish cooked in olive oil. You’ll also enjoy stunning water views. Must-try dishes include Saganaki, Moussaka, and Lamb Souvlaki.
Gitano Sydney
Location: Double Bay
Cuisine: Mexican
Best For: Modern Mexican Fare
Gitano Sydney uses no seed oils in its cooking. You can enjoy delicious tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican favourites made with healthier oils like EVOO.
Feather and Bone Butcher
Location: Bronte and Marrickville
Cuisine: Butcher and Pre-prepared Meals
Best For: Grass-fed meats and quick meals
Feather and Bone is my go-to butcher for pasture-raised meats and seed oil-free products. They also offer ready-to-eat meals like pesto, salsa verde, and even frozen dishes such as beef and kimchi sausage rolls and their amazing lasagne.
Broth Bar and Larder
Location: Bronte
Cuisine: Healthy Whole Foods
Best For: Nutritious Takeaway Meals
I was introduced to Broth Bar and Larder years ago while following a grain- and sugar-free diet, and I was so pleased to discover that they’re completely seed oil-free. Their soups, broths, and ready meals are made with nourishing fats that support your health.
Bare Wholefoods
Location: St Leonards/Mona Vale
Cuisine: Healthy Whole Food
Best For: Fresh, Wholesome Café Meals
Bare Wholefoods offers a delicious selection of healthy meals, from nourish bowls and salads to omelettes and burgers. Everything is cooked with olive oil or ghee, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding seed oils.
Cielo Pizza
Location: Balgowlah
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Seed Oil-Free Pizza
Cielo Pizza is a top pick for anyone on the Northern Beaches craving authentic pizza made with high-quality olive oil. Their pizzas are free from seed oils, so you can enjoy a healthier slice.
Fortunato’s Pizzeria
Location: Sutherland
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Seed Oil-Free Pizza in the Shire
For those in or visiting the Sutherland Shire, Fortunato’s Pizzeria is a great option for takeaway or dine-in pizza. They use only healthy fats, so no need to worry about seed oils.
Chester White Cured Diner
Location: Potts Point
Cuisine: Charcuterie and Pasta
Best For: Cured Meats and Gourmet Pasta
For a more refined dining experience, Chester White Cured Diner serves a menu full of cured meats, seafood, and pasta dishes, all prepared without seed oils. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent meal.
Keep Tone
Location: Manly
Cuisine: Healthy Café Fare
Best For: Hearty, Nourishing Meals
Located on the Northern Beaches, Keep Tone is a café offering a variety of wraps, cakes, and meals all made with olive oil or coconut oil. It’s a great spot for a satisfying and health-conscious meal.
Seed Oil-Free Restaurants (With Some Exceptions)
The following places aim to avoid seed oils in most of their dishes, though some may still use them for deep frying. If that’s not an issue for you, here are a few more options:
Four Little Foxes (Milperra) – Café
Warren & Holt Wholefoods Eatery (Marrickville) – Wholefoods Café
Bestic Espresso (Kyeemagh) – Café
3 Tomatoes (Ashbury) – Café
Sideways Deli Café (Dulwich Hill) – Café
Wagyu Boys (Preston) – Burgers
Georges Mediterranean (Sydney) – Mediterranean Grill
Pompei’s (Bondi) – Italian
Lox Stock & Barrel (Bondi) – Bagels & Breakfast
The Pantry Manly (Manly) – Australian Cuisine
Ruby Lane Wholefoods (Manly) – Healthy Café Fare
Conclusion: Healthier Dining in Sydney
Sydney’s food scene is slowly starting to introduce some seed oil-free dining options. With growing awareness, this trend will hopefully continue to expand. Whether you’re in the mood for Greek, Mexican, or a wholesome café meal, there are now plenty of places where you can enjoy delicious food that supports your health goals.
By choosing restaurants that use healthier fats, you’re not only benefiting your own health but also encouraging businesses to invest in better ingredients. Just remember to check with the restaurant about their cooking methods, as these can change over time.
FAQs
Q1. Are these seed oil-free restaurants suitable for other dietary needs?
Yes, many of these restaurants cater to gluten-free, vegan, and paleo diets. Check the menu or ask staff for more details on specific dietary requirements.
Q2. Should I call ahead to confirm that a restaurant is seed oil-free?
It’s always a good idea to call ahead or ask when you arrive to confirm that the restaurant is still following seed oil-free cooking methods. Some places may be able to accommodate requests to cook with healthier oils if asked.