Opening a restaurant in Surry Hills, NSW: Market & Competitor Analysis (2026)
Surry Hills, NSW currently has 57 active restaurants businesses. Based on ABS demographics and Google Places competitor data, Surry Hills scores 27/100 on the Strategique Score™ for anyone weighing up opening a restaurant here.
Choosing where to open or how to compete in Surry Hills? Compare the nearby restaurants businesses and local demographics before committing time or money. Check these market signals against your own costs, customers and plans.
Surry Hills restaurants market snapshot
| Strategique Score™ | 27/100 |
|---|---|
| Active restaurants businesses | 57 |
| Local population (ABS) | 15,828 residents |
| Median weekly household income (ABS Census 2021) | $2,308/week |
| Data updated | July 2026 |
What this means for a restaurants business in Surry Hills
Surry Hills diners will pay for consistency and convenience, not novelty alone. Weekly household income of $2,308 sits well above the Sydney average, and with unemployment at 4.7 per cent, discretionary spending here is steady rather than seasonal. Referenced figures: $35 (not independently validated here). Treat this pricing or positioning recommendation as a hypothesis to test, not proof of premium pricing, profit, margins or guaranteed market share. Household income is context, not actual customer spending or willingness to pay. The real opening is weekday lunch and after-work dinner covers from residents and office workers, not weekend destination dining, which is already crowded.
Household income is demographic context, not actual customer spending or willingness to pay.
Top-rated restaurants in Surry Hills
| Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Surry Hills | 4.7★ | 910 |
| White Horse | 4.7★ | 373 |
| Mishy's Sydney | 4.9★ | 432 |
54 more restaurants businesses are mapped in the full Surry Hills report.
Choose what to tackle in the Surry Hills restaurants market
Opening a restaurant in Surry Hills: common questions
how many restaurants are in surry hills right now
57 restaurants currently operate in Surry Hills. That's roughly one restaurant per 278 residents. In practical terms, the market is saturated—operators face intense competition for foot traffic and customer spend. Most new entrants will be fighting for share rather than opening into available demand.
is surry hills a good area to open a restaurant
The data gives a mixed verdict. Market opportunity scores 77/100, suggesting genuine customer demand exists. However, the Strategique Score sits at 27/100—meaning the overall risk-reward balance is poor. Competition is severe (100/100 density) while existing operators maintain strong quality (top competitors rate 4.7–4.9 stars). Viability depends on a differentiated concept; generic offerings will struggle.
who are the strongest restaurant competitors in surry hills
Mishy's Sydney leads with 4.9 stars across 432 reviews. Jane Surry Hills and White Horse both hold 4.7 stars (910 and 373 reviews respectively). These three set the quality benchmark. The Competitor Strength Index of 65/100 indicates established operators control significant market share and customer loyalty. New entrants must match or exceed their execution standards to gain traction.
what kind of customers can afford surry hills restaurants
Household income in Surry Hills averages $2,308 per week. The population of 15,828 is affluent and willing to spend on dining. Treat this pricing or positioning recommendation as a hypothesis to test, not proof of premium pricing, profit, margins or guaranteed market share. Household income is context, not actual customer spending or willingness to pay. Volume-based, budget-focused models face pressure competing against established mid-to-upscale operators already serving this demographic.
what do i need to do first to open a restaurant in surry hills
First, conduct a concept audit against the 57 existing restaurants—identify a specific gap (cuisine type, price tier, dining format) that top-rated competitors don't saturate. Second, secure a location with foot traffic data; density means visibility and accessibility are critical. Third, build financial projections assuming 18–24 months to profitability given the competitive density and Strategique Score of 27/100.
Restaurants markets in nearby suburbs
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Other business markets in Surry Hills
How will you stand out in Surry Hills?
Compare nearby competitors and local demographics before choosing where to open, what to offer or which opportunity to test. This market snapshot is a starting point, not a business-specific recommendation.