Favourite restaurants:
Korean: Milliore (near Capitol Theatre). Their Bibimbap is amazing. Their side dishes (they provide them free) are also mouth watering. Go there around lunch time when it's least busy, as they have lunch specials on. Although the atmosphere is much better at night.
Thai: Inchanthai in Kingsford. It's worth travelling out there for it. The Gang Choo Chee curry (recommended with prawns) on steamed rice is amazing. Really. Everything is also quite cheap, although you'll be overwhelmed by choice.
Vegetarian: Peace Harmony. They serve thai-influenced cusine. I highly recommend the red curry 'duck'. There's a takeaway branch and a dine-in branch. The take-away branch is cheaper, although the food isn't of as good quality. I love going here, as my girlfriend is a vego, whilst I really can't tell the difference between what they cook and meat.
Buffet-Style: Intercontinental Hotel: their seafood buffet is like no other. Although the service can be crap, the range of seafood is amazing. They have so much fresh sushi and sashimi it's crazy. Furthermore, their deserts are brilliang: Large bowls of creme brulee
Japanese: Kura III. There are a number of Kura franchises open around the place. This one is near haymarket. It is fantastically cheap, and it will only take them 5 mins to serve you the food. The range is fantastic, the portions are very large, and the food is delicious. However, be prepared to wait for a 'table'. Space is hard to come by and they are very popular.
Uyghur Cuisine: I can't remember what the restaurant is called. Possibly just 'uyghur'. GO down liverpool st towards darling harbour. Just before you reach the bridge/walkway leading to darling harbour, turn left into the pedastrian side-street. There you will find another Kura restaurant (not Kura III, their food is slightly worse). Next to it you will find two Uyghur restaurants. Go to the first one (up the stairs). Make sure you go with a couple of people, too.
What is Uyghur, you ask? Well, it's this place that's influenced by Russian, Chinese and possibly Korean cultures. The food resulting from it is amazing.
What to order:
1) Russian salad: it's spicey and oh so delicious
2) Shashlik (this is shish kebab, however, unlike anything youve tried). It is marinated for days, and I recommend the chicken. Also, it is so amazingly cheap. One plate for something like $8 will feed 2 or 3 people.
3) Plov: this is basically steamed/fried rice. However, it's cooked differently. It is cooked underground or in a pot for multiple days with lots of herbs, spices, raisins and meat. The result is fantastic!
This place is such a cheap option for groups, too. I love seeing everyone's reactions as they order one dish per person, then get a dish bigger than bigfoot's penis brought out to them.