I have a confession to make: I am one of Sydney's most selfish diners - every time I discover a local restaurant, pub or cafe that makes delicious low priced food and yet only attracts the locals, I try to keep it to myself.
It makes me feel special knowing that I am the only one in my group of friends who know about the place (and I figured, if it only stays amongst locals, nothing will change).
I also treat it as my secret hiding place where I know I won't run into anyone I know and have to try to hold up a fake 'How have you been, I haven't called you because I lost your number' conversation.
But that all changed one day when a friend took me to his favourite place: Maisy's Cafe, in Neutral Bay (Sydney).
At first I was hesitant about going, because I preferred to go to my own favourite places but then I realised it was past midnight, and all my favourite places were closed so I agreed to intrude on his secret place.
He ordered me a banana milkshake and a BLT sandwich and a week later, all I could think about was how amazing the BLT sandwich had been and he was happy that he had shared a place with me that he loved, and that I too, now loved.
I then realised that sharing the hidden gems of Sydney with other people isn't a bad idea after all, even if it means running into an old associate.
So I've decided to share some of my favourite eateries here with you today.
Located on 113 Willoughby Rd in Crows Nest, there is a little cute cafe that has become one of my favourite places to eat breakfast. Quasi Coffee Bar is one of those places where you have one bite and can't help but keep coming back again.
Quasi manages to produce better breakfast food than most of the restaurants and fast food chains I have eaten at over the years.
Since the coffee bar rosters only one or two employees at a time, it allows their food to be sold at a cheaper price. Quasi also sells its own range of delicious home made jams a unique range of soft drinks.
And unlike most eateries, the staff remember your order, so the next time you come around, don't be surprised for them to ask you "would you like the regular?".
My second local favourite place is Sushi Go Round, located on on 103-111 Willoughby Rd, also in Crows Nest.
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I have been to many sushi places around Crows Nest and nothing compares to Sushi Go Round.
The food is always fresh, the staff is always friendly, even going as far as chatting with you about your day. And the prices, amazingly cheap.
For example, I went to another sushi place that was closer to my house to try it out and I ordered my favourite dish, gyoza's. Not only were the gyoza's nowhere near as good as Sushi Go Round, but they were also three times the price.
I then realised it would be hard to fall in love with another sushi place that has the good energy, good food and good prices again.
My third favourite place is not really an eatery but the Crows Nest Fair, that is held on Ernest Place park every Thursday.
They offer amazing, fresh food such as gozleme's and Japanese pizzas. To top it off, there is always live music and fruit and veggie stands and clothes stalls as well.
It is the first place I use my pay cheque every week.
There are more amazing local cheap eateries around, but I realised that a girl has got to keep some secrets, close to her heart.
Are there any amazing special eateries you know about (that you are willing to share)?