Cash Only Diner

1 Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney CBD

About

Cash Only Diner | Authentic Hue Vietnamese Cuisine | Sydney CBD | Modern Vietnamese Restaurant

Cash Only Diner

Authentic Hue Vietnamese Cuisine | Sydney CBD

⭐ 4.5/5 Stars | Modern Vietnamese Dining | Disco Vibes

About Cash Only Diner

Cash Only Diner is a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant in Sydney’s CBD that celebrates the regional cuisine of Hue, Vietnam. Opened in 2020 by owners Chau Tran and Bryce McDonough, this modern eatery brings authentic flavors inspired by Chau’s mother’s traditional cooking to the heart of Sydney.

Unlike most Vietnamese restaurants, you won’t find pho or banh mi here. Instead, the menu focuses exclusively on the distinctive cuisine of Hue – a city in central Vietnam that bridges the sweetness of southern Vietnamese cooking with the funky, fermented, and salty flavors of the north.

The restaurant is located above the award-winning Burrow Bar, creating a unique dining experience with a bright, sun-filled space featuring exposed brick walls and an open kitchen. The food is carefully crafted by a team of chefs with pedigree from Rockpool, Spice Temple, and Quay.

🍽️ Hue Regional Cuisine

Authentic dishes from the Hue region, prepared using traditional recipes with modern techniques and fresh Australian ingredients

👨‍🍳 Award-Winning Team

Chefs trained at Sydney’s finest restaurants including Rockpool, Spice Temple, and Quay bring these authentic flavors to life

🍸 Exceptional Cocktails

Creative cocktail menu featuring Vietnamese-inspired drinks like Green Mango Negroni and Boozy Vietnamese Iced Coffee

🎵 Vibrant Atmosphere

Disco vibes meet modern Vietnamese dining in a bright, open space with exposed brick and an open kitchen

Contact & Location

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Address 1 Barrack Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Corner of Clarence & Barrack Streets)
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Phone 0450 862 147
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Website www.cashonlydiner.com.au
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Instagram @cash.only.diner

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Special lunch menu)
Sunday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Special lunch menu)

Note: Saturday & Sunday lunch service features a special menu, not the regular à la carte menu

Essential Information

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Cuisine Type Authentic Hue Vietnamese (Regional Central Vietnam)
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Price Range $$ – Moderate (Cards accepted, despite the name!)
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Seating Modern dining room, open kitchen, bright atmosphere
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Service Options Dine-in, Takeaway, Reservations recommended
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Dietary Options Vegetarian & vegan options available, allergen sheet provided
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Family Friendly Yes – High chairs available, good for kids
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Accessibility Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Alcohol Fully licensed, no BYO. Award-winning cocktail program

Getting There

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Public Transport Easy access from Circular Quay and Wynyard stations. Short walk from both
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Parking Nearby parking available at Barrack Street and Grosvenor Place car parks
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Location Note Located above Burrow Bar – you can visit both venues!

Booking Information

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends.

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Deposits Credit card required to secure booking. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur charges
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Large Groups 10% discretionary service charge for bookings of 7 or more
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Cakeage In-house pastry program available. Outside cakes incur cakeage charge per person

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cash Only Diner unique?
We focus exclusively on Hue regional cuisine from central Vietnam – you won’t find pho or banh mi here! Our menu celebrates dishes inspired by owner Chau Tran’s mother, who trained in a French finishing school in Hue. The food bridges sweet southern Vietnamese flavors with the funky, fermented tastes of the north.
Do you really only accept cash?
Despite our name (which is a tribute to hole-in-the-wall eateries), we do accept credit and debit cards! The name is more about the casual, accessible spirit we want to bring to Vietnamese dining.
What are your signature dishes?
Must-try dishes include our Bún Bò Huế (aromatic beef soup), “Crack Rice” (jasmine rice with gooey egg and crispy chicharrons), Cá Kho Tộ (caramelised clay pot fish), Chả Cá Thăng Long (whole barramundi with turmeric and dill), Bánh Xèo (crispy rice pancake), and Vietnamese pâté with pork floss and tobiko. Don’t miss our interactive dishes like baby clam rice with pour-over broth!
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes! We offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options throughout our menu. Our staff can provide an allergen sheet to help you navigate dietary requirements, and our chefs are mindful of dietary restrictions when preparing meals.
What’s “Tuesday Noodz-day”?
Every Tuesday, we feature a special noodle dish with limited bowls available. These showcase unique regional noodle dishes that many people haven’t tried outside of Vietnam. It’s a great way to experience something new and authentic!
Do you have a cocktail menu?
Absolutely! Our cocktail program is crafted by award-winning bartenders from Burrow Bar (located below us). Try Vietnamese-inspired drinks like the Green Mango Negroni, Napoleon’s 2nd Vice (pineapple and gin), or our boozy Vietnamese Iced Coffee. We also offer mocktails and a selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
What’s the weekend lunch special menu?
On Saturday and Sunday lunch service, we run a special menu that differs from our regular à la carte menu. It’s designed to showcase different aspects of Hue cuisine in a more casual lunch format. Bookings are recommended for weekend service.
Is the restaurant suitable for groups and special occasions?
Yes! We welcome groups and special occasions. For parties of 7 or more, a 10% discretionary service charge applies. We recommend booking in advance for larger groups. Note that we have an in-house pastry program, and outside cakes will incur a cakeage charge if served in the venue.
How does the menu work – is it sharing style?
The menu is designed for sharing with smaller, shareable plates so you can try more dishes. Unlike traditional Vietnamese restaurants, we don’t put rice on every plate – instead, you can order your preferred style of starch (like our famous Crack Rice) and build your own experience. The dishes are interactive and fun, perfect for groups!

Signature Dishes & Highlights

Authentic Hue specialties prepared with modern techniques:

  • Bún Bò Huế – Aromatic and layered beef noodle soup, the signature dish of Hue with rich, spicy broth
  • Crack Rice – Jasmine rice topped with gooey egg yolk and crispy chicharrons (pork rinds) – highly addictive!
  • Cá Kho Tộ (Clay Pot Fish) – Caramelised and braised fish in sweet and tangy sauce, cooked in traditional clay pot
  • Chả Cá Thăng Long – Whole barramundi with turmeric and dill, served in traditional style
  • Bánh Xèo – Crispy rice pancake filled with pork, prawns, and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce with herbs
  • Cơm Hến – Baby clam rice spiked with ginger, with clam broth poured over at your table (interactive dish!)
  • Vietnamese Pâté – House-made pâté on deep-fried crackers with pork floss and tobiko
  • C.O. Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with prawn and minced pork, expertly fried
  • Giò Thủ – Traditional pork and mushroom terrine
  • Grilled Prawns – Fresh, perfectly grilled prawns for hands-on eating
  • Green Mango Salad – Refreshing salad with green mango, apple, herbs, and prawns
  • House-Made Pickles – Cabbage and julienned carrot pickles – perfect palate cleanser
  • Crispy Skin Chicken – Perfectly cooked chicken with incredible crispy skin
  • Five Spice Short Ribs – Tender short ribs braised with aromatic five spice
  • Eggplant – Expertly cooked eggplant with soft skin and flavorful preparation
  • Tofu Hotpot – Vegetarian-friendly tofu in aromatic broth

Special Features

Unique offerings and regular specials:

  • Tuesday Noodz-day – Weekly special featuring limited bowls of unique regional noodle dishes
  • Seasonal Menu Changes – Menu adapts based on seasonal availability and fresh ingredients
  • Fresh Fish Market Sourcing – Fish bought fresh every two days from Sydney Fish Market (no frozen policy)
  • Interactive Dining – Several dishes feature table-side pour-overs and hands-on eating experiences
  • Weekend Lunch Specials – Special Saturday and Sunday lunch menu (different from dinner à la carte)

Desserts & Sweets

Innovative Vietnamese-inspired desserts:

  • Pandan Mochi Waffles – Waffles stuffed with stretchy mochi and pandan, unique texture and flavor
  • Banana Pandan Waffles – Another variation with banana and pandan flavors
  • Corn Dessert – Deconstructed Che Bap (Vietnamese corn pudding) with corn custard, coconut sago, crushed cornflakes, corn sponge, charred corn, and elderflowers
  • Vietnamese Sponge Cake – Light and pillowy traditional sponge cake

Beverages & Cocktails

Award-winning cocktail program and Vietnamese-inspired drinks:

  • Green Mango Negroni – Classic Negroni with Vietnamese green mango twist
  • Napoleon’s 2nd Vice – Creative pineapple and gin cocktail
  • Boozy Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Vietnamese coffee reimagined as cocktail (espresso martini style)
  • Jade Memories – Coconut milk, syrup, lime juice, Irish whiskey with sesame-sugar-salt rim
  • Wine Selection – Curated wine list (note: prices range from moderate to premium)
  • Craft Beer – Selection of local and imported beers
  • House Teas – Traditional Vietnamese teas
  • Mocktails – Non-alcoholic cocktail options available
  • Coffee – Traditional Vietnamese coffee and espresso-based drinks

🎉 “Ăn cho vui” – Eat for Happiness

This Vietnamese phrase, translated by Chau Tran’s mother as “Eat for fun,” captures the spirit of Cash Only Diner. Whether morning, noon, or night, there should always be room for another mouthful or treat. Come celebrate the flavors of Hue and experience dishes that have decades of tradition behind them, reimagined for modern Sydney dining!

📍 1 Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney CBD

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