Petersham is bordered by the suburbs of Leichhardt to the North, Stanmore to the East, Marrickville to the south and Lewisham to the West. The suburb is not totally residential as there is a small row of shop lines on New Canterbury Road and runs all the way down to Audley street towards the railway station. There are a few Portuguese restaurants, some of which are known for selling traditional styled flame-grilled chicken and cod dishes which are very tasty dishes.