Eats in Sydney
Sydney is a foodie paradise waiting to be explored. From trendy waterfront eateries to hidden laneway gems, Sydney offers a tempting array of dining experiences that will leave your taste buds craving more. We offer our suggestions to help you start your culinary adventure through Sydney.
For those eager to discover the best restaurants and eateries, several resources are available to guide your gastronomic journey
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For those eager to discover the best restaurants and eateries, several resources are available to guide your gastronomic journey.
- First Table: Offering exclusive early bird dining deals, First Table allows you to book tables at popular Sydney restaurants and enjoy significant discounts on your meal, making fine dining more accessible and affordable.
- Time Out Sydney: A trusted source for restaurant recommendations, reviews, and guides to the city’s dining scene, ensuring you never miss out on the latest culinary hotspots.
- Broadsheet Sydney: An online magazine that covers all things food and drink in Sydney, offering insightful articles, reviews, and curated lists of must-visit restaurants and cafes.
- Urban List Sydney: A go-to destination for discovering Sydney’s latest dining trends, hidden gems, and upcoming food events.
Fine Dining Experiences
Start your culinary journey at Bennelong, nestled within the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House. This architectural marvel hosts an equally impressive dining experience where modern Australian cuisine takes centre stage. Indulge in dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients while taking in breathtaking views of the harbour. After considering Bennelong, here are some additional recommendations for fine dining options:
Quay
Located at Circular Quay, Quay offers modern Australian cuisine, emphasising seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. It also offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Aria
Situated in the heart of Circular Quay, Aria showcases contemporary Australian cuisine by renowned chef Matt Moran. Its elegant dishes are crafted with precision and finesse.
Bentley Restaurant + Bar
Combining fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere, Bentley in Surry Hills offers a seasonally driven menu featuring inventive dishes and an extensive wine list curated by award-winning sommeliers.
Tetsuya's
Tucked away in a heritage-listed building in the CBD, Tetsuya’s offers a Japanese-inspired degustation menu that celebrates the harmony of flavours and textures.
Flavours from around the world
Head to Spice Alley in Chippendale to taste Sydney’s multicultural flavours. This bustling laneway is a melting pot of Asian cuisines, with aromatic aromas wafting through the air as you navigate between hawker-style stalls. From fragrant Thai curries to mouthwatering Malaysian satay, Spice Alley promises a feast for the senses.
As a vibrant waterfront precinct near the International Convention Centre, Barangaroo, Sydney, offers diverse dining options. From Spanish tapas to Italian pasta and Turkish delights, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Alternatively, Darling Square is nearby and offers a vibrant precinct where dining and entertainment collide. Between Chinatown and Darling Harbour, Darling Square is a dynamic hub buzzing with energy and excitement. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving flavours from around the globe. But, if these suggestions do not entice you, here are some restaurants inspired from around the world to try in Sydney:
Mamak
Located in Haymarket, Mamak is famous for its authentic Malaysian cuisine, including crispy roti canai, flavourful satay, and fragrant nasi lemak, served in a bustling atmosphere.
Chat Thai
With multiple locations across Sydney, Chat Thai serves traditional Thai street food favourites like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Encasa Restaurant
Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, Encasa Restaurant offers an authentic Spanish dining experience with a menu featuring classic tapas dishes, hearty paellas, and an extensive selection of Spanish wines.
Tokyo Taco
Japanese tradition meets Mexican flair. Located in the heart of Sydney, this vibrant eatery offers a fusion of bold flavours and innovative dishes, from sushi burritos to teriyaki tacos.
Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano
A Sydney institution for over 30 years, Machiavelli in Clarence Street serves traditional Italian cuisine in a classic setting, featuring antipasti, pasta, and hearty meat dishes.
Anason
Nestled in Barangaroo, Sydney, Anason brings the vibrant flavours of Turkey to the waterfront with a modern twist. Sample an array of mezes, grilled meats, and seafood dishes inspired by the streets of Istanbul, all served with warm Turkish hospitality and breathtaking waterfront views.
Seafood
If you’re craving seafood, look no further than Sydney’s iconic Fish Market. Here, you can sample the freshest catch of the day straight from the ocean, whether succulent Sydney rock oysters or plump, juicy prawns. Pull up a seat at one of the market’s waterfront eateries and savour the sea’s bounty while soaking in the lively atmosphere. After exploring the Fish Market, head to these top recommendations to discover the best of Sydney’s fresh seafood:
Epicurean Crown Casino Barangaroo
Located in Haymarket, Mamak is famous for its authentic Malaysian cuisine, including crispy roti canai, flavourful satay, and fragrant nasi lemak, served in a bustling atmosphere.
Saint Peter
In Paddington, Saint Peter is a seafood-focused restaurant offering a daily changing menu of sustainably sourced fish and shellfish prepared with care and attention to detail.
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar
Situated on Circular Quay, Sydney Cove Oyster Bar is renowned for its freshly shucked oysters, served with a variety of accompaniments. It also serves other seafood specialties like grilled barramundi and seafood paella.
Doyle's on the Beach
Located in Watsons Bay, Doyle’s is a Sydney institution known for its fresh seafood platters, including Sydney rock oysters, prawns, and grilled fish, all enjoyed with stunning views of the beach.
Modern Australian: Show-casing our wine regions
To taste Australia’s world-renowned wine regions, venture to Nomad in Surry Hills. This rustic-chic restaurant celebrates the best of Australian produce, emphasising locally sourced ingredients and natural wines. Feast on wood-fired dishes bursting with flavour, paired perfectly with a Barossa Valley or Margaret River glass of boutique wine. If you’re not a fan of Nomad, here are some other restaurants in Sydney that are known for showcasing Australian wines and spirits:
Rockpool Bar & Grill
With a wine list boasting over 3,500 bottles, Rockpool Bar & Grill in The Rocks offers an extensive selection of Australian and international wines, perfect for pairing with its premium steak and seafood dishes.
10 William St
In Paddington, 10 William St is a cozy wine bar known for its eclectic selection of natural and organic wines from Australia and beyond and delicious Italian-inspired small plates.
Fix Wine Bar + Restaurant
Located in the CBD, Fix Wine Bar + Restaurant boasts an impressive wine list featuring over 2,000 bottles, focusing on boutique Australian producers and rare international finds, complemented by a menu of modern Australian cuisine.
Wine Library
Situated in Woollahra, Wine Library offers a curated selection of fine wines worldwide. It also hosts regular tastings and events showcasing different regions and varietals.
Love, Tilly Devine
Named after a notorious Sydney underworld figure, Love, Tilly Devine in Darlinghurst is a cozy wine bar specialising in small-batch Australian wines. It also serves artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
Pubs and Bars
Head out to discover one of Sydney’s many pubs and bars. The pub is the heart of Australian social culture. Australian pubs embody a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors come together to unwind, share stories, and enjoy good company. Grab a drink at the Harbour View Hotel near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With its historic charm, waterfront views, and friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer or classic pub meal while soaking in the beauty of Sydney Harbour. Why not head out to visit multiple pubs? Here are our suggestions to include in your pub crawl through Sydney:
The Baxter Inn
Tucked away in a laneway off Clarence Street, The Baxter Inn is a hidden gem known for its extensive whiskey collection, cozy ambience, and skilled bartenders who serve up classic cocktails with a twist.
Opera Bar
Situated in Woollahra, Wine Library offers a curated selection of fine wines worldwide. It also hosts regular tastings and events showcasing different regions and varietals.
The Glenmore Hotel
Located in The Rocks, The Glenmore Hotel offers stunning rooftop views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with a wide selection of craft beers, cocktails, and hearty pub grub.
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
Australia’s oldest pub brewery, The Lord Nelson in The Rocks boasts a rich history dating back to 1841, serving up handcrafted beers brewed onsite alongside traditional pub fare in a charming heritage setting.
Dessert
End your culinary adventure sweetly at Black Star Pastry in Newtown. Renowned for their Instagram-worthy desserts, this patisserie is a must-visit for any food lover. Indulge in their famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake, a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness that will leave you craving for seconds. For those with a sweet tooth, here are other suggestions to try in Sydney:
Gelato Messina
With multiple locations across Sydney, Gelato Messina is a gelato lover’s paradise, offering a rotating selection of inventive flavours like salted caramel and white chocolate and decadent cakes and desserts.
KOI Dessert Bar
Australia’s oldest pub brewery, The Lord Nelson in The Rocks boasts a rich history dating back to 1841, serving up handcrafted beers brewed onsite alongside traditional pub fare in a charming heritage setting.
Bourke Street Bakery
Known for its artisanal bread and pastries, Bourke Street Bakery has several locations across Sydney. Here, you can indulge in buttery croissants, flaky sausage rolls, and irresistible sweet treats like chocolate ganache tarts.
Kurtosh
Located in Darling Square, Kurtosh specialises in traditional Hungarian chimney cakes, freshly baked and coated in various delicious toppings such as cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and crushed nuts. These sweet treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while exploring Darling Square’s vibrant precinct.