With such an eclectic multicultural mix, you'll never run out of extraordinary food at the finest restaurants in Sydney!
When visiting Sydney, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the constantly evolving culinary scene. The city is always awash in hot new restaurants and bars, making it impossible to select a definitive bucket list of favourites. That’s why we’ve carefully hand-picked a mix of timeless classics, local gems, hot seats for those incredible harbour views, and Michelin-starred wonders. Get your feast on at Sydney’s top eateries!
Best restaurants in Sydney
1. Nobu
Renowned for its excellence and simple style, Nobu won’t disappoint even the most discerning foodie. Indulge in its famed melt-in-the-mouth black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeno along with inventive dishes created by head chef Harold Hurtada. By fusing Japanese tradition with locally inspired produce and cracking quality seafood, Nobu dishes up something for everyone – think classic faves alongside contemporary flavours. One must-try is the wagyu gyoza with spicy ponzu. Enjoy it with sake, wine or refreshing cocktails and mocktails made with native botanicals. Boasting a world-class Darling Harbour view, Nobu is nothing short of a sublime fine dining experience.
Nobu, Level 2, 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000
2. Woodcut
Chefs Ross and Sunny Lusted have designed and curated something quite special at Woodcut. This award-winning couple expertly emphasises traditional methods of cooking using wood, charcoal and steam in an open kitchen. Regular diners will discover an ever-changing menu. But, combining local produce with authentic preparation methods are the secret to Woodcut’s success. We recommend the selection of cured meat and pickles followed by the Margra lamb with wilted spinach (delish!). But save room for the Valrhona chocolate cracker of a dessert, or decadent artisanal cheeses. Don’t miss out on dining at Sydney’s stunning harbour!
Woodcut, Level 1 (Ground), 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000
3. Yellow
Coming in hot is a vegan fine dining offering from the iconic Yellow House building at Potts Point. Yellow is brought to you from the award-winning team behind Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole, Cirrus and Ria Pizza + Wine. Inspired by the European dining scene where food and wine are served in an informal setting at affordable prices, chef Brent Savage and his team have created a superb plant-based menu. Pair it with an eclectic wine list (or non-alcoholic wines) including a range of natural, biodynamic and organic varieties that complement the food.
Yellow, 57 Macleay Street, Potts Point, NSW 2011
4. Tetsuya’s
Located in the centre of Sydney in a refurbished heritage-listed site, chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s restaurant offers Japanese-inspired food. It serves a five- and eight-course degustation menu based on the Japanese philosophy of using only seasonal flavours, enhanced by classic French techniques. Tetsuya’s menu is constantly evolving – dishes include favourites such as Tasmanian ocean trout confit with apple and witlof salad or wagyu with sesame leaf, shiso and salted plum. Either way, you’re in for a treat if you can bag a table.
Tetsuya’s, 529 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
5. Firedoor
A kitchen entirely powered by wood fire with everything cooked to order? Sign us up! Experience the freshest daily produce at this open-style kitchen. Think bespoke farmed vegetables and aged meat varieties such as lamb, pork, chicken and beef, plus fresh seafood made to order. Take a seat and watch as the flame masters do what they do best with rare ingredients from small-scale producers.
Firedoor, 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2010
6. Lana
It’s all about Mediterranean-inspired seafood, vegetables and wine at Lana, which isn’t the least bit scared of pushing the boundaries of Italian cuisine. Australian-raised Alex Wong of Chinese-Vietnamese heritage is the main chef in the kitchen. He unleashes his passion for Italian food on the daily two- to three-course menus. Classic dishes of the day include everything from Aquna Murray cod with verjus, caviar and cos heart to Lana Lite inclusion charred pumpkin, miso, pepita salsa and saffron. Divine!
Lana, 5-7 Young Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
7. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
This restaurant enjoys one of the most incredible ocean views in all Sydney. It delivers Italian fare in an interior that reflects the look and feel of the turquoise ocean it perches above. An Australian institution by restaurateur Maurice Terzini, it’s a fabulous dining experience in the heart of Bondi Beach with its ever-evolving a la carte and tasting menus. You can’t beat this iconic venue for a long leisurely lunch or intimate dinner on your next trip to the Emerald City!
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
8. Quay
Michelin-starred Quay, led by executive chef Peter Gilmore, is one of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. Nestled cosily between the stunning Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, this restaurant is a collaboration between Peter and the farmers, fishermen, producers and artisans he works with. Each dish is lovingly and painstakingly created, and considered for its role in the entire dining experience. It’s been said that the six-course menu is one of the best ways to experience Sydney!
Quay, Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
9. Lucky Kwong
Lunch gets the spotlight at Kylie Kwong’s latest project located in the South Eveleigh precinct – it’s just 10 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Currently only open for lunch during weekdays, its Asian fusion menu is a homage to her Australian-Cantonese heritage. You won’t be disappointed to try the signature steamed prawn dumplings or savoury pancakes with raw kingfish accompanied by the famous Lucky Kwong chilli sauce (bring home a bottle if you’d like!).
Lucky Kwong, 2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh, Sydney, NSW 2015
10. Re
Located right next door to Lucky Kwong, Re is a truly innovative experience. The cocktail bar uses surplus fruits and vegetables, secondary cuts and byproducts. It’s designed by bartender Matt Whiley, who works with a number of Sydney venues and suppliers to re-purpose food waste and by-products into ingredients for cocktails. The goal? To cut food waste by 80% while serving up an inventive menu of planet-friendly cocktails and bar nibbles.
Re, 2 Locomotive Street, Shop 8, Eveleigh, Sydney, NSW 2015
11. Sake
No visit to Sydney is complete without a meal at one of Sake’s iconic destinations. So why not experience its flagship restaurant at The Rocks? Admire Japanese fusion features at every corner and enjoy Japanese menus designed with sustainable seafood to share. We’re talking about bluefin tuna, Hiramasa kingfish and Glacier 51 toothfish diced with precision by sushi masters. Plus, Japanese robata grills delivering smoky flavours to everything from meat to seafood to vegetables.
Sake, 12 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
12. Mumu
Inspired by travels through Southeast Asia, Mumu is Merivale’s latest offering, bringing together street food with a sleek cocktail menu and sassy late-night vibes. This is the ideal inner-city hangout to try an eclectic offering of Asian dishes (bring on the spice!). Round up your group of mates and settle in for a night of flavour, fun and pumping tunes. It’s all about sharing plates at this colourful diner-esque CBD hot spot.
Mumu, Ivy Precinct, 330 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
13. Long Chim
David Thompson’s “Best Thai in Sydney” restaurant is known for putting elevated Thai cuisine on the global stage. Experience dimly lit moody interiors with splashes of colour and generous sharing bowls bursting with intense flavour and spice. Make this spot your go-to for fancy Thai food!
Long Chim, Angel Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
14. Hugo’s
This fantastic wharf restaurant dishes up contemporary Italian while ticking all the boxes for easy, laidback dining. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or a waterfront dining experience synonymous with Sydney cool, you can’t go wrong with Hugo’s freshly prepared menu dishing up all the favourites. Here’s looking at you, squid ink linguine! Don’t forget to order tasty pizzas washed down with cocktails, too. Overlooking the iconic Manly Wharf, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is a hot fave.
Hugo’s, Shop 1, Manly Wharf, East Esplanade, NSW 2095
15. A’Mare
Local seafood takes the spotlight on this Italian-inspired menu. Chef Alessandro Pavoni promises a uniquely Sydney feel to his offering. Must-orders include swordfish cooked on charcoal or the designed-to-share Cotoletta Milanese ‘elephant ear’. Make sure you try the highly recommended luxury dining experience, designed to enjoy the Italian way – at a leisurely pace with good company. Oh, and kids are more than welcome, too!
A’Mare, Level 1 (Ground), 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000
16. Mr Wong
No place in Sydney does Cantonese food with quite as much fanfare as Mr Wong. This sleek and sexy urban nook is spread over two levels and serves up something for everyone. The vibes are intimate yet bustling with dim lighting and moody tunes. Try the signature barbecue duck and fab lunchtime dim sum menu by Michael Luo.
Mr Wong, 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney, NSW 2000
17. Botswana Butchery
Did someone say gold leaf trimmings? Yes, you read that right. Legend has it that head chef Darren Templeman is renowned for his wood-fired steaks. There’s the Butcher’s Block menu which features coveted cuts of prime meat from Australia’s top draw suppliers. But, guests can also request to see ‘The Little Black Book’, where you’ll find the highest-grade marble score wagyu cuts. The most sought-after? The 1.6kg Ranger’s Valley wagyu tomahawk, designed to share and coated in gold leaf (tip: order it in advance). For a more casual dining experience, head to the rooftop.
Botswana Butchery, 25 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
18. Sixpenny
Sixpenny offers an ever-changing tasting menu that celebrates contemporary Australian cuisine. The night’s line-up is revealed course after course by chef-owner Daniel Puskas. He’s collaborated with small-scale farmers, fishermen and producers for over a decade to create seasonal dishes that have earned Michelin-starred acclaim. This inner city suburban fine dining spot is discreetly housed in a quiet corner terrace in Stanmore. One thing’s for sure: you won’t forget a meal at Sixpenny.
Sixpenny, 83 Percival Road, Stanmore, NSW 2048
19. White & Wongs
Sample classic street food from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand right in the heart of Sydney’s Martin Place. The menu of noodles, soups, curries and scrumptious dumplings is as extensive as it is eclectic. Try the drinks menu that’s conjured to perfectly complement the exuberant flavours on offer. It’s fun fusion dining at its finest in the very heart of Sydney’s CBD. Sit back and watch the world go by!
White & Wongs, 25 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
20. Ploos
Chef Peter Conistis, the forefather of Greek-Australian cuisine, has struck again! The man behind Alpha and Omega brings the taste of the Greek islands to Sydney Harbour. Besides boasting stunning views of the Opera House, the restaurant takes you straight to the Mediterranean with regional seafood dishes. Try the nissiotiki salad made with sea urchin roe, abrolhos octopus with taramosalata and, of course, lamb tomahawk. We’re also eyeing the selection of artisanal cheese, cured meat, olive oil and natural spices – all sourced directly from Crete and Cyprus.
Ploos, Bay 7, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Bookmark this list of great restaurants for your next visit to Sydney!
