The best restaurants in Sydney
The dining rooms shaping Sydney right now — from $300 chef's tables to the bowl of pasta you'll think about for weeks.
Sydney's dining scene is a glorious, ever-evolving beast. From hatted temples of gastronomy overlooking our iconic harbour to laid-back joints slinging plates you'll dream about for weeks, there's always something new to taste, a familiar favourite to revisit, and a chef pushing boundaries.
Forget the tired clichés; this isn't just about avocado toast and harbour views (though we've got those too, and they're damn good). We're talking about the kitchens truly shaping Sydney right now, whether they're serving up multi-course masterpieces or nailing that perfect bowl of pasta.
From buzzy neighbourhood spots to institutions that define our city, this is your definitive guide to the Sydney restaurants that matter most this very moment. Come hungry, leave happy.
Quay
Peter Gilmore’s Quay is not just a meal; it's an event. With its jaw-dropping views of Circular Quay and the Opera House, dining here feels quintessentially Sydney. The menu is a journey through textures and unexpected flavour combinations, showcasing native ingredients with an artistry that few can rival. Expect dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, each one meticulously crafted to surprise and delight. Truly a benchmark for Australian fine dining.
Request a window seat when booking, especially for a special occasion. Sunset sittings are particularly magical.
- Address:
- Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
Ester
Ester redefined modern Australian dining with its wood-fired oven wizardry and an effortlessly cool vibe. The menu is constantly evolving but always delivers bold, intelligent flavours without pretension. Dishes like the blood sausage sanga or the whole roasted cauliflower have achieved legendary status, proving that simple ingredients can be elevated to extraordinary heights. It’s inventive cooking that’s deeply satisfying and never boring.
Don't skip the bread with cultured butter – it's deceptively simple but incredibly addictive. Book well in advance.
- Address:
- 46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale
Nomad
Step into Nomad and enter a buzzing, industrial-chic space that feels like a permanent party. The open kitchen, centred around a wood-fired oven and char grill, churns out vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dishes perfect for sharing. Think house-made charcuterie, sensational wood-roasted kingfish, and incredible baked halloumi. It's loud, lively, and consistently excellent, making it a go-to for a fun, flavour-packed night out with friends.
Always order at least one of the house-made bread and dips – it’s a non-negotiable starter.
- Address:
- 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Bennelong
Dining inside the sails of the Sydney Opera House is an experience in itself, but Peter Gilmore’s Bennelong ensures the food lives up to the iconic setting. This is modern Australian cuisine at its most elegant, focusing on exceptional Australian produce. The menu is a more accessible (yet still refined) take on Gilmore's vision, with dishes like the incredible pavlova providing a theatrical and delicious finale. It’s special occasion dining with unparalleled harbour views.
Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar for stunning twilight views of the Harbour Bridge.
- Address:
- Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
LP's Quality Meats
This is where Sydney goes for serious smoked meat. LP's is an ode to traditional American BBQ, but with a refined, chef-driven approach that elevates it far beyond your standard smokehouse. The custom-built smoker works wonders on everything from their legendary hotlink sausages to fall-off-the-bone short ribs and incredibly tender pulled pork. The sides are equally brilliant, ensuring a balanced (and enormous) feast.
Come hungry and with friends – ordering a selection of meats and sides to share is the only way.
- Address:
- Suite 102, 16 Chippen Street, Chippendale
10 William St
This Paddington institution is a masterclass in Italian-inspired deliciousness, delivered with a casual, cool edge. Known for its exceptional wine list and a seasonal menu that always hits the mark, 10 William St is a go-to for intelligent pasta dishes, creative small plates, and that famous pretzel with whipped bottarga. It’s consistently buzzing, offering perfectly executed food in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
Don't leave without trying the tiramisu – it's a sublime, creamy, coffee-infused masterpiece.
- Address:
- 10 William Street, Paddington
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
Continental Deli Bar Bistro is a Newtown treasure, a delightful blend of European deli, bar, and excellent bistro. Famous for their 'tinned' cocktails (Martins and Negronis in a can!) and an incredible charcuterie selection, the food is equally compelling. Think beautifully prepared terrines, robust pasta dishes, and hearty main courses that lean into classic European comfort. It’s stylish, cheeky, and always a good time.
Grab some charcuterie slices from the deli counter for a perfect pre-dinner snack or to take home.
- Address:
- 210 Australia Street, Newtown
Chin Chin
Chin Chin brought its Melbourne brand of high-energy, modern Thai to Sydney, and Surry Hills has been buzzing ever since. Expect bold, punchy flavours in every dish, from the kingfish sashimi to the massaman curry of braised beef cheek. It’s loud, vibrant, and always packed, making it perfect for a lively group dinner where you want robust food and a great atmosphere. The menu is designed for sharing, so dive in.
They do take some walk-ins, but for a guaranteed table, book ahead or be prepared for a wait.
- Address:
- 69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Saint Peter
Josh Niland’s Saint Peter completely re-evaluated how we think about seafood, championing a nose-to-tail approach that minimised waste and maximised flavour. Expect exquisite, expertly handled Australian fish, often dry-aged, treated with reverence and creativity. The menu shifts daily based on the catch, but always delivers stunning, refined dishes that allow the quality ingredients to shine. It’s a true seafood revelation.
Ask about the daily whole fish offering – it’s always a showstopper and perfect for sharing.
- Address:
- 384 Oxford Street, Paddington
Cho Cho San
Cho Cho San brings a cool, contemporary izakaya vibe to Potts Point, serving up modern Japanese dishes with precision and flair. The sleek, minimalist interior sets the stage for a menu packed with delicious small plates perfect for sharing. Highlights include the incredible Wagyu tataki, the spicy tuna crispy rice, and the perfectly grilled robata skewers. It’s stylish, buzzy, and ideal for a refined but fun dinner.
Explore their extensive sake list, featuring excellent options to pair with your dishes.
- Address:
- 167 Elizabeth Bay Road, Potts Point
Tetsuya's
Tetsuya's has long been synonymous with Sydney fine dining, offering a unique fusion of Japanese precision and classic French technique within a tranquil, Japanese-inspired setting. The degustation menu is a timeless journey, famously featuring the Confit Ocean Trout, which remains an absolute benchmark dish. It's a place for quiet contemplation of exquisite flavours, impeccable service, and a truly unforgettable special occasion.
The restaurant is closing in July 2024, so visit before it's gone for a piece of Sydney dining history.
- Address:
- 529 Kent Street, Sydney
Lankan Filling Station
O Tama Carey’s Lankan Filling Station is a vibrant, flavour-packed celebration of Sri Lankan cuisine that consistently delivers. Housed in a charming corner spot, it’s all about hoppers – those delicious, bowl-shaped rice flour pancakes – served with an array of spectacular curries and sambols. The food is bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, offering a wonderful journey through an often-underserved culinary tradition. Don't miss the fiery seeni sambol.
Order a few different hoppers and a selection of curries and sambols to get the full experience.
- Address:
- Ground Floor 94 Riley St, Darlinghurst
Sixpenny
Stepping into Sixpenny is like entering the home of an incredibly talented and meticulous chef. The tasting menu is a masterclass in modern Australian cooking, focusing on hyper-seasonal, often overlooked ingredients treated with immense respect. Expect subtle complexities, refined techniques, and a true sense of place reflected in each dish. It's an intimate, understated experience that lets the exceptional food speak for itself, with innovative use of native ingredients.
Opt for the optional wine pairing; the sommelier's selections are thoughtful and elevate the entire meal.
- Address:
- 83 Percival Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048
Cafe Paci
Pasi Petänen’s Cafe Paci is a triumph of comfort and sophistication, blending Finnish roots with Sydney sensibilities. The set menu is a journey of delicious invention, moving from elegant snacks to substantial, perfectly balanced mains. Highlights often include their famous potato and fermented rye bread with cultured butter, and any pasta dish on offer. It’s inventive European dining in a relaxed, minimalist setting that feels refreshingly unfussy for the quality on display.
Don't skip the bread course; it's legendary for a reason and sets the tone for the entire meal.
- Address:
- 131 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Firedoor
Firedoor is a temple to the ancient art of cooking with fire, where every dish, from vegetables to magnificent cuts of meat, is transformed by smoke and char. Chef Lennox Hastie's dedication to wood-fired cooking is evident in the depth of flavour and unique textures. There are no gas or electricity cooking elements in the kitchen, just different types of wood changing daily. It’s primal, sophisticated, and utterly delicious, showcasing Australian produce at its very best.
Sit at the kitchen counter if possible to watch the mesmerizing theatre of Hastie and his team at work.
- Address:
- 23-33 Mary St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Yellow
Yellow, under Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt, has long been a stalwart of refined dining, but its transformation into an entirely plant-based restaurant was truly inspired. It’s an elegant, innovative take on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, where vegetables are celebrated and given star billing. The tasting menu showcases surprising textures and flavour combinations that are both imaginative and deeply satisfying, proving that plant-based food can be incredibly luxurious and exciting. The wine list is equally impressive.
Even if you're not plant-based, commit to the tasting menu; it's a revelation and the best way to experience their creativity.
- Address:
- 57 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Aria
Matt Moran's Aria remains a quintessential Sydney dining experience, offering spectacular Opera House and Harbour Bridge views alongside an impeccably crafted menu. The modern Australian cuisine is refined and elegant, with a focus on premium produce handled with precision and flair. Dishes are beautifully plated and full of flavour, complementing the breathtaking scenery. It's the kind of place you go for a special occasion when you want the food, the service, and the setting to be equally memorable.
Request a window table when booking, well in advance, to guarantee those iconic harbour views.
- Address:
- 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Spice Temple
Neil Perry's Spice Temple delves into the regional cuisines of China, highlighting lesser-known dishes with an emphasis on bold, aromatic, and often spicy flavours. Forget bland stir-fries; this is a journey through Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang. The service is polished, the wine list curated for maximum pairing potential, and the subterranean setting creates an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for exploring complex spice combinations. A must for those seeking authentic, high-end Chinese dining.
Start with the 'white cut chicken' or the 'prawn wontons with chilli and vinegar' – both are signature dishes and excellent entry points.
- Address:
- 10 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000
Mr. Wong
Mr. Wong brings Cantonese dining to a grand scale in a stunning, two-level former warehouse. It's a bustling, theatrical experience with dim sum at lunch, expertly crafted Cantonese classics throughout the day, and a focus on fresh seafood. The Peking duck is a showstopper, carved tableside, and the jasmine tea-smoked ribs are legendary. It's opulent, energetic, and perfectly executes familiar dishes with a sophisticated touch that keeps the crowds coming back for more, consistently delivering a high standard.
Book ahead or arrive early, especially for lunch, as they don't take reservations for smaller groups and queues can be long.
- Address:
- 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Icebergs isn't just a restaurant; it’s an institution, famous for its breathtaking views over Bondi Beach and its iconic ocean pool. The modern Italian menu is as stunning as the vista, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients executed with elegance and flair. Whether it's a celebratory lunch or a romantic dinner, the sophisticated cuisine, impeccable service, and unparalleled backdrop combine for an unforgettable, quintessential Sydney experience. The cocktails are also world-class, perfect for sunset gazing.
Arrive early and grab a drink at the bar to soak in the atmosphere and the million-dollar views before your reservation.
- Address:
- 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026