In the recent years, Sydney has seen some very exciting developments in terms of the dining scene. Whether you are visiting Sydney for business or pleasure, there are plenty of options available. From cafes to fine dining establishments, there is something for everyone. So, whether you are looking for a cozy dinner with friends or a party with your family, there is a venue that will fit your tastes.
LuMi Dining
LuMi is a contemporary Italian restaurant that serves up an impressive tasting menu. Its dining room boasts a spectacular harbour view. In fact, it has been featured on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017.
There are several reasons to visit LuMi. First, the service is impeccable. The food is excellent. Second, the wine list is exceptional. Third, the food is reasonably priced. A good thing to know before you go: you need to arrive at least one hour before you eat.
This is not a restaurant to try out for your first meal. You can expect to pay a couple hundred dollars for a tasting menu. However, it is an enjoyable experience that is well worth the price.
The restaurant features an excellent gin station, as well as a comprehensive wine list. In addition, it also has a unique seating arrangement that provides guests with an enchanting view of the harbour.
Cafe Sydney
If you’re looking to experience Sydney’s fine dining scene, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic night on the town, a relaxed meal with friends or a cocktail with the girls, there’s a restaurant here to suit you.
It’s easy to pick your favourites. Firstly, you can’t go wrong with the iconic Bondi Beach Cafe. The food is great and the service impeccable. Moreover, the view of the beach is a big plus.
You could also try the degustation at Tetsuya’s. This restaurant has an art-filled space and an intimate ambiance. What you’ll find here is an impressive eight-course tasting menu.
Not to mention the impressive wine list. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of wines, including orange wines.
For something a little different, you can go for the Crab Curry Banquet. A month-long event runs the last Sunday of every month. Those who don’t want to pay more than a few hundred dollars can try the less expensive tasting menu.
a’Mare
A’Mare Fine Dining in Sydney is one of the most acclaimed Italian restaurants in Australia. This contemporary interpretation of the classic trattoria experience is led by renowned chef Alessandro Pavoni. His focus is on fresh, locally sourced Italian produce, with a menu that’s constantly changing with the seasons.
With a menu divided into antipasti, mains, secondi and desserts, a’Mare showcases the best of Australian and Italian produce. a’Mare is perfect for private events, corporate functions, lunches and dinners.
The dining room at a’Mare is designed with a palazzo-inspired feel. It’s filled with luxurious furnishings and features a magnificent floral carpet. It also has unbroken views of the water.
The wine list at a’Mare is also impressive. It has nearly 300 references, including classical and regional Italian wines. Also included is a selection of premium cocktails, made with boutique Italian spirits.
A’Mare is a great option for a romantic dinner for two. Guests can opt for a sharable eight-course tasting menu, or enjoy a more personalised, a la carte menu.
Restaurant Pendolino
Pendolino is an Italian restaurant located in Sydney’s Strand Arcade. The restaurant was established in 2008 and offers delicious dishes. Its menu combines traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.
Restaurant Pendolino is considered one of the top Italian restaurants in Australia. Head chef Nino Zoccali uses only the finest produce to prepare his dishes. His wine list features some of the best wines from around the world.
Pendolino has been serving the finest Italian cuisine for a number of years now. Pendolino has won several awards including being crowned the best fine dining restaurant in Sydney in the Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year competition.
Chef Zoccali adds modern presentation to classic Italian dishes. He also features simple preparations and top-dollar proteins.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a group lunch, the Restaurant Pendolino guarantees a good meal. With great service, elegant decor, and a great selection of Italian wines, you’re sure to leave satisfied.
Ho Jiak’s Town Hall
Ho Jiak Town Hall is a large Malaysian eatery in the heart of the CBD. It has two floors, with a large hawker-style counter and seating for up to 250 people. The restaurant features traditional Chinese and Malaysian flavours and is perfect for private functions.
The reopening of the Town Hall branch has come just as the restaurant industry in Sydney is finally coming back to life. The venue is co-owned by Junda Khoo and William Xie.
Ho Jiak’s Town Hall has a range of dishes, from classics like laksa and nasi goreng to a selection of meats and vegetables covered in sambal sauce. Guests can also order dishes from the gluten-free menu.
The menu at the Town Hall also offers a range of takeaway options. Some of the favourites are the prawn and chicken laksa bombs, served in a spicy broth, and the coconut and prawn fried rice.
Another Ho Jiak outpost is located in a Cuban bar in York Street. This is a good place for an Asian-style roast meet.
Social Brew Cafe
Social Brew Cafe is a modern day hotspot for foodies in Sydney. A popular local landmark, this restaurant has been featured in several leading publications and has 15K Instagram followers. This trendy and hip establishment combines many different culinary traditions to create an impressive menu.
This eatery features a trendy red and black interior with a spacious alfresco verandah. A favourite among locals, this place offers great coffee and a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options.
It’s no wonder this restaurant has become so popular. The ambiance is cool and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their menu items. In addition, they offer a good selection of beverages including smoothies and teas.
Whether you are visiting the area or just looking for an upscale meal, the Social Brew Cafe is a must. Their extensive wine list and impeccable service ensures you will have an excellent experience.
You can order brunch at the Alibi Bar and Kitchen. This brunch includes an assortment of sweet and savoury treats. Start your day with the Breakfast Roll, which includes Lucas bacon, haloumi and pickled red cabbage.
Chaco Bar
Chaco Bar, originally a tiny ramen joint in the laneways of Darlinghurst, is now a cult ramen destination in Potts Point. Keita Abe, a native of Itoshima, south of Fukuoka, is one of the most revered chefs in the noodle world. His menu focuses on the noodle soups of his home country, while also offering a selection of meats and simple sides.
The kitchen at Bennelong is a meld of aesthetics and management. Whether you’re here for brunch, lunch or dinner, you’ll find a menu that reflects the location and seasonal produce available in the area. From oysters to sirlin steak, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of dishes.
Sokyo Cafe is a modern sushi restaurant that also features a dedicated sea urchin diver. Chefs use precise techniques to create dishes that are full of umami flavour.
The Circular Quay Cafe has a stunning view of Sydney Opera House and the harbour. This spot is perfect for a date night. You can enjoy a delicious meal while you watch the harbour go by.
Una Mas
Una Mas is a tapas and wine bar located in Coogee, and it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. It’s not a fancy restaurant, but there’s no denying that it serves up a good meal. With a sweeping view of the beach, and an open kitchen, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
There’s no shortage of topnotch seafood, but the main attraction is the cocktail list, which offers up a hefty selection of quality spirits. The bar’s signature Spritz is a good place to start. You can savour a cocktail made from fizzy pet-nat wine, or opt for a traditional martini.
While it’s not the most expensive dinner you’ll have in Sydney, it’s not the cheapest either. On the plus side, the bar’s swanky menu includes a variety of seafood platters and fish burgers. And with views of the Sydney harbour, it’s hard not to feel like you’re on holiday.
Quay
Quay is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Sydney. It’s been the recipient of many honors over the years, and recently reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation.
The restaurant’s chef, Peter Gilmore, is an accomplished chef with a great reputation. He’s won several awards, including Citi Chef of the Year in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. His eight-layered chocolate cake is a gastronomic staple.
The restaurant’s menu has something for everyone. You can choose from a six-course set lunch or a ten-course tasting menu. The restaurant features a well-rounded wine list, with many wines available by the glass.
Quay’s relaunch included a more modern fit-out. For instance, you no longer need to use linen for the first time in the 30 year history of the restaurant. This new space is heavy on curves, and the menu is a delight to eat.
Another notable feature of the restaurant is the view of Sydney’s iconic Opera House. With a full view of the bridge and the harbour, you won’t find a better spot to dine.
