Welcome, Sydneysiders and visitors alike, to a culinary odyssey in the Emerald City, where each bite bursts with flavor. Here, vistas are unlike anything else. Among the myriad of fun things to do in Sydney, there's an endless roster of exquisite restaurants with a view.
Each has a unique outlook of the canvas-like skyline, smudged with lilac, pink, and baby blue hues. And then there's the food. Sydney chefs are famed for using the freshest, finest ingredients and taking an innovative, multicultural approach to gastronomy.
Prepare to be dazzled by views of iconic landmarks, such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. And you can view them all from the comfort and luxury of a restaurant at the edge of the world.
Central Business District
1. Café Sydney
Ascend to the heavens and dine with the clouds at Cafe Sydney. Savor perfectly balanced flavors as you gaze over the city's storied skyline.
Created by executive chef Sarahjane Brown, the menu celebrates fresh ingredients and the finest seasonal produce. From delicate seafood to succulent meats, each dish is sure to make your taste buds sing.
Whether it's a special occasion or leisurely lunch, soaring high above the streets at Café Sydney's rooftop oasis is something everyone should experience at one time or another. Although it's an opulent setting, it offers a range of dining options to suit every budget.
2. Aria Sydney
Step into chef Tom Gorringe's realm of deliciousness at Sydney's Aria for an unforgettable dining experience inspired by Australia's bounty of produce.
Located in Circular Quay, the restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling views of the harbor and one of the most indulgent tasting menus in the city. Think caviar and turnip, duck with spigarello and cherries, and Wagyu rump cap.
With its elegant ambiance and friendly, knowledgeable service, Aria promises pure immersion. The food here is more than just sustenance. It's an artist's palette. Give your senses something to remember as you sample the masterful work of some of the country's top chefs.
3. The Rook
Head down to The Rook in Sydney's central business district to feast on evocative dishes and drinks under a retractable roof. This hidden gem feels like a fairy tale, boasts the best lobster roll in the city, and serves cocktails you're guaranteed to return for.
If you're seeking a gorgeous location for a group celebration, look no further than The Rook's flower-laden dining room and bar. The staff will even take pictures for you. Tuck into hearty burgers, cauliflower poppers, crab, and prawn pasta under Sydney's glowing sky.
4. Old Mate's Place
You don't need to make a reservation at Old Mate's Place. Just show up and let the evening unfold. Upon arrival, you might need clarification on the unassuming door. But don't be fooled—this is a glorious establishment.
Once you're cozy in a sumptuous booth, tantalize your taste buds with lotus chips, a cheese plate, and charcuterie. The cocktails are like poetry in a glass and certainly not to be missed. Our mixologist friends agree that this is one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.
5. O Bar and Dining
Bring your senses on a romp through chef Michael Moore's culinary masterpieces at O Bar and Dining. With Sydney's fabled skyline as a centerpiece, a meal at this fine dining restaurant is thrilling, inspirational, and, quite literally, moving.
It offers an à la carte menu and several tiered experiences — although every diner gets a seat by the window. The menu includes entrées such as tea-smoked trout, Wagyu beef tartare, and cauliflower and hazelnut ravioli. If you want to treat yourself and your guests to something extra special, look no further than O.
6. Quay
Quay restaurant stands as a bastion of culinary excellence in the heart of Sydney. Boasting Three Chef's Hats for 22 consecutive years, chef Peter Gilmore's creations feature exquisitely rare ingredients, including bone marrow, pork jowl, and abalone, to name a few.
You likely haven't tried anything like these flavor combinations. The contrast between flavors, textures, and temperatures is nothing short of pure artistry. All produce comes directly from local growers and artisans; you can taste it in the food.
7. Bennelong
Sitting pretty in the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong restaurant is a must-try for discerning diners. It’s fancy, in other words. It pays homage to Australia's heritage by focusing exclusively on local produce sourced from the finest suppliers.
Everything you sample is refined and painstakingly prepared, from the delicate texture of Tasmanian sea urchin to the punchy flavor of truffle. Steeped in history, the restaurant's name derives from Bennelong Point, where the Opera House now stands.
Potts Point
8. The Butler Potts Point
The Butler is a hidden paradise in Potts Point, beckoning you to try out its eclectic blend of exotic flavors and themes. Panoramic views of Sydney's cityscape serve as the backdrop to your meal, provided you can get a seat on the terrace.
Head chef Amber Doig infuses the menu with dishes full of zing, zest, and tang — true to her unique style. Seafood lovers are in for a real treat. The menu features freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, Ōra King salmon, and Western Australian octopus.
Don't worry, meat fans—there's plenty of meat on the menu. The restaurant serves adobo skirt steak tacos, duck carnitas, and 12-hour slow-cooked lamb barbacoa. Top off your evening with a fruity cocktail or carefully chosen wine, and revel in The Butler's flair for flavor.
Miller’s Point
9. Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade
Perched atop Hotel Palisade, Henry Deane offers discerning guests a blend of sophistication and charm. It features a swanky cocktail bar spanning two floors and decor that exudes intimate luxury, courtesy of designer Sibella Court.
Come for a romantic dinner or business lunch, and soak in the beautiful views and otherworldly food and drink. It’s a menu focused on sharing plates. But, with caviar, braised beef shin, and jasmine tea smoked spatchcock this good, sharing is the last thing you’ll want to do!
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Barangaroo
10. Smoke at Barangaroo House
At Smoke in Barangaroo House, you can enjoy distinguished drinks under Sydney's starlit skies. Ascend to this candlelit retreat for rooftop romance, where every sip of a cocktail sparks a memory and facilitates heartfelt laughter.
Don't neglect the snacks, which include local favorites, such as sambuca olives and zucchini tempura, as you work your way through the cocktail list. We love this place because of the relaxed yet classy atmosphere and nature-inspired decor, with lush plants brimming over every ledge and surface.
Darlinghurst
11. Babylon Rooftop
People come to Babylon Rooftop for the extensive cocktail list but stay for the immaculate vibes. Prepare to be blown away by a bevy of flavors as you dine on fare inspired by the chef's favorite bazaars as a kid. Here, you'll find calamari, hummus, Lebanese bread, falafel, and various other Middle Eastern delights.
Babylon Rooftop loves throwing a party, too. Catch Shisha Nights on Saturdays and Wednesdays, happy hour daily from 5-6:30 p.m., and live music every Thursday through Saturday.
12. Untied
Discover Untied in Sydney, an urban haven high above the city's throng. Panoramic views and vibrant decor instantly relax you as you take a seat and prepare to celebrate Australia's delicacies.
Each team member goes out of their way to provide diners with an experience to remember, making it a marvelous choice for special occasions. Plus, if you have dietary restrictions, the staff will do their best to accommodate you.
Still trying to decide what to order? The vegan brunch is the best in town and a definite must-try. At Untied, every day feels like a weekend, and that's why we love it.
At the Beaches
13. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is everything you dream a Sydney beach restaurant looks, feels, and tastes like. Ask a local which restaurant you should try in Bondi Beach to experience a taste of the culture, and there's a good chance they'll say Icebergs.
Chef Maurice Terzini's ever-changing menu showcases Sydney's freshest ingredients while paying homage to his homeland, Italy. For added theatrics, dishes such as steak tartare and lobster are prepared at your tableside. Come to observe dolphins playing, watch the sunset, and see the full moon rise while feasting on fine food and drink.
14. Jonah's
Bring your loved ones for an evening of epicurean treats at Jonah's restaurant, which overlooks Whale Beach. Executive chef Rey Ambas serves a menu that sings with a contemporary Australian flair. Think squid ink linguine, roasted lamb, and whole lobster for two.
Did we mention there's an award-winning, 1,600-strong wine list? The cocktails are nothing short of mind-blowing. Whether you like your drinks sweet, dry, or perfectly balanced, the master mixologists will take good care of you.
Locals recommend taking the seaplane to Jonah's from Rose Bay Water Airport for an unforgettable experience.
15. Pilu at Freshwater
At Pilu at Freshwater, Sardinian charm beckons. It's perfect for a casual meetup with friends and family. It features an all-Italian wine list with favorites such as Pinot Grigio, Barolo, and Amarone.
Chef Giovanni Pilu is a flavor maestro crafting culinary symphonies that marry tradition with innovation. It's one of the few places in Sydney where you can dine on suckling pigs, and there's a menu to cater to all budgets.
Feeling decadent? The tasting menu celebrates the entire island of Sardinia. For those who aren't as hungry, there's an à la carte menu and a weekly two-course menu offering exceptional value.
16. The Boathouse Shelly Beach
At The Boathouse, tasty dreams come true. Settle into a maritime escape and let the shores whisper secrets as you dine on fresh fare. Dishes such as eggplant parmigiana, flatbreads, and salads are elegant yet unfussy and endlessly yummy.
The decor combines weathered wood and sun-kissed fabrics to create a serene environment that resembles the beautiful seaside. The ambiance is so relaxing, you’ll be tempted to stay until the sun sets, enjoying every moment of the tranquil atmosphere.
Savoring Sydney: Restaurant Journeys Beyond Compare
From rooftop retreats to harborside gems, Sydney has it all. Each venue offers a unique view of the city and serves its own version of local fare. You'll taste innovative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Come to one of our shows and let the sorcery begin anew. We invite you to a world where gravity yields to grace and dreams take form in midair. Every moment is poetry, every note speaks to your soul, and every moment is a masterpiece.
Like Sydney's restaurants, our shows transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Join us under the spotlight of wonder to witness acrobats defying logic, hear music filling the air, and feel artistry in motion. Secure your seats at one of our shows in Sydney to let the enchantment begin.