Where to Eat in Sydney: 20 Restaurants Worth Booking
From fine dining at the Opera House to laidback clifftop bites in Whale Beach, Sydney's dining scene easily competes with the world’s best.Here are the hottest spots to tick off your list.
Sydney’s renaissance as an Australian food capital is well and truly in swing, with talented chefs flocking from across the world to make their mark. Innovation, reimagination and a commitment to sourcing only the freshest local produce establish these lauded dining rooms as some of the best restaurants in Sydney right now. There’s never been a better time to graze your way across the Harbour City.
The hotel was amazing Staff went out of their way to help us with everything that we asked of them. It was a 6 star holiday
Thank you very much & we will br returning
10.0
sylvia p.3 escapes · 2 reviews
Our stay was excellent. The staff were attentive, caring and always happy.
10.0
Jennifer B.28 escapes · 12 reviews
Excellent hotel in all respects. Great rooms, clean, friendly staff, lovely bar and food.
10.0
Joanne C.7 escapes · 2 reviews
The staff were so friendly, all staff (reception and restaurant) . The rooms were lovely , very quiet and bed comfortable.
10.0
Christine M.13 escapes · 2 reviews
Fabulous hotel..one of the best we have.stayed int
Best restaurants for special occasions
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
With a dining room that unabashedly celebrates Bondi’s one-of-a-kind seascape, Icebergs Dining Room features some of the city’s finest Italian plates, inspired and elevated by the region’s exceptional seasonal produce.
Margaret
Named after his mother, Neil Perry’s Margaret is a warm Double Bay dining room built around seasonal Australian produce, sustainable seafood and premium beef cooked over a custom wood-fired grill. In 2026, the restaurant was crowned the second best steak restaurant in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026.
Kiln at Ace Hotel Sydney
Ultra-cool hotel Ace Hotel Sydney hides one of the city’s best dining venues: chef-partner Beau Clugston modern Australian rooftop restaurant Kiln. An always-changing menu gleefully roams across culinary borders to deliver plates that are unmatched in creativity.
Pilu at Freshwater
Perched on Freshwater Beach, Pilu serves refined Sardinian cuisine shaped by chef Giovanni Pilu, with local seasonal produce at its heart. Paired with wines from Sardinia, Italy and Australia, this award-winning experience deserves a booking for your next long lunch.
It was great location staff was fantastic. Great breakfast and very clean . 👌
10.0
AnonymousID
The location was perfect for easy access to transport and beautiful cafes. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout.
10.0
AnonymousID
The hotel is very close to train station, bus stops, restaurants and supermarket. Room size is big enough, nice mattress and it has handheld shower! Staff and services were top notch and friendly. We had a really nice stay here and will be back for sure.
10.0
AnonymousAU
Really loved what they've done with the space. From the entrance to the bedroom, the ambience are very playful and edgy.
Our room came with buffet breakfast. Though small, the buffet deliver both hot food and continental.
Service are fantastic and friendly. Location are very central, close to Kings Cross station, Coles and Woolworths and over-abundance of food option.
Would definitely recommend!
10.0
AnonymousSG
The stay was amazing! Staff were really attentive and friendly. The best surprise was that the hotel gym was the Anytime Fitness in the building. Great for folks who are not AF members
Aria Sydney
Aria’s tasting menu expresses the spectacular range of seasonally focused, modern Australian cuisine: working hand-in-hand with local growers, farmers and makers, it’s rightly considered a culinary triumph.
Best hotel restaurants
Saint Peter at Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter
At Saint Peter, star chef Josh Niland puts Australian seafood centre stage, using a scale-to-tail approach across seafood charcuterie, snacks, degustation set menus and desserts. Housed in Paddington’s heritage-listed Grand National Hotel, it’s a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney
Located within Capella Sydney – one of the city’s most spectacular luxury hotels – is Brasserie 1930, a lavish ode to Parisian fine dining, with a menu that serves all the classics (caviar, oysters, steak frites) and more.
The Palomar at 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia
Inside Paddington’s 25hours Hotel The Olympia, The Palomar brings the heat of the Mediterranean to a former theatre site. Wood-fired dishes draw on the flavours of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Levant – expect smoky, generous plates made for sharing.
Sydney Common at Sheraton Grand Sydney
Sydney Common’s contemporary take on woodfired cooking has earned it plenty of attention since its 2024 opening. Backdropped by views over Hyde Park, the Sheraton Grand Sydney’s newest venue brings smoke and fire to almost every dish.
Very nice room, free breakfast pastries and helpful staff
10.0
AnonymousAU
I loved this hotel and see why it was recommended by the Michelin guide and lonely planet guides. The room and bed was very comfortable & luxurious – I loved the duck down pillows. It's only a 10 minute walk to central station and in a quiet and trendy location. I would definitely stay there again.
10.0
AnonymousUS
Staff is great and great location
10.0
AnonymousUS
Sydney is a huge city and we wanted to be out of the tourist fray and still able to easily get to…well…tourist things of course. This is the last stop in our month long visit to New Zealand and Australia, and the Albion couldn’t be a better place to spend it. It’s in a lovely safe neighborhood with outstanding restaurants nearby, it’s beautiful and comfortable, and the staff are incredibly gracious and helpful. If you want to be by the wharf and get glitzy amenities it’s not for you, but if you want peace, quiet, beauty and comfort, they provide it all. Highly recommend! Thank you for making our last week so perfect!
10.0
AnonymousAU
I loved the poetry wall and other artworks. The herbal teas were a special touch
Everyone was super helpful and breakfast was perfect. Special personalised touches like cards with my name on them and personal welcome on the screen.
Best restaurants for date night
Restaurant Hubert
If you’re the kind of couple that appreciates live jazz, easy-going French food and a three-martini lunch, there’s no date night in Sydney finer than an evening at Restaurant Hubert.
Arthur
Sourcing only ingredients native to Australia, cherished Surry Hills restaurant Arthur celebrates the flavours of the sunburnt continent; plates often include kangaroo, saltbush, finger lime and bush plums.
Neptune’s Grotto
Venture underground to Neptune’s Grotto, a crimson-hued Italian restaurant from the team behind Pellegrino 2000. An homage to the culinary traditions of Northern Italy, the menu brings together rich pastas, regionally inspired mains and a thoughtful Barolo-led drinks list.
State day overnight in October 24 2026 it was the best location with light rail at the door plenty of food options places amazing
10.0
James L.AU · 46 escapes · 14 reviews
The room was a good size, the buffet breakfast was delicious, and the location was great, with everything close by and just a short, pleasant walk into town. There were plenty of places to eat nearby, and the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Cucina Porto, was a real highlight. Overall, we had a comfortable stay and really enjoyed the convenience of the location.
10.0
debbie j.AU · 2 escapes · 2 reviews
Always great service, buffet breakfast is fantastic.
10.0
Elena L.AU · 31 escapes · 14 reviews
We purchased 2 packages to bring a couple from Germany. All of us loved our stay, the food at Cucina restaurant and the breakfast
10.0
Luigi T.AU · 9 escapes · 3 reviews
Great location, very comfortable room with very helpful staff
The Corner House Bondi
Wood-fired pizza, slow-cooked lamb ragu and too many cured meats: The Corner House brings laidback rustic Italian plates to beach-obsessed Bondi, and the result is something truly special.
Sydney restaurants with the best views
Jonah’s Sydney
Part modern Australian restaurant, part lavish clifftop retreat, Jonah’s Sydney draws celebrities and sommeliers alike with an expansive wine list and showstopping Pacific Ocean views.
The Joey
This laidback Palm Beach favourite occupies the historic Barrenjoey Boatshed and boasts captivating waterfront views and a relaxed coastal Australian menu. Book the Dining Room or Upper Deck, or drop into the Jetty Bar for a walk-in drink by the water.
Bennelong
Fine dining with first-class harbour views: it doesn’t get more iconic than an evening under the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Bennelong celebrates Australian produce through a polished, produce-led menu overseen by new executive head chef Rob Cockerill (a partner to predecessor Peter Gilmore for more than two decades). Settle at The Counter for a multi-course meal or stop by Bennelong Bar for a cocktail and a bite overlooking Circular Quay.
I love this hotel. Charming and elegant hotel with wonderful service and great location . The breakfast is fantastic with wide range and variety of selection . The room is beautifully decorated with comfortable bedding and sitting area for relaxation .The bathroom has separate shower and bath tub with wonderful amenities.
10.0
AnonymousID
Very clean hotel. Welcoming staff even in the lobby when you stepped out of your car, they greeted you very warmly. When we got into our car they also close the door for us. Very professional staff. Great amenities from Le Labo which is a plus! Breakfast selection pretty great. Close to many good cafes and coffee shops. You could do your morning walk to rose bay area or rushcutter’s bay area. It’s a very nice walk by the sea with the harbour bridge view
10.0
AnonymousGB
Excellent hotel. Great location in Double Bay with good cafes and restaurants nearby and excellent ferry, bus and rail services into Sydney and Bondi.
10.0
Robert C.AU · 13 escapes · 3 reviews
I’ll stay at the Intercontinental was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and hospitable catering for our every need. The buffet breakfast was very tasty and generous. The views from the rooftop bar were exceptional.
Best casual restaurants in Sydney
Lucky Prawn
What’s better than barbecue pork buns and an ice-cold brew? Tucked within Hawke’s Brewing is relaxed Chinese eatery Lucky Prawn, serving a range of takeout classics and local lager on tap.
Firepop
Flame-grilled food truck turned restaurant Firepop delivers smoky lamb skewers, crisp corn ribs topped with butter and stretchy caciocavallo cheese and a strong – if tight – wine list.
Felons Manly
This casual seafood-driven charmer sits on the water at Manly Wharf, pairing fresh catches and refined pub classics with a well-chilled selection of house beers and wine. Settle in for a relaxed meal overlooking the harbour, or stay for live music and the easygoing atmosphere.
Spice I Am
Spice I Am is chef-owner Sujet Saenkham’s love letter to the central Thai cuisine he grew up with; think house-made curry pastes, smoke-kissed pad Thai and papaya salad so fiery and fresh it makes you want to cry.
