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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
