Summary
Sydney’s culinary landscape is a captivating tapestry of flavors, a synthesis of cultures, reflecting the city’s vibrant food scene.
In our guide to the Best Restaurants in Sydney, we undertake a gastronomic exploration of the harbor city, uncovering the finest culinary establishments that Sydney has to offer. From intimate neighborhood establishments to sophisticated fine dining venues, Sydney’s culinary treasures are as varied as its communities.
CUISINE: Arabian
ADDRESS: ground level of 25 Martin Place, previously known as the MLC centre.
OPENING HOURS: LUNCH Tuesday – Saturday 12.00pm – 2.30pm | DINNER Monday – Friday 5.30pm – 9.00pm | Saturday 5.00pm – 9.30pm
INSTAGRAM: @aaliarestaurant
AALIA effectively integrates modern design with Harry Seidler’s MLC architecture, creating a remarkable environment. Guided by Executive Chef Paul Farag, the culinary crew delves into lesser-known Middle Eastern and North African regions, revitalizing ancient ingredients and recipes sourced from centuries-old cookbooks. AALIA’s cuisine harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary techniques, offering diners a fascinating journey through Arabian nomadic cuisine.
CUISINE: Modern Australian
ADDRESS: Park Hyatt Sydney 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
OPENING HOURS: BREAKFAST Monday – Saturday: 6.30am – 10.30am, Sunday: 6.30am – 11am | LUNCH Thursday – Friday: 12pm – 2:30pm | Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm – 2:30pm | DINNER Wednesday – Sunday: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
INSTAGRAM: @diningbyjamesviles
The Dining Room by James Viles provides a distinctive and elevated culinary experience that explores the richness of diverse Australian regions. The highlight of their cuisine is the use of ingredients sourced directly from their indigenous environments. Located within one of Sydney’s most remarkable buildings, this homage to ingredients beautifully illustrates the seamless integration of human artistry, environmental stewardship, and the delightful flavors that arise from Australia’s generous landscapes and oceans.
RESTAURANT HUBERT
CUISINE: French
ADDRESS: 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
OPENING HOURS: LUNCH Thursday – Sunday from 12pm | HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 6pm daily | DINNER HOURS Daily 5pm – Late
INSTAGRAM: @restauranthubert
As you descend below the street’s surface, you are transported into a bygone era reminiscent of a Parisian bistro from the 1930s. The ambiance is richly evocative, adorned with dim lighting and vintage decor, accompanied by soothing live jazz melodies, creating an intimate and nostalgic setting. In the realm of culinary offerings, Hubert’s menu skillfully unites French and eclectic global bistro influences, with a strong emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship evident in the preparation of numerous dishes.
BAR TOTTI’S
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 330A-330B George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
OPENING HOURS: Sunday – Wednesday 12pm – 12am, Thursday – Saturday 12pm – 2am
INSTAGRAM: @tottis.merivale
Experience an authentic Italian adventure at Bar Totti’s, where the essence of Italy is vibrantly celebrated. Under the experienced guidance of the esteemed Mike Eggert, this venue offers a welcoming assortment of Italian wines and artisanal cocktails that harmonize splendidly with a menu filled with straightforward yet exquisite dishes. From house-made antipasti featuring sardines, kingfish crudo, and burrata, to grilled specialties like chili and fennel-infused king prawns and halloumi with beetroot, oregano, and lemon, each bite attests to the artistry of Italian cuisine. Be sure to indulge in Totti’s signature wood-fired bread, skillfully crafted to order.
ICEBERGS DINING ROOM & BAR
CUISINE: Modern Italian
ADDRESS: One Notts Avenue Bondi Beach
OPENING HOURS: LUNCH Tuesday – Sunday from 12pm | DINNER Tuesday – Sunday 6:30pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @icebergsdiningroomandbar
Icebergs’ intimate and sophisticated Dining Room offers breathtaking views of the iconic Bondi landscape, enhancing the dining experience at any hour. Drawing inspiration from Maurice Terzini’s Italian heritage, the menu signifies the restaurant’s legacy of redefining views on Italian cuisine while reshaping the Australian palate. Emphasizing seasonal evolution, the menu invites diners to traverse the rich depth of Italian culinary traditions, spotlighting outstanding Australian ingredients, including sustainable seafood and artisanal products, occasionally accented by native Australian flavors. At Icebergs, the continually evolving menu orchestrates a symphony of flavors, making each visit an opportunity to explore the essence of Italy in the heart of Bondi.
KILN
CUISINE: Contemporary Australian and Italian-ish
ADDRESS: 53 Foy Lane, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday – Friday: 5:30pm – late, Saturday: 12pm – 4PM & 5:30pm – late, Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
INSTAGRAM: @kilnsydney
Kiln, under the adept leadership of Chef Mitch Orr, is perched atop Ace Hotel Sydney on the 18th floor, presenting a unique fusion of contemporary Australian and Italian-inspired cuisine, influenced by Japan and Southeast Asia. Highlighting premium regional ingredients, including meats and seafood, Chef Mitch introduces a creative yet approachable culinary style, challenging traditional boundaries of high and casual dining with playful and avant-garde dishes.
CLAM BAR
CUISINE: Fusion
ADDRESS: 44 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 12pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @clambarsydney
Amidst a city bustling with New York-style steakhouses, Clam Bar presents a refreshing interpretation of the genre. While they offer classics such as Josper-grilled steak and seafood, Clam Bar creatively innovates its dishes, featuring options like zucchini-flower empanadas with gooseberry hot sauce and zesty corn and Gruyère gratin. Their clam spaghetti, expertly cooked, rivals that of some esteemed Italian establishments. Beyond the culinary delights, the restaurant showcases an extraordinary “pool-hall cool” ambiance with retro decor, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.
MR WONG
CUISINE: Cantonese
ADDRESS: 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 3pm & 5:30pm – 10pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm – 3pm & 5:30pm – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @mr.wongsydney
Mr. Wong serves Cantonese cuisine on a grand scale, catering to 240 guests across two levels with a diverse menu comprising nearly 80 dishes. Despite its expansive layout, the restaurant manages to maintain a cozy ambiance, accentuated by intimate corners, subdued lighting, and smooth jazz music. Executive Chef Dan Hong infuses creativity into the kitchen, offering popular dishes such as barbecue ducks alongside a lunchtime dim sum menu curated by Michael Luo. With such a broad selection of menu options and an extensive wine list, diners should prepare to explore a delightful array of culinary choices during their visit.
ALBERTO’S LOUNGE
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 17–19 Alberta Street, Sydney NSW
OPENING HOURS: Monday -Sunday 10am – 6pm
INSTAGRAM: @albertoslounge
Alberto’s Lounge is a locale where gastronomy, music, wine, and camaraderie converge. It embodies an Italian restaurant and bar, harmoniously blending Italy’s charm with Australian essence. They produce fresh gelato and pasta daily and present a diverse wine selection. Alberto’s Lounge features a captivating fusion of Italian and Australian influences, creating a cozy environment for guests to relish delightful experiences, spanning from art to music, and sake to mezcal.
ANTE
CUISINE: Jazz Cafe
ADDRESS: 146 King Street Newtown, NSW 2042
OPENING HOURS: Thursday & Friday 5pm – late, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @ante_syd
ANTE encourages guests to engage in a shared culinary experience, as their menu is artfully designed for communal dining, allowing each dish to spark engaging conversations. However, their sake collection truly stands out; it features an extraordinary variety of over 65 sake types originating from 21 different breweries across Japan. This thoughtfully curated array includes some of Australia’s finest, representing the utmost quality and excellence this side of the Pacific.
SOUL DINING
CUISINE: Contemporary Korean
ADDRESS: 204 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 5pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @souldining
Located in Surry Hills, Soul Dining is a culinary treasure representing an exquisite combination of distinctively Korean dishes with modern Australian techniques and the freshest local ingredients. Soul Dining presents a harmonious blend of Korean, German, and Italian influences, a gastronomic rhythm that may sound unconventional yet proves undeniably brilliant. While the menu features inventive creations reminiscent of fine dining, the overall atmosphere remains refreshingly casual, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in an eclectic mix of flavors and cultures.
BAR VINCENT
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 174 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
OPENING HOURS: Wednesday – Friday 12:30pm – late, Tuesday & Saturday 5pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @barvincentsydney
Situated in Darlinghurst, Bar Vincent embodies the quintessential neighborhood restaurant, consistently attracting guests night after night. Here, one can discover a menu that continually evolves, illuminated by the gentle glow of candlelight, showcasing the provenance of each ingredient, even paying homage to the farmer’s name. Regardless of when one chooses to visit, expect a tempting array of fresh oysters and pasta. The restaurant exudes charm with its simplicity, featuring stone floors, enchanting archways, and ample natural light, making it a pleasant spot for a casual pasta lunch accompanied by a vibrant Nebbiolo or a leisurely, immersive dining experience.
FRED’S
CUISINE: Italian/European
ADDRESS: 380 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW, 2021, Australia
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday 5:30pm – 11pm, Thursday – Sunday 12pm – 4pm & 5:30pm – 11pm, Saturday 8am – 11am, 12pm – 4pm & 5:30pm – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @fredspaddington
Fred’s, situated on Oxford Street in Paddington, boasts a welcoming and rustic ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy countryside home. The kitchen emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, prepared in an open kitchen where patrons can observe the artistry of cooking over a fire. They serve uncomplicated yet delicious dishes such as fresh vegetables, handmade pasta, and daily-baked bread, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Their wine menu features a range of offerings made with care, whether through organic practices or eco-friendly methods.
RAGAZZI
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: Shop 3, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney CBD
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Saturday 11:30am – midnight, Sunday 11:30am – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @ragazziwinepasta
Nestled on Angel Place in the Sydney CBD, Ragazzi is a delightful neighborhood retreat, a wine and handcrafted pasta venue birthed from the creative vision of the minds behind Love, Tilly Devine, and Dear Sainte Eloise. This 38-seat wine bar presents an enchanting array of small Italian producers and Australian wines that incorporate Italian grape varietals, all within an intimate setting that invites relaxation. Start your gastronomic experience with an enticing appetizer of anchovies on toast, finished with a tantalizing hint of chili oil, leading into an extensive selection of six meticulously hand-rolled pasta options adorning the menu. At Ragazzi, dining transcends into a flavorful journey where every sip and bite transports you to the heart of Italy’s culinary heritage, right in Sydney.
MARGARET
CUISINE: Fusion
ADDRESS: Bay St. Corner Guilfoyle Ave. Double Bay, Sydney
OPENING HOURS: LUNCH Thursday – Sunday 12pm – 3pm | DINNER Wednesday – Sunday 6pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @margaretdoublebay
Located in Double Bay, Margaret represents a culinary jewel where the commitment to excellence radiates in every dish. With a focus on sourcing the highest quality Australian produce, Chef Neil Perry AM has cultivated strong ties with top suppliers nationwide, ensuring that only the finest ingredients make their way to Margaret’s menu. Positioned as a seafood-centric establishment, Margaret prides itself on receiving its catch directly from local fishermen, focusing on sustainability and expertly dry-filleting fish on-site, preserving the dedication and care invested in each catch. The diverse menu at Margaret reflects Neil’s extensive experience in the industry, drawing inspiration from an array of rich flavors.
We hope you found our selection of the premier restaurants in Sydney enjoyable.
