Sydney’s dining scene is a vibrant collection of classic cafes, fine dining restaurants and seafood restaurants spread everywhere from Surry Hills to Circular Quay. These work if you take the city literally, but the real magic happens when you dine outside of what was expected. From the heights above the horizon and ever-changing decors to hidden dens tucked below street level, these inventive restaurants offer an experience like no other, without any compromise on taste!
Dinner by the ocean
Sydney’s coastline is one of its greatest assets, and if there’s one thing Sydney does better than almost anywhere else, it’s dining well by the water. Ocean views aren’t exotic here: they’re magical every day. Beaches frame meals, waves crash onto nearby shores and the sea breeze adds a natural seasoning to the air.
Fine dining with ocean views If you are looking for exquisite cuisine facing the ocean, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar should be your first choice. Perched above the southern end of Bondi Beach, this Italian-inspired restaurant is known for its elegant interpretation of cuisine using fresh, seasonal produce, while offering you stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The roar of the waves is part of the ambiance, creating a sensory experience that elevates each ride.
🌊 Also discover: The pantry And Hugo’s along Manly Beach offers relaxed but very picturesque dining with a more casual ambiance – perfect if you want the view without the white tablecloths.
Classic kiosks by the sea Not every seaside meal needs silverware and fine china. Local beach kiosks and casual seafood restaurants bring casual charm to oceanside dining. Think fish and chips, burgers and completely indulgent seafood. Best enjoyed when you’ve just had a swim and are craving something deliciously hot and messy.
🐟 The atmosphere in a few words: A special meal at sunset? Icebergs. Hungry after swimming? Find the nearest kiosk and get messy. Sydney’s waterfront scene covers both ends of the spectrum beautifully.
Dinner in the sky
If Sydney’s ocean is one way to feast on a view, the city’s skyline provides a completely different backdrop. Sydney’s rooftop bars and rotating venues offer vistas of the city lights and beyond, literally elevating your dining experience.
Dizzying rotating restaurants The Sydney Tower is a prime location with several dining options. Infinity And SkyFeast Buffet offer 360° rotating views of the city while serving some of the best food in town. And then there is the iconic Ô Bar and Catering at Australia Square, a revolving restaurant above the city that offers each visitor a spectacular view of the harbor and skyline as it slowly rotates.
🌀 For advice: In a rotating restaurant, each seat ultimately gets the best seat in the house. Arrive at dusk for the complete transition from sky to lights during your meal.
Bars on the roof Sydney Tower Bar 83 combines striking views with expertly crafted cocktails and a full 360° view of the city below. In bustling Barangaroo, rooftop bars are dotted everywhere – some of the best include United – On the roof of Sydney, The Tower And Jimmy’s roof. All mix cityscape views with craft drinks and fusion-inspired small plates.
✨ Imagine this: Sip a martini above the city while Sydney moves beneath you. Elevated dining offers a feast for the eyes as well as the palate – and turns an ordinary Tuesday into an occasion.
Dinner on the water
There’s something inherently magical about dining while gently drifting through the city’s crown jewel: Sydney Harbour. Sydney is a port city at heart, and a variety of dining cruises turn your lunch or dinner into an event, not just a meal.
Sydney Harbor Lunch Cruises For a relaxed daytime experience with good food and sunshine, a Sydney Lunch Cruise is your best bet. You’ll be treated to sparkling water and views of iconic Sydney landmarks, such as the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, all of which sparkle when the sunlight hits them.
🚢 Win two for one: A lunch cruise is essentially a sightseeing tour and a meal in one. You can visit Sydney’s most iconic landmarks while eating great food with a drink in hand. Hard to beat.
Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruises Dinner cruises on Sydney Harbor transition to evening glamour. Under the glow of city lights, a dinner cruise offers a more elegant approach to an unconventional meal. Most cruises offer multi-course dinners, often accompanied by wine, drinks and even live entertainment, giving each meal an almost cinematic experience as you cruise past illuminated monuments.
Lunch or dinner: which is best for you?
Choose lunch if you want: sun, tourism, a relaxed atmosphere and a more economical experience.
Choose dinner if you want: city lights, romance, multi-course meals and shows under the stars.
See also
If you like the idea of combining good food with a memorable setting, you might also enjoy our guide to Ways a Cruise Vacation Can Restore Your Health.
Underground restoration
Sydney’s unconventional food culture wouldn’t be complete without its thriving underground scene. Beneath the city’s polished surfaces lie bars and speakeasies that reward curious explorers with fun atmospheres, experimental drinks and surprising menus.
Speakeasy Restaurants 🚪 Door knock — A haven of peace under Pitt Street. Inventive drinks, a moody interior and a true Prohibition-era speakeasy atmosphere.
🥃 The Baxter Inn — Accessed by going down a flight of stairs from Clarence Street. Hundreds of whiskeys, an intimate atmosphere and a popular local clientele.
Hidden bars Sydney 🎷 Burrow Bar and Double Deuce Lounge — Both gravitate toward artful cocktails, creative bar snacks and jazz music. The kind of places where the journey to find them is half the fun.
Attention : Many of these places require reservations and a bit of driving directions to find them. Plan ahead – it’s worth it.
🕵️ The metro rule: The harder a bar is to find, the better the cocktail. Sydney’s hidden bars operate religiously on this principle – and they deliver on their promises.
Final bite From oceanside tables and sky-high drinks to gentle harbor cruises and dimly lit hidden bars, Sydney’s unconventional dining options invite you to eat with your senses fully engaged. These are experiences that combine setting, landscape and service in a way that makes meals real memories.
Planning a trip? Don’t forget our packing tips And luxury travel strategies before leaving.
About the author
Amanda Clark
A Sydney-based travel writer who loves experiences that defy expectations, especially when good food and entertainment are part of the mix. From unforgettable successes to unexpected failures, she shares true stories to keep the adventure honest and fun for everyone.
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