All-Time Best
Quay
Quay
Australia's most celebrated restaurant with a near-perfect 19/20 score. Executive Chef Peter Gilmore's nature-inspired cuisine features dishes like the iconic snow egg and pristine Australian seafood. Set overlooking Sydney Harbour with Opera House views.
Highlights
- 3 Chef Hats for 23 consecutive years
- Sydney Harbour views
- Nature-inspired tasting menu
Bennelong
Bennelong
Located inside the iconic Sydney Opera House sails, Peter Gilmore's Bennelong showcases premium Australian produce. Three dining experiences available: the fine-dining Restaurant, casual Counter seating, and the Bennelong Bar.
Highlights
- Inside the Opera House
- Best Wine List NSW
- Multiple dining options
Sepia
Sepia
Chef Martin Benn's fine dining masterpiece where Japanese precision meets Australian ingredients. The intimate space offers an exquisite tasting menu featuring delicate, visually stunning dishes with deep umami flavors.
Highlights
- 3 Chef Hats
- Japanese-Australian fusion
- World's 50 Best Discovery
Mr. Wong
Mr. Wong
A sprawling 240-seat Cantonese restaurant in a heritage building. Executive Chef Dan Hong delivers refined dim sum, roast meats, and classic Cantonese dishes. The dramatic two-level space features exposed brick and ceiling fans.
Highlights
- 240 seats
- Heritage building
- Famous BBQ duck
Chin Chin
Chin Chin
Melbourne's beloved Southeast Asian restaurant brings its high-energy dining experience to Sydney. Hawker-style dishes, bold Thai flavors, and a vibrant atmosphere make this Surry Hills spot a perennial favorite for shared feasting.
Highlights
- No reservations policy
- Signature pad thai
- Vibrant atmosphere
Bourke Street Bakery
Bourke Street Bakery
The original Surry Hills bakery that sparked a Sydney-wide obsession. Famous for ginger brûlée tart, pork and fennel sausage rolls, and sourdough that sells out daily. A Sydney institution since 2004.
Highlights
- Ginger brûlée tart
- Pork & fennel sausage roll
- Fresh sourdough daily
Mary's
Mary's
Sydney's cult burger joint serves smashed patties, fried chicken, and natural wine in a grungy rock-and-roll setting. The cheeseburger with American cheese and pickles is legendary. Late-night crowds pack this Newtown institution.
Highlights
- Cult smashed burgers
- Rock & roll atmosphere
- Late-night dining
Tetsuya's
Tetsuya's
Tetsuya Wakuda's legendary restaurant offers a unique blend of Japanese and French cuisine. The signature confit of Tasmanian ocean trout has been on the menu since 1989. Set in a tranquil heritage cottage with Japanese gardens.
Highlights
- Signature ocean trout confit
- Japanese garden setting
- Degustation menu only
Saint Peter
Saint Peter
Josh and Julie Niland's revolutionary seafood restaurant ranked #66 on World's 50 Best. Famous for nose-to-tail fish cookery, aging fish like beef, and zero-waste philosophy. Now located in the Grand National Hotel, Paddington.
Highlights
- World's 50 Best #66
- 3 Chef Hats
- Whole-fish philosophy
Golden Century
Golden Century
Sydney's most famous late-night Cantonese seafood restaurant. Pick your live fish, lobster, or crab from the tanks and watch the chefs work their magic. A Chinatown institution since 1989, beloved by chefs and night owls.
Highlights
- Live seafood tanks
- Open until 4am
- Chef's favorite
Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney is famous for its fresh seafood, especially oysters and barramundi. The city's multicultural population has created a vibrant food scene with excellent Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. Modern Australian cuisine—a fusion of indigenous ingredients with global techniques—defines the fine dining scene.
The CBD and Circular Quay offer fine dining with harbour views. Surry Hills is the hipster foodie hub with innovative restaurants. Chinatown in Haymarket has authentic Asian cuisine. Newtown features diverse, budget-friendly options. Bondi Beach is perfect for casual brunch spots, while Paddington offers upscale dining.
Sydney dining varies widely in price. Casual meals and food courts cost $15-25 AUD. Mid-range restaurants typically charge $40-80 AUD per person. Fine dining tasting menus at top restaurants like Quay or Bennelong range from $250-400 AUD per person before drinks. BYO restaurants in suburbs offer great value.
For top restaurants like Quay, Bennelong, and Saint Peter, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is essential, especially for weekends. Popular casual spots often don't take reservations—expect queues at peak times. Many mid-range restaurants accept same-day bookings. Using apps like OpenTable or calling directly works well.
Don't miss Sydney rock oysters, best enjoyed fresh at the Fish Market. Try a meat pie from a local bakery, fish and chips at the beach, and a flat white coffee at any specialty cafe. For fine dining, Quay's snow egg dessert is iconic. Explore multicultural flavors with Vietnamese pho in Cabramatta or Cantonese yum cha.