Our selections for the top restaurants in Sydney

In short, Sydney is a paradise for food lovers, boasting an array of exceptional restaurants featuring global cuisines. You can find establishments dedicated to delivering authentic dishes as well as those eager to innovate and create unique flavors. This stunning city attracts talented chefs from across the globe, making it a challenge to pinpoint the best dining spots. Nonetheless, we’ve curated a list of some of Sydney’s finest culinary experiences to help you decide where to make reservations.

Top Dining in Sydney: Tetsuya’s

Founded by Tetsuya Wakada in 1989, this French-Japanese fusion restaurant remains one of Sydney’s premier fine dining venues. It earned two Michelin stars in 2017 from Michelin Singapore and has received numerous awards throughout the years. Tetsuya’s menu blends French culinary techniques with the Japanese emphasis on seasonal, natural ingredients and flavors.

With an on-site test kitchen, Tetsuya Wakada continually experiments with new recipes and refines classic ones, ensuring there's always something novel and exciting to savor. Accompanied by skilled sommeliers and one of Sydney’s most extensive wine selections, you can easily find the perfect pairing for your meal, crafting an unforgettable evening out.

Bennelong

If you’re catching a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House, consider dining at the renowned restaurant within it. Located on the city side, it offers stunning views while you enjoy dishes like aged Kurobuta pork or red claw yabbies. Finish your meal with beloved Australian desserts such as chocolate crackles, lamingtons, or pavlova. For a perfect combination of dinner and a show, reserve a spot for Sunday between 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to experience the Bennelong Presents Sunday Jazz event featuring live performances by Australia’s top jazz artists.

Oncore by Clare Smyth

Clare Smyth, the first British female chef to earn three Michelin stars (for her restaurant Core in Notting Hill), has now brought her culinary expertise to the 26th floor of Crown Tower in Sydney. A standout dish is the potato and roe, originally from Core and made with Southern Highlands potatoes. Naturally, being on the 26th floor offers breathtaking views of the city.

Besuto

Located in the Quay Quarter Lanes area at Circular Quay, Besuto is a Japanese omakase restaurant where you entrust your meal choices to the chef. Here, you'll enjoy a rotating menu featuring sushi, yakitori, and more, all curated based on the best seasonal ingredients. For more exceptional omakase experiences, consider Sokyo in Pyrmont and Kisuke in Potts Point.

Firedoor

As the name suggests, this rustic eatery prepares all its dishes over an open flame using wood-fired ovens, grills, and a hearth. Head chef Lennox Hastie, trained in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, brings his expertise to Sydney, offering smoky lamb, fresh bread, cod, and oyster mushrooms. With a daily changing menu, it’s a spot you’ll want to revisit often. It's also one of Sydney's most sought-after dining destinations, so reservations are essential.

Beckett’s

The dimly lit ambiance, accentuated by brick walls and heavy drapes, invites a sense of relaxation and indulgence. Chef Jeff Schroeter presents a seasonal bistro menu that guarantees delightful surprises for every guest. Known for his skill with seafood, this venue is ideal for a laid-back, romantic evening. An excellent selection of wines and delectable cocktails ensures you’ll find the perfect pairing for your meal.

Top Dining Spots in Parramatta, Sydney

Located at the heart of Greater Western Sydney, Parramatta is renowned for its vibrant food culture and lively nightlife. The area boasts a diverse array of dining options, ranging from casual bites to lavish feasts. One thing's for sure: you'll never go hungry in this inventive corner of Sydney.

Temasek

Since 1992, Temasek has been serving Singaporean-Malay dishes influenced by various Asian cuisines in Parramatta. Still nestled in the same unpretentious laneway where Susan Wong first opened it, the restaurant continues to delight patrons with its delicious offerings. The menu features a wide selection from Chinese fried rice to Indonesian nasi goreng, but their standout dish is undoubtedly the Singapore-style laksa, available with chicken, prawns, or both. It tends to be bustling, but it’s not overly crowded, so you can drop in without a reservation unless you're in a large group. Make sure to stop by for some of the best laksa and nasi goreng in Australia.

Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches

Sandwiches are gaining popularity in Sydney's food scene, and Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches offers a delightfully retro experience. They craft a variety of signature subs filled with delicious cold meats, dressings, and cheeses made to order. Located in the Parramatta Square area, it’s an ideal spot for a quick meal on the go. Plus, the Nutella fountain adds a playful touch to your lunch with a sweet dessert option.

Bay Vista Dessert Bar

If you’re eager to dive straight into dessert, look no further than Bay Vista Dessert Bar. They offer classic sweet treats like cakes, banana splits, pancakes, and waffles, all customizable with your favorite toppings. Choose from eighteen flavors of sorbet and ice cream, or opt for dessert in drink form with their milkshakes, smoothies, and frappes. For a lighter option, enjoy cannoli or chocolate-dipped fruit, but Bay Vista is truly the place to indulge.

Top Restaurants in North Sydney

North Sydney is home to an array of exceptional restaurants that visitors sticking to the main downtown area might overlook. From small noodle joints with long lines to Indian eateries boasting stunning views of Sydney Harbour, North Sydney is sure to satisfy any food lover.

Chedi Thai

Located on Blues Point Road, Chedi Thai is a favorite dining destination for many locals. With a commitment to authentic flavors and Thai culinary traditions, the restaurant utilizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that tantalize the palate. Enhance your meal with options from their full-service bar, featuring affordable wines from around the globe (BYO wine is also welcome). As one of Northern Sydney’s most sought-after restaurants, it’s wise to reserve a table in advance or consider takeaway.

Ryo’s Noodles

Before you even step inside this cozy, budget-friendly eatery, the queue will catch your attention. This immensely popular Japanese restaurant specializes in pork and chicken ramen, inspired by owner Ryo Horii’s roots in Fukuoka. The noodles are freshly made on-site using a secret recipe, ensuring an incredible taste. Once you’ve savored your ramen, don’t miss out on their delightful sides like deep-fried soft-shell crab and karaage fried chicken.

Lavendra

A smaller offshoot of the beloved Rose of India, Lavendra presents itself as a ‘new age’ Indian restaurant, featuring fusion dishes and a seasonal tasting menu. Lavendra combines traditional and contemporary techniques, using fresh, local ingredients. The seasonal menu is updated every three months, always drawing inspiration from classic Indian recipes while adding unique twists. You’ll not only enjoy the exquisite food but also the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Top Chinese Restaurants in Sydney

Sydney boasts a variety of fantastic Chinese restaurants, ranging from quirky chains to upscale banquet venues. Whether you're craving a comforting hot pot or Peking duck with a stunning view, you’ll find plenty of options in the city.

Spice World

Spice World, one of the largest hot pot chains in China, has opened its first Australian location in Haymarket. If you’ve ever dreamed of peeling wagyu beef off a Barbie doll or being served mints by cheerful robot servers, this is the place for you. Beyond the playful experiences, you’ll appreciate the fresh seafood platter and attentive service. With spacious tables, it’s the perfect spot to gather a group of friends and explore everything Spice World has to offer.

China Doll

Ideal for more formal group gatherings, this restaurant is situated at Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, offering lovely views of the wharf and the bustling thoroughfare beside it. With a diverse menu of delectable dishes, why settle for just one when you can opt for the banquet to sample a bit of everything? While primarily a Chinese restaurant, their offerings span across Asia, featuring dishes like cobia yellow curry from Bali and crispy pork belly with priknampla from Thailand. A must-try is their Peking duck pancakes, best enjoyed with a sunset backdrop and a refreshing cocktail in hand.

XOPP

Originally the sister venue to the now-closed Golden Century, XOPP has successfully established its own reputation while continuing to serve the beloved pippies from its predecessor. Located on the first floor of the Exchange building in Haymarket, XOPP delights diners with Cantonese classics that consistently satisfy. Be sure to check out the separate snack menu at the bar, where the fried mantou buns will leave you wanting more. For dessert, treat yourself to their unique bubble tea panna cotta.