Sydney’s food scene is a vibrant collection of classic cafes, stylish restaurants and seafood joints, from Surry Hills to Circular Quay. These work if you take the city at face value, but the real magic happens when you dine outside the expected. From towering heights above the skyline and ever-changing backdrops to twelve hideaways hidden below street level, these inventive restaurants offer an experience like no other, without compromising on taste!
Dining room 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 enjoying food by the water. Ocean views are not exotic here; they are everyday magic. Beaches form meals, waves lapping at nearby shores, and sea breezes add natural fertilizer to the air.
Fine dining with ocean views
If you’re looking for great food with an ocean view, Icebergs Restaurant and Bar it should be your first choice. Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, this Italian-inspired restaurant is known for its elegant interpretation of cuisine using fresh, seasonal produce, while offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. The roar of the waves is part of the atmosphere, creating a sensory experience that elevates each route.
đ Also worth a look: The pantry and Hugo’s It offers relaxed but very scenic dining along Manly Beach with a more relaxed atmosphere – perfect if you want views without white tablecloths.
Classic beach kiosks
Not all beach meals require silverware and fine china. Local beach kiosks and casual seafood spots add a laid-back charm to oceanfront dining. Think fish and chips, burgers and absolutely delicious seafood boils â you’ll enjoy it when you’ve just taken a bath and are craving something deliciously hot and messy.
đ The atmosphere in a nutshell: A special sunset meal? Icebergs Hungry after swimming? Find the nearest kiosk and mix it up. Sydney’s oceanfront scene covers both ends of the spectrum beautifully.
Dining in Heaven
If Sydney’s ocean is one way to enjoy the view, the city’s skyline offers an entirely different kind of backdrop. Sydney’s rooftop bars and revolving venues offer panoramic views of the city lights and beyond, literally elevating your dining experience.
Sky-high revolving restaurants
Sydney Tower is a great location with plenty of dining options. the infinite and SkyFeast Buffet offer a 360° rotating view of the city while serving up some of the best food in town. And then there’s iconic O Bar and Dining Room Australia Square â a revolving restaurant above the city that offers every visitor a spectacular view of the harbor and sky as it slowly rotates.
đ For a tip: In a revolving restaurant, every seat gets the best seat in the house, eventually. Arrive at dusk to transition from sky to lights during your meal.
Rooftop Bars
Sydney Tower 83 bars combines striking views with expertly crafted cocktails and a full 360° view of the city below. In the bustling Barangaroo precinct, rooftop bars are peppered everywhere – they’re among the best United â Rooftop Sydney, The Rook and Jimmy’s roof. All mix views of the cityscape with handcrafted drinks and fusion-inspired small plates.
âš This image: Sip a martini above the city as Sydney moves beneath you. Sky-high eating offers a treat to the eyes and the palate, making an ordinary Tuesday feel like an occasion.
Canteen on the water
There’s something inherently magical about dining as you gently drift across the city’s jewel: Sydney Harbour. Sydney is a harbor city at heart, and a variety of dining cruises make your lunch or dinner an event, not just a meal.
Sydney Harbor Lunch Cruises
For a day experience perfect for great 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 shimmering in the sunlight.
đą Two wins for one: A lunch cruise is basically sightseeing and a meal rolled into one. You’ll be able to tick off Sydney’s most iconic landmarks while eating good food with a drink in hand. Hard earned.
Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruises
Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruises transition to evening glamour. Under the glow of city lights, a dinner cruise offers a more elegant approach to casual dining. Most cruises offer multi-course dinners, often paired with wine, drinks and even live entertainment, giving each meal an almost cinematic experience as you cruise past illuminated landmarks.
Lunch vs. Dinner – which one is right for you?
Choose a meal if you want: sun, tourism, an informal atmosphere and a budget-friendly experience.
Choose dinner if you want: city lights, romance, multi-course dining and live entertainment under the stars.
See also
If you like the idea of ââcombining great food with a memorable setting, you may also enjoy our guide Ways a cruise vacation can restore your health.
Canteen Underground
Sydney’s unconventional dining 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
đȘ Door Knock â A cocktail paradise under Pitt Street. Inventive drinks, a moody interior, and a true Prohibition-era speakeasy feel.
đ„ Baxter Inn â To enter by going down a flight of stairs in Clarence Street. Hundreds of whiskies, an intimate atmosphere and a beloved local following.
Hidden bars Sydney
đ· Burrow Bar and Double Deuce Lounge â Both focus on craft cocktails, creative bar snacks and jazz music. The kinds of places where finding them is half the fun of the journey.
Heads up: Many of these places require reservations and a little direction to find. Plan ahead, it’s worth it.
đ”ïž Underground rule: The harder it is to find a bar, the better the cocktail tends to be. Sydney’s hidden bars operate on this principle religiously, and they deliver.
The last bite
From ocean-filled 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 scenery, scenery and service in such a way that meals become pleasant memories.
Planning a trip? Don’t forget our packing tips and luxury travel strategies before you go
About the author
Amanda Clark
A Sydney-based travel writer who loves capturing experiences that exceed expectations, especially when great food and entertainment are part of the mix. From unforgettable hits to unexpected misses, he shares true stories to make the adventure honest and fun for everyone.
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