With landmark restaurants serving world-class culinary creativity and iconic views, fine dining in Sydney is a feast for every sense. Here, 10 standout eateries where legendary chefs, choice local ingredients and picturesque panoramas come together to serve the ultimate feel-new dining experience on the harbour.
Bennelong, Sydney Opera House
With its gleaming pearly sails, few places inspire like the Opera House – and Bennelong offers an insider’s perspective of its stately chambers, along with the best front-on view of the Harbour Bridge. Taste the city’s timeless rhythm as Executive Chef Peter Gilmore celebrates the Aboriginal cultural significance of the restaurant’s location with an award-winning three-course à la carte menu, and the very best Australian wine.
Quay
Revel in the exclusive atmosphere as your frameable Opera House view is enhanced by the picturesque procession of ferries pulling into Circular Quay. Indulge in the legendary eight-course degustation which highlights local delicacies like black-lipped abalone, paired with a standout selection of prestige wines expertly curated by Head Sommelier, Wilem Powell.
Aria
Your palate sings as you savour Aria’s seasonal flavours – all enhanced by the art-filled dining room’s sweeping vistas of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. One of Australia’s most awarded restaurants, Aria’s signature tasting menu is helmed by executive chef Tom Gorringe and showcases the finest local ingredients, including Gundagai lamb and Wollemi duck.
Café Sydney
Be energised as Circular Quay’s bustle and colour add an extra layer of sparkle to this legendary eatery’s extensive views of all the harbour’s icons. Located atop Customs House with a spectacular outdoor terrace and sophisticated dining room, Café Sydney is renowned for its seafood, fine-dining vegan menu and Nipanit Intraroon’s playful desserts – keep an eye out for the Passionfruit Lemon Tart and the Black Sesame Chocolate Cremeux.
Aster, InterContinental Sydney
Feel on top of the world as you gaze across the harbour’s icons all the way to the open ocean and the Blue Mountains: Aster offers decadent 32nd floor views, elevated styling and a tasty selection of sharing plates, wines and famously creative cocktails. Don’t miss the Higher Ground: a zingy, memorable blend of Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Grapefruit and Saint Felix Bitter Aperitivo that perfectly complements the lofty views.
Ploós
Nestled within the Heritage-listed warehouses of Campbell’s Cove in the historic Rocks, Ploós nourishes body and soul with imaginatively remixed classic Grecian dishes, mesmerising views of the harbour, and expansive alfresco dining areas mere steps from the water’s edge. Linger over a long lunch at the outdoor bar, feasting on chef Peter Conistis’ award-winning meze plates and breathing in the postcard-worthy scenery from the luxurious lounges.
Sails On Lavender Bay
Renew your view across the bridge in North Sydney. This sun-drenched eatery has prime position near the McMahons Point wharf, offering Modern Australian fare and an awe-inspiring perspective of the city skyline. Saro Derderyan’s seven-course degustation stars Sydney Rock Oysters, Smoked Grimaud Duck Breast and Aquna Murray Cod, plus, there’s a sumptuous a’la carte menu and an award-winning wine list – all just a ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Opera Bar
Backed by the architectural magnificence of the Opera House, this is the ultimate alfresco spot to clink glasses and watch the sun slink down behind the bridge. Refresh your palate with their standout Cold Seafood Platter, savouring just-caught salmon, kingfish and tuna sashimi, local oysters, prawns, and blue swimmer crab. Or choose a light snack to enjoy with the bar’s signature Sydney Sling cocktail which features craft gin distilled nearby in the Rocks.
Oncore By Clare Smyth, Crown Sydney
Feel inspired by world-class creativity as Clare Smyth’s first international restaurant soars above the city in ultramodern Barangaroo – showcasing sustainable local ingredients, rare wines and epic views. Don’t miss Smyth’s globally acclaimed signature dish, Potato and Roe – a memorable melange of seaweed beurre blanc, herring and trout roe that demonstrates her incomparable ability to transform humble ingredients into culinary art.
Henry Deane, Hotel Palisade
Surrounded by the charming colonial terraces of Millers Point, this plush cocktail lounge boasts uninterrupted views in every direction. Cian Mulholland’s elevated menu is designed to be shared, with highlights including White Sturgeon Sterling Caviar, Sydney Pipis and Abalone Potato. Charge your glasses with a host of rare blends from across Australia, Lebanon, France, Chile and beyond while you soak up the views of the harbour at golden hour.
