Sydney

One of the world's great cities and home to fabulous beaches, iconic landmarks, stunning views and an unmistakable atmosphere. Sydney is a destination that people travel around the globe to visit, and often never want to go home again. 

For all the foodie fans out there, it’s time for us to share a little secret with you!

With everything Sydney has to offer for both locals and tourists, it’s no wonder that it has become a thriving hub for ambitious and talented young chefs. The city is a haven for some of the most inspiring cuisine and exceptional fine-dining experiences. To give you a taste of what’s on offer, we've prepared the ultimate guide to the best restaurants Sydney has to offer. 

You’ll thank us later…

Best Japanese restaurant

Tetsuya’s Restaurant | 529 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000 | ££££

Tetsuya’s Restaurant is a long-time classic Sydney institution offering a high-class fine dining experience. It's not cheap, but you are guaranteed world-class cuisine in a charming environment. This restaurant offers a unique fusion of French-Asian inspired cuisine in a stunning setting that overlooks natural Japanese gardens. The restaurant provides an eclectic and artsy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed and vibrant night out. 

The restaurant sits in what used to be a heritage-listed site. It now contains a stunning restaurant that boasts elements of traditional Japanese-inspired decor. The Japanese inspiration runs throughout the restaurant, from its decor to its menu. Tetsuya offers a degustation menu that rests on the Japanese philosophy of only using natural, fresh and seasonal produce and flavours. They creatively combine this with using classic French cooking techniques. They pride themselves on creativity as they strive to continually innovate and create new and inspiring dishes that provide bold and unique flavours. 

Tetsuya not only offers an exceptional menu, but they also offer one of Sydney’s most popular wine lists. Upon request, the restaurant provides a service in which they match your chosen dish with the best wine available with the help of world-class sommeliers.

Pros :

  • Degustation menu
  • A unique fusion of French-Asian cuisine
  • Award-winning wine list 

Best French restaurant

Restaurant Hubert | 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000 | £££

Restaurant Hubert offers a classy dining experience offering classic and traditional French cuisine. This restaurant provides a lively atmosphere and a chic, vintage-style setting. They are situated in the heart of Sydney.

The restaurant prides itself on creating a space that gives its all to its community offering food that represents passion and culture. They’re a restaurant all about being fun, bold and passionate. This is represented by their vibrant dishes made with bold and tantalizing flavours and their commitment to entertaining. Restaurant Hubert is big on creating a wholesome experience for its guests. The entertainment they offer include hosting live bands and events. This is a great place to visit for a lively and memorable dining experience. 

Pros:

  • Classic French cuisine 
  • Entertainment 
  • Event space and private hire

Best seafood restaurant

Cirrus Dining | 23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000 | £££

Cirrus is one of Sydney’s finest seafood restaurants. Offering stunning panoramic views of the waterfront, it’s no wonder it’s a highly sought after destination. This critically acclaimed restaurant is home to award-winning restaurateurs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt.

Their menu consists of a range of delicious and fresh meat and fish dishes. They also offer live seafood choices with everything on offer from skull island prawns to local lobster. Cirrus is a highly recommended restaurant for any seafood lover. 

Pros:

Fresh and local seafood 

Award-winning restaurateurs 

Stunning views

Best Thai restaurant

Boon Cafe | 1/425 Pitt St, Haymarket NSW 2000 | £ 

Boon Cafe is a vibrant restaurant that specialises in serving authentic Thai food. They offer Thai specialities with a unique and modern twist. If you enjoy a multisensory dining experience, Boon Cafe is the place for you. Each of their dishes comes bursting with colour and flavour made with an exciting combination of ingredients. 

Their menu consists of a wide variety of choices that include Thai classics such as pad Thai as well as dishes with a modern twist such as the Som Dtum Gai Todt burger which contains fried chicken and a papaya salad. The extent of their menu is unbelievable. With so much on offer with a range of traditional classics and innovative creations, Boon Cafe is a showstopper. 

Pros:

  • Wide variety of choices 
  • Traditional classics and modern twist 
  • All-day menu

Best vegetarian restaurant

Alibi Bar & Kitchen | Ovolo Hotel, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 | ££ 

Alibi Bar & Kitchen is a modern and stylish restaurant that specialises in serving outstanding vegan cuisine. The restaurant offers bold flavours, unique designs and innovative ingredient combinations that make the most delicious dishes. They pride themselves on delivering the highest quality plant-based dishes created by the world-renowned plant-based chef, Matthew Kenney. 

The restaurant follows a philosophy that promotes clean and simple eating. They show that a little goes a long way and an exceptional meal is all about the detail. Each dish is packed full of character and doesn’t compromise on taste. If you’re on a plant-based diet or are simply looking for a guilt-free, indulgent meal, Alibi Bar & Kitchen is the place to be.

Their menus include a 6-course meal, a bar menu, an 8-course meal and a high tea menu. 

Pros:

  • Extensive menu
  • All plant-based 
  • A bold and vibrant dining experience 

Best Vietnamese restaurant

Mekong | 2/14 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008 | ££

Mekong is a vibrant restaurant that specializes in serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant prides itself on showcasing authentic flavours and sharing traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation through the Indochine provinces. They strive to ensure that each of their dishes contains bold colours, flavours and traditional ingredients such as basil, star anise and lemongrass. 

Mekong’s menu consists of an a la carte menu which consists of a selection of entrees, mains, sides and desserts. The menu contains a variety of meat and fish dishes, each simple and packed full of flavour. Considering dietary requirements, the restaurant provides a great range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options on their menu to cater to a wider audience.

They also offer a banquet menu which is a great sharing platter for a large group. This is a perfect way to try out the best of what the restaurant has to offer. 

Pros:

  • Traditional Vietnamese cuisine 
  • Suitable for vegans. Vegetarian and gluten-free
  • Banquet menu 

Best Yum Cha restaurant

East Phoenix | 3/2A Defries Ave, Zetland NSW 2017 | ££

East Phoenix is a modern and sleek Chinese restaurant. These offer a range of authentic Chinese dishes and yum cha. The restaurant is committed to delivering a memorable Chinese and yum cha dining experience. They strive to showcase bold, colourful, aromatic flavours. The restaurant is committed to providing a fulfilling experience for its guests as they strive to share their passion and love for fresh and high-quality food. 

East Phoenix prides itself on not only delivering exceptional food but also making dishes that are made from the finest ingredients and with every item made in-house daily. Their menu consists of an extensive a la carte menu along with a banquet menu. The banquet menu offers an excellent selection of foods that are perfect for sharing. 

Pros:

  • Fresh ingredients
  • Everything made in-house 
  • Banquet menu

Best Chinese restaurant

Mr Wong | 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000 | £££

Mr Wong is a modern restaurant that specialises in serving traditional Cantonese cuisine. Mr Wong doesn’t do anything small. Spread across two levels in a large classic French-colonial building and offering a selection of around 80 dishes, there’s plenty going on. Though offering a larger than life dining experience, the restaurant manages to still create a romantic and intimate atmosphere for a light and relaxed experience. 

The restaurant prides itself on offering a bold, energetic, creative and vibrant menu that showcases the flavourful mix of traditional Cantonese ingredients. With such an extensive menu, there’s definitely something for everyone. This is a great restaurant where you can keep coming back to try out something new. Their menu consists of everything from deliciously sticky barbeque duck to light dim sum.

Pros:

  • Traditional Cantonese cuisine
  • Up to 80 dishes are available 
  • Takeaway 

Best ramen restaurant

Gumshara | 211/25-29 Dixon St, Haymarket NSW 2000 | £

Gumshara is a quaint food stall that is famously known for serving the best ramen. They offer the most filling and satisfying portions that are made using traditional Japanese techniques and using fresh and natural ingredients/

Their menu consists of a range of delicious and authentic Japanese soups that are made using fresh pork bone and water to make a deliciously rich broth. Not only is their ramen known for being packed full of ingredients that offer a host of health benefits, but it also tastes amazing and smooth. They pride themselves on using no MSG or thickeners and delivering filling, healthy and heartwarming food to their customers. 

Pros:

  • Boiling fresh broth 14 hours 7 days a week 
  • Use traditional Japanese techniques
  • Affordable 

Best Asian restaurant

Mamak | 15 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000 | ££ 

Mamak is a lively and bustling restaurant that specialises in serving traditional Malaysian cuisine. The restaurant was put together by a group of friends with a mutual love of food, family and their culture. They strove to create a hub that offered traditional Malaysian food that would bring people together. 

They offer an extensive menu that features a range of classic Malaysian inspired dishes. They offer a roti and satay menu, a main menu with a range of meat and fish dishes, a rice and noodles menu and a dessert menu. Each dish is packed full of flavour and spice and presented beautifully. 

Pros:

  • Authentic Malaysian cuisine 
  • Takeaway 
  • Catering 

Best Greek restaurant

Medusa Greek Taverna | 2 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000 | ££ 

Medusa Greek Taverna is a stylish restaurant that specialises in serving traditional Greek cuisine. The restaurant has a theatrical feel offering a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with light. They also provide a beautiful outdoor seating area. 

Medusa Greek Taverna prides itself on offering traditional Greek flavours and showcasing regional cuisines. They strive to provide a taste of local recipes but with a unique twist of adding creative ingredients and indigenous Australian herbs. Their menu consists of a great variety of Greek classics such as halloumi and vine leaves. This is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a light and lively lunch full of fun, character and flavour. 

Pros:

  • Traditional Greek cuisine with a twist 
  • Extensive menu 
  • Takeaway

Best Indian restaurant

Flavour of India | 128 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027 | £ 

Flavour of India is a sophisticated restaurant that specialises in serving Indian cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on sharing a bold range of flavours and using unique cooking styles to showcase the rich flavours of India. They strive to create a warm, fun and vibrant atmosphere for a memorable dining experience. 

Their menu consists of a great selection of dishes that include meat, fish and vegetarian options. This is a great place for the whole family to eat with a wide selection of choices available. 

Pros:

  • Vegetarian options available 
  • Intimate dining experience
  • Takeaway 

Best Italian restaurant

Ragazzi Wine and Pasta | 1 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000 | ££ 

Ragazzi is a chic and cosy eatery that specialises in serving Italian cuisine. With dim lighting and romantic decor, the restaurant creates an intimate dining experience perfect for anyone looking for quiet and a relaxing evening. 

Ragazzi prides itself on offering amazing pasta dishes that are crafted by hand using premium produce. They pay homage to traditional flavours, shapes and sauces but also add a unique touch for flair. The restaurant is also well known for its fantastic selection of Italian wines. 

Pros:

  • Great choice of pasta dishes 
  • An extensive Italian wine list
  • Pasta made in-house

Best Mexican restaurant

Mejico Restaurant | 105 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 | £££ 

Mejico restaurant offers a modern and trendy setting. They specialise in serving traditional Mexican food with a modern twist. The restaurant and its menu are inspired by the bustling and vibrant markets of Mexico City. They showcase a range of dishes that offer bold flavours, colour and presentation. Each dish is designed to tickle your taste buds. 

Mejico Restaurant prides itself on delivering a unique experience that leaves a buzzing atmosphere. Their menu consists of classic Mexican favourites each made from the freshest ingredients taken from the market to the table.

Pros:

  • Market to table style eating 
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Takeaway

Best Pizza restaurant

Queen Margherita of Savoy | 9/2-8 Surf Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230 | ££ 

Queen Margherita of Savoy offers a unique dining experience that aims to bring a taste of Italy to Sydney. They strive to deliver the best Neapolitan pizzas. The pizza restaurant certainly knows what they’re doing. They offer a single sized pizza that cooks in 60-90 seconds at high temperatures that exceed 450 degrees. The finished product is a deliciously soft, light, springy and chewy pizza base with crisp in all the right places. 

Each pizza is hand-stretched and made in-house from fresh and premium ingredients. Each pizza is cooked in a wood-burning oven and placed directly on the stone for a smokey and charred flavour that makes the perfect pizza.

Pros:

  • Large pizza sizes 
  • Hand-made and stretched 
  • Made using traditional techniques

5 Tips for finding the right restaurant

  • Check reviews and feedback to see if the restaurant provides the vibe you’re looking for
  • Read local publications or food blogs 
  • Ask for recommendations from people that have visited the area 
  • Plan and book ahead of time to avoid disappointment 
  • Search according to the type of foods different restaurants have to offer 

Takeaway

Whether you’re looking for a light bite or an exceptional fine dining experience, you now have the full list of the best restaurants in Sydney at your fingertips. Sydney is a city full of hidden gems. Though this list shows you the best of the best, it only scratches the surface… It’s now down to you to continue the journey and discover more. We’ve given you a guide that you can take with you and share with your friends whether you’re a local or you’re travelling to Sydney for the first time. 

Each of the restaurants presented has something unique to offer. Whether it's their philosophy, cooking technique or their inspiration.

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