Food in Sydney, Australia: A Taste Tour of the Top 12 Eateries

Clock Icon 9 minutes read
Update Icon Aug 11, 2023

Bite into the robust and flavorful world of food in Sydney, Australia! Here, we’ll dish out the city’s most sought-after dining gems. So get your forks ready for a roller-coaster ride across Sydney’s multifaceted food canvas sprinkled with local gourmet creations, innovative culinary wonders, and handpicked hotels.

Photo of food served in Sydney, Australia
Photo Credit: Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach

Sydney: Where Every Bite is an Adventure

The Emerald City isn’t just famed for its silhouetted Opera House or the sprawling majesty of the Great Barrier Reef. Dive a tad deeper, and discover that food in Sydney, Australia, paves an epic journey of flavors waiting for intrepid palates to explore.

Take, for instance, its underrated gem: the Sydney Fish Market — the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Dubbed Australia’s Home of Seafood, this market is not merely about its fresh catches. It is the gateway to a heady blend of global flavors and local produce, creating a culinary journey as thrilling as a ride down the Harbour Bridge.

Ready to put your adventurous taste buds to the test? As the UpNext travel brand illuminating the globe’s most enticing destinations, we’re serving up a carefully curated list of the top 10 restaurants in Sydney. For a holistic food trip experience, we’ve also handpicked the best hotels to stay in.

Your epicurean adventure begins here. Welcome to your table!


12 Restaurants to Taste the Best Food in Sydney, Australia

Diverse, delectable, and dynamic, Sydney’s food scene tells the story of a city that thrives on the fusion of cultures, innovative culinary techniques, and the freshest local ingredients. From its harbourside eateries to cosmopolitan city restaurants, food in Sydney, Australia, will let you explore tastes and flavors that transcend conventional dining. 

As we guide you through 12 of the city’s remarkable dining establishments, prepare for a fiery blend of flavors, textures, and unforgettable dining experiences that showcase the heart of Sydney’s gastronomy.

Saint Peter

Located in Paddington, Saint Peter stands as a beacon for seafood lovers. Celebrating the essence of Australian fish, the menu reflects the freshest catch daily. While it offers an à la carte lunch, evenings unveil an exquisite eight-course tasting menu. With two distinct seating options, from a window table overlooking Oxford Street to the main bar with a kitchen view, it’s a cornerstone for exceptional food in Sydney, Australia.

Insider tip: For an interactive experience, book a Main Bar seat to enjoy a full view of the kitchen action.

Fish at the Rocks

Fish at The Rocks has been an emblem of the historic Rocks district since 1988, offering an irresistible journey through time and taste. A hallmark of seafood expertise, the ambiance blends nostalgia and culinary excellence. With delicacies ranging from Sydney rock oysters to the local rock lobster, this Sydney establishment has stood the test of time.

Insider tip: The two-course seafood platter is a must-try to taste their finest offerings.

Cirrus Dining

Perched in Barangaroo, Cirrus Dining offers an unparalleled waterfront dining experience. Famed for its sustainable seafood approach, it showcases creations by renowned chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt. Inspired by the harbor’s nautical history, the design harmonizes with the stunning harbor views. Their wine list, rich in diversity, complements their seafood-focused menu, reinforcing Cirrus’s reputation for premium food in Sydney, Australia.

Insider tip: Enhance your seafood with recommended Chablis or sample from over 30 wines available by the glass.

Tetsuya’s

A synthesis of Japanese and French culinary arts, the Michelin-starred Tetsuya offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience in Sydney. Set in the heart of the city, Tetsuya’s serene ambiance is enriched by Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s personal touches. The restaurant’s degustation menu is a testament to natural seasonal flavors crafted through French techniques. Their comprehensive wine list adds the finishing touch to this pinnacle of food in Sydney, Australia.

Insider tip: Make the most of your visit by asking the sommelier to match your dishes with their extensive wine offerings.

Photo Credit: Taha Samet Arslan

Bottom of the Harbour

Balmoral Beach’s iconic takeaway, Bottom of the Harbour, is synonymous with fresh fish and chips. Offering outdoor seating and an inviting atmosphere, it’s not just a place to eat but an experience celebrating the essence of casual food in Sydney, Australia. As part of their sustainability efforts, they only partner with food suppliers certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Insider tip: This is an excellent spot for a beachside picnic; grab your takeaway and enjoy the sun!

Nick’s Seafood Restaurant

Nestled in Cockle Bay Wharf, Nick’s Seafood Restaurant encapsulates the spirit of Darling Harbour dining. With an alfresco setting overlooking the city skyline, it serves fresh seafood with unparalleled finesse. From daily caught fish to their signature seafood platter, Nick’s embodies the ‘sea to plate’ philosophy. It’s a dazzling showcase of the finest food in Sydney, Australia, with a backdrop of the iconic harbor.

Insider tip: Don’t miss out on Nick’s Signature Seafood Platter for a lavish seafood experience.

Flying Fish

Situated at The Star, Flying Fish promises an elevated seafood experience. Their menu blends tradition with innovation, emphasizing taste over technique. An expansive wine menu, rich in sparkling and champagnes, complements their seafood masterpieces. From oven-baked scallops to wood-fired lobsters, it’s a dive into the luxury of food in Sydney, Australia.

Insider tip: Visit during the truffle season to enjoy Chef Adam Hall’s special truffle-infused dishes.

Doyles on the Wharf Takeaway

With a legacy spanning over five generations, Doyles on the Wharf Takeaway is more than a restaurant; it’s a chronicle of food in Sydney, Australia. Rooted in family traditions and committed to serving fresh local seafood, this establishment has witnessed history, from humble beginnings in Watson’s Bay to becoming a dining landmark.

Insider tip: For a nostalgic touch, savor their seafood amidst the backdrop of their original selling spot in Watson’s Bay.

Photo Credit: Skitterphoto

Fish Market Café

In the heart of Pyrmont lies the Fish Market Café, a haven for seafood enthusiasts. With over 30 years of expertise, it promises fresh seafood combined with the best local produce. At this hub of food in Sydney, Australia, guests can immerse themselves in authentic flavors, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the renowned Sydney Fish Markets.

To beat the rush, visit during off-peak hours to relish their offerings at your leisure.

Bistro Manly Pavilion

Overlooking the iconic Manly beach, Bistro Manly Pavilion combines French elegance with coastal Australian vibes. Its menu features French bistro classics with a touch of coastal flavors. From delectable entrées to signature cocktails, every dish and drink promises a symphony of flavors. Reflecting the vibrancy and charm of Manly, it offers a distinct taste of food in Sydney, Australia, amidst mesmerizing beach views. Its varied seafood menu and kids’ options make it a great pick for families.

Insider tip: Make your visit exceptional by planning around their weekly specials, like BYO Wednesday or daily Happy Hour, while basking in Manly beach views.

Aria 

Nestled by the iconic Sydney Opera House, Aria offers a harmonious blend of contemporary Australian cuisine and panoramic harbor views. With the culinary mastery of Chef Matt Moran, each dish is an ode to the finest local produce. The curated wine list emphasizes Australia’s diverse terroir, handpicked to accompany every bite. It’s not merely a meal but a melody, capturing the very essence of gourmet food in Sydney, Australia, against the backdrop of the city’s celebrated landmarks.

Insider Tip: Secure a table during sunset; the blending of natural light with scenic Harbour views creates an ethereal dining atmosphere.

Bennelong

Bennelong is a culinary masterpiece inside the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Chef Peter Gilmore’s vision crafts modern Australian cuisine, weaving indigenous ingredients with international finesse. Its split-level design lets diners gaze upon the Harbour Bridge and city skyline, while its menus range from à la carte to the esteemed Cured & Cultured list. Merging architectural wonder with culinary brilliance, Bennelong symbolizes the pinnacle of food in Sydney, Australia.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the pavlova dessert; it’s a playful nod to the Opera House’s architecture and a delightful taste journey.

From seafood extravaganzas to fusion marvels, these eateries have shared a symphony of tastes that define food in Sydney, Australia. But the adventure doesn’t stop here. The following section explores the unparalleled comfort of staying with Hotala during your Sydney food trips. 


Stay With Hotala on Your Food Trips in Sydney, Australia

Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Sydney

Discover accommodations that promise not only rest but make your gastronomic escapade truly complete. Choosing Hotala for your Sydney stay unlocks a world of curated hospitality tailored to enrich your gastronomic adventures. With Hotala, you can access exclusive deals in prime-located hotels, placing you at the heart of Sydney’s diverse food scene.

Here are some of our recommended hotels during your stay in the city:

A memorable Sydney journey is guaranteed with Hotala because we don’t just provide accommodations; we craft travel experiences that are one for the books. Let Hotala be your trusted companion as you savor the food in Sydney, Australia.

And for more content as appetizing as this, subscribe to The Hot List, Hotala’s premier newsletter, and stay ahead of the curve. Join the Hotala community today!


TLDR

Sydney, Australia, is more than just a visual feast; it’s an epicurean Eden waiting to be savored. Plunge your fork deep into the local food culture, starting with the seafood mecca of the Southern Hemisphere, the Sydney Fish Market, where a cornucopia of fresh catches and international flavors awaits. 

Then, make a walkthrough of 12 of the city’s crème de la crème dining establishments, from seafood sanctuaries like Saint Peter, Fish at the Rocks, and Cirrus Dining, to the Michelin-starred gastronomic temple, Tetsuya’s. 

For a laid-back seaside culinary soiree, make a pit stop at the bottom of the Harbour, or dive head-first into the fresh local seafood at Doyles on the Wharf Takeaway. 

To put the cherry on top of your food voyage, make Hotala your home away from home. With hot deals in strategically located hotels, you are at the epicenter of Sydney’s food tour frenzy.

Featured Image Credit: Sam Lion on Pexels