Welcome to Sydney, where breathtaking views and a vibrant food scene make it one of the top places to live and visit in Australia. Famous for its fresh seafood, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse food culture, exploring Sydney’s restaurants is one of the top things to do in Sydney. Whether you’re savoring freshly grilled barramundi by the harbor or indulging in a gourmet meat pie with a twist, the flavors here are uniquely Australian.
From legendary lamingtons—chocolate-dipped sponge cakes rolled in coconut—to creative takes on avocado toast at trendy cafes, Sydney offers a feast for every palate. Add in prawns on the barbie, artisan gelato inspired by native ingredients like wattleseed, and the city’s famous flat whites, and you’ve got a culinary scene that’s impossible to resist.
👉 Pro Tip: Indulge in the Hunter Valley Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Tour! Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet lunch, craft beer, and distillery samples, paired with artisan cheeses and chocolates. Perfect for foodies, this tour combines amazing flavors with stunning vineyard views. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Unique Restaurants in Sydney: 22 Incredible Sydney Eateries
From hidden gems to culinary wonders, we’re taking you on a journey through the city’s most unforgettable spots, inviting you to fly to Sydney and explore flavors and experiences that make it a food lover’s dream.
1. Bar 83 at Sydney Tower
- 📍 Location: Sydney Tower, CBD
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60+ per person (Primarily Drinks/Bar Bites)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Bar Bites / Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Sydney’s highest bar (83 floors up!), panoramic city views, retro-futuristic decor, creative cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sunset drinks, special cocktails, and sky-high sips.
Drink amongst the clouds at Bar 83, soaring high above the city in Sydney Tower! This isn’t just a bar; it’s an experience, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views stretching from the Blue Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Get ready for cocktails with a serious altitude adjustment!
Settle into the sleek, retro-futuristic lounge. Sip on inventive cocktails like the vibrant “Sunset Spritz” or a “Cloud Nine Martini.” They offer upscale bar bites, perhaps some oysters with mignonette or a gourmet cheese platter, to accompany the stellar views.
2. Alberto’s Lounge
This Italian hideaway on Alberta Street is pure old-school cool. Imagine dim lighting, vinyl spinning classic Italian tunes, and a wine list that will ruin you for all other bars. Their cacio e pepe is legendary and the tiramisu tastes straight out of Rome. The vibe is moody but lively, with soft banquette seating and mismatched art everywhere. Great for dates or late-night pasta runs. Give yourself extra time to browse the wine shelves – the staff give killer recommendations and even share stories behind the bottles. I’m obsessed with their Negroni ice cubes, which melt just slow enough to keep you sipping.
3. Berowra Waters Inn
- 📍 Location: Berowra Waters, NSW (Requires boat or seaplane access)
- 💲 Price range: $200 – $350+ per person (Degustation Menu)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Accessible only by boat/seaplane, secluded river setting, Glenn Murcutt-designed building, degustation menus.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special splurges, dining adventurers, architectural lovers, and foodies seeking luxury by water.
Escape to a world away at Berowra Waters Inn, a unique fine dining destination accessible only by water! Nestled on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, this architectural gem offers exquisite Modern Australian cuisine in a breathtakingly serene setting.
Indulge in multi-course degustation menus showcasing the best local and seasonal produce. Expect dishes like delicate raw prawn and squid with native lime. Perfectly cooked duck breast with cherry and mustard or fresh Sydney rock oysters are also highlights.
4. Dear Sainte Éloise
If you’re serious about wine and snacks, this Potts Point spot is full of charm. It’s tucked away but always buzzing, thanks to a wall of natural wines and tiny plates designed to keep you lingering. The menu changes with the seasons, but I always order the steak tartare or their fabled anchovy toast. The interiors are snug and romantic – think candlelight, timber everything, and plenty of nooks for people-watching. It’s just around the corner from Llankelly Place, so you can keep the night going at a nearby bar. When I visited, I ran into a local winemaker at the bar – the kind of place where that happens all the time.
5. The Grounds of Alexandria
- 📍 Location: Alexandria
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50+ per person (Varies greatly by venue)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian Cafe / Bakery / Restaurant
- 🔥 Standout Features: Garden/farm oasis setting, themed venues (cafe/potting shed/restaurant), petting zoo (Kevin Bacon!), coffee roastery.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammers, brunch lovers, families, and garden enthusiasts.
Step into a lush urban sanctuary at The Grounds of Alexandria! This sprawling, popular spot is less a restaurant, more an enchanting mini-village complete with gardens, fountains, farm animals (including Kevin Bacon the pig!), a coffee roastery, and multiple dining venues.
Grab a coffee and pastry from the Bakery. Enjoy a hearty Grounds Big Brekkie (eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato, sourdough) in The Cafe. Settle in for a wood-fired pizza or seasonal salad at The Potting Shed. Every corner is beautifully designed.
6. White Rabbit Gallery
Half gallery, half café, White Rabbit is Sydney’s cult favorite for modern Chinese art – and the street-style tea house inside is an absolute treat. After an hour getting lost among bold installations, head downstairs for dumplings and artisanal Chinese teas. The menu is tiny but every dish is made with care. I loved the xiao long bao (watch out, they’re hot) and the rose petal tea, elegantly served in glass pots. The vibe is artsy and peaceful, filled with curious visitors and chattering friends. It’s perfectly placed in Chippendale, a stone’s throw from Spice Alley’s noodle stalls. My best tip: Visit mid-week for a quiet moment. I’ve spent hours here and always leave inspired.
7. Knafeh (Bearded Bakers)
- 📍 Location: Mobile Bakery (Check social media for locations – often pop-ups/events)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per dessert
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern Dessert (Knafeh)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Mobile bakery run from a shipping container, Knafeh, lively atmosphere created by “Bearded Bakers” (music/dancing).
- 🎯 Perfect For: Dessert fanatics, Knafeh lovers, unique street food, and Instagrammers.
Get ready to worship at the altar of cheese dessert with Knafeh, brought to you by the charismatic Bearded Bakers! They operate from a converted shipping container, popping up around Sydney and serving just one incredible Middle Eastern treat: Knafeh.
Savor the warm, sweet, and cheesy goodness of traditional Palestinian Knafeh – a glorious concoction of cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup and topped with pistachios. Their Jerusalem Knafeh is the star. Finding the container is part of the fun; enjoying the dessert is pure joy.
8. Yakitori Chaco Bar
If your idea of happiness is skewers sizzling over charcoal, Yakitori Chaco Bar in Potts Point needs to be on your radar. This moody, lantern-lit joint puts all the focus on theatre: you’ll watch chefs grill everything from chicken heart to tsukune right in front of you. Don’t miss the grilled pork belly, or the rich chicken ramen that’s a meal on its own. The izakaya-style setup, with low stools and smoky aromas, is pure Tokyo alleyway. Best enjoyed with a round of sake and friends who’ll share their picks. I still crave the caramelized miso eggplant every time I walk by.
9. Restaurant Hubert
- 📍 Location: CBD
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic French Bistro
- 🔥 Standout Features: Underground vintage Parisian ambiance, live jazz music, classic French bistro fare, extensive wine list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic date nights, classic French cuisine, special dinners, and escaping into another era.
Descend into a subterranean world of Parisian romance at Restaurant Hubert. This stunning underground bistro transports you to 1920s Paris with its vintage decor, candlelit tables, and live jazz music. It’s pure magic, hidden beneath the CBD bustle.
Indulge in perfectly executed French classics. Think rich French onion soup bubbling with cheese. Buttery escargots dripping in garlic and parsley, or a flawless steak frites with béarnaise sauce, are also fantastic. The atmosphere is intoxicating.
10. Maccheroni
I Maccheroni in Woollahra brings serious handmade pasta energy to the eastern suburbs. The open kitchen shows off pasta rolling ALL night. Start with the sweet potato gnocchi – unmissable – and tagliatelle with truffle pecorino is pure comfort. Inside, it’s rustic wood tables and Italian kitsch details, but the crowd is relaxed young professionals. Great for group dinners before a Sydney Cricket Ground event, or to impress someone who believes pasta can change your life. If you’re there early, pop into Centennial Park for a stroll. The staff regularly offer off-menu specials – I still regret not ordering the fettuccine I missed last winter.
11. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium (Private Dining)
- 📍 Location: Darling Harbour
- 💲 Price range: $200 – $500+ per person (Varies greatly – Private Dining Experience)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Fine Dining (Customizable for events)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Private dining experiences, aquarium exhibits (sharks/turtles/reef!).
- 🎯 Perfect For: Proposals, anniversaries, marine life lovers, and once-in-a-lifetime dining settings.
Dine deep under the sea with exclusive private dining at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium! Imagine enjoying a gourmet meal while majestic sharks, turtles, and colourful fish glide past your table in stunning underwater habitats. Talk about dinner with a splash!
These bespoke experiences offer Modern Australian fine dining. The menu might feature delicate seared scallops with a citrus reduction. Pan-roasted barramundi with seasonal vegetables, or a rich beef tenderloin, are also examples, set in various breathtaking locations within the aquarium.
12. NEL Restaurant
Some places talk about experience dining; NEL actually delivers. This subterranean spot in the CBD looks like a Mad Hatter’s den, with blazing neon signage, plush booths, and a playlist that jumps from disco to jazz. The menu is a themed degustation changing every eight weeks – think fairy tale-inspired or Aussie childhood nostalgia. The lamb ‘carrot’ hot dog might surprise you, and dessert usually gets a table-wide gasp. Book well in advance for this showstopper. If you’re in the mood to wander after, the QVB and Darling Quarter are minutes away. I left with my mind (and Instagram) blown by the artistry of every plate.
13. Spice World
- 📍 Location: Haymarket (Chinatown)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Chinese Hot Pot
- 🔥 Standout Features: Hot pot dining, unique presentations (meat-draped Barbie doll!), wide variety of broths/ingredients.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Hot pot lovers, adventurous eaters, interactive group dining, Chinatown explorers, and Instagrammers.
Prepare for a bubbling, flavorful, and slightly bizarre hot pot adventure at Spice World in Haymarket! This popular spot takes interactive Chinese hot pot dining and adds a quirky twist – famously including presentations like thinly sliced meat draped over a Barbie doll.
Choose your bubbling broth (mild to fiery mala spice). Dip an array of fresh meats (like thinly sliced beef or lamb). Seafood (prawns or fish balls), and vegetables like bok choy and mushrooms are also great. It’s a fun, communal feast.
14. The Apollo Restaurant
Don’t be fooled by the name – the Apollo in Potts Point is Greek magic, not a theater, and their feasts are legendary. Walk inside and you’re transported by marble tables, a buzzing open kitchen and a crowd ready for mezze and ouzo. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder is ridiculously tender and ideal for sharing. Graviera cheese with honey is a must-order starter. Ambiance is bustling, perfect for groups, with a soundtrack that slides from Greek classics to upbeat dance. Plus, it’s walking distance to El Alamein Fountain and the Art Deco architecture of Macleay St. The honey-dripping dessert had me scraping my plate for every last drop.
15. Rising Sun Workshop
- 📍 Location: Newtown
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Ramen / Cafe / Workshop Fare
- 🔥 Standout Features: Motorcycle workshop + ramen restaurant combo, quality ramen broth, cafe by day/ramen by night.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ramen aficionados, motorcycle enthusiasts, Newtown explorers, and casual eats.
Where ramen meets repairs! Rising Sun Workshop is a unique Newtown gem that combines a communal motorcycle workshop with a seriously good cafe and ramen restaurant. It’s fueled by caffeine, creativity, and killer broth!
By night (and often lunch), dive into their acclaimed ramen. Slurp down rich Tonkotsu Ramen with tender chashu pork. “The Dark” (a shoyu-based broth) or “The Light” (a chicken-based broth) ramen are also excellent. Their breakfast ramen is a unique morning treat.
16. Shell House
Go for the sun, stay for the cocktails. Shell House near Wynyard is a rooftop stunner with sweeping views and a history as rich as its martinis. Amidst restored 1930s brickwork, you’ll find a multi-level space: the bar is glitz and glam, the dining room oozes old-world charm, and the rooftop is pure Sydney skyline. Their wood-fired John Dory is perfect with a spritz, and the house sourdough disappears fast. This is a no-brainer for special occasions or stylish after-work drinks. Barangaroo and King Street Wharf are an easy stroll nearby. First time I went, the sunset views were unreal – definitely grab a seat outdoors if you can.
17. Coogee Pavilion (“The Pav”)
- 📍 Location: Coogee Beach
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $70+ per person (Varies greatly by venue level)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Diverse (Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean, Bar Food)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-level beachfront venue, Coogee Beach views, games area (ping pong/giant Scrabble!).
- 🎯 Perfect For: Beach lovers, large groups, and families (ground floor).
Beachfront bliss on a grand scale! Coogee Pavilion (“The Pav”) is a massive, multi-level destination right on Coogee Beach, offering something for everyone across its various vibrant spaces. It’s the ultimate beach hangout!
Grab wood-fired pizza (like a classic Margherita or spicy pepperoni) on the family-friendly ground floor. Head upstairs for Mediterranean-inspired grilled octopus or fresh oysters at Mimi’s or Una Más. Hit the Rooftop bar for cocktails and views.
18. Kepos Street Kitchen
Middle Eastern flavors steal the show at this Redfern local’s favorite. Kepos Street Kitchen is casual and airy, with sandstone walls and wild greenery that makes you forget you’re even in the city. The falafel is crispy perfection, the shakshuka has locals lining up on weekends, and their housemade lemonade is unmissable. Perfect for brunch dates or grabbing lunch before exploring Carriageworks market. If you’re celebrating, go for the slow-cooked lamb shoulder and loads of tahini. Their side terrace is an amazing place to watch the neighborhood go by – I always linger longer than I plan to.
19. Sefa Kitchen
- 📍 Location: Bondi
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Middle Eastern / Levantine Shared Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Levantine flavors (Syria/Lebanon/Jordan), shared plates, unique spices.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Middle Eastern food, mezze fans, unique regional flavors, intimate date nights in Bondi, and trying something beyond standard hummus.
Journey to the Levant at Sefa Kitchen. This intimate Bondi eatery specializes in the vibrant and aromatic cuisines of the Eastern Mediterranean, serving authentic flavors and unique dishes perfect for sharing. Get ready for a mezze masterpiece!
Explore a menu filled with flavorful shared plates. Think spiced lamb shoulder slow-cooked to perfection. Unique dips like muhammara (red pepper and walnut) or labneh with za’atar, and fresh salads bursting with herbs, are also fantastic.
20. Love, Tilly Devine
Tucked in a Darlinghurst laneway, Love, Tilly Devine wins my heart for cozy, candlelit wine nights. Named for a notorious local madam, it’s both rebellious and charming. The wine list celebrates obscure Aussie producers as well as old-world gems. Don’t miss out on the toastie – oozing with gruyere and pickles – or the fresh burrata with olive oil. Seating is a mix of window benches and tiny tables, so it’s great for close catch-ups or solo sipping. You’re steps from Taylor Square and all the late-night bars you could want afterwards. I always walk out with a new favorite wine, thanks to the staff’s infectious passion.
21. Holey Moley Golf Club
- 📍 Location: Multiple locations (e.g., Newtown, Darlinghurst)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Mini Golf + Food/Drinks)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Bar Food / Pizza / Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Mini golf bar concept, themed pop-culture holes, fun cocktails, casual bar food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mini golf lovers, group activities, quirky date nights, pop culture fans, and combining games with drinks/food.
Putt your stuff at Holey Moley Golf Club! This isn’t your average mini golf; it’s a wild bar experience where creatively themed, pop-culture-inspired holes meet quirky cocktails and casual eats. It’s tee time, with a twist!
Navigate crazy courses while sipping colorful cocktails like “The Sugar Caddy.” Refuel with simple bar food such as pizzas (a classic pepperoni is always good). Loaded fries or hot dogs are also available. Holey Moley is all about sinking putts and drinks.
22. Restaurant Leo
- 📍 Location: CBD (Angel Place)
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $130+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Italian / Pasta Focused
- 🔥 Standout Features: Elegant laneway dining, focus on handmade pasta, refined Italian dishes, sophisticated atmosphere, excellent wine list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Pasta lovers, upscale Italian dining, romantic date nights, special occasion meals, and experiencing sophisticated CBD laneway charm.
Discover a slice of sophisticated Italian charm tucked away in Angel Place at Restaurant Leo. This elegant eatery focuses on refined, modern Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on exquisite handmade pasta and quality seasonal ingredients. It’s a chic escape in the heart of the CBD.
You should definitely try one of their exceptional handmade pasta dishes – the offerings change seasonally but might include a delicate crab linguine or a rich pappardelle with duck ragu. Their vitello tonnato or perfectly cooked market fish are also highly praised.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Sydney
Got questions about eating out in Sydney? Our Sydney restaurant guide’s FAQ section has all the answers you need.
What food is unique to Sydney?
Sydney is famous for its fusion of flavors from around the globe. One unique dish is the Australian meat pie, a classic found everywhere from sports games to local bakeries. In Sydney, these pies get a gourmet twist, with fillings ranging from kangaroo to seafood. Another Sydney specialty is barramundi, often served grilled with a side of fresh, local produce. For dessert, lamingtons are a must-try. These sponge cakes dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut are a sweet treat loved by locals.
Where can I find the best food in Sydney?
The best food in Sydney can be found in its diverse neighborhoods. For fresh seafood, head to the Sydney Fish Market. It’s a bustling spot where you can taste some of the freshest catches. If you’re after a variety of flavors, explore the eateries in Surry Hills or Newtown. These areas are packed with restaurants serving everything from authentic Thai to modern Australian cuisine. For those who love to explore, Sydney’s food festivals are a great way to taste the city’s top dishes.
Does Gordon Ramsay have a restaurant in Australia?
Yes, Gordon Ramsay opened his first restaurant in Australia at Crown Sydney. It’s a fine dining experience that showcases Ramsay’s signature dishes. The menu features a mix of local Australian ingredients and international flavors. Dining here, guests can expect high-quality meals prepared with Ramsay’s renowned attention to detail. It’s a must-visit for fans of the celebrity chef and anyone looking to enjoy fine dining in Sydney.
What are some cheap eats in Sydney?
Cheap eats in Sydney are easy to find if you know where to look. Areas like Chinatown and Newtown offer a variety of budget-friendly options. From Vietnamese pho to Turkish kebabs, these neighborhoods serve up delicious meals without breaking the bank. Food trucks and markets are also great places to explore for affordable bites. Sydney’s food scene is diverse, so you can enjoy flavors from around the world without spending a lot.
How can I experience fine dining in Sydney?
Fine dining in Sydney is an experience like no other. The city boasts several restaurants with international accolades, including Quay, Bennelong, and Tetsuya’s. These spots offer not just meals, but culinary adventures. They use fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both beautiful and delicious. Many of these restaurants also offer stunning views of Sydney’s landmarks, making the dining experience even more memorable.
Where is the best place to eat seafood in Sydney?
Sydney’s location by the ocean means seafood is a must-try. The best place to enjoy seafood is at the Sydney Fish Market. Here, you can find everything from oysters to barramundi. Restaurants along the harbor, like those in Darling Harbour or Circular Quay, also serve fresh seafood with fantastic views. For a more laid-back vibe, beachside eateries in Bondi or Coogee offer delicious seafood in a casual setting.
Can I find international cuisine in Sydney?
Absolutely. Sydney is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food scene. You can find authentic Italian in Leichhardt, known as “Little Italy.” For Asian flavors, Chinatown and Cabramatta offer Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. The city’s Middle Eastern offerings are concentrated in suburbs like Auburn. No matter what part of the world you’re craving food from, Sydney’s diverse neighborhoods have you covered.
What are some must-try desserts in Sydney?
Sydney takes its sweets seriously. Pavlova, a meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with fresh fruit, is a classic Australian treat. Another must-try is the Tim Tam slam, a fun and uniquely Australian way to enjoy these popular chocolate biscuits. For something uniquely Sydney, seek out artisan gelato shops in the city, which often feature flavors inspired by Australian ingredients like wattleseed or lemon myrtle.
Final Thoughts On Unique Sydney Restaurants
We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the flavors and spots we’ve shared in our Sydney restaurant guide. Sydney’s dining scene is a vibrant mix of cultures, tastes, and experiences, inviting you to fly to Australia and delve into its culinary delights. From the unique dishes that define the city to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, there’s always something new to try.
Whether you’re after the freshest seafood, craving international cuisine, or looking to indulge in fine dining, Sydney has it all, showcasing its Australian charm. Remember, the best part of exploring Sydney’s food scene is finding your own favorite spots.
