Sydney Restaurants

Sydney's dining scene is as sunny and cosmopolitan as the city itself, and there are diverse and exotic culinary adventures to suit every appetite. Mod Oz (modern-Australian) cooking flourishes, fueled by local produce and guided by Mediterranean and Asian techniques. Look for such innovations as tuna tartare with flying-fish roe and wasabi; emu prosciutto; five-spice duck; shiitake mushroom pie; and sweet turmeric barramundi curry. A meal at Tetsuya's or Rockpool constitutes a crash course in this dazzling culinary language. A visit to the city's fish markets at Pyrmont, five minutes from the city center, will also tell you much about Sydney's diet. Look for rudderfish, barramundi, blue-eye, kingfish, John Dory, ocean perch, and parrot fish, as well as Yamba prawns, Balmain and Moreton Bay bugs (shovel-nose lobsters), sweet Sydney rock oysters, mud crab, spanner crab, yabbies (small freshwater crayfish), and marrons (freshwater lobsters).

There are many expensive and indulgent restaurants in the city center, but the real dining scene is in the inner city, eastern suburbs, and inner-western suburbs of Leichhardt and Balmain. Neighborhoods like Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, and beachside suburb Bondi are dining destinations in themselves. Plus, you're more likely to find a restaurant that will serve on a Sunday night in one of these places than in the central business district (the city center)—which can become a bit of a ghost town after offices close during the week. Circular Quay and The Rocks are always lively, and the Overseas Passenger Terminal (on the opposite side of the harbor from the Opera House) has several top-notch restaurants with stellar views.

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  • 1. Gelato Messina

    $ | Darlinghurst

    There's a reason why there's always a queue snaking down the street. This is undoubtedly the best gelato in Sydney, with unique flavors that change all the time. There's now many Gelato Messina parlors across Sydney but this is the original. DIY sundaes available. No seating so grab and walk down the tree-lined Victoria Street.

    241 Victoria St., Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
    02-9331--1588

    Known For

    • Authentic gelato
    • Friendly staff
    • Unique flavors
  • 2. Blackbird Café

    $ | Darling Harbour

    Blackbird Café is great place to take a break while exploring Darling Harbour. The weekday lunch specials are all under A$20 and a good value. There are great views from the balcony, so try and nab a table there. The à la carte menu includes starters of haloumi and vegetable stack or grilled prawns and crab, and there's a wide range of pizza, pasta, burgers, and grills.

    201 Sussex St., Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
    02-9283–7385

    Known For

    • Family-friendly
    • Great value
    • Balcony with views
  • 3. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café

    $ | Sydney Harbour

    This Belgian chocolate shop has an on-site café offering ice-cold chocolate milk shakes, frothy hot chocolates, and plenty of sweet treats. Circular Quay is packed with restaurants, but this is only one of a few cafés in the area and with views of the harbor if you get a window seat. Open everyday until 6 pm.

    Shop 10/3 Macquarie St., Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
    02-8274--7900

    Known For

    • Artisanal chocolate
    • Sweet treats
    • Water views
  • 4. Pancakes on The Rocks

    $ | The Rocks

    Founded by two Australians who had been on a road trip to the United States, the pair returned and launched Pancakes on The Rocks in the 1950s. Seven decades later and it's still an iconic eatery in Sydney. There's a huge array of pancakes available, and each are American-style, arriving with eggs, bacon, and syrup.

    22 Playfair St., Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
    02-9247--6371

    Known For

    • Open 24 hours a day
    • Lively atmosphere
    • Friendly staff
  • 5. Tea Room Gunners Barracks

    $$$ | Mosman

    Housed in a beautiful sandstone building that served a number of military purposes for more than 130 years, the Tea Room Gunners Barracks has breathtaking views of the harbor and the surrounding gardens and bushland. Their traditional afternoon tea (A$50) is a great way to relax after exploring the armaments of Middle Head.

    202 Suakin Dr., Sydney, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
    02-8962–5900

    Known For

    • Beautiful desserts
    • Idylic views
    • Stunning grounds
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Terrance on the Domain

    $ | The Domain

    Found within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, this is a popular choice from breakfast all the way up to a late dinner. There are three menus in total, with brunch, main meals, and cocktails with light bites. But each is Italian inspired, with hearty risottos, wood-fire pizzas, and plenty of pasta dishes. On weekends, there's bottomless brunch which is four courses and as many mimosas as your heart desires.  

    1 Art Gallery Rd., Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
    1300-300--278

    Known For

    • Surrounded by stunning gardens
    • Fun atmosphere
    • Open every day until late

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