Top 7 Iconic Restaurants to Experience in Sydney

Often, the best part of traveling to new places is exploring the local cuisine. In Australia, you can always find a meat pie or fish and chips at the nearest pub; however, sometimes the occasion calls for a more memorable dining experience. Sydney, in particular, boasts world-class eateries, so when you’re visiting the Harbour City, make sure to indulge in the best it has to offer.

Quay

The view of Sydney Harbour from Quay’s dining room is spectacular, enhancing the award-winning “nature-based” modern Australian cuisine crafted by Chef Peter Gilmore. The menu features unique items that celebrate seasonal local produce, including slow-cooked quail with fermented mushroom custard and congee of hand-dived scallops. As this restaurant has been listed among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and won the 2017 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Restaurant of the Year Award, it’s a must-visit for any food lover.

est.

Previously led by Chef Peter Doyle, est. creates contemporary Australian cuisine inspired by French culinary techniques. Dine in an elegant space, and savor a dinner tasting menu featuring Australian specialties such as Blackmore wagyu beef and shaved abalone. Just a short walk from Circular Quay, this restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, but it is advisable to make a reservation in advance due to its popularity.

Sydney Tower Buffet

A visit to the Sydney Tower Buffet is an unforgettable experience, offering buffet-style dining with 360-degree revolving views of the city. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of over 60 dishes while taking in picturesque sights during the day or sparkling city views at night. Featured cuisines include Vietnamese, Italian, and Japanese, catering to diverse palates.

Tetsuya’s

Tetsuya’s is a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its ten-course tasting menu that combines traditional Japanese dining with French techniques. Situated in a beautifully restored heritage building, the restaurant is renowned for exquisite dishes like spanner crab with yuzu kosho. Given its popularity, it is wise to plan ahead and secure a reservation for an exceptional dining experience.

Bills

Bill Granger’s restaurant in Darlinghurst is perfect for relaxed dining, focusing on seasonal ingredients. Breakfast offerings may include ricotta hotcakes or the Full Aussie, featuring traditional items like scrambled eggs and bacon. A range of fresh juices and smoothies add to the casual yet vibrant dining atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for any time of day.

Jamie’s Italian Sydney

Founded by renowned chef Jamie Oliver, Jamie’s Italian provides an upscale dining experience with a casual vibe. The two-level venue features a traditional restaurant setting and an open kitchen on the upper mezzanine. Diners can enjoy set menus and a varied a la carte menu that showcases an array of pastas, entrees, and desserts, making it a delightful choice for lunch or dinner.

Rockpool Bar and Grill

Ranked highly in the Australian Gourmet Traveller’s list, Rockpool Bar and Grill is known for its exquisite dishes made from quality local produce and an extensive wine list featuring over three thousand selections. The restaurant is set in a historic art deco building near Sydney Harbour. Enjoy wood-fired grilled meats and a casual bar menu featuring unique small plates, perfect for a relaxed dining outing.

For additional information on Australian dining customs, consider researching tipping in Australia.