The Harbour City is known to be a melting pot of cultures, and this is not only reflected in its diverse population, but also in the thriving restaurant scene that attracts chefs from around the world.
From local Australian grills to European fine-dining experiences or authentic Asian eateries – Sydney restaurants take the culinary crown with countless award-winning venues that are considered to be some of the best in Australia.
Bennelong
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Housed within Australia’s most iconic landmark, Bennelong is a fine-dining restaurant like no other. With spectacular architecture, a design replicating the sails of the Opera House, and an unspoilt panoramic view of the harbour, it offers a truly special and intimate dining experience. Bennelong’s remarkable venue is outmatched by the menu, with celebrated Executive Chef Peter Gilmore focusing on creating superb dishes made of Australian produce – some of it from his own garden. Most people don’t know that Peter experiments with growing unusual vegetables and fruits on his private quarter-acre block on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, trialling them at home before using them at his restaurants.Bennelong is particularly famous for its prize-winning Pavlova – a sweet, awesome replica of the Opera House, with the slithers of meringue forming the landmark’s iconic sails.
New Yamanishi
Crows Nest
New Yamanishi is the younger sibling of the popular Spanish-Japanese fusion restaurant Spanish Sakaba – that sadly closed in 2022, leaving distraught fans mourning the loss of its famous oxtail ramen. With a cuisine reminiscent of the old eatery, yet redefined and just as inventive, it has already set the standard for ramen restaurants in Sydney. Its signature dish is the reborn peppery wagyu oxtail ramen, that made Chef Iwao Yamanishi a local culinary celebrity, and his izakaya-style eatery a must-visit in 2024. Fans of Sakaba will also no doubt recognise and rejoice in the comeback of his spicy salmon and tuna tacos, tempura zucchini flowers, garlic prawns, tempura kingfish bao and wagyu steak.
Bert’s
The Newport, Newport
The Hemmes family strikes again. Do they ever get it wrong? Even though this Northern Beaches venue is rather casual and laid back, Bert’s is a high-end brasserie where you can kick off the evening sipping on some of the finest bubbles at the champagne bar, perhaps paired with some of the country’s best oysters or caviar. The menu seamlessly blends Mediterranean flavours with Australian influences, offering a variety of delicious dishes that range from seafood to fresh meats. This is also reflected in the Euro-Australian wine list and the classic cocktails served at the bar. Bert’s is reminiscent of luxurious European hotels of the 30s, in a perfect location overlooking tranquil Pittwater and its plethora of bobbing boats.
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
Manly, Northern Beaches
Beach-themed café, restaurant and events venue, The Boathouse is an institution on the Northern Beaches. With nine different Boathouses spread across Sydney and the Central Coast, the hospitality chain is well-known and well-loved. With a menu ranging from breakfast to dinner, from Australian to Italian dishes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you visit the venue to enjoy the splendid beach views with a cup of coffee or to tuck into a relaxing family dinner – The Boathouse Shelly Beach sums up everything to love about a beachy Sydney lifestyle.
The Tea Room QVB
Queen Victoria Building, George Street, CBD
High ceilings, elegant frescoes, and crystal chandeliers fit for a queen’s quarters – entering The Tea Room QVB feels like stepping out of a time machine and straight into a 19th century palace. Sip on exotic (or traditional) teas from around the globe, and taste award-winning sweet and savoury pastries served on Royal Albert fine china at the High Tea held every day from 10am. With a space this generous and gentle, naturally the venue hosts big groups and parties as well. Whether you celebrate your fairytale wedding within the palatial halls or hold a themed work function sure to impress, The Tea Room QVB promises an elegant and memorable experience.
For part two of the top Sydney restaurants to tuck into in 2024, click here!
Travel to Sydney
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