10 best restaurants in Sydney

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Sydney to wine and dine a loved one, or for that special occasion in Sydney, look no further. Our resident Sydney writer, Rebecca Shinn has tried and tested all of the famous restaurants, so here’s her lowdown on some of the 10 best restaurants in Sydney and whether they are really worth the hype.

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1. Quay

Image source via Delicious

Two words which will resonate pretty strongly with those who’ve been fortunate to sit at a table at Quay; Snow & egg stir an amazing birthday memory for me that puts a massive smile on my face! A signature dish at the end of an incredible tasting menu and what’s known as one of the best desserts in the world.

The simple yet sophisticated design of Quay makes it feel like you’re in a bubble within the harbor. You’d expect a certain level of pretension with a three chef hat eatery, but I felt welcome from the moment I strolled in. The service is impeccable as the waiter explains every meal in front of you. This one is definitely for the foodies or for a date to impress. With the best views of the Opera House, it would be hard for your date not to be satisfied with this beautiful spot.

Where is it?

Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks

How much is a meal cost at Quay?

6 course tasting menu $210 + $125 for wine pairing

10 course tasting menu $275 + $175 for wine pairing

2. Momofuku Seiobo

Image source via HG2.com

Out of this list, Momofuku has without a doubt, the most experimental tasting menu. The live marron brought to your table for a quick hello makes it unique, the petit fours make it shocking and the wide range of flavor makes it ridiculously delicious.

The open plan kitchen is in full view of diners, especially for those seated at the square bar top can observe the different stations at work.

Where is it?

80 Pyrmont Street, Sydney

How much does meal cost at Momofuku Seiobo?

Tasting menu is $185 + wine pairing from $65

3. Aria

Image source via Zomato

Arguably one of the best views at sunset for its prime location in front of the iconic opera house is the famous Aria restaurant ran by celebrity chef Matt Moran. The crowds start to dim and if you time your reservation right, you’ll be treated to one of the best sunsets on the harbour. Try and get a window table if you can wrangle it on the reservation. The service is attentive but not as attentive as other places – it may have been due to the fact that we were at an early sitting.

The food is good and flavor nicely balanced, but in my opinion, not as interesting as the other venues.

Where is it?

1 Macquarie St, Sydney

How much does a main meal cost at Aria?

Dinner starts from $145 for 3 courses

4. Catalina

Image source via Smudge Eats

Catalina is the only restaurant in the eastern ‘burbs with an accolade of a chefs hat. The chow is nice and easy for a simple dinner, wines helpfully recommended. I’d recommend a lunch reservation for harbor views as it is pitch black in the evening making visibility outside non existent.

It’s tasty fare but nothing out of the ordinary for a nice place with one fancy cheft hat. The only reason I would return is to see the views at lunchtime, not necessarily because the flavours were memorable.

Where is it?

Lyne Park, Rose Bay

How much does a main meal cost at Catalina?

Mains start from $51

5. Berowra Waters Inn

Berowra Waters Inn, is funnily enough, located in Berowra. For those of you who are not familiar (like I wasn’t!) – it’s about 1 hour drive away from the CBD or a nippy $400 seaplane flight. Getting picked up at the wharf to ride along the river to the restaurant is quite fun and the chap who drives it is pretty fun.

Nosh was well balanced with good portion sizes, however we didn’t get the petit fours that all other tables had because the boat was waiting so I think the staff wanted us to hurry.

One thing that was a con to many pros was the lack of air conditioning. We happened to visit on a very warm and humid day, then discovering there is next to no air moving through the dining room was a bit uncomfortable.

Where is it?

Public Wharves, Bay Rd, Berowra Waters

How much does a main meal cost?

6 course degustation menu starts at $165 per person

6. Ormeggio at the Spit

Image source via Good Food

Now Ormeggio is one I will be definitely returning to! The view is stunning especially at sunset, the interior décor is earthy and neutral in tone and the service is fantastic. I don’t have any cons for Ormeggio – everything was just perfection and well worth the spend. The oysters were delicious and the little snacks were perfect bites to entice what is to come. All courses were very well rounded in flavour with an amazing understanding of what diners want when visiting.

There’s a whimsical bit of fun with the selection of tasting menus. You can take a Trip To Italy, or more recently in 2018 – a Trip Via Spain!

Where is it?

D’Albora Marinas, Spit Road, Mosman

How much does a main meal cost?

Spain 7 course tasting menu starts from $189 + $100 wine pairing

5 course tasting menu from $129 + $70 for wine pairing

7. Pilu at Freshwater

If there was ever a more beachy-by-the-beach restaurant; Pilu at Freshwater is it. Clean whiter than white linens over tables with views over Freshwater beach.

The staff are fun and polite whilst making recommendations and it’s great to see people enjoying what they do. There’s some nice options of tasting menus versus a la carte. The sultana and honey pastry was not my cup of tea, however the ravioli was pretty nice.

Where is it?

Moore Rd, Freshwater

How much does a main cost?

5 courses $125 + $70 wine pairing

8 courses $154 + $105 wine pairing

8. Cottage Point Inn

Image source via Trip Adviser

Cottage Point Inn is a beautiful restaurant located right in the middle of Cowan Creek in Ku Ring-gai Chase National Park. You can get here by seaplane or it’s an hour’s drive. This place was jaw droppingly beautiful in a secluded part of Sydney. As we watched the sea planes come in, we had a beautiful meal here. The food was awesome and the service was spot on.

Where is it?

2 Anderson Pl, Cottage Point

How much does a main cost?

3 courses $105

4 courses $125

7 courses $150

9. Bennelong Restaurant

Image source visa Sydney Opera House

Bennelong is without a doubt one of Sydney’s most well known restaurants as it sits in the front sail of the Sydney Opera House. But, was Bennelong actually worth it? The service was insanely amazing, they knew it was my birthday, even gave me a cake with a candle on it at the end and the food was incredible. It’s without a doubt my favourite restaurant in Sydney. Be expected to pay up for it though, the night set us back like $450 between the two of us.

Where is it?

Bennelong Point Sydney Opera House, Sydney

How much does a main cost?

3 courses $145

Pre-theatre menu: 2 courses $90, 3 courses $120

10. Cafe Sydney

Image source visa Sydney Cafes

It’s much cheaper than the rest but Cafe Sydney does come up as one of the best restaurants in Sydney not only for the service and food but because of the incredible views of the harbour thanks to sitting up the top of Customs House in Circular Quay. This is a great spot to impress without breaking the bank. Mains start from $37 and they also include a vegan menu too.

Where is it?

Customs House, Circular Quay

How much does a main cost?

Mains from $37

What’s your favourite restaurant in Sydney? Let us know in the comments below.

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