Sydney is a destination for a myriad of unforgettable dining experiences. There’s an absolute wealth of award-winning fine dining establishments here which provide the ultimate indulgent experience. Explore Sydney’s restaurant scene and discover delectable international flavour sensations to delight your taste buds. If you’re looking for excellent food and wine plus impeccable service combined with a great atmosphere, look no further as Sydney has it all. CHRISTINE BUHAY and CLAIRE FELICES gives you their pick for the best fine dining restaurants across Sydney .
No.1 Bent St
1 Bent St, Sydney Ph: 02 9252 5550
onebentstreet.com.au
facebook.com/1BentSt
Rustic and smart, this contemporary Australian grill place is a relaxing spot to be. The open kitchen is delight to observe as the chef work his magic. Staff are hospitable and would go out of their way to entertain requests and preferences. Vegetarian friendly with gluten free options. Seasonal locally sourced ingredients comprise their menu which features food we like to eat paired with wine they believe is best suited to the dish.
O Bar and Dining
Level 47 Australia Square 264 George St, Sydney Ph: 02 9247 9777
obardining.com.au  facebook.com/Obardining
Treat your senses to the wonder that is O Bar at George street. A 360-degree panorama, contemporary Australian food, exquisite cocktails and the best dining companions, O Bar and dining guarantees a great time, every time. Their healthy eating philosophy ensures sumptuous vegetarian and vegan options. Good food, great views, fab times.
Quay Restaurant
https://www.quay.com.au/Â Â Â facebook.com/quayrestaurant
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks Ph: (02) 9251 5600
The only thing that can beat the view at Quay Restaurant would be their food. Their signature dish, the world famous snow egg is included in every food lovers bucket list and those who tried it are never disappointed. One of Australia’s highly regarded restaurant, this is the go to place for wold class dining.
Raita Noda Chef’s Kitchen
raitanoda.com.au facebook.com/raitanoda.sydney
222 Riley St, Surry Hills Ph: 0451Â 068 815
Raita Noda Chef’s Kitchen is an Asian fusion restaurant – a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine using fresh local ingredients. Quite the norm would be a chef’s selection instead of the more traditional menu depending on what produce are available. They have vegetarian and gluten free options and a more relaxed atmosphere than an ordinary restaurant. More like an open kitchen and a bar. It is always full so booking is essential.
Regatta Rose Bay
regattarosebay.com facebook.com/regattarosebay
594 New South Head Road, Rose Bay Ph: 02 9327 6561
Regatta has such a picturesque location it is hard not to love being here. But it is more than the location, the service impeccable; the Mediterranean themed food; they all come together to create a wonderful experience. They have gluten free options, outdoor seating, kid friendly and have a full bar.
Restaurant HubertÂ
restauranthubert.com facebook.com/Hubert
15 Bligh St, Sydney Ph: 02 9232 0881
French restaurants are the best places to take someone for a romantic evening. Hubert is one such perfect spot. It perfectly sets the mood. Food is sublime, ambiance great and if you are at a loss for wine choices, they would give informed suggestions for you to choose from. At the end one would feel as if transported to romantic France.
The Restaurant Pendolino
facebook.com/PendolinoStrandArcade  pendolino.com.au
Shop 100 Level 2Â The Strand Arcade 412-414 George St., Sydney Ph: (02) 9231 6117
Pendolino Restaurant is an established Italian fine dining restaurant in Sydney’s Strand Arcade which has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, a full wine bar and features a range of artisanal pasta handmade fresh everyday. Their venue is open for functions and events and is even wheelchair accessible.
Rockpool Bar & GrillÂ
facebook.com/rockpoolsydney  rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au
66 Hunter St., Sydney Ph: (02) 8078 1900
Perfectly wood fired grilled meats sourced directly from producers and dry aged onsite and seafood from the very best producers. This comprises the best dining experience. Only from the freshest and best do you get the greatest steaks, sides and wine to accompany your meal. Grab a seat by the bar while you wait for your company or just chill, enjoy your food and people watch.
Rosetta Ristorante
facebook.com/rosettaristorante rosettarestaurant.com.au/sydney/home
118 Harrington St., Sydney Ph: (02) 8099 7089
Elegance and sophistication are the defining attributes of Rosetta in Sydney. Their food is as exquisite as their surroundings focusing on the freshness of the ingredients with classic Italian cooking and seafood course. They serve lunch, dinner and drinks which inclues classic wines that will go well with your choice of dishes.
Sake Restaurant & Bar
facebook.com/SakeRestaurant sakerestaurant.com.au
33 Cross St., Double Bay Ph: (02) 9259 5600
A traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist, this restaurant serves, of course, amazing sakes and is open for lunch, dinner and drinks. Diners can opt for a vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or no raw Japanese food choices. They have a full bar and could assist in your wine pairings for your meals.
Sokyo
80 Pyrmont St., Pyrmont ; PHONE 02 9657 9181
facebook.com/SokyoAtTheStar star.com.au/sokyo
Traditional Japanese craftsmanship to contemporary flavours with a twist, Sokyo is innovation to your customary Japanese dining experience. Open for dinner and drinks, your server can help create your own “Sokyu menu” and the house Sake Sommelier to choose the accompanying sake for your dishes.
Spice Temple
facebook.com/spicetemplerockpool
Ph: (02) 8078 1888
This is a modern Chinese restaurant with a menu from the lesser known regions of China. Chinese food that rarely have been seen in Australia. They serve banquet style as they believe food is to be shared paired with fairly strong cocktails that complement the spiciness of some of the dishes. Their desserts prove effective in cooling and cleansing the palate.
Sushi EÂ
252 George Street, Sydney; PHONE 02 9240 3000
merivale.com.au/sushieÂ
A wonderful experience awaits you at Merivale’s Sushi E. One of the few authentic sushi bars in Sydney, they make fresh ingredients into edible works of art. Their nigiris never fail to impress, the flavours clean and distinct. The salmon tartare looks too good to eat but eat you shall and it will be bliss. With an extensive list of wines, sakes and cocktails to match your lunch or dinner experience, it’s a safe bet you will come back to Sushi E. Soon.
Tetsuya’sÂ
529 Kent Street, Sydney; PHONE 02 9267 2900
tetsuyas.comÂ
facebook.com/tetsuyasydneyÂ
Tetsuya is a luxurious Japanese dining fort serving a ten course degustation menu. The cuisine is unique, based on the Japanese philosophy of using natural seasonal flavours, and enhanced by classic French technique. Quite expensive but this restaurant is irrefutably one of Sydney’s best..
UccelloÂ
Level 4, 320 George St, Sydney Ph: 02 9240 3000
merivale.com.au/uccelloÂ
facebook.com/UccelloRestaurantÂ
A rooftop setting, poolside and every dish a knock out, this is Uccello. Offering seasonal produce with an Italian flare, their menu boasts of a taste of a truly authentic Italy. Their lavish surroundings and relaxing atmosphere makes it a popular spot for clubbing and client meetings. Uccello boasts of an amazing list of wines to complement your meals. It might become a tad more lively later in the night.
Regiment CBDÂ
333 George St, Sydney Ph: 02 9299 4001
regimentcbd.com.auÂ
facebook.com/regimentcbd
The lavish coffee culture in Sydney is evident by the number of great cafes in the CBD area like the stylish Regiment. They have two Synesso Hydra machines and serves freshly brewed five senses coffee as well as salads, sandwiches and a range of juices. Food here do not skimp on taste but are mostly take away as they have limited tables.
Quay
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal 5 Hickson Rd The Rocks, NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9251 5600
Three hatted and award-winning restaurant Quay is situated in the circle of the harbour and provides some of Sydney’s most spectacular views, sweeping from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge. The service is seamless and the location is perfect. Experience world-class cuisine in a perfect location when you dine at Quay.
Rockpool
www.rockpool.com/rockpoolsydney/
The Rocks 11 Bridge Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9252 1888
Rockpool is an iconic Sydney restaurant which continues to redefine Modern Australian cuisine. This elegant restaurant is a much-awarded culinary destination with delicious and beautifully presented food and superbly matched wines. You’ll also experience excellent and professional service with very knowledgeable staff. Rockpool is one of Sydney’s best restaurants and when you dine there. it will be easy to taste why.
Sepia
www.sepiarestaurant.com.au
201 Sussex St Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9283 1990
Sepia is a classic bar with great ambience. Their contemporary menu is fusion with heavy Japanese influences. Great flavours, texture and every food on the plate is art. They also have a wine bar with a dazzling wine list and offer a range of global wines by the glass. Sepia is worth the hype and definitely worth every dollar.
Est.
www.merivale.com.au/est/
Level 1, 252 George St Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9240 3000
Est has to be one of the top restaurants in Sydney. It’s set in an elegant heritage dining room soaring with white columns, modern and classy. They serve contemporary Australian food with French influences and every dish is presented beautifully and cooked to perfection with perfect balance of tastes. The service is on point and professional. You’ll experience fine dining on a grand scale at Est.
Black by Ezard
www.star.com.au/sydney-restaurants/signature-fine-dining/Pages/black.aspx
80 Pyrmont St Sydney, NSW 2009 Ph: 02 9657 9109
Black by Ezard is an award-winning restaurant that offers classically-inspired food styles influenced by the great American grills and contemporary Europe. Sophisticated ambience combined with a top-notch service, scrumptious food and amazing cocktails, Black by Ezard provides an amazing dining experience that is everything you would want and expect from a restaurant of this calibre. Simply outstanding.
Momofuku Seiobo
www.momofuku.com/sydney/seiobo/
The Star 80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: 02 9777 9000
Master chef David Chang’s first restaurant outside of New York City is Momofuku Seiobo. This fine dining restaurant offers distinct Korean-American cuisine and continues to attract diners with its innovative take on food and service. The open kitchen is definitely the star here as the diners get to watch the tasting menu taking shape which definitely adds charm to this new and exciting restaurant.
Marque
www.marquerestaurant.com.au
355 Crown Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: 02 9332 2225
Run by Mark Best, Marque is one of Surry Hills’ up-and-coming dining spots that offer a complete gastronomic experience. The interior has a sophisticated feel to it and the look of simple elegance. Their menu is French-inspired, complex and innovative with multiple layered flavours and textures, add to that their world-class wine list. Marque was also awarded two chefs hats from the SMH Good Food Guide 2013-2014.
Nomad
www.restaurantnomad.com.au
16 Foster Street Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: 02 9280 3395
Nomad is a Mediterranean restaurant and cellar door in the city. This brilliant restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes which are impressively consistent in quality. The wine selection is also fabulous with some truly stunning Australian drops on offer. The space is very unique, comfortable and somehow manages to seamlessly blend a New York feel with minimalist chic. Nomad will be one of the best culinary experiences you’ll have in Sydney.
Beppi’s
www.beppis.com.au
21 Yurong St Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: 02 9360 4558
Beppi’s is an institution and is one of the first class Italian restaurants in Sydney. This restaurant has a warm and inviting old fashioned atmosphere, yet very stylish. Its cellar room is filled with an impressive selection of wines and they serve a wonderful selection of classic Italian dishes that are exceptionally good. At Beppi’s, every dining experience is special.
Lucio’s Restaurant
www.lucios.com.au
47 Windsor Street, Paddington NSW 2021 Ph: 02 9380 5996
Lucio’s has a long standing reputation for exceptional Italian food and magnificent Australian Art. They serve some of the best Italian food outside of Tuscany.The consistency of great service and atmosphere at Lucio’s is the best complement to the exceptional food and excellent list of Australian and Italian wines they offer.
Balla
www.star.com.au/sydney-restaurants/signature-fine-dining/Pages/balla.aspx
Level G, Harbourside, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont NSW 2009 Ph: 02 9657 9129
Balla is Steve Manfredi’s Italian restaurant at the Star. It’s a fairly large restaurant with a glossy décor and stunning views of the Harbour and the city. Balla is a modern interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine and offers simple, regional Italian dishes that features fresh seafood, meat and vegetables cooked over a wood-fired grill. The service is generally attentive, quick and friendly. Balla is worth checking out.
Bathers’ Pavilion
www.batherspavilion.com.au
4 The Esplanade Balmoral, NSW Ph: 02 9969 5050
Bather’s Pavilion is set on the sandline in a curve of Hunters Bay. It has an amazing ocean views taking in the intricacy of Sydney Harbour. Their food is up to executive spec with an amazing fresh range of seafood, poultry and game. Their desserts and coffee are also outstanding. Bather’s Pavilion is fine dining at its best.
The Bridge Room
www.thebridgeroom.com.au
44 Bridge Street Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9247 7000
The Bridge Room is a two hatted Sydney high-end restaurant. Their menu includes dishes inspired from Europe and Asia, some cooked over their custom-built charcoal grill and slow-smoked in the Japanese Robata style. The food is brilliant both in taste and presentation and it has a relaxed atmosphere paired with professional, attentive service. This Bridge Room provides an outstanding dining experience.
Bentley Restaurant and Bar
www.thebentley.com.au
Radisson Blu Hotel 27 O’Connell St Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: 02 8214 0505
Bentley Restaurant and Bar is consistently on the top list of Sydney’s best restaurants. It’s an innovative restaurant, confident and influential. The interior is modern and they have an open kitchen below. Service is polite but casual and when it comes to food, they tick all the boxes of taste, quantity, quality and presentation. It’s progressing, surprising and is complemented by an eclectic wine list that features fine wines from around the world. Bentley Restaurant and Bar has all the flavour and innovation you expect from a high standard restaurant.
Buon Ricordo
www.buonricordo.com.au
108 Boundary Street, Paddington NSW Ph: 02 9360 6729
Buon Ricordo has Tuscan décor filled with many works of art. It has a warm rustic atmosphere – homely, charming and intimate. This restaurant has a knowledgeable staff, professional and attentive. The menu is a blend of classical dishes that reflect the traditional, authentic flavours of Italian cuisine and their wine list has won countless awards for its quality and selection. They serve absolutely spectacular Italian food and the signature dish of truffle infused egg pasta is a definite must try. Dine at Buon Ricordo for the best possible overall fine dining experience.
Gastro Park
www.gastropark.com.au
5-9 Roslyn St Kings Crioss Sydney NSW 2011 Ph: 02 8068 1017
Gastro Park is a restaurant and bar that delivers quality, freshness and innovation with a relaxed but attentive service. Their style is a combination of old and new and they offer a very unique experience of absolute gastronomic delights. The food is exciting and extremely tasty. Combine the great food, friendly, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic wine list and extremely drinkable cocktails and you have a night to remember.
Ormeggio at the Spit
www.ormeggio.com.au
D’Albora Marinas The Spit Mosman NSW 2088 Ph: 02 9969 4088
Experience true fine dining at Ormeggio at the Spit. Owner/chef Alessandro Pavoni combines Italian tradition with new techniques that simply work. This two hatted restaurant offers exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine in a spectacular waterside setting showcasing an impressive view of Middle Harbour and Pearl Bay. They have a wonderfully prepared and presented menu, fine wines and fantastic service. Dine here and you won’t be disappointed.
Pilu at Freshwater
www.piluatfreshwater.com.au
Moore Road, Freshwater NSW 2096 Ph: 02 9938 3331
Pilu at Freshwater is an award-winning and two hatted Italian restaurant that offers typical and classic Sardinian menu. This restaurant provides an impeccable service, amazing views & great food. Their roast suckling pig and seadas are definitely must tries. Pilu at Freshwater is truly one of Sydney’s great restaurants.
Tetsuya’s
www.tetsuyas.com
529 Kent St Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9267 2900
Tetsuya’s is in a class of its own. The cuisine is traditional Japanese enhanced by classic French technique resulting to delightful flavours that work in perfect symmetry. Attention to detail is everywhere here, from the plate to the staff. It’s an absolute pleasure to dine at Tetsuya’s and I highly recommend it.
Aria
www.ariarestaurant.com
1 Macquarie St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9252 2555
Aria is one of the great restaurants in Sydney. It’s a place where food is top notch and wine matches perfectly. The service is professional and friendly, and the ambience fantastic with its breathtaking view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House especially at night. It’s quite pricey but as quintessential Sydney experiences go, great value for money considering the memory will last a lifetime.