Eating Out in Sydney

Sydney Restaurants

Sydney CBD can be divided into a number of different areas, each of which offers its own unique experiences and atmosphere when it comes to eating out. Whether you fancy Indian, Chinese, Greek, Italian or just good old Australian tucker, a light snack or a five course feast, you will never be short of options when eating out in Sydney. In the following areas you will also find a hotel to suit any budget.

The Rocks

The Rocks is a historic area that hides a number of restaurants amongst its 19^th Century buildings. Here you can expect a lively and tourist-friendly atmosphere, and a mixture of food outlets to suit all budgets. As well as the usual range of take away chains along the harbour, those seeking a light meal can choose from freshly cooked noodles at the Wok On Inn Noodle Bar, gluten-free options at DARE, and Japanese cuisine at Hero Sushi Box.

Those looking for something a little more substantial have many unique dining options. Just some of the recommended restaurants include Altitude, which offers spectacular views of the Sydney skyline, more Japanese fare at Nakashima, and award-winning seafood at Rockpool.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay lies on the northern edge of the CBD, just a short walk from the Rocks, and boasts a good number of restaurants interspersed with shopping outlets and bars. Many of these offer great views out over Sydney Cove.

Cafe Sydney Lounge describes itself as ‘Modern Australian’, though it is the seafood that draws many visitors to its rooftop location. More Australian cuisine can be enjoyed at Peter Doyle at the Quay, where the traditional fish and chips are a particular favourite. Also consider Rossini (Italian) and Haemil (Korean).

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the city’s premier destinations for eating and entertainment, with no less than 40 restaurants split across King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay and Harbourside. Whether you are enjoying a spot of shopping and fancy a quick bite to eat, or if you are planning a romantic meal for two at a stylish waterfront restaurant, Darling Harbour has something to offer.

The Harbourside shopping centre offers a good mix of casual and fine dining options, epitomised by the open-air Jordan’s Seafood Restaurant, the traditional Italian flavours of Al Ponte and the all-day accessibility of Olivio, where you can pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is also a food court here, offering everything from spicy Indian dishes to freshly-made sushi.

King Street Wharf is home to some of the most popular restaurants in the city, including the Mediterranean ambience of Georges Bar & Grill and the value for money Wagamama.

Many of the restaurants in Cockle Bay offer waterfront views, including the funky and modern Ice Cube Seafood Grill and the renowned Nick’s Seafood Restaurant.

Haymarket

Adjacent to Darling Harbour, Haymarket is home to Sydney’s Chinatown, so it is perhaps unsurprising that Asian dishes are the order of the day here. Visitors can choose from food halls that allow you a large portion of various dishes for just a few dollars – such as the 24-outlet Market City shopping centre, noodle bars, and small cafe restaurants for a spot of Yum Cha. Some of the more popular restaurants include Crocodile Senior Thai and Miliore Restaurant, both on George Street.

Kings Cross

Many people regard King’s Cross as a seedy red light district, but substantial recent investment is transforming the area into a modern and vibrant dining option. Modern Australian cuisine can be enjoyed at Iguana – a popular spot with local celebrities, whilst the Bayswater Brasserie offers outdoor dining and Mediterranean dishes. Of course Kings Cross is Kings Cross, and there always will be McDonalds, Hungry Jack’s and the usual other fast food joints to choose from.

Darlinghurst

Just around the corner from Kings Cross lies Darlinghurst, which has a vibrant nightlife, a number of cafe bars and many dozens of restaurants, the majority of which are dispersed along Victoria Street and Stanley Street. This is also the home of Little Italy, with A Tavola, Il Vicoletto and Lucio Pizzeria just some of the many pizza and pasta choices on offer.

Just some of the other options in this area of the city include Mahjong Room (Asian), Raquel’s Spanish Kitchen (Mediterranean, vegetarian friendly) and Mykonos on Crown (Greek).

Coogee, Bondi, Manly and Beyond

Coogee, Bondi and Manly are all suburbs of Sydney that can easily be reached by using the city’s substantial public transport system. Though restaurants can be found in all of these areas, it is beach cafes that are the place to be seen, combining a laid-back atmosphere with light and tasty meals.

There are many other areas of Sydney that offer top-quality eating experiences, both in the CBD and on its outskirts. These include Broadway – home of Thai Lanna (Thai), Dim Sum House (Chinese) and Tomodachi (Japanese), and Dawes Point – which boasts a highly-rated Turkish restaurant in Ottoman Cuisine.