Surrounded by world heritage sites and glorious beaches, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city that will charm every visitor. To complete its charm, the city is also packed with amazing restaurants, from cheap eats to fine dining. With so many restaurants, it may feel like your stay in Sydney is not long enough to try everything. If you want to try the best fine dining experience in Sydney, the following list may help narrow down your search.
Type of Food: Australian, Contemporary, Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
Menu: Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Prices: $$$$
Dress code: Smart Casual
Opening Hours: 12.00 PM – 14.15 PM and 17.30 PM – 22.30 PM
Location: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Aria is one of the finest restaurants in Australia. Its unparalleled location and full-length windows offer the best views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. The owners, Matt Moran and Bruce Solomon, along with Executive Chef Joel Bickford, have successfully amazed visitors with their award-winning menu. Since it opened in 1999, Aria has been awarded 35 Good Food Guide chef hats. Since 2013, the restaurant has held two hats each year. They have everything for everyone, from lunch, dinner, pre-theatre, to their vegetarian menu. In addition, Aria also has an extensive wine list. If you visit the restaurant at lunchtime, you can enjoy their mouthwatering lunch menu, while admiring the glistening water in the harbor. If you visit around dinner time, you can watch the unforgettable sunset and the harbor’s luminous glow. Other than the food and the view, the service in the restaurant is faultless and the team is very professional and friendly.
Type of Food: Australian, Japanese, French, Seafood
Menu: Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Prices: $$$$
Dress code: Smart casual or smart
Opening Hours: 5.30 PM – 12.00 AM (Tue – Fri), 12.00 PM – 4.00 PM and 6.30 PM – 12.00 AM (Sat)
Location: 529 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
If you want to try the ultimate 5-star experience, then Tetsuya’s Restaurant is the place to go. It is one of the best restaurants in Australia and one of the country’s most internationally recognized restaurants. The owner and the chef, Tetsuya Wakuda is a world-renowned chef that offers a fusion of Australian, Japanese, and classic French cuisine that will give you a one-of-a-kind experience. Every dish you get has the highest quality. The restaurant is particularly well-known for its signature dish, the Confit of Tasmanian Ocean Trout, which is also known as “the world’s most photographed dish.” Other than the food, Tetsuya’s also offers one of the most comprehensive wine lists in Sydney. They also provide sommeliers that will match the dishes with the best wine upon request. To complement the food, the wine list, and the service, Tetsuya’s dining area overlooks a tranquil Japanese garden, which makes dining in the restaurant a memorable experience for every visitor.
Bennelong Restaurant and Bar
Type of Food: Australian, European, Vegetarian-Friendly
Menu: Lunch, Dinner
Prices: $$$$
Dress code: Smart to Semi-Formal
Opening Hours: 5.30 PM – 10.00 PM (Sun-Sat), 12.00 PM – 2.00 PM (Thu – Sun)
Location: Bennelong Point Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Located in Sydney’s most iconic structure, Bennelong serves to celebrate the beautiful Sydney Opera House. With its jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbor, the restaurant continues to offer spectacular views to its visitors. The restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of fancy Champagne pre- or post-theater. The restaurant has four options for visitors to dine and drink: the restaurant, the bar, the cured and cultured section, and the chef’s table. You will need a reservation to eat in the restaurant, but you can just walk in for the bar. Most people come here to celebrate special occasions, such as celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, so it is advisable that you dress your best. The menu consists of an eclectic and Australian-centric menu, such as sausage rolls, a five-cheese taotie, and Sydney rock oysters. Every dish has a unique and creative taste produced by one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Peter Gilmore.
Quay Restaurant
Type of Food: International, Australian, Contemporary
Menu: Lunch, Dinner
Prices: $$$$
Dress code: Smart Casual
Opening Hours: 6.00 PM – 10.00 PM (Sun-Sat), 12.00 PM – 2.00 PM (Sat-Sun)
Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Quay restaurant has won numerous awards and has appeared in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants several times. The owner of the restaurant is Leon Fink and the restaurant is run by Peter Gilmore. The restaurant serves contemporary Australian dishes and has various signature dishes that will amaze any visitor. These signature dishes are “Snow Egg” which is an egg-shaped poached meringue with an ice cream center and coated by a sweet tuile using a blow torch and the “Eight-Textured Chocolate Cake,” which, as stated in the name, has eight different textures. Every food on the menu is well-presented and delicious. The staff offers the best service and will explain every dish in detail; they will even suggest how to eat the dishes to get the most incredible flavors. They also offer unique and fantastic cocktails as well as thoughtfully curated wine list by Quay Head Sommelier Shanteh Wong and Fink Wine Director Amanda Yallop. While enjoying the food, you can admire the spectacular view of the Harbor Bridge and Opera House.