Tetsuya’s
Routinely voted the best restaurants in Sydney, Australia and possibly Asia Pacific. If you are food lover, this is the temple you must visit but it’s very expensive and you will need to book well ahead. Tetsuya’s new location now has the site matching the stunning calibre of the food.
Cost: 12 course set dinner, A$170, but believe it or not, it’s BYO.
Location: 529 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000
Ph:(02) 9267 2900
Bather’s Pavilion
Recently redone and sadly it has now lost some of its original fantastic charm but the food is wonderful and it sits right on Balmoral Beach (north, across the Harbour Bridge). Wonderful spot and if you’d like to save a bit of dosh, go for breakfast at the cafe instead of the main restaurants.
Cost: A$100+ per person. Open seven days.
Location: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach.
Ph: (02) 9969-5050.
MG Garage
This unlikely theme restaurant (your table is likely be situated among stunning MG’s of all styles and ages, all for sale), actually has fantastic food. The vegetarian is as good as the mainstream and everything is done with great care, style and thought. Service is also great.
Cost: A$130 for two. Open Mon-Sat.
Location: 490 Crown St, Surry Hills.
Ph: (02) 9383-9383
Salt
Great food and wine list, trendy spot, good bar next door if you have to wait for a table. Near Kings Cross.
Location: 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
(02) 9332 2566
Other Greats:
Level 41 for amazing views
Pier
Banc
Rockpool
Best Restaurants with city and/or water views:
Guillaume @ Bennelong, Opera House
How can you beat a beautiful spot that is part of the Sydney’s best-known landmark? It looks over the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as well as Circular Quay where you can watch the ferries come in. Great bar, too, for a drink and/or light meal before or after a performance at the Opera House.
Cost: A$130 for two.
Location: Sydney Opera House.
Ph: (02) 9241 1999
The Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay
Select from the oyster menu (a variety of oysters from around Australia) and/or have the fresh crab starter in a coriander sauce (amazing!). The snapper pie is a national favourite. Beautiful views of the city, relaxed atmosphere. Pricey but great wine list. One of my favourites.
Cost: A$100 for two with wine. Don’t be put off by the entrance.
Locaton: End of Ferry Rd, Glebe.
Ph: (02) 9518-9011
Bather’s Pavilion (see above).
The Wharf
Less expensive water view option with good food and a nice, inexpensive wine list. The Wharf is a long walk down a big pier – good exercise before and after the meal. It’s attached to the Wharf Theatre, which is above it so book and/or go after eight to avoid the theatre crowd and you’re sure to get a table. Beautiful views over north Sydney. Tip: have a drink at the Horizon Room at the ANA (see below) and walk over to the Wharf for dinner after. Ask for a table on the window.
Cost: A$75 for two.
Location: Pier 4, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay.
Ph: (02) 9250-1761.
Icebergs
Just opened and currently THE place to be, the new Icebergs restaurant has million dollar views out to sea and along Bondi Beach and delicious food to match. Book early and if you can’t get in, have a drink at the groovy 70s inspired bar instead.
Cost: $130 for two with wine.
Location: 1 Nott’s Ave, Bondi Beach
Ph: (02) 9365-9000
Hugo’s at Bondi Beach
Great, unusual food, great drinks, amazing view over Bondi Beach, very trendy – the beautiful people love it. It’s expensive for Bondi but consistently good. Small, so best to book.
Cost: A$100 for two with wine.
Location: 70 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach.
Ph: (02) 9300-0900.
Aqua Dining
Across the Bridge so take the ferry, overlooking a beautiful pool and Luna Park. Expensive, but good food.
Location: Cnr Northcliffe & Paul Sts, Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9964 9998
Le Kiosk, Shelly Beach, Manly.
Take the ferry over, walk to Shelly Beach for a great seafood lunch at Le Kiosk and ferry back. They also do fantastic fish and chips to take away and eat on the beach if you’d like a less expensive option.
Cost: A$80 for two.
Location: 1 Marine Parade, Shelly Beach, Manly.
Ph: (02) 9977-4122.
Aqua Bar
For breakfast or lunch right off the Beach at Bondi. Rock up in your “cossie” before or after a swim. Try the black sticky rice with grilled banana and coconut mild. Inexpensive.
Location: along Campbell Parade. Just walk north along the beach until you get toward the end. It’s right there on the corner.
The cafe at Tamarama Beach
Inexpensive and right on the beach.
For all the best information on dining in Sydney, we recommend: www.sydneycafes.com.au
