When you visit Sydney, you’ll find that most of the prices in the city are a little higher than what you would expect elsewhere. With that in mind, it’s best to get the most out of your money. These six restaurants offer the best that money can buy in the city – though not all of them are as expensive as you might think.
Best Steaks
Black Bar and Grill offers contemporary Australian cuisine at its finest. There are great views out over Sydney Harbour from the dining room, but you might not be able to tear your eyes away from the food. Expect premium meats for your steak, including Wagyu, and a wide variety of seafood dishes. Chef Teage Ezard uses wood fired grills, broilers, and sous vide cooking styles to bring everything to life with a menu that changes weekly. It is open for dinner every night except Mondays, and for lunch through the weekend. It lands on the more expensive side but also has a premium location on Pyrmont Bay.
Best Restaurant in the CBD
360 Bar and Dining is located on level one of the Sydney Tower, and has had a lavish refit which will make you feel like the utmost of VIPs. There’s a revolving floor 305 metres above sea level which allows you to experience full views of the city and surroundings, hence the name. The food is modern Australian with more of a local influence, with a set menu of two or three meals to choose from. They also serve signature cocktails and a full list of wines to accompany your meal. It’s close to just about all of the main attractions in Sydney, so you’ll be able to spend the day sightseeing and then come to 360 for dinner.
Best in The Rocks
El Phoenician Walsh Bay is the second restaurant opened by the Elbayeh family, and it is just as popular as the first. With waterfront views, a fantastically styled interior, and a fusion menu carrying modern Lebanese and Middle Eastern flavours, it can’t be missed. The menu is designed with sharing in mind so that everyone can try a little bit of everything, so you’ll want to choose a number of dishes between your group. It is centrally located in The Rocks area so you can easily find your way around.
Best Thai
If you want Thai, head for Chat Thai Haymarket. It’s in the heart of the city’s Thaitown district, right across from the Capitol Theatre, and it’s not as expensive as other venues in Sydney. The food is fresh made but also fast, meaning you can get in and out quickly – but it is hugely popular, and so you will probably have to queue no matter what time you arrive. The menu includes authentic market food from different areas of Thailand, somewhere in-between fast food and fine dining, with a huge number of dishes on offer. It also changes the menu often, so you’ll always find something new.
Best Waterfront Restaurant
Our choice for this category is Angelos On The Bay, which offers panoramic views across the city, the bay, and the nearby parklands. Every table has a view, and there’s also an al fresco area for when the weather is good. The seafood platter for two is a highlight, and the restaurant is family-friendly too. There are also plenty of beach hotels with their own great restaurants along the coastline, which will make it easier for you to decide where to dine out – but believe us when we say that this is one of the true gems along the water.
Best Seafood
Seafood is something of a speciality in Sydney, so when we pick out a best seafood restaurant it really means something. Alegrias is located on Darling Street and offers authentic Spanish tapas made with locally-sourced ingredients. Pick out a number of dishes to try – for example, the king prawn sautéed in garlic, the piquillo peppers stuffed with salt-cured cod, or the classic patatas bravas. The paella is cooked from scratch to ensure the highest possible quality when it arrives at your table.
Whichever of these restaurants you choose to visit, you’ll be experiencing the best of Sydney. Of course, a dream trip might see you trying all six – but then again, it might be more good food than one person can handle!
