Cafe Sydney

A few seconds’ ride in a glass lift at Customs House will transport you to one of Sydney’s most spectacular views, with the graceful arc of the Harbour Bridge to the left, and to the right, glimpses of the Opera House – each landmark bookending a sparkling harbour dotted with ferries.

Such a scene demands a great meal, and Cafe Sydney delivers with an offering that spans surf, turf and vegan dishes. The seafood platter covers all the bases with crab, Moreton Bay bug, scampi, prawn and fresh oysters. Equally delicious is the pork belly with celeriac apple cream and burnt butter, or the Black Angus carpaccio with truffle dressing.

Cafe Sydney has a loyal following among corporates and those seeking a quintessentially Sydney dining experience. If you asked a regular, they’d probably share two insider tips: call on the sommelier to navigate the award-winning wine list, and book early to get a spot on the balcony.

No venue has a decades-long run in Sydney’s fickle dining scene without being consistent. General Manager Jan McKenzie has been with Cafe Sydney since its infancy and attributes its success to immaculate food and service – and a dining room that takes full advantage of the view.