The Best Restaurants in Sydney’s CBD
There’s an enormous concentration of restaurants in Sydney’s CBD, as in the centre of any big city. But not that long ago, eating well in the city meant either sticking to Chinatown or burning the expense account at a fancy steakhouse – with not much middle ground in between.
The above is still true, but shiny new developments in Darling Square, Baranagaroo and Circular Quay have changed the game entirely, ushering in a new wave of options bridging the gap between affordable and upmarket. Whatever your budget, occasion or preferred cuisine, our guide has you covered.
City Centre
Circular Quay and The Rocks
Barangaroo
Haymarket and surrounds
City Centre
Restaurant
Grandfathers
The Chinese restaurant from the Pellegrino 2000, Neptune's Grotto and Clam Bar team is another home-run. There's a lengthy menu that showcases China's Guangdong and Sichuan regions, a wine list by a legendary somm, and a stunning and fun dining room.
Restaurant
King Clarence
Acclaimed chef Khanh Nguyen leads the kitchen at Bentley Group’s pumping East Asian restaurant. Don’t leave without trying the Filet-o-Fish inspired bao bun.
Restaurant
The Gidley
Surrender your phone at this opulent steakhouse and settle in for Riverine steak and a burger called one of the world’s best.
Restaurant
Bentley Restaurant & Bar
Few restaurants have maintained their excellence and hunger for invention like Bentley. Chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt continue to post some of Sydney’s most varied and progressive wine lists and degustations.
Restaurant
The Grill at The International
The headline act at The International in Martin Place brings white-tablecloth elegance to an iconic CBD site. Push the boat out with the finest steak and seafood cooked over woodfire, and an impressive list of wines from around the world.
Restaurant
Soul Dining
Soul Dining puts modern spins on classic Korean dishes like tteokbokki and sundae. It also brings the fun of eating out in Seoul to a sleek space that’s primed for both casual and special occasion dinners.
Restaurant
Grill Americano Sydney
A sprawling Venetian grill with enough beef and marble to sink a ship. Polished service and a lengthy menu of surf, turf and hand-made pasta add sizzle to the city’s steakhouse scene.
Restaurant
Ho Jiak Town Hall
Junda Khoo’s “playground” is where you can try the Malaysian-born chef’s most experimental dishes, from laksa bombs to Vegemite-glazed short ribs.
Restaurant
Palazzo Salato
Favoured Roman trattorias and New York's legendary Gramercy Tavern were the inspiration behind Love Tilly Group’s dream Italian joint.
Restaurant
Morena
Alejandro Saravia celebrates the vibrant cuisines of Latin America at the 150-year-old GPO building in Martin Place.
Restaurant
Monopole
The French heavy-hitter draws on classic with a twist. Expect a duck burger and a smoked eel mille-feuille with tiny cubes of green apple. Plus, an impressive wine list splashed with burgundies.
Bar
Joji
Aalia’s Paul Faraag turns his attention to Japanese flavours at this glowing rooftop. Whether you treat it like a bar or a restaurant, you’re in for raw and robata-grilled dishes, plus cocktails by an alum of a top London bar.
Restaurant
Mensho Tokyo
Tomoharu Shono's Michelin-recommended ramen chain has lines out the door no matter when you visit.
Restaurant
Bistecca
There are no surprises on the Bistecca menu. This underground steakhouse is all about Tuscan T-bone steaks, sold by weight and cooked over coals.
Restaurant
Maydanoz
A veg-forward diner inspired by Turkey’s Aegean coastline. Meze is at the heart of the menu, and you can pair dishes such as beetroot falafel with Turkish wines you won’t find elsewhere.
Restaurant
Rockpool Bar & Grill
From its opulent art deco interior to its theatrical service, Rockpool remains one of Sydney’s premiere special occasion restaurants. It champions sustainable, grass-fed beef from Blackmore Wagyu and Cape Grim, on a menu abound with raw seafood, pasta and uncomplicated sides. The experience is enhanced by a wine list to rival any in the country.
Restaurant
Spice Temple
The cuisines of China’s “far flung” regional provinces come together at this enduring underground restaurant. The entire menu is stylish, vibrant and goes well with cocktails inspired by the Chinese zodiac.
Restaurant
Ragazzi
This compact pasta bar is a contender for Sydney’s most consistently booked-out venue. Come for a daily-changing pasta menu and the kind of interesting, varied wine list you’d expect from the Love Tilly Group.
Restaurant
Bopp and Tone
A whopping wood grill powers the menu at Bopp and Tone. Park in the bustling dining room or out on the leafy terrace for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and killer cocktails.
Restaurant
Matteo Downtown
Pizza reigns supreme at this cosmopolitan Italian diner inspired by the country’s north.
Restaurant
Restaurant Leo
Two of Sydney’s best fine-dining chefs are plating up Italian classics at this handsome laneway eatery.
Restaurant
Clarence and V
Turn at for breakfast for ham sangas, egg soldiers and snacky plates. Come lunch and dinner, it's snapper with chickpea, stuffed zucchini and more.
Restaurant
Mercado
Named after the Spanish word for market, Mercado brings the Med to midcity via whole-beast butchery, house-made charcuterie and a roving cheese trolley.
Restaurant
Shell House Dining
This spectacular ninth-floor restaurant is the heart and soul of Shell House. Come for seafood, pasta and protein-heavy mains matched with classic French wines and new world naturals.
Restaurant
INDU
South Asian and Sri Lankan flavours are the focus at this longstanding diner in Angel Place.
Restaurant
Alfie’s
Alfie’s is where you can order a Riverine sirloin steak (aged and butchered in-house) and it’ll be on your table in 15 minutes. It also serves what might be the coldest Martini in Sydney.
Restaurant
Kid Kyoto
This modern riff on a Japanese izakaya is hidden down a cobbled CBD laneway. Finding it is half the fun.
Restaurant
Toko Restaurant
After more than 15 years, this sleek spot continues to set the standard for modern Japanese dining in Sydney.
Restaurant
Allta
Chef Jung-su Chang brings Michelin Star cred to Sydney’s Korean dining scene with this degustation-only diner. Come for an intimate, 15-course experience that’ll change the way you think about Korean food.
Restaurant
China Lane
This spot blends fifties-style Shanghai glamour with CBD laneway dining. It's the more relaxed addition to the China Doll and China Beach family of restaurants.
Restaurant
Yappari Steak
Direct from Japan, this steakhouse lets you choose from three affordable cuts of meat, then watch as it’s slapped on a super-hot stone to cook at your table.
Restaurant
Sydney Common
Meet the elegant restaurant making a strong case for hotel dining in Sydney. Ascend the grand stairway for a fire-powered open kitchen, a wine list celebrating Australian makers and leafy views of Hyde Park.
Restaurant
The Malaya
A refined Harry Seidler-designed building is the backdrop for the Sydney institution, but the menu – with its signature Malaya beef curry – remains unchanged.
Circular Quay and The Rocks
Restaurant
Quay
The standard-setter for fine dining in Sydney. Executive chef Peter Gilmore is tireless in his pursuit of what’s interesting, new and Australian. His backyard is peppered with test plantations of rare vegetables, he works with local ceramicists on custom crockery and he’s a leading advocate for native produce. The restaurant’s theatrical tasting menus show off all this and more, bolstered by some of the city’s best harbour views.
Restaurant
Aria
This is the show-stopping star of Matt Moran’s culinary empire. The artfully-plated dishes warrant the lofty price-tags, but those generous harbour views do a lot to offset the sting. This is one of Sydney’s great try-before-you-die restaurants – a pillar of modern Australian dining.
Restaurant
Bennelong
The Opera House’s resident fine-diner serves a menu to match the location – seafood from nearby waters, house charcuterie made with all Australian produce and show stopping desserts. The dining room is spectacular no matter where you sit or when you visit.
Restaurant
Neptune’s Grotto
The Pellegrino 2000 team’s underground pasta cave is a love letter to northern Italy. It’s where you can lose track of time over a bottle of Barolo and a plate of handmade pasta, in one of Sydney’s vibiest dining rooms.
Restaurant
Clam Bar
The best of New York inspires the Pellegrino 2000 team's seafood grill and steakhouse. As ever, it’s all about irreverently executed classics and cocktails riffing on the “daggy drinks” of the ’80s.
Restaurant
Martinez
Martinez is about as close to the French Riviera as you’ll get without leaving Sydney. This handsome rooftop combines a breezy outdoor terrace with harbour views and a dining room serving up dishes from south-east France.
Restaurant
Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill
This heritage corner site has lived many lives – but its most recent one is arguably its best. Come for freshly shucked oysters from the cabinet, premium Australian steaks and a focus on local and French wine varieties.
Restaurant
Jacksons on George
The overhaul of this once notorious late-night dive was a long time coming. And the chic public bar, elegant European bistro and sunny rooftop were all worth the wait. The best part? You’ll actually want to be there during daylight hours, too.
Restaurant
Cafe Sydney
A ritzy institution on the Customs House rooftop. An appropriate focus on seafood works a treat, given the jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour. Book ahead for the window seats.
Restaurant
Bay Nine Omakase
Set within the historic Campbell's Stores precinct, this luxe Japanese diner lets you choose your own experience. There's an omakase counter where your meal is left entirely up to the chefs, and a bigger dining area with a set menu. There's fresh-caught seafood and sake on the cards no matter where you sit.
Restaurant
Grana
This all-day eatery inside Hinchcliff House mills its own flour, using grain supplied by NSW farmers. That means house-made pastas and ciabatta to go with produce-driven share plates and cocktails.
Restaurant
Mary's Circular Quay
Burgers, craft beer, minimal intervention wine, thumping rock music and a fern-filled outdoor dining space with 30 seats. And the whole menu can be ordered vegan.
Restaurant
Oborozuki
An ultra-luxe fine diner specialising in two of Japan’s great culinary traditions. The multi-course menus highlight premium produce, from lobster to Wagyu and abalone. But you can’t put a price on those stellar harbour views.
Restaurant
Ploos
A pioneering Greek-Australian chef is celebrating the cuisines of the south Aegean at this handsome harbourside diner. Dig into spanakopita-inspired dumplings and chargrilled octopus in the heritage-listed sandstone dining room. Or snag a seat outside for cocktails with one of the country’s most iconic views.
Restaurant
The Cut Bar & Grill
The signature at this moody steakhouse is a 12-hour slow-cooked black Angus prime rib from South Australia, cut and served tableside in hunks of 300 or 400 grams with a simple combo of red wine sauce and horseradish cream.
Barangaroo
Restaurant
Nobu Sydney
This is the long-awaited Sydney outpost for the beloved Japanese dining empire, and it's brought its signature miso cod along for the ride. Dine on salmon-sashimi tacos and evaporate-in-your-mouth nigiri, knock back "sushi cups" and enjoy some aged sake.
Restaurant
A’Mare
For the theatre of a Michelin-starred meal without the stiffness, look no further than Alessandro Pavoni’s elegant Italian diner. Come for Genovese pesto pounded tableside, a roving gelato cart and sparkling harbour views.
Restaurant
Oncore by Clare Smyth
Celebrated Irish chef Clare Smyth brings to Sydney the same farm-to-plate concept that earned her London restaurant three Michelin stars. Expect signature and locally inspired dishes, backed up a 3000-bottle wine list and spectacular harbour views from atop Crown Tower.
Restaurant
Woodcut
Each of the four kitchens at this ambitious fine diner harnesses a different element: fire, steam, smoke and ice.
Restaurant
Rekodo
Matt Moran’s Japanese-inspired listening bar has a high-quality sound system pumping out tracks curated by top Sydney artists. It’s also serving up playful Japanese-inspired dishes, two omakase experiences and a huge selection of sake.
Restaurant
Spiced by Billu’s
The CBD outpost for the Western Sydney Indian favourite dials back the spice but keeps the classics intact. Crowd your table with butter chicken, kebabs, paneer tikka masala and samosas.
Restaurant
Lotus Barangaroo
Contemporary Chinese meets native produce is the brief at Lotus. The group's Barangaroo restaurant takes full advantage of its waterfront location, and is a perfect spot for oysters, dumplings and cocktails.
Restaurant
love.fish Barangaroo
Ethically sourced seafood on the waterfront.
Restaurant
Belles Hot Chicken Barangaroo
Nashville-style spicy fried chicken, natural wines and craft beers.
Haymarket and surrounds
Restaurant
XOPP
The upmarket sequel to legendary Sydney Cantonese restaurant Golden Century. It’s named after its now-closed sibling’s most famous dish, the XO pippies, which you can absolutely order here. Plus, Cantonese-style roasted meats, live seafood and outstanding wines from the tome-like list. There’s also a daily yum cha service from midday.
Restaurant
Gumshara
The home of the richest, most unctuous tonkotsu ramen in town. Owner Mori Higashida rips through 300 kilograms of fresh pork bones every day to make his soup, which has been hailed by Dan Hong as the “most hectic” in Australia.
Restaurant
Palace Chinese Restaurant
One of Sydney’s yum cha kings. This slamming Cantonese favourite can be a tad expensive if you're dining with a smaller group – but the premium is warranted. The quality of food, speed of service and deep history is undeniable.
Restaurant
Chat Thai Haymarket
A trailblazer in Sydney’s Thai restaurant scene. When the late, great Amy Chanta opened it in Darlinghurst in 1989, it brought Bankgok flavours that were then-unknown to Sydney diners. The Thai street food here is fine-dining quality, served at very reasonable price points. Today, it’s a super-popular chain with stores all over Sydney.
Restaurant
Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant
In the old Golden Century site, this 400-seat Cantonese diner is ushering in a new era for Chinatown. The seafood tanks are full, the yum cha trolleys are back in action and late-night dining runs until 3am.
Restaurant
Nanjing Dumpling
One of the few places in the centre of town where you can try Nanjing specialties. If you’re into duck, this is the spot for you.
Restaurant
Ho Jiak Haymarket
Char kway teow noodles with jumbo prawns, Hainan chicken rice and a signature wok-fried crab are the highlights at Junda Khoo’s nostalgic Malaysian diner.
Restaurant
Porkfat
A Long Chim alumnus is behind this 30-seat Chinatown restaurant, where you’ll find punchy takes on classic Thai street food and home-style cooking. Think deep-fried barramundi with mango salad, Phuket-style curry with tiger prawns and betel leaves, and a refreshing coconut ice-cream with roasted peanuts and candied pumpkin.
Restaurant
Spice I Am
This slamming Thai institution has all the classics you know. Plus, a hardcore Thai following to rival the corporates and students dropping in for an affordable lunch and dinner.
Restaurant
Mamak Haymarket
Affordable Malaysian food with a range of flavoured roti. If you don't get in before the lunchtime rush you can expect to queue for a while.
Restaurant
Dodee Paidang Haymarket
Thai food that pulls no punches.
Cafe
Boon Cafe and Jarern Chai
Find this cavernous Thai grocer and cafe in the heart of Sydney’s Thai Town. Despite serving burgers, bowls and pasta, Boon doesn’t mix elements of Thai and western cuisine – it reimagines them like they always belonged together.
Restaurant
Yok Yor Thai Food Factory
For fast-paced, real-deal Thai.
Restaurant
The Eight
A swish and enormous restaurant with an exceptional yum cha service. It’s a contender for best yum cha in the CBD, but it's also one of the newest in the pack.
Restaurant
Spicy Joint
A wildly popular Chinese chain in the middle of the CBD, repping the spicy flavours of Sichuan. The tome of a menu here is telling of the huge portions you get here.
Restaurant
Xi'an Cuisine
A no-frills Chinese restaurant serving the favourites and then some.
