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.

An all-day bistro, bakery and French deli serving a slice of Parisian life north of the bridge. Pick up a coffee and kouign-amann in the morning, pop in for salade niçoise and chardonnay at lunch, and get a fresh baguette at any time of day.

Under soaring ceilings in an art deco building, The Charles evokes Europe’s grand brasseries with plenty of thoughtful touches – including a roaming dessert trolley, and tableside saucing and carving. Order the whole dry-aged duck for a show-stopping signature.

The sister venue to Charles Brasserie and luxe basement bar Tiva evokes old-world European drinking and dining dens. Visit for bar snacks like kingfish crudo, and full-blown bistro meals such as flat-iron steak. A Martini here is a great idea, too.

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.

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.

Descend the staircase and part the velvet curtains to find this plush cocktail bar by the group behind Rockpool Bar & Grill. It’s also serving considered snacks inspired by its sister restaurants Rockpool and Spice Temple.

For elegant modern takes on traditional Japanese cuisine, look no further than this handsome bar and restaurant in the heart of The Rocks. It’s the flagship for the Saké brand, and also one of the best places in town to drink the spirit of the same name. There are more than 40 varieties to choose from.

Beneath the InterContinental Hotel, Saké Double Bay builds on the legacy established by its fellow locations – but the bar seating, communal table and a covered outdoor terrace make it feel like an edgier proposition. Come for all the signatures, from sushi to saké and beyond.

Enter this iconic Sydney restaurant for Med-inspired dishes spanning inventive charcuterie and charcoal-fired plates. Plus, a wine list highlighting Australian producers great and small.

The spiritual successor to its former tenant, Limoncello. The southern Italian vibe here has been nailed, which is no surprise given the hospitality guns running the show. But it’s all about the pizza – perfectly light, elastic dough that won’t leave you bloated and lethargic.

Pizza reigns supreme at this cosmopolitan Italian diner inspired by the country’s north.

Cho Cho San is all about modern Japanese cuisine, unrestricted by tradition and more influenced by what goes well with sake or a Japanese-style highball. Maybe that’s a plate of wasabi-dressed oysters or grilled, kombu-buttered prawns.

A celebration of Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Potts Point. Expect breads, dips and traditional Greek mains cooked over woodfire. The set menus are always a hit here; choose from The Full Greek for all the classics, Apollo’s Feast, or The Vegan Greek.