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The BYO Restaurants in Sydney

There's something liberating about arriving at a restaurant with your drinks already in hand. It's like you're dining at a mate's place, rather than a business. Maybe it's this vague conviviality or the (usually) casual surrounds, but BYO joints have a certain cheery atmosphere to them. From neighbourhood gems to elite fine diners, these are our favourites spots uncorked.


Updated on 12 July 2024

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Sean’s
Restaurant
Sean’s
We love everything about Sean Moran’s quintessential Sydney restaurant, from the roast chicken to the rickety-chic dining room. But we really love the fact that it’s BYO, every day. $35 corkage per bottle.
Derrel’s
Restaurant
Derrel’s
Part takeaway joint, part casual eatery, this BYO spot serves modern Anglo-Indian dishes from the bain marie until late. Best of all? No corkage.
Joe’s Table
Restaurant
Joe’s Table
Visit this flavour-punching Thai-ish diner and see why Joe Kitsana might be the hardest-working man in Sydney hospitality. There’s a tight selection of wine and beer in the fridge, but you can also BYO. $4.50 corkage per person.
Ezra
Restaurant
Ezra
Monday to Wednesday, beautiful Ezra is offering free BYO when you choose the $73 or $95 set menus. Expect vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes – and a nice little saving on your booze bill.
Viand
Restaurant
Viand
On the first Monday of the month, one of Sydney’s best Thai restaurants goes BYO for its family, friends and industry night. Enjoy a four-course menu with a bottle of your best vino. The next event is Monday August 5, and you can book now. $89 per person, including corkage. One bottle per person.
Busta
Restaurant
Busta
Grab a bottle from Winona next door and enjoy BYO vino with Busta’s beautiful pastas and Italian snacks every Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s the hot tip: Tuesday is also lasagne night. You know what to do. $6 corkage per person.
Book Now
Porkfat
Restaurant
Porkfat
A Long Chim alumnus is behind this intimate 30-seat restaurant, where you’ll find some of the city’s best modern takes on classic Thai dishes. BYO wine only, $20 corkage per bottle.
Loulou
Restaurant
Loulou
For relaxed French dining on the north shore, look no further than Loulou. It’s offering BYO for lunch and dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. $35 corkage per bottle.
Two Chaps
Cafe
Two Chaps
Pasta nights at Two Chaps are a vibe. Book in on Friday or Saturday for the $70 set menu, and head to The Henson around the corner for classic and natty wines from the petite bottle shop. $10 corkage per bottle.
Quay
Restaurant
Quay
Yes, even Peter Gilmore’s peerless fine diner offers BYO. Dust off your best bottles and bring them along to lunch on Saturday and Sunday. The team will keep them at optimum temperature and pour alongside the four-, six- or eight-course menu. $60 corkage per bottle, one per person. A magnum is counted as two bottles.
Book Now
Porcine
Restaurant
Porcine
“A French bistro above a bottle shop” has some serious benefits when the bottle shop is P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, one of the city’s best. $35 corkage per bottle.
Sang by Mabasa
Restaurant
Sang by Mabasa
This tiny restaurant is out to change perceptions of Korean cuisine in a big way. Come for a modern Korean menu that goes beyond bulgogi and bibimbap. BYO wine only, $10 corkage per person.
The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar
Restaurant
The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar
The Charles evokes Europe’s grand brasseries in all ways, although we’re pretty sure BYO Monday is an exclusive feature. The expert somms will even suggest dishes to go with your bottle. Available for lunch and dinner. $35 corkage per bottle.
Emma’s Snack Bar
Restaurant
Emma’s Snack Bar
This beloved Lebanese restaurant serves one of the inner west’s best-value set menus at $65. But the BYO element really makes it sing. There are two great indie wine shops in P&V and Famelia up on Enmore Road. $6 corkage per person.
Spice I Am
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.
Cairo Takeaway
Restaurant
Cairo Takeaway
Cairo Takeaway serves some of the city's best falafel, and flaunts the feel and flavours of Cairo’s street stalls. BYO wine only.
Chez Blue
Restaurant
Chez Blue
A Rozelle pub has revamped its gaming room to make way for this casual French diner. It’s doing BYO every Tuesday from 5pm, and the pub’s bottle shop next-door has you covered in a pinch. $25 corkage per bottle.

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