MileHacker Logo
Best Restaurants in Sydney

Best Restaurants in Sydney

Sydney New South Wales, Australia Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural Context & Ingredients

Sydney’s culinary landscape is highly multicultural. Waves of immigration, especially from Asia and Europe, defined its food traditions. Australian cuisine often highlights fresh, high-quality produce, seafood, and a fusion of international flavors.

Expect abundant fresh prawns, oysters, and various fish. Australia is also known for its quality beef and lamb. Fresh fruits and vegetables appear on the menu. Asian spices, Mediterranean herbs, and current Australian interpretations influence many dishes. Expect creative combinations and bold flavors.

Dining Customs & Etiquette

  • Casual dining prevails. Many cafes and restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Table service is common in mid-range to upscale restaurants.
  • Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings. Utilize online booking platforms or call ahead.
  • Tipping is not customary or expected, as service staff receive fair wages. Adding a small amount or leaving a small amount for exceptional service (5-10% is generous) is an option, but not an obligation.

Meal Times & BYO

Breakfast

Typically served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Cafes specializing in breakfast and brunch are highly sought-after.

Lunch

Typically from 12:THE HOURS of 12 pm to 2:30 PM. Many places offer lunch specials.

Dinner

Usually from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Many restaurants stay open later, especially on weekends.

BYO Policy

  • "BYO" (Bring Your Own): Some licensed restaurants permit "BYO" wine for a corkage fee.
  • Check if a restaurant offers this option if you wish to bring your own.
  • Regional Variations: Sydney focuses on a mix of international cuisines and innovative modern Australian cooking.
  • Explore: You find flavors from almost every corner of the globe.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Australian Flavors

Meat Pie

A savory pie with minced meat and gravy, often with tomato sauce. A true Australian staple.

Find at bakeries and convenience stores.

Fish and Chips

Popular, especially near coastal areas. Enjoy fresh, battered fish with hot chips (fries).

AN iconic takeaway meal.

Barramundi

A native Australian fish, often grilled or pan-fried. Known for its mild flavor and firm texture.

A regional seafood favorite.

Sweet Treats & Beverages

  • Lamington: A beloved Australian sponge cake, coated in chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut.
  • Pavlova: Meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust, soft inside. Garnished with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
  • Tim Tams: Australia’s popular chocolate biscuits. Try with coffee for a "Tim Tam Slam."
  • Vegemite: A savory, dark brown spread from brewer's yeast extract. Spread thinly on toast. Strong flavor warning.

Drinks & Street Food

Coffee Culture

Sydney possesses a strong cafe culture. A "flat white" is a popular espresso-based drink, a must-try.

Australian Wines & Craft Beers

Explore local Shiraz and Chardonnay. Numerous local breweries produce craft beers, featuring an extensive range of styles on tap.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Reservations are strongly recommended for these establishments.

  • Firedoor (Surry Hills): Cooking with fire, modern Australian menu.
  • Poly (Surry Hills): Modern Australian small plates complementing an extensive wine list.
  • Bennelong (Sydney Opera House): Iconic fine dining, Australian produce, within the Opera House.

Mid-Range Options

Popular choices offering a balance of quality and price.

  • Bills (Surry Hills): Known for breakfast/brunch, Australian and Asian fusion.
  • Shuk (Surry Hills, Bondi): Israeli-inspired cafe fare, fresh and flavorful.
  • Della Hyde (Darlinghurst): American-Italian influence, lively atmosphere.

Budget & Markets

Affordable choices and fresh finds.

  • Budget Eateries: Cafes in Surry Hills and takeaway shops on Oxford/Crown Street.
  • Local Bakeries: Pastries, pies, sandwiches at budget-friendly prices.
  • Carriageworks Farmers Market (Eveleigh): Excellent for fresh produce and ready-to-eat options on Saturdays.

International Cuisine

Diverse Flavors

Both Surry Hills and Darlinghurst boast a vast array of international cuisine, including Italian, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, West Asian, Chinese, and Hindu options.

Explore the local streets to discover hidden gems.

Arthur Surry Hills

Offers a mindful set menu focusing on modern Australian cuisine, often using seasonal ingredients.

A great choice for a curated dining experience.

Dining Tip

Explore by Foot

Walk around Crown Street or Oxford Street for numerous choices.

Every Price Point

Options available for every budget and taste.

Discover

From casual cafes to upscale dining.

Hidden Gems

Side streets and laneways often hide culinary treasures.

Special Dietary Considerations

Dietary Needs in Sydney

  • Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Widely available. Menus often label dishes (V) and (VE). Dedicated vegan cafes exist.
  • Gluten-Free & Allergens: Many establishments accommodate. Inform your server about allergies when you order. Dedicated GF bakeries exist.
  • Halal & Kosher: Some dedicated eateries in Sydney, though scarce in these suburbs. Mainstream restaurants can cater upon request with advance notice.
  • Resources: Websites/apps like HappyCow are useful for finding specific dietary options (vegetarian, vegan).

Communication and Tips

Communicate Clearly

Communicate your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff.

Sydney’s hospitality industry generally aspires to accommodate requests.

Check Menus Online

Many restaurants list their menus online, often indicating dietary options.

This helps in planning your dining experiences in advance.

Culinary Experiences

Engage with Food Culture
Cooking Classes: Various schools provide classes down Undern, Asian, or other cuisines.
Food Tours: Guided walking food tours in Surry Hills or Darlinghurst.
Farm Visits: Day trips outside Sydney to farm gates or food producers (e.g., Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley).
Food Festivals: Look at local schedules of events for specific food festivals.
Unique Dining Concepts: Rooftop bars, hidden laneway eateries, chef’s tasting menus.
Insight: Food tours offer a fun way to sample and learn about culinary history.
Food Tours: GetYourGuide

Investigate and book food tours and culinary experiences via platforms such As getyourguide.

  • Discover local flavors with expert guides.
  • Gain insight into Sydney's diverse food culture.
  • Find options for various flavors and budgets.
Book Your Culinary Adventure

Visit GetYourGuide.com for available food tours in Sydney and nearby regions.

Filter by location or type of experience to find your perfect culinary journey.

Local Insights & Resources

Seasonal Menus
  • Many restaurants update menus seasonally.
  • This highlights fresh produce plus regional dishes.
Happy Hour & Specials
  • Look for happy hour deals in taverns and pubs.
  • Many eateries feature daily special offers for lunch or early dinner.

Culinary Experiences Continued

Immersive Food Journeys

Cooking Classes

Various cooking schools in Sydney have lessons focusing on Australian, Asian, or other cuisines.

Hands-on Learning Local Ingredients
Find Classes
Guided Food Tours

Guided walking food tours focusing on Surry Hills or Darlinghurst’the food environment are available.

Taste Local Trends
Book a Tour
Farm Visits

Day trips outside Sydney could require you to farm gates or food producers (e.g., in the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley).

Rural Flavors

Festivals & Unique Concepts

  • Food Festivals: Review local listings for specific food year-round festivals.
  • City Events: Sydney hosts numerous events celebrating different cuisines and produce.
  • Unique Dining Concepts: Explore rooftop bars, hidden laneway eateries, and chef’s tasting menus.
  • Innovation: These concepts showcase innovative Australian cooking.

Practical Advice

Food Tour Benefits

A gastronomic tour has a fun way to taste different foods and learn about the area’s culinary history.

Guides share local knowledge and stories.

Discover Local Gems

Culinary experiences lead you to hidden eateries and one-of-a-kind local spots.

This adds depth to your travel experience.

Why Book Experiences?

New Skills

Cooking classes teach you new techniques and recipes from diverse cuisines.

Local Insights

Food tours provide cultural and historical framework for the local food scene.

Socialize

These things to do offer a great way to meet fellow travelers and locals.

Dining Information

Sydney’s dining scene is dynamic. New eateries open frequently, and local preferences evolve.

  • Always check current opening hours and make a reservation for popular spots.
  • Look for "specials" boards in cafes and restaurants.
  • Don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations or explanations of dishes.
  • Explore beyond the primary roads for diverse and unique dining experiences.
  • Consider trying a local pub for a casual meal and a taste of Australian culture.