Sydney’s food scene is a vibrant collection of traditional cafes, fine dining restaurants and seafood joints scattered everywhere from Surry Hills to Circular Quay. These work if you take the city at face value, but the real magic happens when the food takes an unexpected step forward. From high above the skyline and ever-changing backdrops to hidden gems tucked below the street, these creative eateries offer unique experiences without compromising on taste.
Oceanside dining
Sydney’s coastline is one of its greatest assets, and if there’s one thing Sydney does better than almost anywhere else, it’s dining by the water. Ocean views are not exotic here, but everyday magic. The beach complements the meal, waves crash against the nearby shore, and sea breezes add a natural flavor to the air.
Fine dining restaurant with ocean view
If you want to enjoy exquisite gourmet food while looking out at the sea, Iceberg Dining Room and Bar should be your first choice. Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, this Italian-inspired restaurant is known for its elegant cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients, with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. The roar of the waves becomes part of the atmosphere, creating a sensory experience that enhances each course.
🌊 Also worth a look: pantry and Hugos The restaurants along Manly Beach offer a more relaxed dining experience with relaxing yet extremely beautiful views. Perfect if you want to enjoy the view without a white tablecloth.
classic beachside kiosk
Not all beachfront dining requires silverware and fine china. Local beach kiosks and casual seafood spots add a relaxing charm to dining by the sea. Think fish and chippies, burgers and sumptuous seafood boils. Perfect when you just went swimming and want something delicious, hot and messy.
🐟 To describe the atmosphere in one word: Sunset meal for a special day?Iceberg. Feeling hungry after swimming? Find your nearest kiosk and get confused. Sydney’s seaside scenery covers both ends of the spectrum beautifully.
Dining in the Sky
If Sydney’s seaside is one way to enjoy the scenery, the city’s skyline provides a completely different kind of backdrop. Sydney’s rooftop bars and revolving venues offer panoramic views of the city lights and beyond, literally elevating your dining experience.
sky high revolving restaurant
Sydney Tower is a prime location with multiple dining options. infinity and Sky Feast Buffet Enjoy 360-degree rotating views of the city while serving some of the city’s finest cuisine. And there is a symbolic O Bar and Dining Inside Australia Square — a revolving restaurant high above the city, offering all visitors spectacular views of the slowly rotating harbor and skyline.
🌀 Pro Tip: In a revolving restaurant, every seat ends up being the best seat. Arrive at dusk and enjoy the perfect transition from sky to light during your meal.
rooftop bar
sydney tower’s Measure 83 The hotel combines impressive views, expertly crafted cocktails and 360-degree views of the city below. Rooftop bars are dotted all over the lively Barangaroo area. The best of these include; United – Sydney Rooftop, Luke and jimmy’s rooftop. All restaurants offer handcrafted drinks and fusion-inspired small plates with city views.
✨ Picture this: Sip a martini high above the city as Sydney stretches out below. Sky High dining is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, making an ordinary Tuesday feel like a special event.
Meals on the water
There’s something inherently magical about dining while leisurely floating around Sydney Harbour, the jewel of the city. Sydney is essentially a port city, and a variety of dining cruises turn lunch or dinner into an event rather than just a meal.
sydney harbor lunch cruise
Enjoy a casual daytime experience while enjoying delicious food and sunshine. sydney lunch cruise is your best bet. Views of sparkling water and iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbor Bridge sparkle in the sunlight.
🚢 2-1 win: Lunch cruises are basically a combination of sightseeing and meals. Check out Sydney’s most iconic landmarks while grabbing a drink and eating delicious food. It’s hard to beat.
Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruise
Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruise Transition to evening grams. Beneath the glow of city lights, a dinner cruise offers a more elegant approach to unconventional dining. Most cruises offer a multi-course dinner, often paired with wine, drinks, and even live entertainment, giving each meal a cinematic experience as you cruise past illuminated landmarks.
Lunch or dinner — which one is right for you?
choose lunch Enjoy sunshine, sightseeing, a casual atmosphere, and a more budget-friendly experience if you wish.
choose dinner Depending on your preference, enjoy city lights, romance, multi-course meals, and live entertainment under the stars.
See also
If you like the idea of combining great food with memorable surroundings, you’ll also enjoy our guide on how to reset your health on a cruise vacation.
Meal in the basement
Sydney’s unconventional food culture wouldn’t be complete without a thriving underground scene. Beneath the city’s polished surface are hidden bars and huddles that offer curious explorers a fun atmosphere, experimental drinks, and surprising menus.
Speakeasy Restaurant
🚪 Door knock — Cocktail heaven below Pitt Street. Creative drinks, moody interiors, and an authentic Prohibition-era moonshine atmosphere.
🥃 The Baxter Inn — Accessed by stairs from Clarence Street. Hundreds of whiskies, an intimate atmosphere and a beloved local following.
hidden bar sydney
🎷 Barrow Bar & Double Deuce Lounge — both with a penchant for crafty cocktails, creative bar snacks, and jazz music. It’s a place where the journey to find them is half the fun.
heads up: Many of these spots require reservations and a bit of directions to find. Please plan ahead. It’s worth it.
🕵️ Underground rules: The harder a bar is to find, the better the cocktails tend to be. Hidden Bars in Sydney operates on this principle and delivers.
last bite
From ocean-facing tables and sky-high drinks to serene harbor cruises and dimly lit hidden bars, Sydney’s unconventional dining options invite all your senses to enjoy your meal. These are experiences that blend environment, scenery and service in a way that turns mealtimes into pleasant memories.
Planning a trip? Don’t forget our packing tips and luxury travel strategies before you go.
About the author
amanda clarke
Travel writer based in Sydney. I love pursuing experiences that defy expectations. Especially when you combine great food with entertainment. From unforgettable hits to unexpected failures, she shares real stories to make adventures honest and fun for everyone.
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Source: Better Living – onbetterliving.com
