Sydney Restaurants
These restaurants were selected based on personal visits by the TasticOz founder and honest feedback shared with friends who dined together. We recommend only places we experienced firsthand, without advertising or sponsorship.
398 restaurants · Page 11 of 20
Gumnut Patisserie Mittagong
A Southern Highlands legend run by siblings Tracy and Vicki Nickl. This patisserie is famous for its authentic French-style cakes and pastries, as well as its award-winning meat pies and sausage rolls, which have taken out top honours at Australia’s biggest baking competitions. It’s a local favourite, so expect a queue on weekends. 🏆 Australia's Most Awarded Patisserie 🏆 President's Medal, Sydney Royal 2015
LuMi Dining
Located on the Pyrmont waterfront in Sydney, LuMi Dining is an inventive casual fine-dining restaurant that blends Italian cuisine with Japanese precision. Since opening in 2014, it has become a staple of the Sydney dining scene, offering a unique gastronomic experience paired with stunning harbour views. LuMi Dining is run by husband-and-wife duo Chef Federico Zanellato and Sommelier Michela Boncagni. Drawing on his experience in world-class kitchens across Italy and Japan, Chef Zanellato creates dishes that embody the 'heart' of Italy and the 'spirit' of Japan. His cooking highlights seasonal ingredients through refined techniques and creative flair. True to its name—LuMi means 'small lights'—the interior features numerous pendant lights that create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The glass-walled dining room offers sparkling views of Sydney Harbour, while the open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work. The modern yet elegant interior provides a dining space that is both comfortable and sophisticated. LuMi Dining holds 2 Chef's Hats from the SMH Good Food Guide and has earned international acclaim, including being named the 'Best Italian Restaurant in the World' by Gambero Rosso International in 2019. The tasting menu is $255 per person, the LuMi Omakase is $350, and wine pairings start from $120 (as of 2024). Reservations can be made up to two months in advance, and please note that cancellations within 48 hours may incur a fee.
Mapo Bondi
Mapo Bondi is an artisanal gelateria located on Campbell Parade at Bondi Beach. As the second location of Newtown's famous Mapo, it stays true to traditional Italian techniques, using natural ingredients to churn fresh gelato daily without any stabilizers or artificial additives. Opened in 2021, Mapo Bondi reflects owner Matteo Pochintesta’s philosophy on organic gelato. The menu highlights the natural flavours and colours of the ingredients and changes with the seasons. The recipes are even known to be subtly adjusted to suit the coastal Bondi environment. The shop features a clean, modern design, with the gelato kept at the perfect temperature in traditional lidded 'pozzetti' containers. There is minimal seating inside, so it's mostly for takeaway—perfect for a stroll along Bondi Beach with a scoop in hand. Beyond gelato, Mapo Bondi offers frappes, affogatos, and their own house-made chocolate hazelnut spread, Mapotella. Delivery is also available via Uber Eats.
One More Chocolate & Confections
Located in Petersham, Sydney, One More Chocolate & Confections blends Portugal's passionate pastry traditions with premium Australian ingredients to create unique, handcrafted chocolates and sweets. The shop is renowned for its small-batch approach, with the chef personally selecting cacao beans to produce authentic bean-to-bar chocolate. One More Chocolate & Confections opened its doors in May 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-founder Chloe saw the timing as a 'golden opportunity.' The name 'One More' was inspired by that irresistible feeling of wanting just one more bite after tasting their chocolate. Owner-chef João Cadete is a seasoned pastry chef and chocolatier with 20 years of experience across Portugal and Australia. Drawing on his extensive expertise, he crafts original chocolate flavours you won't find anywhere else. The shop is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (closed on Mondays). Visitors rave about the exceptional taste, texture, and friendly service, making it a place people love to return to. They also offer online ordering and delivery, with free shipping on orders over $70.
Paste Australia
A fine-dining Thai destination in Mittagong (Southern Highlands). Chef Bee Satongun—Asia's Best Female Chef and the talent behind Bangkok’s Michelin-starred Paste—reinterprets authentic Thai Royal Court cuisine using premium Australian ingredients.
Pioik Bakery
An artisan bakery located in Pyrmont. The name PiOiK translates to “the bread” in ancient Coptic Egyptian, reflecting a brand identity deeply rooted in Egyptian culture. Head baker Shady Wasef comes from a fine-dining background. This expertise shines through in the bakery's meticulous approach to fermentation control, layered textures, ingredient balance, and seasonal flair—elements executed with far more precision than your average bakery. They are well-known as a key supplier for many of Sydney’s top-tier restaurants. Note that their opening hours are quite limited: they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and open Wednesday through Sunday from 7am to 11am.
Saddles Mount White
Saddles Mount White is a country-style restaurant and bakehouse set on 28 acres of bushland in Mount White, about an hour north of Sydney. With its stunning natural views and unique design, it has even been named one of the 'most beautiful restaurants in the world.' The venue was envisioned by owner John Singleton to showcase the natural beauty of Mount White, where he has lived for over 30 years. It opened in late May 2018 as a collaboration between White + Dickson Architects and interior designer Michelle Leslie. In Spring 2026, 'The Grand Saddles Lodge' is set to open, adding 20 villas, a restaurant, a piano bar, and a spa to the experience. The space evokes a traditional Australian homestead, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The large deck overlooking the dam offers peaceful bushland views, while the interior features a sandstone fireplace, a piano bar, and unique saddle-shaped bar stools. Head Chef Jeremy Pace brings his classical French training and international experience to life through a 'Paddock to Plate' philosophy, featuring menus built around seasonal local ingredients. Saddles Mount White serves breakfast and lunch, and the bakehouse offers a variety of artisanal breads and pastries. It’s particularly popular on weekends, so booking three weeks in advance is recommended. The venue is pet-friendly, so you can enjoy the outdoor space with your furry friends.
Sixpenny
As one of Sydney’s premier fine dining destinations, Sixpenny has earned global acclaim for a tasting menu that prioritises seasonality and Australia's finest produce over flashy techniques. It remains one of the hardest tables to book in the city. The name 'Sixpenny' was inspired by the **'Sixpence Restaurants'** that operated in Australia during the late 1800s. Back then, Sixpence Restaurants were designed to provide quality meals to everyone at an affordable price (sixpence). Sixpenny reinterprets this spirit for the modern era, making exceptional ingredients and warm hospitality its core values. Founder and owner-chef Daniel Puskas draws on his experience in world-class kitchens to craft a style that highlights native Australian ingredients and fermentation techniques. Since opening in 2012, Sixpenny has grown into one of the country's top-tier dining experiences under his leadership. The menu changes frequently with the seasons, with most guests opting for the Chef’s Tasting Course. Key highlights include premium seasonal produce sourced from across Australia, an emphasis on house-made ferments, a provenance-driven menu, and a focus on pure flavours over heavy garnishes, all supported by a dedicated network of farmers and producers. While the menu evolves, recurring elements include: * Aged fish * Seasonal seafood * Australian Wagyu * House-fermented sauces * Native herbs and flowers * Creative desserts Their expert use of fermentation to build complex flavours is widely considered Sixpenny’s greatest strength. SMH Good Food Guide 3 Hats (2024-2026), Critics' Pick.
Tonino's International
Located in Drummoyne, Sydney, Tonino's International is an Italian deli and bistro that offers a modern take on the vibrant 1980s New York deli culture. It features nostalgic branding and an atmosphere that pays homage to immigrant families and their local corner shops. By day, it operates as a deli and cafe serving fresh focaccia sandwiches and locally roasted coffee; by night, it transforms into a cozy Italian bistro offering a range of pastas and pizzas. Tucked inside Harris Farm Markets, it's a convenient spot to enjoy a taste of Italy before or after your grocery run. The food receives glowing reviews, with the pizza, gnocchi, polpetti (meatballs), and salads being particularly popular. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment for experiencing delicious Italian cuisine. Run by Luca, Isabella, and Stefano, Tonino's International aims to bring the rich flavours and culture of an Italian deli to Sydney. They serve sandwiches piled high on house-made stone-baked focaccia, fresh pasta made daily, and wood-fired pizzas. Every dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients and care. The deli and cafe menu is available daily from 8 am to 3 pm, while pizza and lunch options are served from 11 am to 3 pm. Please note that a 15% surcharge applies on public holidays. Reservations are available, and the venue is well-suited for families.
Akasha Brewing Company
Founded in Five Dock in 2015 by Dave Akerman, Akasha Brewing Company is one of Sydney’s premier craft breweries, famous for beers that push hop flavours to the limit. The taproom, located right next to the brewing facilities, blends an industrial vibe with a high-energy atmosphere and has become a firm favourite among locals. They are particularly known for their hop-heavy IPAs and Pale Ales, including standout brews like the Korben D. IIPA and Super Chill Pale Ale. 🏆 2021 AIBA Gold (Korben D. IIPA)
Bamboo Buddha - Cafe & Nursery
Located in Holgate on the Central Coast, this is a vegetarian cafe and plant nursery set within a lush tropical garden. Founded in 2008 by Tanya Robertson, it offers a peaceful dining escape nestled among dense bamboo forests and Bali-style huts. The entire menu is vegetarian, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available. It’s a unique experience where you can wander through the gardens or shop for plants after your meal, making it a popular spot for families and pet owners alike.
Banksia Bakehouse
Banksia Bakehouse is a boutique bakery and cafe in the heart of the Sydney CBD, named after the iconic Australian native plant. Specialising in fresh pastries, cakes, pies, and specialty coffee, it offers a modern, minimalist space to enjoy a wide range of Australian bakery staples. Co-founder Josh Kim began developing the concept in 2018, officially opening the doors in June 2020. Having previously co-founded Passiontree Velvet, Kim envisioned Banksia Bakehouse as a departure from his past ventures, focusing on a sleek, contemporary cafe aesthetic. The bakery features an open-plan kitchen where pastry chefs craft cakes and flaky pastries daily. The interior is beautifully designed with leather banquette seating, crisp white finishes, and trailing greenery, creating an inviting atmosphere. Banksia Bakehouse operates two locations: Sydney CBD and Barangaroo. They are open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, and offer delivery within parts of the Sydney CBD for orders over $50.
Bennelong
Bennelong is an iconic Sydney fine-dining restaurant located inside the Sydney Opera House. It showcases modern Australian cuisine focused on local ingredients and wines. The biggest draw is the experience itself—dining within the architectural marvel of the Opera House sails. The kitchen is currently led by Executive Head Chef Rob Cockerill, who has worked alongside Peter Gilmore at Bennelong for years. Bennelong offers several ways to experience the space: Main Dining Room The primary fine-dining experience / 3-course choice menu The Counter Bar-style side-by-side seating / À la carte The Dress Circle Views of the Opera House sails and Harbour Bridge The Table Semi-private dining for up to 10 guests Bennelong Bar Cocktails, wine, and bar snacks / Relatively casual The venue is divided into these four distinct sections within the single space. It maintains Two Hats in the Good Food Guide 2026. Additionally, Bennelong has won numerous accolades, including Three Glasses for its wine program at the 2025 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.
Bistecca
Bistecca is a steakhouse that focuses on just one main dish: the Florentine-style steak, 'bistecca alla Fiorentina.' Tucked away in a Sydney CBD basement, it also doubles as an Italian cocktail bar. Opening its doors in July 2018, co-owners James Bradey and Warren Burns drew inspiration for the restaurant from their travels through Italy. The interior, designed by Tom Mark Henry, uses marble, terrazzo tiles, and wood panelling to evoke the classic charm of Tuscany. Head Chef Pip Pratt brings experience from the Michelin-starred Club Gascon in the UK and Sydney’s own Bentley. The dining room encourages guests to put away their phones and focus on conversation. Solo diners can grab a seat at the counter in front of the open hearth to watch the cooking process. The separate bar area accepts walk-ins and offers its own menu (excluding the signature steak). It was ranked #97 in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026. Signature dishes include: * Bistecca alla Fiorentina — Riverine Black Angus T-bone steak, grilled medium-rare over charcoal and ironbark wood. * Edible beef dripping and duck fat candle with housemade focaccia — A unique candle made of fats served with fresh focaccia. * Ricotta dumplings with walnut ragu, shimeji mushrooms and bocconcini. * Baby Brussels sprouts with sour cream and grated pecorino. * Tiramisu — The classic Italian dessert. Bookings are essential and can be made via the website 30 days in advance. It is on the pricier side.
Brasserie 1930
A signature restaurant located on the ground floor of the Capella Sydney hotel. Set in an elegant dining room within the meticulously restored 1912 Department of Education building, it serves modern Australian cuisine that reinterprets premium local ingredients through a classic brasserie lens. Head Chef Shashank Achuta was named the SMH Young Chef of the Year 2024. Both Gourmet Traveller and the SMH Good Food Guide have praised it as the gold standard for 5-star hotel dining. 🏆 Featured in the SMH Good Food Guide and recommended by Gourmet Traveller.
Buttercrumbs
Located in Five Dock, Sydney, Buttercrumbs Croissant is a bakery-cafe famous for its buttery, flaky croissants. Since opening in 2019, it has become a beloved local hotspot. The shop has a cozy atmosphere with limited seating, making it ideal for grabbing a treat to go. It is wheelchair accessible and offers parking nearby.
Cafe Cre Asion
Tucked away in Pyrmont, **Cafe Cre Asion** is a cozy cafe specializing in Japanese matcha desserts and drinks. It originally opened in 2011 in the Sydney CBD as the city's first dedicated matcha cafe and now operates from Harris Street. Owner-chef Yu Sasaki brings experience from renowned fine-dining institutions like Marque, Universal, and The French Laundry. His delicate technique and deep understanding of Japanese ingredients result in truly creative matcha treats. The cafe boasts a minimal, Zen-inspired aesthetic with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a peaceful spot to unwind. Matcha lovers will find deep satisfaction in the extensive menu, while high-quality coffee is also available for those who prefer it. Signature offerings include the matcha fondant, matcha tart, and matcha Swiss roll, alongside hojicha (roasted green tea) Swiss rolls and various cookies. Every item showcases a balance of delicate textures and flavors, blending traditional Japanese tastes with Western pastry techniques. Dessert prices range from $8 to $65, with drinks between $5 and $7. The cafe is open daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, and bookings are available.
Chaco Ramen Bondi
Chaco Ramen Bondi is a Japanese ramen and izakaya spot helmed by chef-owner Keita Abe. A coastal outpost of the original Darlinghurst brand founded in 2014, it serves up ramen that blends traditional Japanese techniques with modern flair, alongside charcoal-grilled yakitori and small plates. Signature bowls include the Chilli Coriander, Yuzu Scallop, and Fat Soy.
Chinatown Noodle King
A Chinatown institution, this authentic Northern Chinese specialist is famous for its fresh hand-pulled noodles. You can watch the noodles being stretched right at the entrance, and it has remained a local favourite for years thanks to its affordable prices and generous portions.
Chinatown Noodle Restaurant (Bathurst St)
The CBD branch of the legendary Chinatown Noodle Restaurant. Located on Bathurst St near Town Hall, it’s a convenient stop for shoppers and tourists. Just like the original, it’s famous for its generous portions and authentic hand-pulled noodles. It’s packed with local office workers at lunch, while students and tourists flock here in the evening for great value. 🏆 Recommended by Time Out Sydney for authentic Northern Chinese noodles