Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sydney
At Sydney Harbour Exclusive, we love a great restaurant with a spectacular view. Living in Sydney, we’re lucky enough to be spoilt for choice with some world-class restaurant with views that are nothing short of breathtaking. Below is a list of Sydney restaurants that we’ve tried and come to love. Whether you’re a local or visiting, definitely give these a try, and we promise- you won’t be disappointed!
Otto Ristorante
Another team favorite is the infamous Otto. For idyllic, modern Australian-Italian dining look no further. Situated in the Picturesque Woolloomooloo, it is the perfect setting for an unforgettable lunch with family and friends or an intimate evening with that special someone. Their beef carpaccio is the best I have ever tasted, and my colleagues claim they also do the best oysters in Sydney. Prepare to be impressed by the impeccable service and spoilt for choice with their amazing menu selections. Otto’s is the go-to-spot by Sydney’s elite and there’s very good reasoning for this- it is fantastic. Definitely give it a try- whether you’re a Sydney-sider or a local, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Aqua
Aqua offers a contemporary Italian cuisine experience that I personally am a huge fan of. The produce is absolutely amazing and the location is perfect for a relaxed Sunday lunch or a romantic Friday dinner. It’s a perfect date-nigh destination and equally ideal for a terrific lunch or dinner with family or friends. Their set menus are pretty impressive and cater well for those who are sensitive to gluten and dairy (which is a great bonus for me!). The silver perch main is stunning and for lovers of a good pork belly, their crispy pork belly with red cabbage and pear mustard is a must! And of course, the beautiful Harbour views perfectly complement the experience.
Aria
Part-owned by Matt Moran with an impressive stack of awards, Aria in Circular Quay is another office favorite. It’s quite sophisticated and elegant whilst retaining the cozy-ness and intimacy which is important. Their Yellowfin tuna is among the best I have tried and the sirloin stuffed with marrow is absolutely splendid. I love the fact that the menus are very comprehensive however retain a simplicity with great local produce and quality basics. Oh, and the views of the Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House are to die for! We promise Aria will not disappoint even the pickiest of critics.
Balla
Balla is a utopian experience for the meat-eater and vegetarian alike! It is one of the few restaurants that has such an extensive choice of amazing dishes that when we go out in large groups, no one if left disappointed that their preference cannot be catered for. My sister is a vegetarian, check; I don’t like to eat gluten, check; dad loves a marvelous steak, check; mum is always on the lookout for amazing salads and top-notch seafood, check check. I am yet to meet a soul that has not been impressed with Balla’s spectacular selection of food and wine, views, and amazing service. It’s a big call, but I would have to say it’s my favorite venue at The Star. Give it a go- you will not be disappointed.
Bathers Pavilion
If you’re after a relaxed dining experience at one of Sydney’s finest venues, look no further! Bathers Pavilion offers beautiful degustation menus which are pretty much perfect and did I mention, their cocktails are spectacular?! I’m a major seafood-y and their seared salmon with slow-cooked octopus and chorizo is great. Really, really great. Similarly, I adore the grilled Spanish mackerel, steamed snapper with buttermilk (and pretty much every other item that I’ve been lucky enough to try!). Balmoral has such a cool and relaxing vibe, and the Bathers Pavilion compliments it perfectly. Definitely worth a visit whether you’re a Sydney-sider or a visitor.
Bennelong
The Bennelong Restaurant in the Sydney Opera House is a must-visit for everyone. Their views (inside the restaurant and obviously of the Harbour) are absolutely unreal. I’ve personally tried the majority of items from their cured and cultured menu selection and I love them! The Bennelong also offers two and three-course dinners that are an ideal treat pre or post a show. Visitors and locals alike, prepare to be impressed!
Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay
Another gem of a venue situated on the water in Glebe. It’s close to the Sydney CBD but the serene setting makes you feel like your hundreds of miles away. Definitely a safe bet for seafood lovers that want to be delighted- their mud crab is amazing and as is their snapper pie. A perfect destination for a first (or weekly) date or a nice dinner out with friends/ the fam. One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Sydney for culinary perfection and terrific service.
Bondi Icebergs
I’m a sucker for a good steak and I’d have to say that the Bondi Icebergs and Rockpool are on par in regard to my favorite melt-in-your-mouth perfect steak destinations in Sydney. It’s a big claim but, I believe it’s true. I absolutely love their food, cocktails, and service. And the perfect panoramic views of Bondi make me feel like I’m on top of the world. Icebergs generally set a really cool and funky atmosphere that is both relaxed and sophisticated- it’s one of those iconic places that everyone must visit- and the food and service will ensure you’ll be coming back for more.
Catalina Rose Bay
Another iconic eastern suburban venue, Catalina is an office favorite. The Restaurant’s menu consists of a divine selection of beautiful meals which will impress even the pickiest of critics. I personally love their barramundi with spanner crab ravioli and pretty much every single item on the dessert list. And usually, I’m not a huge sweet tooth. Catalina has a sophisticated, serene atmosphere- so much so that you cannot help but to instantly feel comfortable. If you want amazing food, great service, and pretty views, Catalina is definitely a go-to.
China Doll Woolloomooloo Wharf
China Doll has a really cool vibe that you can’t go past. It’s young and hip whilst also being very refined. The food is amazing and thought out very well, down to their impeccable presentation on willow print china that perfectly matches their interior. It’s innovative Asian Fusion at its finest- I’ve been impressed with every single dish I tried and so has everyone else we know! Give this one a go when you’re in Woolloomooloo next and we guarantee you will adore it as much as we do!
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