From a spectacular fine diner inside the Opera House to a fiery hole-in-the-wall Thai and a good-times Italian that got Taylor Swift’s tick of approval, Sydney is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, in our books. And we’re chuffed to see them get the recognition they deserve (here’s looking at you, Michelin).
Now, the Tatler Best Awards – a global guide to the best destinations to dine, drink and stay while travelling – have just dropped. And for the first time ever, they’ve expanded to include the Asia-Pacific, with two Sydney spots recognised among the top 100 restaurants. Pop the Champagne.
First up is Sydney favourite Ester, found in the backstreets of Chippendale. Helmed by chef-owner Mat Lindsay, the pioneering diner is known for its fire-charged produce, bold flavours, lo-fi wines and warm service. The fluffy potato bread alongside sour kefir and Aperol-coloured salmon roe is a cult Sydney dish, as is the blood sausage sanga on soft, pillowy bread. Speaking of Ester, the judges said: “Beneath the casual calm lies a kitchen fluent in flame, balance and quiet brilliance.” Time Out tip: If you’re a fan of Ester, check out Lindsay’s A.P Bread and Wine – his newest all-day diner in Darlinghurst.
Also named one of the best restaurants in the Asia-Pacific region is Saint Peter, a Sydney stalwart cemented on Time Out’s best restaurants guide. Josh Niland's scale-to-tail seafood restaurant, found in Paddington’s Grand National Hotel, has revolutionised the way the world cooks seafood – one sustainable, mind-boggling dish at a time. It was also the only Aussie venue to crack the World’s 50 Best extended list earlier this year. The judges said: “In its new home, Josh Niland’s temple to whole-fish cookery evolves into a full-scale experience: audacious, elegant and unlike anywhere else.”
Tasmania’s The Agrarian Kitchen also earned a spot in the 2025 top 100. Rounding out Australia’s inclusion in the top 100 is Melbourne’s high-end Cantonese gem Flower Drum, located in the city’s Chinatown precinct.
Wondering how Tatler creates its annual lists? Winners are chosen through a rigorous selection process involving more than 700 discerning panellists across the Asia-Pacific, including seasoned critics, international journalists and well-travelled members of the community.
You can check out the full list of winners here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.