The best restaurants in Sydney right now

What is it? Balmoral’s blue-and-white striped seaside fine diner – and the winner of our Legend Award 2026.

Why we love it: Those cortisol-lowering Balmoral views really are lovely – and on a sunny day, there are few places I’d rather be. Chef Aaron Ward took the reins at the waterside icon in 2023, bringing with him all the technique, flair and skill he developed working at Sydney’s best restaurants: Ester, LuMi Dining, Sixpenny and Shell House. Service is another drawcard: professional, intuitive, friendly, and, of course, it’s easy to feel like you’re on holiday with those sea views.

Time Out tip: Don’t make plans for later on – Bathers’ Pavilion is the stuff of long-lunch dreams.

Address: 4 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088

Expect to pay: Starters $40-$60, mains $50-65, plus drinks

What is it? Sydney’s game-changing seafood restaurant, helmed by star chef and king of the sea, Josh Niland.

Why we love it: Saint Peter has reopened in Paddington’s Grand National Hotel – a project five-and-a-half years in the making by Niland and his wife, Julie – and is even more wow-inducing than when it first opened eight years ago. There’s an à la carte menu for lunch, but we say go all out and order the nine-course set menu. In each dish, Niland celebrates fish in all its glory, whether it’s his fish charcuterie or coral trout noodle soup made from the fish bones, and champions sustainability in each delicious bite. This is special-occasion dining and one of the most memorable meals we’ve had.

Time Out tip: There’s a separate bar area called Saint Peter Bar, where you can drop in for frosty Martinis and Niland’s legendary yellowfin tuna cheeseburger. There are no bookings – just come when you want.

Address: 161 Underwood St, Paddington NSW 2021

Expect to pay: From $32 for à la carte dishes (lunch only); $275 for the tasting menu, plus drinks

What is it? A pig-loving French bistro found in a much-loved Paddo terrace – and a three-way venture from Nik Hill (ex-the Old Fitz), Harry Levy (ex-Don Peppino’s) and Matt Fitzgerald.

Why we love it: French food can often mean richness with a capital R. Not at Porcine. The food here celebrates bright Parisian cuisine, with seasonal vegetables and liberal splashings of vinegar lifting plates and making them sing. And sing they really do – you’d be hard-pressed to find one dish on the menu that’s not delicious.

Time Out tip: The menu leans porky – the team gets a whole pig delivered every week or so and breaks it down, making ham from the legs, terrine from the head meat and T-bones for showstoppers. But don’t sleep on the vegetables and seafood. The octopus barigoule, tangy from vinegar and creamy with aioli, is one such delight.

Address: Level 1/133A Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016

Expect to pay: Starters $24–$48, mains $56–$76, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Hyper-seasonal plates of premium produce and pristine proteins from a kitchen powered solely by firewood and open flames.

Why we love it: More and more chefs are cooking with fire these days, but none pull it off like Lennox Hastie and his team. They pinpoint what makes ingredients sing – whether it’s an asparagus spear or a 200+ day dry-aged beef rib – and heighten your respect for the subtleties of cooking in the process.

Time Out tip: The bar is the best place to sit, so you can watch Hastie in action.

Address: 23/33 Mary St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: Lunch set menu around $145; dinner set menu around $198, plus drinks

What is it? A glorious, peach-coloured, produce-led bistro by three seasoned hospo pros – and the winner of Time Out's Best Restaurant Award 2026.

Why we love it: European in spirit and guided by Australian seasons, the food at South End is joyous and confident – cooked by chefs who respect produce and know how to enhance it. Case in point: a chilled yellow oxheart tomato gazpacho topped with soft white peach, a sprinkle of eschalots, drizzled with olive oil and perfumed with marjoram. It’s mind-blowingly good – vibrant, juicy and explosive – with elderflower vinegar making it sing. Crunchy golden rosti topped with Goldstreet Dairy curds and tender snap peas, flecked with sunshiny lemon rind, is a bang-on textural hit. Meanwhile, tender White Pyrenees lamb rump resting on slow-cooked snow peas and jammy tomatoes, finished with bold tapenade, transports me to a long garden lunch in the south of France.

Time Out tip: There’s a separate beautiful private dining room available for birthdays, long lunches and celebrations.

Address: 644 King St, Erskineville NSW 2043

Expect to pay: Snacks and entrees $10–$32, mains $42–$54, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? One of Australia’s most cherished restaurants, tucked away in an unassuming Stanmore corner terrace.

Why we love it: Even though this is about as big-ticket as restaurants get, the intimate and unpretentious mood will make you feel right at home. Chef Dan Puskas hits it for six with the onslaught of single-bite snacks that kick off his considered tasting menu, and follows it through to the end with his stupidly good signature dessert: a housemade mead vinegar custard with raspberries and strawberry consommé.

Time Out tip: Summon the pros for assistance with the wine list, which is packed with treasures.

Address: 3 Percival Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048

Expect to pay: $265 for the tasting menu, plus drinks

What is it? Bondi’s sea-salt-sprayed jewel by chef-owner Sean Moran serving gorgeous, home-style seasonal food for more than 30 years.

Why we love it: Dining at Sean’s feels like being in a home filled with love, delicious things, and yes, a heck of a lot of shells. Soul is at the heart of this iconic coastal spot, and you can’t help but come away feeling like your cup has been filled. Also, Sean’s legendary roast chook tastes like the best one you’ve ever had. Order that.

Time Out tip: Sean’s was the winner of Time Out’s Best Special Occasion Restaurant 2025 – so if you’ve got a birthday or anniversary coming up, you know where we would be recommending.

Address: 270 Campbell Parade, North Bondi NSW 2026

Expect to pay: $140 for a three-course meal, plus drinks

What is it? Hospitality veteran Neil Perry’s flagship Double Bay restaurant, serving his signature fusion of modern Australian with Asian flavours.

Why we love it: The family vibe at Margaret is palpable, and everything we love about Perry's cooking is still front and centre. Spectacular aged beef, a whole glass fridge of oysters, and specially imported wines you won’t find anywhere else.

Time Out tip: Grab yourself a Martini – it was Margaret’s favourite (she’s Perry’s mother, and the restaurant’s namesake).

Address: 30–36 Bay St, Double Bay NSW 2028

Expect to pay: $30+ entrées; $50+ mains, plus drinks

What is it? The fifth restaurant from the Clam Bar and Pellegrino 2000 team, a black-and-red Chinese restaurant in Angel Place with swagger in spades.

Why we love it: Jellyfish may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one says, “Do you want to go to a Chinese restaurant?” but it should certainly be on your order at this groovy and moody CBD spot. The marinated tentacles are tangled with just-cooked prawns, green chilli, cucumber and coriander, coated in an incredible mouth-tingling Szechuan dressing for an under-the-sea party in your mouth. This is just one hit on Dan Pepperell and Michael Clift’s menu, which is inspired by Clift’s Chinese grandfather.

Time Out tip: Grandfather’s is open until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings – perfect if you’ve had a few beers and fancy dumplings or roast duck.

Address: Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters $22-$35, mains $38-$85, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? A ground-floor restaurant in Paddington’s 25hours Hotel that takes inspiration from Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant (the lands along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, including Syria, Lebanon and Jordan).

Why we love it: Former Kiln executive chef Mitch Orr is overseeing the menu here – so you know it’s going to be thrilling. At this Oxford Street restaurant, Mediterranean food gets a jolt of Orr’s signature intensity and playfulness, resulting in The Palomar being a genuinely fresh addition to Sydney’s dining scene. The $85 set menu features the best dishes if you want to sit back and enjoy.

Time Out tip: While you’re there (before or after your meal), make sure you take the elevator up to Monica, the hotel’s rooftop bar. It’s a stylish spot – kinda artsy Palm Springs – and the view is surprising. It offers an outlook over the city and eastern suburbs that you don’t often see.

Address: 7 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021

Expect to pay: Starters $15-$35; mains $50-$130 (to share); plus dessert and drinks

What is it? A cracking Surry Hills Italian from the Clam Bar team with amped-up trattoria classics that will stay with you long after you've said arrivederci.

Why we love it: How much time do you have? From the pretty and zingy artichokes to the plump and juicy prawn ravioli and Paddle Pop-like veal milanese, every dish that comes out of Pellegrino’s kitchen is hands down delicious. Just like at Nonna’s house. The electric artworks, friendly service and top-notch Negronis are also great.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip dessert. Begin with a superb crema caramello which is served with a humongous plate of cream (not unlike the Leaning Tower of Pisa), and finish with grown-up Limoncello jelly shots – except Pellegrino’s version swaps the shot glass for segments of lemon. Fun.

Address: 80 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $20-$30 for starters; $40-$50 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? A Hungarian institution in Randwick that’s been given a hit of fresh energy thanks to the Baba's Place and Sixpenny teams.

Why we love it: Dining at Corner 75 feels like stepping back in time – and in many ways, it is. For more than 40 years, this home-style restaurant has welcomed Hungarian-Australians in and warmed them up with matzo ball soup and golden schnitzels. The walls are still covered with the same photographs, art and memorabilia. The space and the food feel comforting and nostalgic. My Hungarian friend says it reminds her of her pop’s old home. Back to the schnitzel, which comes puffed up like a Whoopee Cushion, flaked with sea salt and brightened with lemon – order that. Service, led by Alice Tremayne, is warm, intuitive and excellent. They’ve teamed up with the Wildflower legends to create a crisp, European-style lager that goes down a treat. And the rainbow, whimsical bathroom also deserves a shout-out. Bring on the next 40.

Time Out tip: If you've never tried Hungarian food before, be guided by the team. The hortobágyi palacsinta – a soft, savoury crêpe stuffed with oyster mushrooms and doused in a terracotta-coloured, creamy, paprika-spiked sauce – was one such ripper recommendation.

Address: 75 Frenchmans Rd, Randwick NSW 2031

Expect to pay: Starters $8-$26, mains $36-$64, plus drinks and dessert

What is it? Marrickville’s no-frills Greek grill house, where delicious eats and good times are front and centre – and winner of Time Out's Best Affordable Eat 2026.

Why we love it: Put simply: Olympic Meats is really bloody good. And affordable, too, with nothing on the menu costing more than $21 (bar the meat platter to share). The dishes are inspired by those eaten in the Peloponnese in southern Greece, where chef-owner Timothy Cassimatis' family comes from. Everything’s made in-house, including the pillowy, hand-rolled sourdough pita. And you gotta order the chicken gyros with house-made secret ‘Big Mac Sauce’, which features mustard and chopped onions – it tastes like sauce crack.

Time Out tip: You can’t book – it’s walk-ins only, so the sooner you get down to add your name to the waiting list, the better. Also, it’s BYO, so bring along a bottle of your fave vino or a couple of cold beers to enjoy with your meal. Yamas!

Address: 12 Dudley St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $21 for mains

What is it? A good-times-only, Italian-leaning restaurant where vinegar, olive oil and salt are celebrated like gods, the party-starting wines are flowing, and you’ll already be thinking about your next visit before you’ve even tapped your card.

Why we love it: It’s easy to miss Fontana – but after one lunch or dinner here, you won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. Found upstairs on Redfern Street – in the former home of Ron's Upstairs – this fun-loving space hums with happy Sydneysiders tucking into soft, house-made ricotta, prosciutto draped over crisp gnocco fritto, and hearty oxtail ragù. We love the attention-demanding white lampshades, the groovy pink floral mural as soon as you walk in, and how we feel when we're here: like pigs in mud.

Time Out tip: You gotta order the garlic bread. It comes hot out of the oven and oozes with sweet, velvet-like garlic and melted butter. It’s ridiculously good, only $5 – and don’t even think about sharing one.

Address: Level 1/133A Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016

Expect to pay: Snacks $5–$25; pastas around $32, plus drinks

What is it? A rocking, tiny-but-mighty seafood restaurant by the Continental Deli team.

Why we love it: You may be stepping into a restaurant when you walk into Mister Grotto, but you’re really stepping into an eclectic fisherman’s den – decked out in nautical knick-knacks and under-the-sea treasures. There’s no meat here. Instead, you’ll find a celebration of the creatures of the sea, with the team sourcing their produce from local suppliers, such as New South Wales’ South Seas Tuna and Red Claw Seafoods, and premium, small-scale fishermen. It’s clever, super tasty stuff – served in a lively dining room by staff who know what they’re doing and care a lot about it.

Time Out tip: Oyster lovers are in for a treat – they are usually four on offer, each from a different supplier, all lovely salty bursts.

Address: 208 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: Starters $15–$30; mains $42–$58, plus drinks

What is it? Greek heaven: a 220-seat lively Greek taverna from The Apollo team, located in Redfern’s new dining and lifestyle precinct, Wunderlich Lane.

Why we love it: Olympus pays homage to the beauty of Greece, from the Ouzo Coladas to the slow-roasted lamb, creamy, could-live-off-it taramasalata, and liberal dousing of olive oil. Featuring a retractable roof and anchored by a 50-year-old bougainvillea, it's one of Sydney’s most stunning dining rooms.

Time Out tip: Gather a group of friends or family, order nearly everything on the menu, and pretend you’re in Milos for the night. Love Martinis? Matt Whiley’s Santorini Martini is a hit.

Address: Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016

Expect to pay: $10-$25 for starters; $30-$45 for mains

What is it? The CBD’s fiery subterranean restaurant that spotlights the cuisines from China’s lesser-known regions. You won't find any Cantonese hits on the menu, but you will find dishes from Sichuan to Yunnan, Hunan and Guangxi.

Why we love it: Spice Temple has just turned 15, which is no small feat in a city that leans towards glossy new openings. And that’s largely down to head chef Andy Evans, who has been serving dishes with punchy, bold flavours at Spice Temple since day dot. 

Time Out tip: Dining solo? Spice Temple’s bar is an ideal spot to knock back a glass of crisp white with a bowl of flavour-packed noodles.

Address: 10 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $25-$35 for starters; $50-$60 for mains

What is it? Darlinghurst's newest Italian go-to from the Bar Copains and Bessie’s team – and a certified red, green and white knockout.

Why we love it: Inspired by New York’s Italian dining scene, Vin-Cenzo's looks like a sunshine-warm, smart trattoria – with a side of fun. And mamma mia, the food here is good. Begin with a zucchini flower stuffed with five cheeses, perfumed with lemon zest, fried until golden and topped with an anchovy. Creamy, lemony, salty – boom. The tuna should follow: the clean-tasting fish is injected with umami from tonnato, plus chives, onion and capers, before being loaded onto paper-thin Sardinian crisp bread. The melanzana norma is also a standout. A fried eggplant arrives shaped like a Discman, topped with salted ricotta snow and two basil leaves, resting on jammy, sweet tomatoes. Thin and crisp on the outside, airy and custardy inside, it’s as elegant as it is delicious. Order that. I’ll need another paragraph for the pasta.

Time Out tip: There's a new alfresco dining area out the front – making Vin-Cenzo’s the place for balmy-afternoon aperitivi.

Address: 174 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $24-$40 for small plates; $28-$36 for pasta; $38-$64 for large plates, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Bondi’s iconic coastal Italian diner.

Why we love it: When the sun is shining and a long lunch is on the cards, Icebergs is still one of the most beautiful places to dine in the world, delivering elegant coastal Italian fare with a side of la dolce vita.

Time Out tip: Don’t have a booking? The bar area is walk-in only, so you can drop in for a fruity cocktail, ace burger and a side of sea views when you get the itch.

Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Expect to pay: Two-course menu $130, three-course menu $150, plus drinks

What is it? A rollicking, candlelit Italian-themed party – and one of the city’s most exciting new restaurants – found in an underground cave in Sydney’s CBD. It's from the team behind Clam Bar, Pellegrino 2000 and Bistrot 916 (RIP).

Why we love it: We love everything about Neptune’s Grotto – from the romantic, moody dining room decked out with zebra carpet, to the soundtrack of hits sung in Italian, chef Dan Pepperell’s menu featuring dishes so delicious you’ll stop and close your eyes, and sommelier Andy Tyson’s wine list that reads like a love letter to Italy’s finest grapes.

Time Out tip: Just like their other venues, it might be hard to get a booking at Neptune’s Grotto – but even if it’s at 5.30pm, take it. It’s worth it.

Address: Lower Ground Floor/44 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $40–$55 for a main, plus snacks and drinks

What is it? The CBD’s classy steak and seafood grill with loads of surprise factor, by the team behind Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole and King Clarence.

Why we love it: Being at Eleven Barrack feels like Christmas. Every dish or drink that lands on the table is like a gift – a perfectly presented package that, when unwrapped, contains a delightful surprise. We’re big fans of the food here, but the décor is what really sets this place apart from other grand New York- or Parisian-style diners in Sydney. It’s on Barrack Street, in the old high-ceilinged Savings Bank of NSW building. And while they’ve leaned into the grandeur of the space, there’s nothing traditional or fuddy-duddy about the room’s bold, attention-grabbing design touches.

Time Out tip: Be sure to order the baked potato. Cut in two, the soft potato filling is removed from the shells, mashed with sour cream, mustard and pancetta, then placed back into the crispy, fried skins. A masterpiece. Don’t have a booking? There’s a bar area that welcomes walk-ins.

Address: 11 Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters from $25; mains from $36, plus drinks

What is it? A luxe, fire-driven restaurant located in The International, a multi-venue destination at 25 Martin Place by the crew behind Shell House.

Why we love it: We like the way they’re taking the traditional bistro playbook, adding fine-dining flair and a few cheeky flourishes to make something entirely its own and very Sydney. There’s no one way to have a good time, but if you do it with a blow-the-budget meal, The Grill at the International is Sydney’s shiniest new destination to do just that.

Time Out tip: The International also features a chic wine bar and a sunny rooftop spot. Make a day of it and explore all three venues. And don’t miss the Mango Spritz.

Address: Shop 901, Level 9, 25 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Expect to pay: Starters from $38; mains from $66, plus drinks

What is it? Sharply executed Sardinian signatures right up above Freshwater’s sandy shores.

Why we love it: Unless you’re lucky enough to live in this heavenly pocket of the Northern Beaches, heading out to Pilu feels like a holiday in your own hometown. Setting foot in this weatherboard house for an afternoon of suckling pig, seafood stew, seadas and an award-winning cellar stocked with exceptional vino is time and money well spent.

Time Out tip: Baretto, their small kiosk down below, is pole position for a post-surf panino or alfresco aperitivo.

Address: Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096

Expect to pay: Starters $28-$45, mains $42-65, plus drinks

What is it? A fun-loving, lively Italian restaurant and Manly’s new waterfront go-to from the team behind Ormeggio, A’Mare, Postino Osteria and Chiosco.

Why we love it: As a born-and-bred Northern Beaches local, I can say Cibaria is exactly what this golden beachside ’burb needed – because let’s be honest, Manly is known for its beach and babes, but not its dining offerings. And considering it’s pumping day and night, it seems locals love it, too. Service is excellent, the food is beautiful, and the room is bright and colourful. Ticks all round.

Time Out tip: Sometimes food trolleys can seem naff, but not here. Order the gorgonzola trolley – the rich and creamy cheese is served tableside with caramelised walnuts, honey and crisp crackers. And even if you’re full, you gotta finish with a silky smooth pistachio gelato, made even more delicious with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Address: 55 N Steyne, Manly NSW 2095

Expect to pay: $35–$50 for a main, plus drinks

What is it? An artful, imaginative interpretation of Australian cuisine, under the soaring sails of the Sydney Opera House. 

Why we love it: Much like a ride on the Manly Ferry or the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi, eating inside the Opera House is a Sydney rite of passage. Both the food and the service are every bit as polished as the magnificent setting.

Time Out tip: Don't have the cash for a full dinner experience? Come to the bar and order wine and a few snacks.

Address: Sydney Opera House

Expect to pay: $210 for a three-course menu and sides, plus drinks

What is it? An impeccably glam, Venetian-style steak and pasta house, and sibling to Melbourne’s high-flying Grill Americano.

Why we love it: Chris Lucas knows how to make a delicious splash. The Melbourne-based restaurateur and founder of Lucas Restaurants, who is also behind high-octane Chin Chin, doesn’t do things by halves, and this go-hard-or-go-home restaurant inside the former Qantas House is proof. From the ricotta ravioli in a buttery, lemony sauce dusted with bottarga to the perfectly rosy bistecca with a rich, robust tomato sugo, capers and olives, and a heavenly vanilla meringue cake – it’s la dolce vita in the heart of Sydney.

Time Out tip: This is a special occasion spot (or one for the company card). Dining solo? We’re fans of the long white marble bar made for oysters and martinis.

Address: 1 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters $35–$50; mains $40–$70; steak from $67; plus dessert and drinks.

What is it? A flame-powered Mediterranean diner by the Bar Copains team, where excellent snacks, sips and vibes come together like one big warehouse party.

Why we love it: Firstly, the food – which we could snack on all night. Begin with the soft, garlicky herb bread to mop up a smooth cod-roe dip, and the devilled eggs with buttery house-made mortadella and zippy, crunchy pickles. Mains might look like grilled Murray cod bolstered with pil pil, or Rangers Valley flank steak amped up by vine-leaf chimichurri – but whatever your route, it’ll be a good time. The menu is backed up by a banging soundtrack, confident, assured service and a vino cellar for serious oenophiles.

Time Out tip: Don’t have a booking? No worries. Out front of Bessie’s is Alma, a cocktail bar serving party-ready drinks and salty snacks – all coming from the same open, wood-fired kitchen.

Address: 111–115 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Expect to pay: $12–$40 for small plates; $25–$70 for large plates, plus drinks

What is it? The Bentley Group’s latest venue, a contemporary Asian restaurant found on the corner of King and Clarence streets.

Why we love it: King Clarence is inspired by the flavours found in Korea, China and Japan. To tackle this, co-owners Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt persuaded top chef Khanh Nguyen to take charge. The result? A knockout.

Time Out tip: Must-order dishes include Nguyen’s show-stopping wood-roasted pork belly ssam, which transported us right back to Seoul, and the fish finger bao, a playful spin on Maccas’ Filet-O-Fish.

Address: 171 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $20-$40 for starters; $50-$70 for mains

What is it? A pasta and vino party on Angel Place by the team behind Love, Tilly Devine, Fabbrica and Letra House.

Why we love it: When it’s a full house on a Tuesday night in winter with an hour-long waitlist, you know the team is doing something right. And that something is serving excellent food – overseen by executive chef Scott McComas-Williams – a cracking atmosphere and a fab drinks list. We’ve also got love-heart eyes for the lesser-known handmade pasta shapes.

Time Out tip: If you love Ragazzi, try Palazzo Salato, a Roman-style trattoria by the same group – and order the spanner crab mafaldine.

Address: Shop 3/2–12 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Pasta $28-$42, plus snacks and drinks

What is it? A cracking wine bar in Surry Hills by three Sydney hospo legends, with best-in-class snacks, vino and vibes.

Why we love it: Yes, Bar Copains is a wine bar, but it’s also a really bloody great place to eat, drink and lose track of time – so here we are. And considering getting a spot is about as difficult as remembering high-school algebra, you guys clearly froth on Bar Copains too. Headed up by chefs and best mates Morgan McGlone (co-founder of Belles Hot Chicken) and Nathan Sasi (ex-Nomad), along with Nathan’s wife Sali, Bar Copains means ‘friends’ in French – and after trying the golden nuggets of pig’s head topped with a tangy sauce gribiche, and the excellent King George whiting sandwich on squishy white bread, we reckon you’ll want to bring all your mates here.

Time Out tip: Can’t get into Bar Copains? Head up the road to sibling venue Bessie’s and Alma’s and try your luck. And if you do manage to book a spot, the afternoon – when the sun is golden and soft – is the best time to go.

Address: 67 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: There’s a minimum spend of $85 per person for bookings. Walk-ins are welcome (no minimum spend), but seats aren't guaranteed.

What is it? One of the most highly regarded Italian restaurants Down Under.

Why we love it: Ormeggio has always been a gorgeous place to eat, what with its primo position amongst glimmering boats bobbing up and down in the marina. The addition of a marble gelato bar and a more approachable menu have made it an even more likeable one. 

Time Out tip: You’ll find Chiosco, their “BYO and barefoot-friendly” trattoria offshoot, further along the jetty.

Address: D’Albora Marinas, Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Expect to pay: Starters $20-$50, mains $40-$70, plus drinks

What is it? Fiery, flavoursome and authentic, this Thai restaurant in Haymarket is hot in every sense of the word.

Why we love it: As you can guess from the name, every dish here is cooked with pork fat (sorry, vegos), as opposed to commercial cooking oils, giving the dishes a rich and incredibly moreish coating. Chef Narin 'Jack' Kulasai does not hold back with flavour and heat, and a brilliant dish of deep-fried barramundi with a mango salad is eye-wateringly good.

Time Out tip: Porkfat has a dining window of 1.5 hours. So if you’re after a spot for a long catch-up, this isn’t it. Fast and tasty meal before a show? Now you’re talking.

Address: 33 Ultimo Rd, Haymarket NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $25-$50 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? A Sydney institution, tucked in the backstreets of Chippendale by chef Mat Lindsay, where fire-charged produce, bold flavours, lo-fi wines and warm service remain at the heart.

Why we love it: At Ester, Lindsay roasts cauliflower heads until they’re blackened, serves blood sangas on pillowy bread, and pairs warm potato bread with kefir and pops of salmon roe. Wines are natural, organic or biodynamic. Service is as welcoming as walking into a mate’s house. And just like a catchy Chappell Roan hit, Sydney can’t get enough of it.

Time Out tip: There’s never a bad time to dine at Ester, but if we had to pick, it’s Sunday lunch, when sunlight spills into the raw, industrial space. Warning: one bottle of vino can easily turn into two in the blink of an eye.

Address: 46–52 Meagher St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia

Expect to pay: Starters $25–$30; larger plates $40–$100, plus drinks

What is it? An Argentinian grill-house as seen through the eyes of visionary chefs Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz.

Why we love it: Blood sausage hot off the parilla. Suckling pig pulled straight from the asador. Organic cauliflower lightly scorched in the wood-fired oven. These are just some of the reasons why Porteno has stood the test of time. Factor in the floor team’s charisma and darn good malbec and you quickly understand why it’s just as celebrated after a decade in the biz.

Time Out tip: Meat-centric it may be, but Porteno happens to be a haven for pescatarians and vegetarians, too.

Address: 50 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: Starters $30-$45, steaks from $85, plus drinks

What is it? An ode to ‘suburban cuisine’ and the food cooked by babas, served in a kitschy-cool warehouse tucked in the backstreets of Marrickville.

Why we love it: Yes, some of the prices at Baba’s Place may make you raise an eyebrow ($69 for half a roast chook?). But few Sydney dining experiences are this original, this joyous and this delicious. Service is also bang on – the team strikes the right balance of friendly and knowledgeable, while leaving you to catch up with your people.

Time Out tip: You’re in Marrickville – the home of excellent breweries. After lunch, stroll to nearby Grifter, Batch Brewing Co. and Mixtape – and make a day of it.

Address: 20 Sloane St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Expect to pay: $35–$55 for a main, plus snacks and drinks

What is it? A permanent Inner West site for one of the city’s most beloved chefs, spruiking clever cross-cultural share plates as well as a dynamite list of natural wines. 

Why we love it: Paci treads that fine line between European-style wine bar and casual restaurant that Sydneysiders know and love. It's brought to life by a young, energetic service team. And you’ve got to applaud a place with enough moxie to put steak Diane back on the menu in this day and age.

Time Out tip: Chef-owner Pasi Petänen’s signature dessert – sticky licorice cake topped with sweet carrot sorbet, all concealed in a cloud of creamy yoghurt mousse – is unmissable.

Address: 131 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: $25-$25 for starters; $35-$60 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? Fresh, whimsical takes on Japanese izakaya staples in a stripped-back sliver that epitomises minimal chic.

Why we love it: So many restaurants like this buck tradition and trade on style over substance, but Cho Cho San really gets the balance right. The adventurous (and affordable) drinks list keeps pace with a menu that spans miso eggplant sticks, tonkatsu-stuffed steamed buns and teriyaki fish collars, with matcha soft serve at the finish line.

Time Out tip: At $65 per person, the set menu is a steal. Go for that.

Address: 73 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: Starters $10-$30, mains $35-$50, plus drinks

What is it? Heartfelt Korean cooking in a Surry Hills bolthole that will make you reevaluate your definition of ‘hole in the wall’.

Why we love it: Watching owner Kenny Yong Soo Son and his family work together in the teensy open kitchen sparks total joy. Yes, Korean fried chicken, mandoo and dolsot bibimbap are on offer, but branching out into more unfamiliar territory here yields incredibly delicious and memorable rewards.

Time Out tip: You can count the number of chairs at Sáng on your fingers and toes, so bookings are essential.

Address: 98 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: Minimum spend $55 per person, plus drinks

What is it? An outstanding and surprising hole-in-the-wall that brings the goods, with a touch of inspiration from Nan.

Why we love it: There are certain dishes that stick in your head, like a catchy pop tune you find yourself humming for days after hearing a snippet on the radio. These dishes can be few and far between, but when you find one, it’s almost impossible to stop thinking about it. Jane, the little sister to chef Tristan Rosier's Arthur, provides more than one of these catchy dishes.

Time Out tip: Jane is the more laid back but equally charming sister restaurant to Arthur, a nostalgic, degustation restaurant just down the road on Bourke Street, named for chef Rosier's grandfather. Be sure to check out both. Plus, Jane has one of our fave happy hours.

Address: 478 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Expect to pay: $10-$30 snacks; $40+ mains

What is it? A Sydney stalwart serving up some of the city’s best views over lunch or dinner.

Why we love it: Located atop Customs House right in the heart of Circular Quay, Cafe Sydney has the kind of vistas that make you feel proud to call Sydney home. And while some may say you can find fresher, more innovative spots elsewhere, consistency, class and polished service never go out of style – which makes sense when you consider the fine diner celebrated 25 years in 2024. And don’t just take our word for it – food goddess Nigella Lawson is a big fan, dropping in every time she’s in town.

Time Out tip: When you need to impress out-of-towners, Cafe Sydney always delivers.

Address: Level 5, Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters $30–$40; mains $40–$55, plus drinks

What is it? King Street’s dark and moody sake bar backed up with excellent food and a killer soundtrack.

Why we love it: Ante calls itself a bar, but it’s a restaurant, really. And you would be missing out if you didn’t order a bunch of the exciting and delicious plates coming out of chef Jemma Whiteman’s kitchen. The menu is curated to complement the more than 65 types of sake on offer from 21 breweries across Japan. Go wild.

Time Out tip: Ante doesn’t take bookings, so come and pop your name down and head down the road to Odd Culture or Earl’s for a pre-dinner drink.

Address: 146 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: $30-40 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? A glassed-in box at the end of a Pyrmont wharf showcasing a show-stopping collision of Japanese and Italian influences.

Why we love it: It might fly a bit under the radar compared to some of the other heavy hitters on this list, but ask a handful of big-name chefs where they’d head on a night off, and it’s a guarantee that LuMi will come up. Simply put, there’s no other top-end restaurant tasting menu quite like it.

Time Out tip: Prepare yourself for rich dishes, and don’t eat much beforehand – this is no-holds-barred territory.

Address: 56 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009

Expect to pay: $265 for the tasting menu, plus drinks

What is it? A New York-style steak house by the powerhouses behind Bistrot 916 and Pellegrino 2000. 

Why we love it: Just like McCain, it seems the trio have done it again at Clam Bar. Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson have created a space with delicious food that’s perfectly balanced and seasoned with a retro touch, a space that evokes a warmth, and one that you want to return to. Even if you can only get in on a Tuesday at 5pm. 

Time Out tip: Clam Bar is inspired by the great steakhouses of New York. So yes, prime-aged steaks are on the menu. But it’s the other stuff that excites us more. The spaghetti with clams is an obvious must, the prawn cocktail is reminiscent of a ’70s dinner party, and Clam pumps out one of Sydney’s best burgers.

Address: 44 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $25-$50 for starters; $30-$70 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? One of Sydney's best steakhouses. It's consistently excellent, even after all these years.

Why we love it: Not only is Rockpool Bar and Grill one of Sydney’s best restaurants, but it’s also one of the world’s best steakhouses – the fine diner was voted the eighth best steak restaurant in the world for 2024. Under the guidance of executive chef Santiago Aristizabal, who has been there since 2010, Rockpool proves the classics never go out of style.

Time Out tip: Rockpool Bar has a great happy hour that you should get around. Get a feed from Rockpool chefs for just $15, and a cocktail for just $12.

Address: 66 Hunter St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $35-$50 for starters; $50-$80 for mains

What is it? Plant-based food at the height of its powers in Potts Point. 

Why we love it: There’s no better place to appreciate fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and seeds, all prepared at the temperatures, textures and techniques that really make them shine. 

Time Out tip: Don’t drink? There’s a fab no-alc pairing available.

Address: 57 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: $115 for a six-course menu, plus drinks

What is it? Sydney’s second favourite house (after the one with white sails) found on 37 Margaret Street.

Why we love it: If you’re only going to hit up one house while on a night out in Sydney, better make it Shell House. Found in Sydney’s CBD, the historic clocktower building is home to not one, but four gorgeous venues – the Dining Room & Terrace, Sky Bar, Clocktower Bar, and Menzies Bar – held across three sprawling levels and all under the one roof. If you think that sounds like a good time, you’d be right.

Time Out tip: The ground floor Menzies Bar has an ace happy hour – come for $10 Mini Martinis and lobster rolls, Tuesday-Saturday, from 4-6pm, before dinner in the Dining Room.

Address: 37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters $35-$70; mains $50-$90, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Rafi serves up an unforgettable North Sydney feast where coastal flavours meet dreamy design. 

Why we love it: Look, as soon as we saw the gorgeous tangerine-coloured umbrellas and pops of lush greenery, juxtaposed against North Sydney’s grey buildings – we were sold. But Rafi isn’t just good looks, with a menu that showcases stellar produce in its prime with clever flavour combinations. 

Time Out tip: Vegetables and seafood are the stars of the show at Rafi. Order that.

Address: 99 Mount St, North Sydney NSW 2060

Expect to pay: $15-$30 for starters; $45-$70 for mains

What is it? An exploration of the Turkish coastline by the all-star crew behind the celebrated Nour. Aalia is so spesh that it won Best Fine Dining Restaurant in our Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards 2022. Executive chef Paul Farag dances between the flavours and ingredients of his own Egyptian background while turning the screw on preconceived notions of Middle Eastern fare.

Why we love it: The regional Turkish dishes are so complex in execution that a crash-course tutorial by your waiter is required, with delicious results. Exceptional dishes are matched by an exceptional wine list by sommelier Eleonore Wulf, showcasing largely Australian winemakers with a few hops abroad to Lebanon and France for good measure. Just as elegant as the libations is the venue itself, thanks to architect Matt Darwon.

Address: Shop 7.07-7.08/25 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $30-$45 for starters; $50-$70 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? Fully realised contemporary Cantonese in a behemoth of a basement, decked to the nines in Shanghai nostalgia.

Why we love it: It’s purpose-built for business and pleasure in equal measure, perfect for big groups and big nights out and open for lunch and dinner all seven days of the week. A total box ticker. 

Time Out tip: Dumplings here are as good as they come, but the full range is only available at lunch, so head in during the day if dim sum is your jam. And be sure to get stuck into the awesome wine list.

Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $15-$55 for starters; $35-$70 for mains, plus drinks

What is it? Ground zero for cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish and canned cocktails galore.

Why we love it: Continental is the stuff of European fever dreams, all terrazzo and timber, free-flowing vermouth and shelves piled high with imported curio. Making a meal out of all that’s in the deli fridge is awfully fun, but the famous meatball sanga and housemade mafalda tossed in XO sauce made from offcuts prove there’s plenty of know-how in the kitchen, too.

Time Out tip: Downstairs is all about the deli, but if a more stretched out sit-down affair is what you’re after, request upstairs.

Address: 210 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042

Expect to pay: Starters from $28, mains from $35, plus drinks

What is it? An effortlessly cool, poky natural wine bar and restaurant in a two-storey Paddo terrace.

Why we love it: This is as close as you’ll get in Sydney to a destination-worthy drinking spot in the backstreets of Paris or Milan. The soft pretzel with whipped bottarga is still THE bar snack to be reckoned with, housemade pastas are properly al dente, and it’s never a question of which bottle of wine from the forward-thinking list to choose, but how many.

Time Out tip: Save room for what is, without question, the tip-top tiramisù in town.

Address: 10 William St, Paddington NSW 2021

Expect to pay: Starters $29-30, mains $40-$60, plus drinks

What is it? The sequel to Bistecca, which offers a broader spectrum of carnivorous thrills but keeps the old-world elegance front and centre. 

Why we love it: Handing over your mobile phone at the door allows you to surrender completely to a bygone era of prawn cocktails and Waldorf salads, when drinks were stiff and proper and whole fish were filleted tableside. If you need to loosen your necktie and let out your inner Don Draper, this is the place. 

Time Out tip: You don’t need to give up your phone to sink Martinis in the lounge, but you should anyway – the boss can wait.

Address: Basement/161 King St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters around $30, mains $50+, plus drinks

What is it? A longstanding, harbourside fine-dining landmark overseen by Matt Moran.

Why we love it: Both the relatively recent renovation and overhaul of the menu have brought the restaurant firmly into the here and now, thanks to the kitchen’s less-is-more approach and a brighter spotlight on native ingredients. The panoramic outlook from the floor-to-ceiling windows, on the other hand, remains some of the city’s best.

Time Out tip: Going to see a show at the Opera House? Aria offers a pre-theatre dinner – available every night before 6pm. Go on, treat yourself.

Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Three-course meal for $180, plus drinks

What is it? Potts Point’s always-bustling address for urbane Italian. 

Why we love it: Not a whole lot has changed since the Paradiso bros set up shop in 2001. The concise menu remains scrawled on the blackboard, with the lights down just as low; service still comes with swagger; and, most importantly, the crisp-fried calamari, pillow-soft lasagne, scampi spaghetti and tiramisù continue to knock socks off. 

Time Out tip: Check out the team's new (and nearby) bar and eatery, Paradise.

Address: 12-16 Challis Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011

Expect to pay: Starters $10-$30, mains $35-$60, plus drinks

What is it? Merivale’s fun-loving Italian people pleaser and home to what’s probably the most blissful courtyard in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Why we love it: One bite of the ridiculously puffy, pillowy, stretchy, spongy, salty wood-fired bread is all it takes to fall head over heels with Totti’s. It’s so damn delicious you’ll likely be tempted to make an entire meal out of antipasti, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Or the Negronis, which are available by the litre. 

Time Out tip: Can’t be bothered getting to Bondi? Hit up the more compact CBD sibling, Bar Totti’s.

Address: 283 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026

Expect to pay: Snacks $10-$20, mains $30-$70, plus drinks

What is it? Real-deal Japanese with a modern twang, anchored by astoundingly delicious yakitori.

Why we love it: Chef-owner Keita Abe established himself as a master of the robata grill when Chaco Bar burst onto the scene in a Darlinghurst bunker more than a decade ago. His move to roomier quarters in Potts Point finds him painting with broader strokes and putting together a generous tasting menu that’s a testament to his talent.

Time Out tip: Abe is also one of the most revered ramen chefs around, and he’s leading the charge for new-wave noodle soups at the original site, now Chaco Ramen.

Address: 186-188 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2010

Expect to pay: Snacks $10-$30, share plates $20-$40, plus drinks

What is it? The northern haven of long lunch luxury from the Merivale crew.

Why we love it: A meal at Bert’s is as close as we can ever get to actually living the jazz age in all its glory. There’s not a dining room in the city that can hold a candle to the soft-focus beauty that Merivale have achieved in the final instalment of the Newport’s renewal, and though we can’t afford the $2 million price tag on a Newport residence, an afternoon of café society luxury can be yours.

Time Out tip: Make a day of it and spend some digestive hours in the sunny, expansive beer garden of the public bar downstairs at the Newport.

Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106

Expect to pay: Starters $34-$44, mains from $40, plus drinks

What is it? Honest, ingredient-focused farm-to-table fare in a stunner of a dining room.

Why we love it: There are dreamy restaurant interiors, and then there is Fred’s – a glamorous farmhouse fantasy come to life, with a wide-open kitchen at its core. Watching the graceful, linen-clad chefs and servers get the job done is practically a night at the ballet, except here it comes with a first-rate rack of lamb and a garden’s worth of produce at its prime.

Time Out tip: Venture downstairs to basement bar Charlie Parker’s for a round of inventive pre- or post-dinner cocktails.

Address: 380 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021

Expect to pay: $25-$40; mains $55-$155, plus drinks and dessert

What is it? Merivale’s seafood-driven, loosely Mediterranean high-flyer on Coogee Pavilion’s middle level.

Why we love it: From the trolley proffering bumps of caviar and vodka shots to the marble bathrooms straight outta Architectural Digest, Mimi’s is all about opulence. And exec chef Jordan Toft’s food fits the bill: bite-sized smoked eel vol-au-vents, handpicked spanner crab on salted brioche, King George whiting stuffed with scallops and wrapped in kombu. Cast your account balance woes aside, and let loose.

Time Out tip: If a Spritz with a side of sea breeze is what the doctor calls for, sidle over to Una Más, the tapas bar across the hall.

Address: 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034

Expect to pay: Starters $20-$70; mains $50-$150, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Alessandro Pavoni’s opulent Italian fine diner where theatre is front and centre.

Why do we love it? If you’re looking to impress, or want to go all out over a three hour long lunch, this is the place. From an antipasto offering as if plucked from your dreams of Italy, to the prosciutto trolley, freshly made pesto in front of your eyes, authentic Tiramisu, and exceptional service led by Gianluca Esposto, A’Mare is a showstopper – and deserves a standing ovation. 

Time Out tip: Come for lunch and make the most of Pavoni’s antipasto offering in the daylight. Think prosciutto with melon, marinated seasonal vegetables and Parmigiano Reggiano. Oh, and the pesto pasta is a must-order.

Address: Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters around $35; mains $62-$100, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Rose Bay’s dreamy waterfront restaurant and a Sydney icon for more than 30 years.

Why we love it: Catalina opened in 1994, and today it’s still a family-owned-and-run affair. The dishes are exquisite – both in taste and presentation – the seafood is always top-notch, and those water views are nearly as good as a holiday.

Time Out tip: Catalina sparkles at sunset and glows at dinner, but if a long lunch is on the cards, that’s our top pick.

Address: Lyne Park, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029

Expect to pay: $150 for a three-course meal, plus drinks