Restaurants & Cuisine

Sydney is one of the most exciting food cities in the world — a multicultural metropolis where top-notch Asian, European, and Modern Australian cuisine meets the freshest ingredients (seafood straight from the harbor!). The restaurant scene is innovative, casual, and on par with London or New York — but with an ocean view.

Fine Dining

• Quay (Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal): Peter Gilmore's legendary restaurant at Circular Quay with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Tasting menu from 285 AUD. One of the best restaurants in the world — book months in advance.
• Aria (1 Macquarie Street): Modern Australian with spectacular harbor views. 2-course lunch 95 AUD, tasting menu 225 AUD. Elegant but not stiff.

Mid-Range — Recommendations

• Cho Cho San (73 Macleay Street, Potts Point): Japanese-Australian fusion. The Gyoza and Wagyu Tataki are spectacular. Mains 28–42 AUD. Trendy crowd, reserve!
• Mr Wong (3 Bridge Lane, CBD): Cantonese cuisine in a huge, stylish basement restaurant. The Peking duck (92 AUD for the whole duck) is legendary. Lunch specials from 25 AUD.
• Porteno (50 Holt Street, Surry Hills): Argentine grill restaurant. Whole animals are cooked over charcoal for 8 hours. Mains 38–55 AUD. Reservation essential.

Budget Tips

• Sydney Fish Market (Pyrmont): Australia's largest fish market. Freshest oysters (from 15 AUD/dozen), fish & chips (from 14 AUD), sashimi straight from the boat. Eat by the water, defend from seagulls.
• Spice Alley (Kensington Street, Chippendale): Asian hawker-style street food alley. Singapore Laksa, Thai, Malay — all under 18 AUD. BYO wine allowed.
• Marrickville: Sydney's Vietnamese district. Phở from 14 AUD, Bánh Mì from 8 AUD. As authentic as it gets outside Vietnam.