The city of Sydney is absolutely infatuated with food, celebrating celebrity chefs and creating incredible dining experiences for both locals and visitors. It should come as no surprise then that this city has capitalized on its natural asset, the incredible views it offers. Restaurants throughout the city have been built so diners can look out onto the Harbour, Opera House, beaches, and cityscape. From a revolving restaurant 47 floors up to one located a short ferry ride away; here are 8 Sydney restaurants with spectacular views.
8. Ormeggio at the Spit
This restaurant first opened its door in 2009 and has won too many awards to keep track of, making it not only one of the best restaurants in Sydney with a spectacular view, but also a spectacular menu and service team. The call themselves refined Italian dining and put a contemporary twist on traditional meals, taking things to a fine dining level. The restaurant is located inside the D’Albora Marina on the western side of The Spit, giving diners views of the impressive sunset over Middle Harbour.
Choose to dine either inside or out, both offering glimpses of the shimmering water and twinkling lights. Indulge in such menu items as carnaroli risotto, squid and mussel tagliolini and wagyu beef cheek. Rounded off by a wine list that features both local and international wines, there may be no better place to take in the sunset while eating a delicious meal than Ormeggio at the Spit.
7. Aqua Dining
This elegant restaurant is located above the North Sydney Olympic Pool and offers stunning views of the impressive cityscape views in Sydney, with views that sweep from Luna Park to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The venue is both modern and minimalist, with plenty of room for dinners, parties, and weddings. The executive chef here uses the freshest Australian ingredients to create an incredible Italian menu. This fine-dining restaurant is tucked under the Harbour Bridge, so close to the water it feels like you are in the harbor itself.
Diners can look past the bridge and see the perfectly framed Sydney Opera House. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the chef here offers 2, 3 or 4 courses which include items such as chicken liver agnolotti, pumpkin custard, and lamb rump. Make sure to save room for the rhubarb, beetroot & chicha morada sorbet.
6. Jonah’s
It may be a 45-minute drive north of Sydney but locals have been heading here for years, to this incredible restaurant located high up on the cliffs of Whale Beach. This award-winning restaurant features a modern menu with French influences and includes favorites such as Sydney Rock Oysters and 500g Dry Rubbed Aged Beef Rib Eye. In all actuality, the only thing that can take your eyes off of the view is the food itself.
The pristine dining room features floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the sand, cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. If you feel like enjoying the outdoors, snag a seat on the more relaxed outdoor terrace balcony where lighter, grazing menu items are offered. Make sure to make a reservation and arrive before sunset to get the entire magical experience.
5. O Bar and Dining
It is one of three revolving restaurants in the city and although many peg these restaurants as “touristy”, they do in fact offer the best 360-degree view of Sydney. O Bar and Dining is located 47 floors up and is both lofty and warm, offering patrons a fabulous bar and dining area. The creative cocktails are worth mentioning here and it is quite obvious that a spectacular team works behind the bar.
Whether you order off the menu or let the bartender choose, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The choice of entrees here range from fresh oysters to grilled steaks to hazelnut gelato and reach audiences from around the globe, blending ingredients from over the world in harmony. Don’t forget to look up at the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour as you slowly rotate by, taking in one of the best views of the city.
4. Hugos Manly
It is hailed as having Sydney’s best pizza and this waterfront restaurant offers stunning views into Manly Wharf, looking back into the city. To get here, take a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and although you will only be 5 miles from Sydney, you will feel as though you are in a different world. Weekends can be extra busy here and we suggest heading during the week if you are looking to have a peaceful dinner taking in the skyline that stretches east.
Choose to sit inside or out, although we suggest outside to enjoy the smells and breeze off the water. The menu here consists of favorites such as the choc hazelnut pizza with ricotta, banana, icing sugar and vanilla gelato, as well as the slow-roasted roast lamb with potato, feta, olives, capsicum, and onion and chili pizza. Whether you are after a couple incredible cocktails or a full sit down meal, don’t miss out on this Sydney gem.
3. Opera Kitchen
It would not be a complete list of restaurants with spectacular views without the Opera Kitchen on it, offering postcard-perfect views of the CBD skyline, Circular Quay, and Sydney Harbour Foreshore. Diners will be perched under the most famous sails in the world, in a collection of different tables, chairs, and dining settings. The atmosphere here is casual and relaxed, a nice break from the fancy fine-dining restaurants that often offer up the best views.
It has been dubbed a “fantasy food court” as there is truly something here for everyone, with over 60 creative dishes. Friends, families, theatergoers, and professionals are all welcome at this spot. Whether you are grabbing a bit before the theatre, having late night wine with your girlfriends or looking for a spot to take incredible pictures; this kitchen fits the bill.
2. Café Sydney
It is renowned for its “million dollar” view, located on the rooftop of Customs House in Circular Quay and giving visitors spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. There are many places to choose from in terms of where to sit here, the breathtaking outdoor terrace, stunning cocktail lounge or the more relaxed indoor dining room. It also happens to be world-renowned for its incredibly fresh seafood menu, second to none in the city.
You will find professionals closing deals here, as well as beautifully dressed diners soaking up the view and people celebrating special occasions. This restaurant promises exceptional food, service and a creative wine menu, all designed with you in mind. Don’t miss out on trying the freshly shucked oysters, grilled swordfish and if you are with friends or family, make sure to indulge in the delectable seafood platter.
1. Aria
This award-winning restaurant is located on the very edge of the Sydney Harbour, giving diners an incredible view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, two of the most sought-after landmarks in the city. This restaurant has been in business just about 15 years and has held strong in being one the “the” restaurants to eat at in the city. This iconic restaurant comes at a high price, although many will say that an experience here is most definitely worth it. The menu can be ordered in two, three or four courses and promises not to disappoint hungry patrons.
Make sure to try the pink snapper with mussels, sashimi of yellow fish tuna or the miso baked eggplant, all popular and delicious choices. As an added touch, the tables have all been so strategically placed diners almost feel as though they can reach out and touch the iconic landmarks they are looking at.
