Looking to impress a work client with a lavish lunch or dinner? Consult this guide.
Nothing helps solidify a good business relationship quite like a long, lavish meal together. Whether you’re looking to onboard a new client, or treating an existing one, here is a guide on the best spots in Sydney for a meal out with clients.
Bennelong
A lavish meal out is epitomised at Bennelong restaurant in the Sydney Opera House. Here, the very best of Australia’s produce and wine takes centre stage. Two and three course à la carte menus are available for lunch starting from $110, with a three course à la carte option available for dinner. Don’t forget to pre-book, Bennelong is often fully booked weeks in advance.
Bennalong, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. Open lunch Fri – Sun 12pm-2pm, Dinner Mon – Wed & Sun 5:30pm- 9pm Thurs 5:30pm – 10pm Fri & Sat 5pm – 10pm .
Bopp & Tone
Enter a world of 1950s glitz and glamour at this CBD newcomer. Replacing the old Steel Bar & Grill on Carrington Street, Bopp & Tone embodies everyday opulence and grandeur while also maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Food-wise, you can expect an Australian menu with Mediterranean influences, centred on the share-style concept.
Bopp & Tone, 60 Carrington Street, Wynyard Park, Open Mon-Tues 11:30am-11:00pm, Weds-Thurs & Sat 11:30am-12:00am, Fri 11:30am-1am, Sunday closed.
Hubert
This particular French restaurant needs no introduction. Open only for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays (12pm-3pm), consider this your go-to evening hangout where decadence rules and your VIP clients are suitably impressed. For those looking for added privacy over dinner, Hubert offers a couple of private dining rooms, including an intimate ‘Port Cave’, seating 8-10 guests.
Restaurant Hubert, Basement 15 Bligh Street, Open Mon – Wed & Sat 4pm-1am, Thur & Fri 12pm – 1am, Closed Sundays.
Tayim
Located in the heart of the historic Rocks, Tayim masterfully showcases the rich cultures of the Middle East through its flavoursome food and drinks menus. For a value-fo-money client meal, Tayim have now introduced the $45 set lunch menu. Designed to be shared between two or more people, the menu includes a mezze starter, a choice of four mains and a glass of wine.
Tayim, 34 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW. Open Lunch Tues to Sun: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, Dinner Tues to Thurs: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Dinner Fri and Sat: 5:00pm – Late, Dinner Sun – 5:00pm – 9:00pm.
INDU
Enjoy flavours from Southern Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine at INDU. Explore the menu with different feast options including a vegetarian feast for $60pp or alternatively the Signature Feast for $80pp. Plus you and your client will leave knowing you contributed to something more than just your appetite, as INDU work in partnership with a charity that helps the villages that inspire the food they create.
INDU, 350 George Street Entry Via, Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Mon – Fri 12pm – 10pm, Sat & Sun 5pm – 10pm.
The Squire’s Landing
Whether you’re a beer lover or simply appreciate a waterside view, The Squire’s Landing is a great option for a client meal. If you’re looking for a more casual experience, pull up a table in the downstairs Brewhouse and take your pick from the on tap brews and pub fare. Upstairs is a more formal affair, the restaurant serving up more intricate dishes that utilise seasonal produce.
The Squire’s Landing, Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, Open Mon-Thurs & Sat-Sun 10am-12am & Fri 10am-1am.
Rockpool Bar and Grill
Inspired by the top steakhouses of North America, Rockpool Bar & Grill is an iconic restaurant in Sydney’s CBD. First opening in 1989, Rockpool continues to attract a large corporate client base. Reserve a table in the main dining room or request a private space in one of Rockpool’s multiple private and semi-private spaces. For your VIP clients, take them to The Boardroom. It is completely separate from the main dining room and seats up to 8ppl.
Rockpool Bar & Grill, 66 Hunter Street, Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 6pm-10pm
Bea
As the flagship restaurant of Barangaroo House, Bea offers unparalleled views of Darling Harbour. Native Australian ingredients shine on Chef Tom Haynes’ menu, including whole roasted duck from the Southern Highlands and a 1.5kg Tomahawk from the Ranges Valley. The wine list echoes a similarly high level of quality, showcasing global wine regions and Australia’s top wine producers. Have we won you over yet?
Bea, 35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, Open Mon-Sun 12pm – 10 pm
Kid Kyoto
If you are looking to take your client to a boundary pushing restaurant head to Kid Kyoto. Situated on Bridge Street this restaurant offers a modern Japanese menu, that changes seasonally. If we are talking a slightly boozy meeting, be sure to explore Kid Kyoto’s impressive drinks selection.
Kid Kyoto, 17-19 Bridge Street, entry via, Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000. Mon – Fri 12pm – 10pm, Sat & Sun 5pm – 10pm
Quay
It goes without saying that Quay epitomises fine dining in Sydney’s CBD and is the ultimate restaurant to impress your clients. Let chef Peter Gilmore guide you and your guests through a menu that celebrates Australia’s diverse landscape; the Harbour Bridge and Sydney’s Opera House floating in the background. Be sure to reserve a table, Quay books out weeks in advance.
Quay, upper level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney. Open for restaurant lunch service Friday, Saturday and Sunday (bookings from 12pm to 1:30pm). Restaurant dinner service daily (bookings from 6pm to 9:30pm).
Fix Wine Bar
With a 250+ bottle wine list at your finger tips, Fix Wine Bar will impress even the fussiest wine drinkers in your group. Situated in the heart of Sydney on Elizabeth Street, let award winning sommelier Stuart Know tailor recommendations best suited to you and more importantly, your future/present client.
Fix Wine Bar, 111 Elizabeth Street Sydney, Open Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Friday 8am-11pm, Saturday and Sunday closed.
Anason Barangaroo
While Barangaroo is known for its vibrant and diverse dining scene, choosing where to go can often be overwhelming. Take out the guess work and make a booking at Turkish restaurant, Anason. With the harbour glistening in the background make your way through their cold and hot mezze menus. Add in some Turkish wine (available by the glass and bottle) and you’ve got yourself a fail proof dining experience.
Anason, 5/23 Barangaroo Avenue Barangaroo, NSW. Open Monday to Sunday 11:30am-10:00pm
Cirrus
Another gem down by the streets of Barangaroo is Cirrus. Offering stunning views across the northern end of Darling Harbour to Pyrmont and Goat island, the menu here is seafood focused fine dining. Good news for those keen on a lunch meeting, as Cirrus is open seven days from 12pm to 6pm.
Cirrus, 23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW, Open for lunch service Mon – Sun 12pm – 3pm, and dinner service Mon – Sat 6pm – 11pm & Sun 6pm – 10pm.
China Lane
Beneath the mesmerising chirping bird sounds of the ‘forgotten songs’ installation in Angel Place, you will find China Lane. This modern Asian restaurant offers banquet options for both lunch and dinner service, and the space includes private dining options should you and your client require a more secluded experience.
China Lane, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000. Open for lunch Mon – Fri 12pm – 3am, dinner service Mon- Fri 6pm – 11pm & Sat 5:30pm – 11pm.
Balcon by Tapavino
Tapavino have made their mark in Sydney with not one but three CBD restaurants. Tucked away on Bligh Street is the biggest of the three restaurants, Balcon by Tapavino. Its impressive wine list can only be matched by its quality Spanish tapas menu. The 80-seater venue comes with a sun-drenched outdoor courtyard, making it ideal of a long lunch.
Balcon by Tapavino, 17 Bligh Street Sydney, Open Monday – Friday 12pm-10pm.
O Bar and Dining
Take your next client dinner to new heights with a visit to O Bar and Dining. Located on the 47th floor in Australia Square, you will always have the best seat in the house. The revolving restaurant gives you panoramic views of the city entire. O Bar and Dining is a great place to take out-of-town clients.
O Bar and Dining, Level 47 Australia Square, 264 George Street Sydney, Open lunch Fridays from 12pm & dinner 7 days from 5pm.
Bistecca
Tuscany’s revered cut of steak is celebrated at Bistecca on Bridge Street. You’ll want to steer clear of this restaurant if you have any vegetarians in the group, as this menu is solely comprised of the Bistecca alla Fiorentina cut of meat (available per 100gm) and a few simple sides. Match this with a robust red and you’ll be in meat-lovers paradise.
Bistecca, 3 Dalley Street, Sydney, Restaurant open Mon & Sat 4pm – 2am, Tues – Fri 12pm – 2am.
Cubby’s Kitchen
Take your client to Cubby’s Kitchen and delve into an array of flavoursome Lebanese dishes. Located just off Bridge street in the CBD, Cubby’s Kitchen offers a modern take on traditional Lebanese dishes. The banquet menu will set you back $54pp for a 9 course feast or $69pp for the deluxe banquet.
Cubby’s Kitchen, Corner Young Street & Loftus Lane, off Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Open for lunch Mon – Fri 12pm – 3pm, dinner Mon – Thurs 6pm – 10:30pm, Fri & Sat 6pm – 11pm, Closed Sundays
Long Chim
Chef David Thompson doesn’t compromise on flavour at this Sydney rendition of Long Chim. Here, you’ll find Thai food done at its very best. Be warned, quite a few menu items are particularly spicy, so if you’re unsure as to your client’s tolerance, perhaps take heed. For those with a propensity for all things fiery, get ready to have your taste buds set alight for all the right reasons.
Long Chim, corner of Pitt Street & Angel Place, Open Mon-Fri 11:30am – 10pm, Saturday dinner from 5pm – 10pm
Felix
This Parisian-style brasserie ticks all the boxes. Buzzy atmosphere? tick. Decadent French menu? tick. Impressive wine offering? Triple tick. Taking its cues from the city of love, you and your client will fall hopelessly for this Merivale restaurant.
Felix, 2 Ash Street, Sydney, Open Mon-Fri 12pm-10:30pm, Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun 12pm-9:30pm.
Otto
It’s only slightly out of the CBD, a short stroll through the Domain and you’re in Wolloomooloo but picture this. A big bowl of spaghetti, a crisp glass of wine and an unparalleled view of Finger Wharf. Otto Restaurant is all about decadence, making it the perfect destination for your VIP clients. While you might typically associate BYO with cheap and cheerful, Otto offers a special BYO menu option for groups of 8 or more guests. Bring along your favourite drop and while the hours away (while tactically closing deals).
Otto, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, Open Monday – Sunday 12pm – 10pm.
China Doll
Another Woolloomooloo gem is China Doll. First opening its doors in 2004, this veteran in the dining scene continues to draw in a big corporate crowd. Big and bold Cantonese flavours take the centre stage, while Finger Wharf will offer a particularly appealing backdrop for your next business lunch.
China Doll, 4/6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, Open for lunch 7 days from 12pm-3pm, open for dinner Mon- Sat 6pm-10pm & Sun 6pm – 9pm.
AKI’s
Contemporary Indian flavours are celebrated at AKI’s in Woolloomooloo. Take your pick from either the a la carte menu or otherwise sit back and let the team feed you with their set banquet. One thing’s for certain, no one leaves hungry after a visit to AKI’s.
AKI’s, 1/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, Open Sun-Fri from 12pm. Open for dinner all nights from 6pm.
Mr Wong
Half the fun of dining at Mr Wong is finding the restaurant. Hidden away on Bridge Street, this Cantonese hotspot is all about big punchy flavour combinations and hospitable service. Seating up to 240 guests over two levels, enter a buzzy world and dine on dumplings, duck, stir fries, seafood and beyond.
Mr Wong, 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney. See opening hours here.
Matteo Downtown
After delighting Double Bay, Matteo next made its presence known with the opening of Matteo Downtown. Taking queues from the sexy and sophisticated streets of Milan, Matteo Downtown is an all-day Italian eatery, opening up possibilities for a sophisticated breakfast, lunch or dinner with your client.
Matteo Downtown, 20 Bond Street, Sydney. Open Mon – Fri 8am – 12am, Sat 5pm – 12am
