A world of your own with Sydney’s Best Private Dining Rooms
Ahhh solace. Away from the screaming children, cute couples and messy eaters is what you get from the sanctity of your very own private dining room. If you have a special occasion coming up or simply need somewhere private to host a work dinner, take your pick from this guide covering the best private dining rooms in Sydney.
The Squires Landing, The Rocks
This James Squire’s flagship brewhouse offers a private table for 10 with simply breathtaking water views over the Sydney Opera House. Here you can enjoy a menu focused on produce from the sea and land and cooked over fire at one of Sydney’s best waterfront destinations. It’s a fine-dining view without the fine-dining price tag. So pick your 14 best foodie friends and enjoy a private dining experience at Squires Landing.
The Squires Landing, Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks 2000, (02) 8014 5661
NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, Barangaroo
Soak up the lively atmosphere at this New Orleans, Louisiana-inspired restaurant and bar from the comfort of NOLA’s private dining room. The space seats up to 20 guests around a long table and offers mouthwatering shared menus for groups. The three menu options, the Pitmaster, Big Easy, and the Feasting Menu, take a contemporary approach to flavours of Cajun and Creole cuisines, and Southern BBQ features heavily throughout. Think smoked and slow-cooked meats, cornbread, and mac ‘n cheese, all made for sharing with your nearest and dearest. Come the end of the night, whiskey lovers will be spoilt for choice as you relax on the plush lounges and enjoy NOLA bar’s 600+ bottles of American whiskey. Ideal for engagements, birthday dinners and special occasions.
NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, Level 1, One International Towers Sydney, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo South NSW 2000, (02) 9188 3039, Open Thurs-Sat: 11:30am– 11:30pm, Wed: 4pm-11:30pm.
Bopp & Tone
Located conveniently amongst Wynyard Park, Bopp & Tone in the CBD is home to one of the best private dining rooms in Sydney for corporate lunches. The private space offers an intimate dining experience for up to 28 guests surrounding one long table. The lavish wooden furnishings, gold details, and abundance of florals create interiors that exude luxury and glamour. The Mediterranean style menu is made to share and has been carefully crafted to celebrate the giant inhouse wood grill and charcoal oven. You’ll find dishes like Abrolhos Island scallop crudo, grain fed rib eye, and spatchcock with citrus, fennel, sumac and tahini. Bopp & Tone’s sophisticated private dining room is ideal for work functions, client luncheons, birthdays and engagements.
Bopp & Tone, 60 Carrington St, Wynyard Park, 02 9299 9997, Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-11:00pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-12am. Closed Sun.
Nour
Nour (meaning ‘Light’ in Arabic) opened in Surry Hills in 2016 with a dream to present classic Lebanese and Middle Eastern flavors in a fresh, exciting way. And that is exactly what they have done. As one of the best small private dining rooms in Sydney, Nour’s intimate Private Dining Room seats up to 16 guests and boasts an entire glass wall overlooking their beautiful decking. Offering two set menus for $89pp and $119pp available for groups of 7 or more, it is the ideal space to share a Middle Eastern feast with your loved ones. The creative and downright delicious menus feature share plates of chicken bits shawarma, Barberry glazed lamb shoulder and wood fired eggplant. Why not make it a boozy affair and tack on one of the bottomless beverage options; choose from bottomless French rosé, Almaza beer, cocktails, and prosecco.
Nour, Shop 3, 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW, 02 9331 3413, Open 7 days for dinner and Friday to Sunday for lunch.
Busby
Busby is the secret room that lies underneath Riley St Garage, tucked away for those looking for the perfect private dining setting. The versatile space can accommodate up to 36 people seated or 55 standing and is suitable for intimate events, product launches, long lunches, or even business meetings. The elegant setting is complete with a private bar and knocked back interior cleverly designed by Alexander & Co to reflect the mechanic’s workspace. Set menus range from a reasonable $75pp to $110pp, with drinks packages also available.
Busby, 55 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo 2011, 0477 012 828, Open Tues- Sat: 12pm- late, Sun & Mon: Closed.
bibo Wine Bar
Bibo is an elegant yet relaxed restaurant and wine bar, offering top quality Mediterranean food with Portuguese influence and an extensive wine list. Running the show is ex-Guillaume at Bennelong Head Chef Jose Silva and former Rockpool sommelier Louella Mathews; so you know you’ll be in good hands. Get cosy at bibo with their private function options, available in the Upstairs Dining Room, Courtyard or Whole Venue. Their versatile private spaces can accommodate functions catering to up to 65 guests. When it comes to food, you have the choice of canapé menus for stand up cocktail functions, or the Chef’s menus for sit down events. The menu preferences, budget and dietary requirements can also be customised to your event.
bibo Wine Bar, 7 Bay St, Double Bay, NSW, 02 9362 4680, Open Mon- Thurs: 5:30pm – close, Fri, Sat & Sun: midday- close.
Chin Chin
It’s no secret Chin Chin is the perfect venue for gathering, especially with private dining options like this! You can host up to 120 in this beautiful building, or for a more intimate affair choose from private dining rooms Chii 1 (66 seated/80 standing), Chii 2 (30 seated/40 standing) or Chii 3 (14 seated). You can also take over the iconic GoGo bar. Dine on Chin Chin’s signature South-East Asian ‘Feed Me’ banquet and compliment all that spice and flavour with an extensive drinks menu.
Chin Chin, 69 Commonwealth St Surry Hills
Hubert
When it comes to private dining rooms in Sydney, you’ll find Hubert at the top of almost every list; who wouldn’t want to dine in one of the city’s most classy and bustling venues with 10 of your best friends? Restaurant Hubert in the CBD serves some of the highest quality french cuisine, pours delicious wine, and plays live jazz. It’s no wonder this winning combo has won over so many Sydneysiders as a favourite dining spot. They offer two intimate private dining rooms, the ‘Port Cave’ and the ‘Botero Boardroom’, which both fit 8-10 guests. Choose from the Petit Banquet for $95pp or Grand Banquet for $145pp with an option to add matching wines by sommelier Andy Tyson. Plus, the famous digestif trolley is just another incentive to book Hubert’s Port Cave room for your next special occasion.
Hubert, Basement 15 Bligh Street, Sydney, 02 9232 0881, Open Mon- Sat: 5pm- 1am. Closed Sundays.
O Bar and Dining, CBD
With many of the options on this list tucked away underground or in the outer pockets of venues for privacy, it is often hard to find private dining rooms in Sydney with a view. But at O Bar and Dining’s ‘Salon Prive’, not only do they have an exquisite private dining room, you also get to enjoy 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour as the restaurant slowly rotates during your meal. The wow factor starts from the moment you enter, with the attentive staff pouring you a glass of complimentary champagne while you take in Sydney’s shimmering skyline. The private dining room can sit up to 28 people on one table, and is the perfect setting for upscale corporate lunches, milestone celebrations, cocktail parties, proposals or even intimate weddings. The entire menu is influenced by healthy, natural ingredients, with specialised cocktails to match.
O Bar and Dining, Level 47, 264 George Street, Sydney, 02 9247 9777, Open Dinner: Mon- Sun from 5pm, Lunch: Fri from 12pm.
Lotus, The Galaries, CBD
The vibrant restaurant and dumpling bar, Lotus at The Galeries is home to some of Sydney CBD’s best private dining rooms. Their menus are a delicious celebration of modern Shanghainese cuisine and traditional Cantonese cuisine. Take your pick from five dining rooms, including the full glass Fish Bowl which seats 8 people. The White Room or the Black Room both seat up to 12 people at a round table. The Ying Yang room sits up to 20 guests on one long table. It’s a semi private room with glass doors so you can still feel like you’re in the lively restaurant, just without the distractions of other diners. The Blue Lady Room seats up to 40 people and works well for canapé style events. Lotus have set banquet menus available for groups of 4 or more, perfect for group dining.
Lotus, The Galeries, 500 George St, Sydney, 02 9267 3699, Open Mon- Sat: Lunch, 12pm – 3pm, Dinner, 5.30pm – 10pm, Sunday: Lunch, 12pm – 3pm, Dinner, 5.30pm – 9pm
Chiswick, Woollahra
The private dining room at Chiswick in Woollahra will make you feel like you’re eating lunch in a greenhouse, with this beautiful setup overlooking their very own kitchen garden. With evergreen views, this country club style house is a little bit of LA meets Sydney, serving delicious food in a casual dining environment. Matt Moran’s planted to plate philosophy comes to life in the menu, which features produce grown in the lush kitchen garden. The private dining room can hold up to 40 people and their share style menu changes seasonally, but you can be sure to expect pure joy in the form of a 4+ course meal when you dine at Chiswick.
CHISWICK, 65 Ocean St, Woollahra, Open Mon- Thurs: 12–2:30pm, 6–10pm, Fri-Sat: 12–3pm, 5:30–10pm, Sun: 12–9pm
Public Dining Room, Mosman
The Public Dining Room, overlooking the picturesque Balmoral Beach in Mosman is one of Sydney’s best private dining rooms to book for a Summer lunch or dinner. With floor to ceiling windows showcasing the beach’s glimmering waters, you’ll be able to taste the sea salt in the air for a truly special occasion. Their private dining room can sit up to 33 people or for a bigger event, the terrace can hold up to 55 people. Australian produce is the star of the seasonal menu, and an extensive wine list will keep you satisfied for hours as you watch the sunset. Ideal for engagements, milestone birthdays, or for showing off Sydney to your out of town friends.
Public Dining Room, 2A The Esplanade, Mosman, Open Mon-Fri: 12-3pm, 6-9:30pm, Sat: 8-10am, 12-3pm, 6-9:30pm, Sun: 8-10am, 12-3pm
The Winery, Surry Hills
No matter the occasion, The Winery is a top pick when looking for a private dining room in Sydney. The quirky, versatile venue lends itself to a broad range of events, from product launches and intimate weddings to bestie lunches and hens parties. In their retro-style private dining room complete with portraits of Elvis Presley hanging on the walls, you can seat up to 30 people. The funky indoor garden space aptly named The Garden Room can sit up to 24 people. There is also the option to combine the Private Dining Room and The Garden Room for larger events to seat 54. You can choose from one of three menus: their playful ‘Bring Me Food’, a share-style menu showcasing the chef’s selected dishes, the ‘La Di Da’ menu, or the Bottomless Brunch menu, featuring Bellinis, sparkling, and of course, rose.
The Winery, 285A Crown St, Surry Hills, Open Sun-Thurs: 12pm-11pm, Fri & Sat: 12pm-12am
Bloodwood, Newtown
Bloodwood is all about the Inner West even in its design, with an emphasis on recycled and industrial interior. At this Newtown joint, you’ll get excellent service and a creative menu featuring modern Australian food. Their 8-course banquet menu features some of their best dishes including fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, and polenta chips, paired with lots of craft beers and good wine. The private dining room sits up to 16 people and is perfect for more intimate events such as Birthdays and anniversaries. So, if you agree that #InnerWestIsBest, you know where to go.
Bloodwood, 416 King St, Newtown, Open Dinner: Mon-Sun: from 5pm, Lunch: Sat & Sun from 12pm
Paddo Inn, Paddington
From the grill straight to the plate, is there any better way to experience meat and seafood? The Paddo Inn is a lively neighbourhood pub known for its love of simplicity. What’s better, the private dining room is tucked away from the frivolity of the grill bar below. Bright by day, candlelit by night, the Paddo Inn’s private room has something for every mood or occasion. Situated next to a private open-air courtyard it’s the room for any occasion. The room seats up to 20 people seated, or 30 people for a cocktail party.
The Paddo Inn, 338 Oxford St, Paddington, Open Mon- Thurs: 12pm-12am, Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am, Sun: 12pm-10pm
Toko Sydney, CBD
TOKO restaurant is an institution that has been gracing food lovers with its contemporary Japanese style of dining for over 15 years. Having recently relocated from Surry Hills to Sydney’s CBD, the restaurant brings new yet familiar TOKO experience to the city, featuring 100 seats, a robata grill counter and sushi bar counter, and a private dining room. TOKO’s style of dining is contemporary Japanese Izakaya, complemented by a curated selection of Sake, Japanese whisky and inventive cocktails. The new venue features an intimate 16-patron private dining room perfect for celebrations, special occasions and work events. Be one of the first to experience TOKO in its new home but with the same relaxed and vibrant offering.
TOKO Restaurant, Lower Ground, 275 George St, Sydney / 02 9357 6100
The Gidley, CBD
The Norkolk Room at the Gidley may just be our favourite private dining room in Sydney’s CBD. Classy, indulgent, and decadent, this is where you take the clients you need to impress, or your best mates to toast a milestone. The intimate space seats up to 20 people and has its very own stocked bar, personalised to you and lucky guests. As a renowned steakhouse, it’s no surprise that the star of the menu is the standing rib roast or the ribeye. With moody lighting and old-world style, your private dining experience at The Gidley is sure to be a memorable one.
The Gidley, Basement/161 King St, Sydney, 02 9169 6898, Open Tues-Sat: 12pm-12am, Mon: 5pm-12am
Pilu at Freshwater
The Balcony Room at Pilu seats up to 16 guests and offers stunning beachfront views over Freshwater Beach. As one of the Northern Beaches’ most highly rated fine dining restaurants, you know the food will be just as stunning as the outlook. The Sardinian menu combines tradition and modern techniques, with local and seasonal ingredients at its heart. Expect dishes such as coral trout Crudo, Sardinian pasta dishes and slow roasted suckling pig. This is the ultimate private dining room in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for a special occasion.
Pilu at Freshwater, Moore Rd, Freshwater, 02 9938 3331, Open Wed-Sat: 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Sun: 12-3pm
Still struggling with your event planning? Secret Foodies can help you out! With our great selection of private packages here, all the planning is done for you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the best private dining rooms in Sydney for special occasions?
For special occasions such as milestone birthdays or intimate engagements, check out the private dining rooms at The Gidley, Chiswick in Woollahra, or Hubert in the CBD.
What is the best private dining room in Sydney with a view?
With 360 views of Sydney harbour, check out ‘Salon Prive’ at O Bar and Dining, or for ocean views, choose Pilu at Freshwater’s Balcony Room or Public Dining Room in Mosman.
What is the best private dining room in Sydney for corporate events?
Located in Wynyard, Bopp & Tone is ideal for client lunches in the CBD. Toko is also a great option located in George St.