Summer is here, and alfresco dining is our favourite way to soak it all in.
From waterfront fine dining with sparkling harbour views to relaxed beachside spots made for long, lazy lunches, these are the best places in Sydney to make the most of sunny days and warm nights.
Rafi, North Sydney
RAFI is one of Sydney’s best spots for alfresco dining, blending vibrant coastal flavours with a bright, open atmosphere. Whether you’re on the surfside terrace or in North Sydney’s lush Arbour, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, creative cocktails and sunshine-filled moments. Every meal feels relaxed yet refined, making it ideal for long lunches and sunset dinners alike.
Find out more here.
Tottis, Bondi
Totti’s, tucked behind The Royal on Bondi Road, serves up comforting Italian dishes perfect for sharing. From wood-fired bread and house-made antipasto to grilled meats, pastas, and nostalgic desserts like tiramisu, it’s all about simple, delicious food. Choose between a leafy courtyard or a sunlit indoor space, paired with natural wines and retro-Italian cocktails for the ultimate relaxed dining experience.
Find out more here.
Luna Lu, Campbells Cove
Luna Lu is another stunning spot for alfresco dining, combining contemporary Asian flavours with breathtaking harbour views. Set along Campbell’s Cove, it’s perfect for long lunches or elegant evenings under the sky. With dishes that blend tradition and innovation, and the option to dine in the private glass dome overlooking the Opera House, Luna Lu delivers a truly unforgettable outdoor dining experience.
Find out more here.
Alegre, Darling Harbour
Alegre is a must-visit for alfresco dining in Sydney, blending the warmth of Mexican hospitality with stunning Darling Harbour views. With its open, breezy setting and menu inspired by Tulum, it’s perfect for lingering over cocktails, fresh seafood and bold, flavourful dishes. Whether it’s a long lunch or a sunset dinner, Alegre delivers a dining experience that’s vibrant, soulful and unmistakably Sydney.
Find out more here.
Sala, Pyrmont
ALA is one of Sydney’s most beautiful spots for alfresco dining, perfectly positioned at the end of Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont. Blending regional Italian flavours with the freshness of Australian produce, it offers an elegant Mediterranean-inspired experience right on the harbour. With private dining terraces, stunning waterfront views and a refined coastal-chic design, SALA is made for long summer lunches and unforgettable evenings by the water.
Find out more here.
Iceberg’s Dining Room & Bar, Bondi
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is Sydney’s ultimate destination for alfresco dining. Overlooking the iconic Bondi Beach, it combines modern Italian cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. Every dish reflects Maurice Terzini’s Italian heritage, featuring fresh, sustainable produce and elegant flavours. Whether it’s a long lunch or sunset dinner, Icebergs delivers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of coastal Sydney.
Find out more here.
Tqm, Paddington
Tequila Mockingbird, now reimagined as tqm., offers a unique alfresco dining experience in the heart of Paddington. Set within a restored Victorian terrace, its open-air rooftop terrace is perfect for sharing smoky wood-fired meats, fresh seafood and vibrant Latin-inspired dishes. With a menu led by Michelin-rated Chef José Garcia, tqm. blends South American soul with Australian produce, creating a dining experience that’s warm, lively and full of flavour.
Find out more here.
Untied, Barangaroo
Untied Rooftop in Barangaroo is a relaxed yet stylish spot for alfresco dining with sweeping harbour views. Filled with natural light and greenery, it’s the perfect place to unwind with tropical cocktails and share plates that showcase fresh, modern Australian flavours. Whether it is a long lunch or sunset drinks, Untied brings the best of Sydney’s rooftop dining to life.
Find out more here.
The Light Brigade, Woollahra
Sitting 83 metres above sea level, this rooftop bar provides an inner-city oasis with a stunning view of the Sydney skyline. You’ll find a mixture of lounge and dining spaces, with a signature curved bar. Similar to a New York-style terrace, there is plenty of lush greenery with a casual Australian twist.
Find out more here.
The New Brighton Hotel, Manly
Another beachside Manly pub that is perhaps one of the lesser-known but popular Sydney rooftop bars is The New Brighton Hotel. The newly renovated pub does dining, drinking, and dancing, and an intimate rooftop bar is a cherry on top. Look down onto the lively Manly Corso, and people watch or stare straight ahead at the beautiful ocean.
Find out more here.
CIRQ, Barangaroo
Located 26 floors above the Crown’s waterfront location, CIRQ offers world-class views of the Sydney harbour and a dining experience you don’t want to miss. Relax on the luxurious light-filled terrace while you enjoy an expertly crafted menu of bespoke cocktails and share plates.
Find out more here.
Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral
With views across Sydney’s sparkling Balmoral Beach, the much-loved Bathers’ Pavilion is the spot to be during summer. This beachside venue is bringing with art deco charm. Plus, make sure to grab a seat on their first-floor Louis Terrace with breathtaking vistas of the sand and sea below.
Find out more here.
