Discover our curated selection of Sydney’s best outdoor dining precincts, where you can savour delicious meals while immersing yourself in the unique ambience of each location.
Outdoor dining is always a popular option for Sydneysiders and when the sun is shining, we have to agree! Sydney has a stellar alfresco dining itinerary taking you north to places like Watsons Bay Hotel and The Newport or to more central destinations like Opera Bar and The Winery. What’s becoming more prevalent however is outdoor dining precincts boasting an array of restaurants to choose from. We’ve rounded up a guide to some of our favourite precincts which allow you to wander around, stumble across a dining offer you like and perch up amongst the fresh air.
Campbells Cove
Campbells Cove is situated on the north-western side of Sydney Harbour giving you breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. There’s pedestrian access from The Rocks and you will stumble across a whole bunch of dining experiences that allow you to dine alfresco and enjoy the ambience. Some of our favourites include Peter Conistis’s newest restaurant Ploos which puts up delicious Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine and Luna Lu which is a haven for all things contemporary Asian.
Barangaroo
Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest waterside precinct with restaurants of all cuisines and world-class chefs. With so many options, you can wander through the streets and discover a new restaurant or bar with every visit. Make a beeline to the wharf and the majority of the venues offer beautiful alfresco seating. Some of our favourites include Anason where Chef Somer Sivrioglu executes Turkish cuisine to perfection and Tequila Daisy if you’re after a margarita and Mexican share plates. Discover more of our favourite restaurants in Barangaroo.
South Eveleigh
South Eveleigh joined us only a few years ago but has already made a significant mark on the Sydney dining scene. What was once a collection of old railway sheds has transformed into a buzzing drinking and dining destination with over 20 options for you to choose from. Popular options include the wholesome breakfast and lunch spot Lobby Boy from the team behind The Grounds and Re. the permanent no-waste bar by Matt Whiley which has a lovely terrace.
Kensington Street, Chippendale
We couldn’t do an outdoor dining precinct round-up without including Kensington Street. Located in Chippendale, this is a must-visit lifestyle precinct that combines heritage and hospitality. The highlight is Spice Alley which provides a little piece of Singapore in Sydney. You can wander the alleyway to find market stores of all different cuisines including Japanese from Kyo-To, Singaporian from Ginger & Spice and Vietnamese from Viet. The best part is once you’ve ordered your food, you can enjoy the outdoor dining space with wall art, red lanterns and quaint wooden tables.
Angel Place, CBD
Located in the CBD, Angel Place is the perfect spot for a post-work tipple or buzzy night out in the city. Restaurants are scattered down the alleyway and there’s a bunch with outdoor seating for you to relish. Ragazzi, the adored pasta and wine bar is our pick of the bunch and always has a few seats outside to cater to those who want the fresh air. China Lane is also a great option providing a stylish laneway setting and modern Asian cuisine.
Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo
You can’t call yourself a Sydneysider until you’ve spent hours perched up at the Woolloomooloo Wharf. With waterfront views and alfresco restaurants as far as you can see, it’s the perfect spot for catching up with friends in the summertime. Some of our favourite options are the refined Italian restaurant Otto, luxe seafood restaurant Manta and the wharf’s newest addition, Sala, serving up modern Italian fare.
Chinatown, Haymarket
You can find everything in Chinatown from small specialist stores and sprawling Asian grocers to noodle bars in hidden food halls and tucked-away fine-dining restaurants. There are plenty of outdoor seating options which give you an authentic dining experience. Head to Emperor’s Garden or Super Bowl for traditional Chinese cuisine and perch up in their outdoor dining space. Not to be confused with a fancy restaurant, these places serve delicious food in a more casual setting.
