From Palm Beach to Woolloomooloo, there are dozens of waterfront restaurants to choose from in Sydney and here is a guide to our favourites.
Whether it’s the iconic waters of the Sydney Harbour or the deep blue of the ocean, Sydneysiders are blessed with an incredible array of seaside views. For the times when the sun is out, the water is glistening and a long, lavish meal is calling your name, look no further than our guide to Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants.
Pilu at Freshwater, Freshwater Beach
Retaining its two-hat status since 2004, Head Chef Giovanni Pilu and his team are certainly doing a thing or two right on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Pilu at Freshwater is a stunning waterfront restaurant with breathtaking views. Maybe it’s the impeccable Sardinian menu. Or perhaps the waves crashing before you on Freshwater Beach. Whatever the reason, if you haven’t yet dined at Pilu, put it on your foodie bucket list.
Berowra Waters Inn
With sweeping views of the Hawkesbury River, it’s easy to forget you’re only an hour away from the bustle of Sydney’s CBD at Berowra Waters Inn. Glenn Murcutt, the man responsible for the sandstone building’s redesign in the 1970s, described it as a “veranda by the water” – a place to sit, dine and watch the world drift by. He wasn’t wrong.
The waterfront restaurant is only accessible by the water, so you already know it will be a memorable dining experience before you step off the boat. On the menu, you’ll find modern Australian dishes that celebrate organic and local produce. The menu features Sydney rock oysters as a premium seafood offering.
6Head, The Rocks
Taking over the beautiful heritage sandstone dining precinct Campbell’s Stores built in 1839, 6HEAD is Sydney’s newest waterfront steakhouse by The Seagrass Hospitality group (Butcher & Farmer, Hunter & Barrel). Although 6HEAD serves six signature cuts of steak (all dry-aged onsite). you don’t need to love steak to dine here. They have a wide range of fresh, raw seafood, including ceviche, tuna tartare, a seafood platter and premium beluga caviar. So sit back and soak up the uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge while you indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Could this be Sydney’s most Instagrammable dining location? Hoards of tourists and locals pop up in Bondi to capture a snap of Bondi Icebergs Club pools and the adjoining ocean. Who can blame them? Make the most of the unrivalled ocean views at Icebergs Dining Room, where the Italian menu includes everything from cured meats to seafood and handmade pasta.
Ormeggio at The Spit
Tucked away behind an inconspicuous boating dock (stay with us) is another restaurant that has been hatted since it first opened back in 2009. At the helm of Ormeggio is Executive Chef Alessandro Pavoni, who, alongside his team, produces incredible contemporary Italian and Spanish cuisine. As the sun glistens over Middle Harbour, sip on a Vermentino or a Pinot Grigio teamed with Ormeggio’s signature degustation menu. Ormeggio also offers an eight-course tasting menu that showcases the chefs’ culinary skills.
Quay
Not only is Quay renowned as one of the best restaurants in Australia, but it also comes with some of the best waterside views of Sydney Harbour, with the stunning opera house sails and Harbour Bridge surrounding you. Head Chef Peter Gilmore delivers a truly unique and expertly crafted dining experience, exploring harmonies of flavours and contrasts in textures.
Ripples Chowder Bay
Once reserved for secret military operations to defend Sydney Harbour, Ripples Chowder Bay is situated on a particularly historic site. It’s also one of those beautiful waterside restaurants that is the ideal setting for a long boozy lunch. With a contemporary Australian-inspired menu and BYO option, Ripples is certainly worth a visit.
North Bondi Fish
A few short strides from the iconic Bondi Beach is the relaxed eatery, North Bondi Fish. It is the perfect spot for dressing up and enjoying lavish long lunches or keeping it casual with a post-swim bite. Fresh seafood teamed with steaks, salads, sliders and more are on offer. Listen to the waves crashing in the background in between sips of your rosé and bites from your seafood platter.
Catalina, Rose Bay
Situated in Rose Bay, Catalina is a Sydney dining institution that just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Panoramic views of the Harbour? Tick. Top-notch service? Tick. Luxurious seafood menu? Triple tick. Catalina has been a family-run Sydney icon for three decades. With a cocktail in hand, watch as the seaplanes glide across the water.
Otto Ristorante, Woolloomooloo
You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to waterfront restaurants at Woolloomooloo Wharf. Situated about halfway along the wharf is one of Sydney’s most established restaurants. With a focus on contemporary Italian cuisine, Otto offers not only an a la carte menu but a full vegan and vegetarian menu as well. Keeping your vego and vegan friends happy has never been easier.
Looking for more vegetarian-focused menus in Sydney? Click here to read our guide.
Bathers Pavilion, Mosman
Refined elegance meets relaxed beachside hangout at Bathers Pavilion. On any given sun-soaked weekend, you’ll struggle to find a spare table, so make sure you book in advance. For $125pp, take your pick from the three-course menu, or for $190pp, enjoy the whole six-course degustation experience.
Sails on Lavender Bay, McMahons Point
Harbourside dining doesn’t get much better than at Sails, the modern Australian restaurant offering iconic views of our glistening harbour. Seafood is the star of the fine dining menu that has been expertly crafted by Head Chef Saro Derderyan. Plus, the impressive wine list features over 130 Australian and International wine varietals. The seven-course degustation with matching wines is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions or to impress your out-of-town friends.
China Doll, Woolloomooloo
The iconic China Doll on Wolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf is an award-winning waterfront restaurant that is a must-try for Sydney-siders. The Asian-fusion menu takes culinary inspiration from China, Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asia, resulting in a delicious culmination of everything we love about Asian food. With cold share plates, dim sum, and large plates to choose from, indulge in dumplings, seafood, and meat dishes that showcase fresh, local produce.
Bennelong, Sydney Opera House
Situated beneath the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bennelong is, without a doubt, one of the city’s best waterfront restaurants. With Executive Chef Peter Gilmore behind the multi-award winning fine dining menu, a dining experience at Bennelong is truly unforgettable.
Think you’ve got one that should be on the list? Email us at newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most iconic waterfront restaurants in Sydney?
Some of Sydney’s most iconic waterfront establishments include Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House, Quay with its harbour views, and Icebergs Dining Room overlooking Bondi Beach. These restaurants combine stunning locations with exceptional dining experiences.
Which waterfront restaurants offer the best fine dining experience?
For fine dining by the water, Quay and Bennelong (both led by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore) are premier choices. Pilu at Freshwater has maintained its two-hat status since 2004, while Ormeggio at The Spit offers an impressive eight-course tasting menu.
Are there any waterfront restaurants that cater to dietary requirements?
Yes, Otto Ristorante at Woolloomooloo Wharf offers complete vegan and vegetarian menus. Most other waterfront restaurants can accommodate dietary requirements upon request.
What are the best waterfront restaurants for special occasions?
Sails on Lavender Bay is perfect for special occasions with its degustation menu and harbour views. Catalina in Rose Bay provides a luxurious setting with seaplane views, while Bathers Pavilion offers both three-course and six-course experiences for celebratory meals.
Which waterfront restaurants offer the best seafood?
Several restaurants excel in seafood offerings, including Berowra Waters Inn with its Sydney rock oysters, North Bondi Fish’s fresh platters, and 6HEAD’s premium raw seafood selection, including ceviche and beluga caviar.
Do I need to make reservations?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dining. Popular venues like Bathers Pavilion are often fully booked on sunny weekends, so advance booking is essential for securing a table with the best views.
