The Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sydney
Summer has arrived, and there is nothing better than eating and drinking by the water. Sydney shines brightest by the harbour, where every meal comes with a view.
From lazy long lunches to golden hour cocktails, we’ve rounded up the best waterfront restaurants in Sydney to make the most of the season.
Ormeggio at The Spit, where modern Italian dining meets Middle Harbour Ormeggio at The Spit is the two-hatted waterfront Italian seafood restaurant at D'Albora Marina in Mosman. With sweeping views over Middle Harbour and Pearl Bay, this restaurant has been an icon of the Sydney dining scene since 2009. It has recently entered a bold…
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a'Mare Barangaroo, where Italian hospitality meets Sydney Harbour a'Mare means "by the sea," and at Crown Sydney's waterfront Italian restaurant, that is exactly where you find yourself. Led by Chef Alessandro Pavoni and Executive Chef Giuseppe Fuzio, a'Mare Barangaroo brings three distinct Italian experiences under one roof, the refined dining room downstairs, the casual Pizza'Mare…
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Be one of the first to dine at the newly developed Campbell's Stores building in Circular Quay at 6HEAD restaurant 6HEAD is the first of several new restaurants to open in the historic Campbell's Stores building at Circular Quay following a major $32 million upgrade. Taking over the beautiful heritage sandstone building built in 1839,…
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Big changes are ahead for one of Sydney's most iconic fine dining restaurants, Aria. Since closing its doors during the early spaces of Australia's lockdown we've been eagerly awaiting the reopening of Aria. The news of this iconic fine dining restaurant's reopening came this week, with the venue swinging open its doors once again to…
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North Bondi Fish, the seafood lunch spot at the top of Bondi Beach that turns into an afternoon North Bondi Fish is Matt Moran's seafood restaurant, sitting at the top corner of Bondi Beach with front-row views of the water. Fresh, light and uncomplicated seafood cooked on the Inka Grill, a balcony made for people-watching,…
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Meet the new-look Bathers' Pavilion, set to disrupt Sydney's coastal dining scene with a fresh fit-out, new team and revamped offering. The surf club has been a staple on Australian shores for generations. A place for kids of all ages to catch up and congregate before a dip. And a visit to the humble kiosk…
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Flaminia, a harbourside Italian dining room from the team behind Pilu After more than two decades defining coastal fine dining at Pilu at Freshwater, Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini have opened the doors to their next chapter: Flaminia, a harbourside Italian dining room that brings the flavours, rituals and easy elegance of Italy’s great port-side…
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There are two ways to get to Berowra Waters Inn. By seaplane or private ferry. Of course there could be other ways. Rubber dinghy, canoe, paddle board and hovercraft are just some of the unconventional alternatives I consider as my private ferry pulls up to the restaurant. It’s a beautiful autumn day, not a cloud…
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Catalina is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque restaurant in Sydney. Catalina is a restaurant rich in history, from its location and cuisine to the family that owns and runs the establishment. It was founded in 1994 by husband and wife hospitality duo Michael and Judy McMahon. In 1978 they both worked at Gay and Tony Bilson’s…
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Otto Ristorante Woolloomooloo, 25 years on the Finger Wharf and still one of the city's best Otto Ristorante Sydney is a one-hatted Italian restaurant in Woolloomooloo, sitting on the spectacular Finger Wharf with unrivalled waterfront views and al fresco dining that has earned a fiercely loyal following over 25 years. Modern Italian food, approachable sophistication…
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China Doll Delivers Waterfront Dining Welcome to China Doll, where modern Asian cuisine meets harbour views in one of Sydney's most coveted dining destinations. China Doll is Woolloomooloo Wharf's standout dining experience - a place where weekend lunches stretch into the afternoon, surprise value keeps you coming back, and thoughtful service extends to lending sunglasses…
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A new chapter is unfolding on the Rose Bay waterfront with the arrival of Rasā House, a new South & South East Asian restaurant. Helmed by Vinay Matta, son of Sydney hospitality veterans behind Jewel on the Bay and The Spice Room; Rasā House is his soulful spin on tradition, shaped by travel, creativity, and…
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Ripples Rose Bay brings new waterfront dining to Rose Bay Marina Ripples Rose Bay is the newest addition to SRG Hospitality’s waterfront portfolio, open now at Rose Bay Marina with harbour views from every seat. Executive Chef Marco Masotti brings a modern Australian menu built around the water, with Sydney rock oysters, Australian prawns and…
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Familiar face, new facelift! Remember Sails on Lavender Bay? That iconic restaurant nestled on the Lavender Bay foreshore, boasting breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, has emerged from a period of renewal. After more than 40 years of serving Sydneysiders delectable meals in a charming environment, Sails has set sail on a new chapter, sporting a…
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Taking up residence on Jones Bay Wharf, Sala Dining is serving up nostalgic Italian flavour with modern flair Home to two bespoke private dining rooms – including one with direct waterfront access and a terrace – Sala’s 160-seat space offers a stunning harbourside backdrop led by Mediterranean design cues and a love of Australian produce.…
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Discover the ultimate seaside dining at Pilu Freshwater A beautiful summer Saturday saw a group of us get the ferry over to manly and then on to freshwater. We arrived at a quaint little cottage on the hill overlooking the beach at the restaurant Pilu Freshwater. Here we indulged in a 7 course degustation for a…
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There's no denying that a dining experience in the Sydney Opera House can give even the most local drink and dine aficionado a touch of touristy enthusiasm. That was certainly the feeling as we climbed the iconic steps towards Peter Gilmore's talk-of-the-town, newly opened Bennelong restaurant. With it's striking high ceilings and floor to ceiling…
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Cafe Sydney is another strong contender for one of the best waterfront dining experiences in the city. Perched on the rooftop of Customs House, it offers breathtaking harbour views, an elegant terrace and a refined seasonal menu.
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?
Anason is one of Sydney's most atmospheric waterfront restaurants, offering a modern Istanbul-inspired dining experience right on the edge of Barangaroo. With views across the harbour, guests can settle in for raki, Turkish wines and vibrant mezes that feel made for long, sunlit afternoons by the water.
