Finding a restaurant that matches great food with stunning views can be a challenge. Many diners are looking for the perfect place to enjoy both delicious cuisine and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a lovely meal, Sydney has restaurants that offer unforgettable dining experiences.
One standout is Aria Restaurant Sydney, located harbourside, providing remarkable views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This guide covers top eateries in Sydney where you can relish both exquisite dishes and spectacular vistas.
Explore our list of seven must-visit restaurants with amazing views in Sydney. Stay tuned!
Key Takeaways
- Sydney’s top restaurants offer both great food and spectacular views, making them perfect for special occasions and memorable dining.
- Aria Restaurant, led by Chef Matt Moran, provides seasonal menus with native ingredients. It’s harbourside location offers stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Bennelong Restaurant is located in the Sydney Opera House complex. It features modern Australian cuisine made from local ingredients in a classy yet comfortable atmosphere.
- Cafe Sydney on Customs House rooftop offers classic modern Australian dishes with breathtaking harbour views towards the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
- Ormeggio at The Spit stands out for its innovative Italian cuisine using locally sourced produce. The seaside deck offers picturesque marina views perfect for intimate dinners.
Aria Restaurant Sydney
Aria Restaurant Sydney offers a refined dining experience by the harbour. Chef Matt Moran crafts seasonal menus using native Australian ingredients to delight your palate.
Chef: Matt Moran
Chef Matt Moran is a renowned Australian chef associated with Aria Restaurant in Sydney. Located Harbourside, Aria offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Executive Chef Joel Bickford creates seasonal menus that showcase native Australian ingredients.
The restaurant boasts a warm and refined atmosphere, perfect for an evening of fine dining. Highlights on the menu include Australian Wagyu rump, oysters, truffled mashed potatoes, and lamb.
The chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings comes highly recommended for those wanting to experience a full range of flavours.
Location: Harbourside
Aria Restaurant Sydney sits harbourside, offering stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The setting adds to its allure, making it a prime spot for memorable dining experiences.
Positioned right on Circular Quay, this location not only provides breathtaking visuals but also immerses guests in the vibrant pulse of Sydney’s waterfront.
The harbourside location enhances the restaurant’s warm and refined atmosphere. Diners enjoy seasonal menus crafted with native Australian ingredients while gazing at iconic landmarks.
Aria Restaurant combines culinary excellence with one of the best vantage points in Sydney harbour restaurants.
Atmosphere: Warm and refined
– Location: Harbourside
The restaurant’s location by the harbour sets a stunning backdrop. Its warm and refined atmosphere enhances the dining experience, embodying comfort with elegance.
Refined service plays a key role here, ensuring guests feel special. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the décor and ambiance. The combination creates a welcoming yet sophisticated setting for all diners.
Aria offers not only exquisite food but also an unforgettable atmosphere, said Chef Matt Moran.
The blend of these elements makes Aria Restaurant Sydney stand out among other Sydney restaurants with views.
Food: Seasonal menu with native Australian ingredients
Aria Restaurant Sydney features a seasonal menu that showcases native Australian ingredients. Executive Chef Joel Bickford curates the dishes, placing emphasis on local produce and flavours throughout.
The menu highlights include Australian Wagyu rump and fresh oysters. Truffled mashed potatoes add a luxurious touch.
The chef’s tasting menu is available with carefully selected wine pairings to enhance the dining experience. This focus on seasonal produce ensures each dish reflects Australia’s rich culinary heritage.
Aria’s commitment to using local ingredients supports both flavour and sustainability in their offerings.
Menu Recommendations
The seasonal menu at Aria showcases fresh, native Australian ingredients. Here are some top picks from their offerings:
- Chef’s Tasting Menu
Experience the finest cuisine with wine pairings. This option offers a curated selection of dishes, perfect for special occasions.
- Australian Wagyu Rump
This dish is a must-try for meat lovers. The tender Wagyu beef is cooked to perfection and served with a rich, flavourful sauce.
- Fresh Oysters
Start your meal with these exquisite oysters. They are freshly shucked and served on ice, offering a taste of the ocean.
- Truffled Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are not ordinary—they are infused with truffle oil, creating a luxurious side dish that pairs well with many main courses.
- Lamb Dish
Another standout item on the menu is the lamb dish. It features succulent lamb cooked to perfection and complemented with seasonal vegetables.
Aria Restaurant Sydney offers a dining experience you will never forget, making it perfect for any occasion.
Bennelong Restaurant and Bar
Bennelong Restaurant and Bar sits in the Sydney Opera House complex. Enjoy modern Australian dishes made from local ingredients, all while taking in classy and comfortable surroundings.
Location: Sydney Opera House complex
Bennelong Restaurant and Bar offers stunning views of the harbour from its spot in the Sydney Opera House complex. The iconic architecture adds charm to the dining experience, making it unforgettable.
Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy scenic surroundings. Both locals and tourists visiting for performances can easily access this restaurant.
Atmosphere: Classy and comfortable
Bennelong Restaurant and Bar offers a classy and comfortable atmosphere. Diners enjoy the inviting environment surrounded by iconic architectural elements within the Sydney Opera House complex.
The elegant setting enhances every dining experience, making it perfect for special occasions.
The restaurant’s location provides stunning views of the harbour, creating a serene backdrop for meals. Diners can enjoy modern Australian cuisine while immersed in this refined yet cosy atmosphere.
Cuisine: Modern Australian with local ingredients
Modern Australian cuisine at Bennelong Restaurant and Bar shines with local ingredients. Wild-caught barramundi and Hawkesbury confit duck showcase the best from Aussie waters and farms.
Don’t miss their Roasted Arkady lamb loin, a true highlight on the menu.
Sweet treats also use native produce. Try their cherry jam lamington or pavlova for dessert. These dishes not only taste great but also celebrate Australia’s unique flavours through fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Cafe Sydney
This venue sits on the rooftop of Customs House, offering breathtaking harbour views. Enjoy classic modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed and contemporary setting.
Location: Rooftop of Customs House
Cafe Sydney sits on the rooftop of Customs House. It offers spectacular harbour views towards the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The relaxed, contemporary interior creates a perfect atmosphere for brunch or lunch.
The menu includes classic modern Australian cuisine with dessert platters and vegan sorbet options. Friendly service enhances your dining experience, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
View: Spectacular harbour views
Enjoy spectacular harbour views from the rooftop of Customs House. Gaze towards the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while dining at Cafe Sydney. This setting combines breathtaking scenery with a relaxed ambience, perfect for both locals and tourists.
Capture memorable photos in this ideal location. The stunning visual backdrop enhances the overall dining experience, making it an unforgettable visit for anyone seeking scenic dining options in Sydney.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and contemporary
Cafe Sydney embraces a relaxed and contemporary atmosphere. Located on the rooftop of Customs House, it boasts a chic interior with modern design elements. The service is friendly and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely brunch or dinner.
Guests can enjoy spectacular harbour views while dining on classic modern Australian cuisine.
The setting enhances the laid-back vibe through its thoughtful decor and efficient service. Light streams in from large windows, creating an airy space perfect for any meal. Cafe Sydney’s ambiance ensures that every visit feels both special and comfortable—ideal for casual outings or memorable occasions alike.
Food: Classic modern Australian cuisine
Cafe Sydney offers a top-notch dining experience with classic modern Australian cuisine. The menu is generous, featuring hearty portions that satisfy any appetite. They use fresh Australian produce to create dishes that are both delicious and wholesome.
Desserts stand out on their menu, with options like vegan sorbet for those mindful of dietary restrictions.
The food at Cafe Sydney pairs perfectly with the stunning harbour views from its rooftop location. This relaxed yet contemporary setting enhances every meal, making it an unforgettable experience.
Diners can enjoy classics made from local ingredients while taking in spectacular sights around them.
Celsius Coffee Co.
Celsius Coffee Co. offers a cosy retreat with expansive water views. Diners can enjoy wholesome and healthy dishes in a peaceful setting.
Location: Kurraba Point wharf
Celsius Coffee Co. sits at the scenic Kurraba Point wharf. You can enjoy expansive water views from Lady Macquarie’s Chair to Rose Bay here. The atmosphere is cosy and peaceful, perfect for intimate brunch settings.
This spot gets very busy on weekends, so plan accordingly. It’s known for wholesome and healthy dishes that delight both locals and tourists alike. This makes Celsius a top pick for waterfront dining in Sydney with stunning vistas.
View: Expansive water views
The expansive water views at Kurraba Point wharf are a sight to behold. They stretch from Lady Macquarie’s Chair to Rose Bay. This location enhances the scenic experience, making it ideal for those who love stunning vistas while enjoying brunch.
The café’s cosy and peaceful atmosphere complements the breathtaking scenery.
This view offers a unique perspective of Sydney’s coastline, attracting many visitors throughout the week. On weekends, the place can be particularly busy as people flock to enjoy these beautiful water views.
Visitors not only come for the great food but also to soak in one of Sydney’s best coastal landscapes.
Atmosphere: Cosy and peaceful
Expansive water views greet you as soon as you arrive at Celsius Coffee Co. The cosy and peaceful atmosphere immediately stands out. The small space enhances the intimate feel, making it an ideal spot for a quiet brunch.
Located at Kurraba Point wharf, the venue provides a serene environment perfect for relaxation. On weekends, it becomes very busy, which may affect the overall calmness. Nonetheless, the tranquil ambience of expansive water views remains inviting throughout your visit.
Food: Wholesome and healthy dishes
Celsius Coffee Co. focuses on wholesome and healthy dishes. Their signature Celsius waffle with berries stands out as a recommended menu item. For a nutritious start, try the breakfast poke bowl.
This café sits beautifully by Kurraba Point wharf, offering expansive water views. The food here caters to health-conscious diners seeking delicious yet balanced meals.
The Gantry Restaurant
The Gantry Restaurant offers a mellow atmosphere with impressive service and creative dishes, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
Location: Waterside area
Situated in a chic waterside area, The Gantry Restaurant offers an unmatched dining experience. The serene location enhances its mellow and understated atmosphere. Large windows allow diners to enjoy stunning water views while savouring their meals.
The waterside setting complements the restaurant’s focus on locally sourced produce. Creative dishes cater to various dietary preferences including pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.
Guests can relax with impressive service as they overlook the picturesque backdrop of the water.
Sails on Lavender Bay is another excellent spot near McMahons Point wharf. It provides airy harbourside views alongside modern local, seasonal cuisine. The intimate and classy atmosphere makes it perfect for special occasions or a quiet meal with friends and family.
Atmosphere: Mellow and impressive service
The Gantry Restaurant sits in a chic waterside area. The mellow atmosphere soothes diners as soon as they enter. Warm lighting and tasteful decor add to the relaxed vibe.
Staff deliver quietly impressive service. They focus on every detail with grace, making the experience delightful. Friendly without being intrusive, they cater to all dietary preferences, including pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.
Diners enjoy both à la carte choices and tasting menus that highlight locally sourced produce. Each dish shows creativity and thoughtfulness. A well-curated wine list rounds out meals perfectly at The Gantry Restaurant.
Food: Locally sourced produce with creative dishes
The Gantry Restaurant stands out with its locally sourced produce. Chef Matt Moran crafts creative dishes that cater to pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans. Expect both tasting menus and a la carte options.
Their carefully curated wine list complements the food offerings. Dine on unique Australian ingredients while enjoying waterside views at The Rocks. This restaurant promises an impressive culinary experience for all dietary preferences.
Ormeggio at the Spit
Ormeggio at the Spit offers an intimate dining experience with a spectacular seaside view. Savour innovative Italian dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a memorable night out.
Location: North Sydney with a seaside deck
Ormeggio at the Spit is in North Sydney. It features a beautiful seaside deck with views of the marina. Booking around sunset offers scenic harbour views that are hard to beat.
The atmosphere feels classy and intimate, perfect for a special evening out. The restaurant serves innovative Italian cuisine using locally sourced produce. Both the food and the setting create a memorable dining experience.
Atmosphere: Classy and intimate
The atmosphere at Ormeggio at the Spit exudes class and intimacy. Nestled on a seaside deck in North Sydney, it offers picturesque harbour views that shine around sunset. This setting complements the innovative Italian cuisine, creating an inviting yet sophisticated vibe for diners.
Ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners, Ormeggio’s decor is elegant without being pretentious. The refined ambiance enhances the degustation menu experience, making each dish more enjoyable.
Guests feel both relaxed and pampered while taking in the serene water backdrop.
Cuisine: Innovative Italian with locally sourced produce
Ormeggio at the Spit shines with innovative Italian cuisine. They use fresh, locally sourced produce for every dish. Their famous 7-course ‘Trip through Italy’ degustation menu lets guests savour a variety of creations.
Highlights include delicacies like pasta with Moreton bugs and prawns, finished with truffles.
Situated in North Sydney, Ormeggio offers picturesque marina views. Dine around sunset for the best experience. The setting balances class and relaxation, making it ideal for intimate dinners.
Book early to secure a spot on their seaside deck.
Recommended menu item
Enjoy the 7-course ‘Trip through Italy’ degustation menu at Ormeggio. This menu features modern Australian twists on Italian classics. Delight in pasta dishes with Moreton bugs and prawns.
Each course highlights native ingredients. Truffles enhance flavours throughout the meal. Every bite blends tradition and innovation, offering a culinary adventure by the seaside deck.
Sails on Lavender Bay
Sails on Lavender Bay serves modern local, seasonal dishes with an intimate and classy atmosphere. Enjoy airy harbourside views while you dine.
Location: Near McMahons Point wharf
Located near McMahons Point wharf, Sails on Lavender Bay offers airy harbourside views. Visitors can enjoy postcard-worthy scenes of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This stunning location is perfect for soaking up Sydney’s iconic waterfront.
Request a waterside table for optimal skyline views. This spot provides an unmatched dining experience with its scenic panorama. The restaurant effortlessly combines quality cuisine with exquisite sights, making it a must-visit destination in North Sydney.
Cuisine: Modern local, seasonal cuisine
Sails on Lavender Bay highlights modern, local, and seasonal cuisine. The menu features a degustation option with wine pairings, ensuring diners savour the best of local flavours. Enjoy Black Angus Sirloin or freshly shucked oysters for starters.
Generous portions and beautiful presentations make each dish memorable. For those who prefer variety, try seared scallops or mushroom pie with seasonal mushrooms. An excellent selection of wines complements the meal perfectly.
View: Airy harbourside views
Sails on Lavender Bay offers airy harbourside views near McMahons Point wharf. Diners enjoy postcard-perfect sights of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The atmosphere is intimate and classy, yet bright and spacious.
Requesting a waterside table maximises skyline views. The restaurant’s modern local cuisine complements its stunning setting, creating a memorable dining experience in Sydney.
Atmosphere: Intimate and classy
The atmosphere at Sails on Lavender Bay is both intimate and classy. The restaurant features a bright, spacious environment that offers a relaxing and airy harbourside setting. Diners can enjoy postcard views while relishing the serenity of the location.
Friendly and courteous service from the staff enhances the sophisticated vibe, making it perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.
This classy ambiance creates an exceptional dining experience. Guests feel welcomed as they savour modern local cuisine with seasonal ingredients. The elegant decor contributes to the overall refined yet warm atmosphere.
Combining stunning harbour views with excellent service ensures that every visit feels unique and memorable.
Staff and menu recommendations
An intimate and classy atmosphere is paired with top-notch service at Sails on Lavender Bay. Here are staff and menu recommendations for an exceptional dining experience:
- Friendly Staff: The staff are friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable about the menu.
- Degustation Menu: The degustation menu features generous portions and beautiful presentations.
- Black Angus Sirloin: This dish is highly recommended for its tenderness and rich flavour.
- Freshly Shucked Oysters: Enjoy these fresh and briny delicacies as a starter.
- Seared Scallops: These scallops are perfectly cooked and come with a delightful sauce.
- Mushroom Pie: Made with seasonal mushrooms, this pie offers a hearty and delicious option.
These recommendations ensure you have a memorable meal while soaking in the stunning views of the harbour.
Conclusion
1. Sydney offers many great restaurants with stunning views.
2. These spots highlight the beauty of the city while offering excellent food.
3. The mix of harbourside, rooftop, and waterside locations provides diverse experiences.
4. Each restaurant combines local ingredients with expert cooking to create memorable dishes.
5. Explore these venues for a blend of scenic dining and gourmet cuisine.
6. Plan your visit now to enjoy Sydney’s best culinary vistas!
Menu Options
Each restaurant offers unique menu options that cater to various tastes. They feature locally sourced produce and creative dishes.
- Aria Restaurant Sydney
- Tasting Menu: Seasonal items with native Australian ingredients.
- A La Carte: Signature dishes like blue-eye trevalla.
- Wine List: Curated by sommelier Matt Dunne.
- Bennelong Restaurant and Bar
- Tasting Menu: Modern Australian cuisine with local flavours.
- A La Carte: Choose from dishes like eucalyptus-smoked salmon.
- Degustation Menu: Wine pairings from top wineries.
- Cafe Sydney
- Main Courses: Grilled snapper, lamb rack.
- Starters: Fresh oysters, duck liver pate.
- Desserts: Passionfruit pavlova, chocolate fondant.
- Celsius Coffee Co.
- Breakfast Dishes: Avocado toast, organic granola.
- Lunch Options: Quinoa salad, fish tacos.
- Beverages: Artisan coffee, fresh juices.
- The Gantry Restaurant
- Signature Dish: Seared scallops with herbs from local farms.
- Vegetarian Options: Zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta.
- Dessert Tasting Plate: Variety of sweet treats.
- Ormeggio at the Spit
- Italian Classics: House-made pasta and risotto dishes.
- Seafood Specialities: Grilled octopus and smoked trout.
- Recommended Item: Risotto with truffle shavings.
- Sails on Lavender Bay
- Entrées: Scallop carpaccio, crab salad.
- Mains: Barramundi fillet, slow-cooked beef cheek.
- Desserts & Drinks Menu: Local cheeses and dessert wines.
These establishments are known for their diverse offerings and stunning views, making them top choices for dining in Sydney.
FAQs
1. Which restaurants in Sydney offer stunning views?
Sydney has several restaurants with a view, including Jonah’s at Whale Beach, The Ternary at Darling Harbour, and Pilu at Freshwater.
2. Can you recommend a restaurant near Bondi Beach with great scenery?
Yes, there are many excellent options for al fresco dining near Bondi Beach that provide beautiful views of the coastline.
3. Are there any notable chefs associated with these top restaurants?
Peter Gilmore is one of the renowned chefs linked to some of Sydney’s finest dining spots offering spectacular vistas.
4. What should I expect from dining experiences in Potts Point or Darling Harbour?
Dining in Potts Point or Darling Harbour offers not just delicious meals but also picturesque surroundings and an acknowledgment of country as part of their service ethos.
