We all can agree that Sydney can be a real treat for sore eyes. With that in mind, and after coming up with a hand-picked selection of hotels in Sydney with a view, we felt that, with 2020 fast approaching, it was about time to share our selection of Sydney’s restaurants with the most impressive views. From Sydney Harbour to Sydney beaches, these are the tables we love the most in this Australian city:
Altitude
Located on level 36 at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, one of the best hotels in Sydney with a view, Altitude is a contemporary Australian restaurant known for its degustation menu, a wide variety of wines and delicious brunches.
Altitude’s View
Expect nothing less than commanding views over Sydney Harbour from this elegant restaurant. Without wanting to take any merit from the chef’s creations, the restaurant’s panoramic view do steal the show, particularly at night when two of the city’s most iconic landmarks lit up: Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Address: 176 Cumberland St, Sydney;
Reservations: +61 2 9250 6000.
Altum Restaurant
Just across the harbour, on North Sydney, lies one of our favourite restaurants in Sydney. Looking forward to combine a good dosage of fun with exquisite food? After a day spent at Luna Park, taste some of the delicacies served here, a fusion between the Australian and Mediterranean cuisines.
Altum’s View
The superlative vistas are the material dreams are made of. Expect unobstructed views over the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. A New Year’s Eve spent here, with all the fireworks and all, is a surreal experience.
Address: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point;
Reservations: +61 2 9033 7670.
Aria
The multi-awarded, modern Australian Aria Restaurant, never fails to impress. In a sophisticated ambiance, patrons are treated with a fine-dining experience, ranging from the creations of chef Matt Moran to an impressive wine selection. A great option to combine with a night at the theatre.
Aria’s View
This restaurant’s glass-walled dining room definitely creates an impression - and we don’t mean just the food. Directly facing Sydney’s Opera House, tables at Aria’s rank high when it comes to dining in Sydney with a view.
Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney;
Reservations: +61 2 9240 2255.
Bennelong
Opened by the hand of acclaimed Australian chef Peter Gilmore, this top-notch restaurant is located inside Sydney Opera House. We are particularly fond of the ten-course tasting menu, one of the most incredible dining experiences one can have in the city.
Bennelong’s View
From one iconic landmark to the other, tables at the Bennelong overlook Sydney Harbour Bridge and sections of the Opera’s sails.
Address: Bennelong Point Sydney Opera House, Sydney;
Reservations: +61 2 9240 8000.
Catalina Rose Bay
If seafood is your thing, this Eastern Beaches’ gem is an unmissable address. In fact, the family-run restaurant has been a reference in Sydney’s dining scene for more than 20 years now, which attests for the overall quality experienced at this stunning place.
Catalina Rose Bay’s View
Enjoying a meal at Catalina Rose Bay goes way beyond satisfying your appetite: it is a scenic show where seaplanes are constantly taking off and landing on Sydney’s Harbour waters.
Address: Lyne Park, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay;
Reservations: +61 2 9371 0555.
Cafe Sydney
Perhaps a fan of rooftops? We feel you. Don’t let the name foul you though - there’s much more than coffee as this Australian inspired restaurant. The price can be a bit salty but the food is heavenly, in particular the oysters. A restaurant for that perfect romantic dinner we say.
Cafe Sydney’s View
Spectacular vistas over Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s “Coathanger”, the Harbour Bridge. Sunsets here are absolutely divine.
Address: 5 Sydney Customs House, 31 Alfred St;
Reservations: +61 2 9251 8683.
Centennial Homestead
Feeling like catching a breath of fresh air? Head to Centennial Park, Sydney’s largest within the city itself. In the park, you’ll find Centennial Homestead, the ideal restaurant to grab a bite, mingle with locals and enjoy an outdoor meal.
Centennial Homestead’s View
Not that classic Sydney-postcard view, true. Nonetheless, visitors are drawn by the relaxing atmosphere and the sweeping vistas across one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the world.
Address: 1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park;
Reservations: +61 2 9380 9350.
Cirrus Dining
Located on the new, hip Barangaroo area, Cirrus is where demanding Sydney-siders go for the freshest seasonal seafood in the city (the generous seafood platters are building a reputation).
Cirrus Dining’s View
The restaurant is located at the futuristic Andara curvy building and enjoys a waterfront location with views over Pyrmont area. For the best possible views, get a table outside.
Address: 23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo;
Reservations: +61 2 9220 0111.
Chuuka
Under the moto “East meets East”, this Sydney fusion restaurant delivers on the promise to reinterpret Asian cuisine as we know it. Feeling curious already? Head to Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont and, dish after dish, embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.
Chuuka’s View
Overlooking Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s most famous bridge, Chuuka’s setting is nothing short of perfect for having that special romantic meal with your better half. Upon making a reservation, ask for a table by the window and you won’t regret.
Address: Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont;
Reservations: +61 2 9657 9882.
East Village Sydney
Somehow more like a gastropub than a restaurant, this hip venue is located in Darlinghurst, moments away from Surry Hills and Hyde Park. East Village Sydney consists on 3 levels, the French Riviera inspired Terrace Rooftop being our favourite.
East Village Sydney’s View
Enjoy Sydney Skyline views from this joyful rooftop. If possible, go for a late-afternoon drink and witness a memorable sunset with Sydney Tower in evidence.
Address: 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst;
Reservations: +61 431 622 944.
Henry Deane
Located on Millers Point, a stone’s throw from The Rocks, this venue occupies the top two floors of Hotel Palisade, also among our favourite Sydney hotels with a view. This sophisticated cocktail lounge works like a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
Henry Dean’s View
One thing is for sure: can’t fault the awe-inspiring views on display at Henry Deane. The way we see it? Imagine toasting at the outdoor balcony with Sydney Harbour Bridge on the background. Trust us when we say there’s no better way to kick-start a memorable night out in the city.
Address: 35 Bettington St, Millers Point;
Reservations: +61 2 9018 0123.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
With its doors opened since 2002, this Sydney restaurant is located in the southern section of Bondi Beach, the city’s most famous beach. The main reason why restaurant’s success remains unchanged? The answer is what is should be: the food. A fan of Italian cuisine? Look no further and make sure to pay a visit.
Icebergs’ View
Commanding views over Australia’s most internationally known beach. We say it goes great with a risotto or frittata, wouldn’t you agree?
Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach;
Reservations: +61 2 9365 9000.
North Bondi Fish
Looking for a Sydney restaurant to sit back, relax and watch the sun-kissed beachgoers pass by? In that case, the epic North Bondi Fish, facing Sydney’s most popular Bondi Beach, is the answer. Menu wise, expect mouth-watering dishes of seafood and fish, always served by a smiling staff - how not to smile here, right?
North Bondi Fish’s View
Great food served alongside staggering beach views? Yes, that is the case at North Bondi Fish - or NBF as some like to call it. Grab one of the outdoor wooden tables. Remember to check the sunset time and make a reservation to half an hour before that magical event.
Address: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi;
Reservations: +61 2 9130 2155.
O Bar and Dining
Occupying the level 47 of the the round-shaped Australia Square Tower at the very heart of Sydney CBD, O Bar and Dining is much more than just a restaurant: it is a must-try experience where those looking for the combination between fine cuisine and panoramic views will find a perfect match.
O Bar and Dining’s View
Imagine dining with ever-changing, phenomenal Sydney Harbour views? How? The rotating floor, just like a merry-go-around, entertains marveled patrons with truly killer views over Sydney. The second-to-none vistas, some of the finest in the city, are part of the reason why this restaurant has become so popular in the last years.
Address: Australia Square, 264, level 47 George St;
Reservations: +61 2 9247 9777.
Ormeggio at The Spit
Head northeast in the direction of D’Albora Marina and arrive at one of Sydney’s sanctuaries when it comes to contemporary Italian food. Embark on a culinary journey across Italy when asking for the restaurant’s 7-course degustation menu, an ideal way to explore the different textures and flavors of the country’s rich gastronomy.
Ormeggio at The Spit View
The restaurant’s waterside location - and floor-to-ceiling windows - allows for stunning views over Pearl Bay and Middle Harbour.
Address: D’Albora Marinas, Spit Rd, Mosman;
Reservations: +61 2 9969 4088.
Otto Ristorante
Located on Woolloomooloo Wharf, once the largest wooden structure in the entire world, this is a great Italian restaurant for sampling some of the country’s most appreciated ingredients. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Ovolo Woolloomooloo, one of our favourite hotels with killer views in Sydney, is just a few steps.
Otto Ristorante’s View
Sydney’s photogenic skyscrapers and Sydney Tower dominate the romantic setting. A fabulous sight to contemplate while enjoying Otto’s mouth-watering Early Grey pannacotta.
Address: 8/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo;
Reservations: +61 2 9368 7488.
Public Dining Room
The elegant Public Dining Room is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets when it comes to enjoying a perfectly raw or cooked meal with Sydney Harbour views. The menu here changes according to the different seasons, thus ensuring the ingredient’s freshness and allowing for the chef’s creativity. Unmissable.
Public Dining Room’s View
Fancy a restaurant with a beach view in Sydney? This one, with relaxing views over Balmoral Beach, will prove to be a wise choice.
Address: 2A The Esplanade, Mosman;
Reservations: +61 2 9968 4880.
Sydney Tower Buffet
Either for having lunch or dinner, this is your chance to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet at Sydney’s tallest structure - the Sydney Tower. A bit touristy, yes, but still a great dining experience.
Sydney Tower Buffet’s View
To say the views from Sydney Tower are spectacular can still be considered an understatement. In fact, this is where the highest tables can be found in the city, allowing for truly staggering 360 aerial views. Getting a window by the table will be definitely a plus.
Address: Westfield Sydney, Cnr Pitt St Mall &, Market St;