Flanked by the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay is undeniably one of Sydney’s most iconic destinations – but also its most touristed. To that end, the famous ferry terminal’s crowded dining scene has long been dominated by gelaterias, fast-food chains and ho-hum eateries designed to turn tables quickly.
But if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a quality burger before jumping on the ferry to Taronga Zoo, or a fine-diner with sparkling harbour views and beautiful dishes on par with anything you’d find at the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, this list will help you eat well when visiting the city’s famous harbourside hub.
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The standard-setter for fine dining in Sydney. Executive chef Peter Gilmore is tireless in his pursuit of what’s interesting, new and Australian. His backyard is peppered with test plantations of rare vegetables, he works with local ceramicists on custom crockery and he’s a leading advocate for native produce. The restaurant’s theatrical tasting menus show off all this and more, bolstered by some of the city’s best harbour views.
This is the show-stopping star of Matt Moran’s culinary empire. The artfully-plated dishes warrant the lofty price-tags, but those generous harbour views do a lot to offset the sting. This is one of Sydney’s great try-before-you-die restaurants – a pillar of modern Australian dining.
Peter Gilmore has made the culinary vision that earned him accolades at Quay more approachable at the Opera House.
Come for breakfast and stay for cocktails at this all-day eatery inside Hinchcliff House. It’s serving house-made pastries, breakfast cocktails and rustic pastas. It’s even milling its own flour in-house, using grain supplied by NSW farmers.
From Sydney seafood restaurateur Joel Best comes this 12-seat omakase diner by the harbour. Seafood nigiri takes pride of place, and there’s a formidable selection of Japanese whisky to tipple. You might end up sharing some with your neighbour – it’s all about the convivial vibe here.
Set within the historic Campbell’s Stores precinct, this luxe Japanese diner lets you choose your own experience. There’s an omakase counter where your meal is left entirely up to the chefs, and a bigger dining area with a set menu. There’s fresh-caught seafood and sake on the cards no matter where you sit.
Vibrant Mexican food, super-rare tequilas and million-dollar views are all on the menu at this smart harbourside diner. But to really feel like a millionaire, splash out on the signature gold leaf Margarita.
The team behind Alberto’s Lounge brings a wine bar and restaurant to the Rocks of a calibre the area hasn’t seen before. Hit this audacious, multi-level venue for a Mediterranean-inspired menu, a cracking wine list, massive mosaics shipped from Italy and views of the Harbour Bridge and MCA.
Burgers, craft beer, minimal intervention wine, thumping rock music and a fern-filled outdoor dining space with 30 seats. And the whole menu can be ordered vegan.
Formerly an oyster bar, this al fresco French diner evokes the Mediterranean with its unmatched harbour views and sterling seafood. It’s got you covered for all occasions, from pre-theatre snacks to big-budget lobster and champagne dinners.
A ritzy institution on the Customs House rooftop. The menu bounces between Indian and Italian flavours to create an altogether modern Australian vibe that spans surf, turf and vegan dishes. An appropriate focus on seafood works a treat, given the jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour. Book ahead for the window seats.
A quintessential Sydney location. This is one of the best views of Sydney harbour you’ll find anywhere. And Opera Bar doesn’t just coast by on its good looks: the drinks here are great, too. The hardest thing about a trip here is getting a table.
Spanning two levels, Oborozuki is an ultra-luxe restaurant and bar specialising in kaiseki and teppanyaki, two of Japan’s great culinary traditions. The multi-course menus highlight premium produce, from lobster to Wagyu and abalone. And you’ll be enjoying it all against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay.
A pioneering Greek-Australian chef is celebrating the cuisines of the south Aegean at this handsome harbourside diner. Dig into spanakopita-inspired dumplings and chargrilled octopus in the heritage-listed sandstone dining room. Or snag a seat outside for cocktails with one of the country’s most iconic views.
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