There is nothing better than going out for an evening meal, especially in a city like Sydney which has some of the best dining venues in the world.
But let’s face it, not all restaurants are created equal and there are some spots in the Emerald City that are frankly a bit dull.
Luckily, there are also some that sit at the other end of the scale – trendy, hip and downright cool.
Whether it’s the decor, service, ambience or the way the food is prepared and presented that makes them stand out, these are the places that should be on every food lover’s bucketlist.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of 17 of the coolest restaurants in Sydney to go to for dinner.
Head to any of these places on your next date night, celebration or catch up with friends, and you will be in for a terrific night out.
1. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is a popular restaurant located on Bondi Beach.
While it is well known for its iconic ocean pool, it also has a wonderful restaurant which showcases terrific views of it and the world-famous coastal location. The food takes the form of top-notch Mediterranean cuisine, which is presented in a luxurious atmosphere.
Providing the perfect venue for a romantic meal, try and secure yourself a table on its outdoor terrace to enjoy a meal and a cocktail at sunset.
It is also a terrific place to host a corporate event too.
Address: 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9365 9000
Hours: Mon 12 pm – 12 am, Wed – Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 12 – 10 pm
2. Porteño
Porteño is an Argentinean restaurant in Surry Hills known for its traditional South American cuisine.
If you are a meat lover, you will be in your element here as its menu features a range of dishes that are grilled over hot coals, including beef, chicken, and sausages.
To accompany it, Porteño also offers a menu of small plates, salads, and sides, as well as a selection of Argentinean wines and cocktails.
The restaurant itself has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with decor that reflects the vivacious culture of Argentina.
In true South American style, the service is top-notch here as well.
Address: 50 Holt Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8399 1440
Hours: Tue – Sat 6 – 11 pm
3. Mjolner
Over in Redfern, Mjölner is a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant that showcases the delicious flavours and cooking techniques of Nordic cuisine.
It is known for its use of high-quality ingredients, including locally sourced and sustainable products, and its commitment to traditional Scandinavian cooking methods.
Presenting a menu that features a variety of dishes, including small plates, meat, and seafood options, the restaurant boasts a stylish and contemporary dining room. It also has a bar that serves signature cocktails, a curated wine list and over 400 types of whiskeys.
If you are seeking a unique dining experience, there is no better place in Sydney in which to go.
Address: 267 Cleveland Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Phone: (02) 8646 4930
Hours: Mon – Sat 5 pm – 12 am, Sun 5 – 10 pm
4. Sixpenny
Sixpenny is a gem of a restaurant in Stanmore that is widely acclaimed for its ability to use seasonal, local ingredients to create innovative dishes that showcase the best of Australian cuisine.
Named in honour of the iconic sixpence restaurants that were a feature of the Aussie dining scene towards the latter part of the 1800s, its menu features a range of appetisers, main courses, and desserts that champion seasonal, local and ethically sourced produce.
Its selection of wines from premium Australian and New Zealand wineries is also very impressive, while the restaurant’s sleek and modern interior creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 83 Percival Road, Stanmore NSW 2048
Phone: (02) 9572 6666
Hours: Tue – Fri 6 – 9 pm, Sat 12 – 3 pm & 6:30 – 9 pm, Sun 12- 3 pm
5. Alberto’s Lounge
Located in the heart of the CBD, Alberto’s Lounge is run by one of Sydney’s best chefs – Dan Pepperell. This fact alone makes it one of the coolest restaurants in the city.
Critically acclaimed, the restaurant boasts modern and stylish decor and a cosy atmosphere, making it a lovely spot for both casual dining and drinks.
Its food menu presents a range of Italian-inspired dishes with an emphasis on fine dining. It also shines a light on contemporary Australian cuisine, with the gnocchi cacio e pepe being one of its most popular offerings.
Given the iconic status of the head chef, the restaurant can get busy. So it is best to make a reservation if you can. When you do go there, you should also give yourself a bit of time to familiarise yourself with its wine list, which is one of the best you will find in the city.
Address: 17-19 Alberta St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Sun 5 pm – 12 am
6. Mr Wong
Mr. Wong has been a stalwart on the Sydney dining scene for many years now.
Located on Bridge Lane, it prides itself on offering a delicious contemporary take on classic Cantonese dishes. It also has a vibrant atmosphere and delightful decor which makes it one of the most enjoyable places to dine in the city.
Covering a wide selection of appetisers, soups, noodle dishes, and main courses, the highlight of its menu is arguably its selection of dim sum dishes that are made fresh daily.
The restaurant also has a well-stocked bar that serves a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers from all over the world.
Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9114 7317
Hours: Sun – Wed 12 – 3 pm & 5:30 – 9 pm, Thu – Fri 12 – 3 pm & 5:30 – 11 pm, Sat 12 – 3 pm & 5 – 11 pm
7. Bennelong
Ok, so we all know the Sydney Opera House is one cool building. So it follows that it should have a pretty cool restaurant in it too.
Thankfully Bennelong lives up to this expectation by being a fabulous contemporary Australian venue in which to dine.
Run by its highly regarded head chef, Peter Gilmore, the venue is known for its commitment to using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes that showcase the best of Australian cuisine.
Diners can choose from a fabulous a la carte menu, or a specific ‘show’ menu which they can enjoy before or after a performance. Alternatively, they can simply relax with a drink and snacks at the bar.
Irrespective of how you dine there, the food is exceptional. You also get to choose from a very impressive wine selection and are treated to incredible views of Sydney Harbour.
Address: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9240 8000
Hours: Mon – Wed 5:30 – 9 pm, Thu 12 – 2 pm & 5:30 – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 – 2 pm & 5 – 10 pm, Sun 12 – 2 pm & 5:30 – 9 pm
8. Olio
Olio is a contemporary Italian restaurant in Chippendale that is highly regarded for its innovative cuisine, which features a mix of traditional Italian dishes and contemporary cooking techniques.
Curated by head chef, Lino Sauro, the menu features an excellent variety of dishes, including antipasti, pasta, meat, and seafood options. Most of which incorporates olive oil that comes from his family’s farm in Sicily.
If you have a sweet tooth or are partial to cheese, you’ll want to leave some room for those offerings too.
A splendid place to come for date night, Olio has a chic and sophisticated dining room that oozes romantic vibes. It also has a classy bar that serves signature cocktails and an extensive wine list, which are the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Address: 2/2/10 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: (02) 9281 1500
Hours: Tue – Fri 5:30 – 10 pm, Sat 12 – 3 pm & 5:30 – 10 pm, Sun 12 – 8:30 pm
9. Restaurant Hubert
If you are into French cuisine, Restaurant Hubert is the place to go.
A French-inspired bistro and bar on Blight Street in the CBD, the restaurant is known for its menu of traditional dishes like escargots, bouillabaisse, and coq au vin.
It also has a vintage Parisian-style interior – think cosy booth seats, mood candle lighting, soft music and Gallic decor – which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Throw in a critically acclaimed head chef in Daniel Pepperell and an excellent range of classic cocktails and wines and you have somewhere pretty cool to go to.
Recommendations are highly recommended otherwise you might be waiting for a while for a table.
Address: 15 Bligh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9232 0881
Hours: Mon – Wed & Sat 5 pm – 1 am, Thur – Fri 12 pm – 1 am
10. Firedoor
Made famous by the Netflix show Chef’s Table, Firedoor is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Sydney.
Located in Surry Hills, it is known for its wood-fired cooking, which is used to prepare a range of dishes including seafood, vegetables, and meats.
Offering a menu that is curated by head chef Lennox Hastie, its dishes showcase the flavours and textures of the seasonal ingredients it uses to perfection. For instance, should the margra lamb be on the menu during the time of your visit, be sure to try that. It’s to-die-for!
The restaurant also has a wine list that features a stellar selection of local and international wines, as well as a bar that serves inventive cocktails and other beverages.
Its service is also fast and friendly, which is impressive considering how busy it gets.
Address: 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8204 0800
Hours: Wed – Sat 5:30 – 9 pm
11. Ester
Ester is another very cool restaurant in Chippendale that is known for its innovative cuisine, which combines flavours and techniques from a variety of international cooking styles.
The menu features a selection of elevated dishes that champion seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. This includes the likes of twice-cooked quail, sugarloaf cabbage and buffalo curd pie.
Presented within a chic and elegant dining space, the restaurant also has a very good bar that serves up a delicious range of craft cocktails and a carefully curated wine list.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat for a special occasion, this is an excellent choice.
Address: 46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: (02) 8068 8279
Hours: Tue – Fri 6 – 11 pm, Sat 12 – 3 pm & 6 – 11 pm
12. LP’s Quality Meats
LP’s Quality Meats is a butcher shop and restaurant located in Chippendale.
The establishment is known for its high-quality meat cuts, artisanal sausages, and charcuterie.
In addition to its retail offerings, LP’s Quality Meats also serves up a menu of classic American-style barbecue dishes, with a focus on slow-cooked meats and bold flavours.
If you are looking for comfort food in a relaxed, casual setting, you can’t go wrong with what’s available here.
Address: 16/12 Chippen St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: (02) 8399 0929
Hours: Sat – Sun 10 am – 6 pm
13. Bea
Boasting a wonderful Art Deco-inspired design, Bea is the headline restaurant at Barangaroo House.
It is known for its outstanding waterfront views and the innovative food menu put together by its head chef, Cory Campbell.
This menu showcases, the freshest and highest quality seasonal ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques. This includes small plates, pasta and main courses that change frequently, to always ensure it has a current vibe.
Address: 1/35 Barangaroo Ave, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8587 5400
Hours: Wed 5 – 9 pm, Thur – Sat 12 – 9 pm, Sun 12 – 1:30 pm
14. 10 William Street
10 William Street has a lot of things going for it.
Firstly, its address is in its name, which is always handy. Secondly, it dishes up HUGE portions, so you’ll definitely want to bring your fat pants with you if you come here. Thirdly, it serves damn good food!
Located in Paddington, this Italian-inspired venue offers a terrific Italian-influenced menu of antipasti, pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. It also presents an exquisite range of desserts and cheeses, as well as a robust wine list.
Renowned for its lively atmosphere and European vibe, this is a great venue in which to catch up with friends.
Address: 10 William Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Phone: (02) 9360 3310
Hours: Wed – Thu 5 pm – 12 am, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 12 am