Sydney is championed for its world-class, diverse and vibrant culinary scene. A cosmopolitan metropolis offering an exceptional dining experience for food enthusiasts from around the globe, the city boasts a fantastic collection of restaurants to visit.
Among its many culinary delights, the tasting menu is a pinnacle of gastronomic exploration, allowing diners to embark on a captivating journey through a chef’s vision and culinary prowess.
This article will present an immersive review of Sydney’s 18 best tasting menus, showcasing exceptional culinary experiences that push the boundaries of creativity, technique, and flavour.
Each of these renowned establishments offers a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcase the finest ingredients, innovative cooking methods, and meticulous attention to detail. Most of them cost a minimum of $100 per person.
Cost aside, the next time you want to treat yourself to a delicious gastronomic experience in Sydney, these are the places to go.
Tetsuya’s
Tetsuya’s is arguably the best Japanese dining experience in Sydney. However, fans of Sokyo might have something to say about that!
Notwithstanding, the restaurant impresses with its elegance, sophistication and dining room that offers a serene view of a Japanese garden.
The restaurant operates under the helm of legendary Head Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, whose excellence was recently recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to local culture since 1982.
It features a delightful French-inspired Japanese tasting menu that often presents sumptuous dishes like Tasmanian Ocean Trout confit and Hokkaido scallops in tomato consomme that will make your taste buds sing.
Address: 529 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9267 2900
Hours: Sun – Tues Closed, Wed & Thurs 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Fri – 12 pm – 12.30 pm & 6 pm – 8.30 pm, Sat – 12 pm – 12.30 pm & 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Aria
Aria, headed by Matt Moran, is one of Sydney’s most famous dining destinations for several reasons.
The restaurant boasts breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, a renowned wine list, and a contemporary approach to Australian cuisine that captures the essence of the four seasons through its menu that changes every quarter.
As you would expect from someone with the pedigree of Matt, the restaurant’s tasting menu is
exceptional. Dishes like Abrolhos Island scallops cooked in a sweet pea and leek emulsion, Gundagai GLQ 5+ lamb served beluga lentils and parsnip and Peking duck consomme, have all featured on it in the past to critical acclaim.
Address: 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9240 2255
Hours: Mon & Tues 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm, Wed to Sat 12 pm – 1. 30 pm & 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm, Sun Closed
Chin Chin
Walking by the Griffiths Tea Building without being drawn in by the mouth-watering scents wafting from Chin Chin’s restaurant is virtually impossible.
Should you succumb to them, inside, you’ll find a lively atmosphere with marble tables, comfortable bentwood chairs, and a wide variety of Australian dishes infused with Southeast Asian flavours.
For less than $100 per person, two or more people can indulge in Executive Chef Graeme Hunt’s delicious menu, featuring succulent spanner crab, flavourful tropical curries, and perfectly cooked wok-charred rice noodle rolls.
While you dine, you can watch the highly skilled chefs at work in the open kitchen.
Address: 69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9281 3322
Hours: Mon to Sat 12 pm – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 9 pm
LuMi Dining
LuMi Dining is a restaurant above Pyrmont’s Wharf 10 that provides stunning views of Sydney Harbour and modern Asian-fusion cuisine. The menu, created Attica Melbourne’s Chef Federico Zanellato, offers unique dishes that combine Italian flavours with a Japanese twist.
Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious plates such as veal tartare, salt and vinegar rice chips and authentic Japanese chawanmushi for mains, and citrus sabayon, yoghurt crumble and milk ice cream topped with glazed cherries, for dessert.
It’s a coming together of flavours, aromas and textures that will elevate your taste buds to levels you’ve rarely experienced before.
Address: 56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: (02) 9571 1999
Hours: Mon to Wed Closed, Thur – Fri 6 pm – 8.30 pm, Sat & Sun 12 pm – 1.30 pm & 6 pm – 8.30 pm
Arthur
At Arthur, in Surry Hills, the focus is on the journey and experience.
Chef Tristan Rosier and partner Rebecca Fanning chose a beautiful Victorian-era art deco house on Bourke St for their restaurant.
A significant part of the local community, the restaurant presents a tasting menu featuring modern-Australian cuisine that changes seasonally, with no dish staying on the menu for over a few months.
An impressive wine list always complements the set menu, and a vegetarian-tasting menu is usually available.
Address: 544 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 0468 991 088
Hours: Mon – Tues Closed, Wed to Fri 6 pm – 11 pm, Sat & Sun 12.30 pm – 3 pm & 6 pm – 11 pm
NEL
Another excellent venue in Surry Hills, NEL, is a small restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with a tasting menu of eight courses.
The head chef, Nelly Robinson, draws inspiration from his work in Michelin-starred UK venues to create inventive and nostalgic dishes that change every seven weeks.
Nel’s charm comes from Robinson’s ever-changing menus that interpret different themes and trends. One of his latest menus featured Australian flavours, sights, and sounds.
Additionally, one of his previous offerings – ‘Once Upon A Time’ – went viral for its Disney-themed dishes inspired by classic tales like Beauty & The Beast and Cinderella.
Address: 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9212 2206
Hours: Sun & Mon Closed, Tues to Fri 5.15 pm – 11 pm, Sat 12 pm – 12 am
Bentley
Residing in the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in the middle of the CBD, Bentley Restaurant & Bar has quietly gained an excellent reputation for its degustation offerings.
Known for constantly innovating and experimenting with their gastronomic menu and eclectic wine list, they offer an incredible tasting menu on Saturdays.
They also have a 3-course variation of the tasting menu available four nights a week and an 11-course vegan tasting menu.
Address: 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8214 0505
Hours: Sun & Mon Closed, Tues & Wed 5 pm – 12 am, Thur & Fri 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 12 am, Sat 6 pm – 12 am
Ester
Ester is a lively and popular restaurant that specialises in wood-fired cooking.
Their unique and constantly changing menu features unconventional dishes made with meat, dairy, and vegetables.
Some must-try items include the flavourful blood sausage, roasted pipis, and king prawns served with rich fermented shrimp butter.
Showcasing these dishes and more, the cost for this delicious experience represents outstanding value for money, at just $125 per person.
Address: 46 – 52 Meagher Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: (02) 8068 8279
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues to Fri 6 pm – 10 pm, Sat 12 pm – 3.30 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 3.30 pm
Mumu
Located in the Ivy Hotel, Mumu offers a diverse selection of South-East Asian cuisine.
Chef Dan Hong and restaurateur Justin Hemmes draw inspiration from the flavours of Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to create street food-style dishes that pack a flavourful punch.
Their banquet menus feature an array of dishes, including house-made sambals, wok-fried whole prawns cooked in fish sauce and brown butter, and Phnom Phren fried chicken, along with various sides and starters.
With prices starting at $88 per person, gather four or more friends and indulge in a never-ending feast through Asia.
Address: 330C George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9114 7393
Hours: Mon to Wed 12 pm – 12 am, Thurs to Sat 12 pm – 2 am, Sun 12 – 10 pm
Chaco Bar
Chaco Bar in Sydney offers a modern take on traditional Japanese street food, with a unique tasting menu available two nights a week.
The menu features an abundance of flavourful skewers, including a variety of fish, chicken, and red meat, as well as some deliciously fresh sashimi courses.
Although the prices may be higher than your average surf and turf, the experience is well worth it for those seeking a memorable and delicious meal.
Address: 186 – 188 Victoria Street, Potts Point NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8593 4567
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues to Fri 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Sat 5 pm – 10 pm, Sun 5 pm – 8.30 pm
Poly
Poly, the sister establishment of Ester, is a hidden gem for food lovers in Sydney. Although it may receive less recognition than its famous wine bar counterpart, rest assured, the food is exceptional.
The menu, curated by renowned chef Mat Lindsay, blends French, Japanese, and modern Australian influences in a casual atmosphere that still prioritises seasonal ingredients.
Some standout dishes are black Angus steak that is always perfectly charred, the fermented house-made potato bread with whipped sesame-infused butter, and the delightful egg yolk almond and tart, a signature item.
Address: 74 – 76 Commonwealth Streeet, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8860 0808
Hours: Sun Closed, Mon to Sat 5 pm – 11 pm
Sixpenny
Sixpenny is a restaurant named after the iconic restaurants of the late 1800s. They offer a tasting menu of six to eight courses that Head Chef Daniel Puskas exclusively designs.
Their menu changes frequently and highlights contemporary Australian cuisine. The restaurant also prides itself on using locally and ethically sourced produce from small-scale farmers and fishermen to showcase the best seasonal offerings.
Address: 83 Percival Road, Stanmore NSW 2048
Phone: (02) 9572 6666
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed to Fri 6 pm – 9 pm, Sat 12 pm – 4 & 6.30 pm – 9 pm, Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Two Chaps
Cafe Two Chaps in Marrickville offers a full sit-down degustation for just over $60 per person, which seems hard to believe. Still, they have successfully executed this concept over several years.
The cafe transforms into a restaurant three nights a week and boasts an interior filled with bicylces that have been wall-mounted, bear steel shelves stacked with massive bags of flour, and a fantastic open galley style kitchen.
Two Chaps focuses on the basics, making almost every dish from hand-made components. Their veggie set menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavours, featuring delicious dishes such as capsicum stuffed with fregola , ricotta-filled hand-made ravioli, and watermelon and tomato tartare bonded with the cured yolk of egg.
Their food is so enticing that it even makes some meat lovers consider going vegetarian!
Address: 122 Chapel Street, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: (02) 9572 8858
Hours: Mon – Thurs 7.30 am – 3 pm, Fri 7.30 am – 3 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm, Sat 8 am – 3 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm, Sun 8 am – 3 pm
Oncore by Clare Smyth
Situated in the Crown Sydney, Oncore is the newest addition to the city’s dining scene, offering a high-end tasting menu that may be the most expensive in the area.
This restaurant is the brainchild of Clare Smyth, the first and only female chef in the UK to receive three Michelin stars. The seven-course tasting menu showcases local producers and incorporates innovative techniques while featuring some of the most popular dishes from Smyth’s other award-winning restaurant, Core.
Address: Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8871 7171
Hours: Sun to Tues Closed, Wed 6 pm – 11 pm, Thurs to Sat 12 pm – 3 pm & 6 pm – 11 pm
Nomad
Nomad restaurant offers unique Mediterranean cuisine with a mix of Maltese and Middle Eastern flavours. The restaurant’s semi-industrial, semi-chic fitout adds to the experience.
Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor, previously of Merivale’s Felix, prepares exceptional a la carte dishes, including date glazed wagyu, bone marrow and wood-roasted mushroom empanada, and innovative charcuterie plates of trout basturma and duck cuts.
To fully experience Nomad, it’s recommended to order the ‘Feast Menu’ for $105 per head, which includes ten of Challinor’s delicious creations. The menu may vary depending on the availability of produce, but past iterations have featured house-made Persian lime focaccia, smoky harissa spatchcock, and Nomad’s incredible ice cream olive oil sandwich, which is a must-try.
Address: 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9280 3395
Hours: Mon to Thurs 12 pm – 2 pm & 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 2pm & 5 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 2 pm & 5 pm – 8 pm
Bennelong
Bennelong offers a rich and flavourful dining experience that goes beyond traditional small-portioned degustation.
Despite its impressive decor, Bennelong’s standout feature is undoubtedly its delicious food. Residing in the iconic Sydney Opera House, Chef Peter Gilmore’s Australian-grown menu emphasises simplicity and quality ingredients.
For a minimum of $145, diners can enjoy an array of premium options, including cured meats and house-made noodles enriched with koji.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9240 8000
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed & Fri 5.30 pm – 8.45 pm, Sat 12 pm – 2 pm & 5.30 pm – 8.45 pm, Sun 12 pm – 3.30 pm
Quay
Quay is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the Overseas Passenger Terminal, consistently recognised in San Pellegrino’s ‘World’s Best Restaurants’ list.
The Head Chef, Peter Gilmore, follows a philosophy of creating simple yet creatively designed modern Australian cuisine. He has recently published a book on his obsessions called Organum.
Address: Upper Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9251 5600
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed to Fri 6 pm – 8.45 pm, Sat & Sun 12 pm – 8.45 pm
Yellow
Considered by many as the best vegan food destination in Sydney, this is the city’s first and only high-end vegetarian restaurant.
Established by the same team who founded Bentley Restaurant & Bar and Monopole, it continues to thrive.
Address: 57 Macleay Street, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 9332 2344
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed – Fri 6 pm – 11 pm, Sat & Sun 12 pm – 2.30 pm – 6 pm – 11 pm