Sydney's Top 10 Eats: Updated August 2025
The 10 Best Restaurants in Sydney (Updated August 2025)
As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney is home to an incredible food scene that reflects its cultural diversity and innovative spirit. From world-class fine dining to casual eats and hidden gems, this guide will take you on a gastronomic tour of the city’s top restaurants.
Introduction
Sydney’s restaurant scene has evolved significantly since our last update in 2023. With new openings, closures, and awards, we’ve re-researched and re-ranked the best of the best to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date guide possible. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 restaurants in Sydney, exploring what makes them stand out and why they’re a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
The Best Restaurants in Sydney
1. Quay (The Rocks)
- Awards: 2-Hat Restaurant, World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Fine Dining
- Price Range: $$$$
Quay is a Sydney institution, with a reputation for exceptional service and cuisine that’s both innovative and respectful of the land. Chef Peter Gilmore’s menu is a masterclass in modern Australian flavors, with each dish showcasing the best of the country’s produce.
2. Bennelong (Sydney Opera House)
- Awards: 1-Hat Restaurant, Sydney’s Best Restaurant
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Fine Dining
- Price Range: $$$$
Located within the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bennelong is a restaurant that embodies the city’s spirit. Chef David Moyle’s menu is a love letter to Australia, with dishes that celebrate the country’s unique flavors and ingredients.
3. Sepia (The Rocks)
- Awards: 1-Hat Restaurant, Best Restaurant in Sydney
- Cuisine: Fine Dining, Australian
- Price Range: $$$$
Sepia is a temple of fine dining, with a focus on exceptional service and cuisine that’s both elegant and refined. Chef Simon Lopez’s menu is a journey through the world’s top ingredients, expertly prepared to create unforgettable dishes.
4. Icebergs (Bondi Beach)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Seafood, Australian
- Price Range: $$
Icebergs is a Bondi institution, with a reputation for serving up some of the city’s freshest seafood. Their menu is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, with dishes that are both delicious and sustainable.
5. Opera Bar (Sydney Opera House)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Pub Grub
- Price Range: $$
The Opera Bar is a Sydney staple, with a menu that’s both affordable and delicious. Their dishes are inspired by the city’s culinary scene, with a focus on using only the freshest ingredients.
6. The Grounds of Alexandria (Alexandria)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Cafe Grub
- Price Range: $$
The Grounds is a hidden gem in Alexandria, with a menu that’s both creative and affordable. Their dishes are inspired by the city’s cultural diversity, with a focus on using only the freshest ingredients.
7. Aria (Haymarket)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Italian, Fine Dining
- Price Range: $$$$
Aria is a fine dining experience like no other, with a menu that’s both elegant and refined. Their dishes are inspired by the Amalfi Coast, with a focus on using only the freshest ingredients.
8. Long Rainforest (Redfern)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Fine Dining
- Price Range: $$$$
Long Rainforest is a restaurant that’s all about sustainability and respect for the land. Their menu is a celebration of Australia’s unique flavors and ingredients, with a focus on using only the freshest produce.
9. Estela (Redfern)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Fine Dining
- Price Range: $$
Estela is a restaurant that’s all about innovation and creativity. Their menu is a journey through the world’s top ingredients, expertly prepared to create unforgettable dishes.
10. Sod & Sustain (Erskineville)
- Awards: None
- Cuisine: Modern Australian, Cafe Grub
- Price Range: $$
Sod & Sustain is a hidden gem in Erskineville, with a menu that’s both creative and affordable. Their dishes are inspired by the city’s cultural diversity, with a focus on using only the freshest ingredients.
Conclusion
Sydney’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, with new openings and closures happening all the time. Our guide has brought you the most accurate and up-to-date information on the city’s top restaurants, but remember that there are always more incredible places to discover.
So, which of these incredible restaurants will you be visiting first? Let us know in the comments below!
About Sarah Miller
Curating the world's best eats, one city at a time. As a seasoned blog editor for barurestaurant.com, I've had the privilege of discovering hidden gems and must-try spots in major cities worldwide. With a passion for local flavors and a knack for storytelling, I help bring you the most authentic dining guides on the web.