Sydney offers an amazing mix of food from across the world. As our nearest neighbours are Asian Countries like Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, Sydney is home to some of the finest restaurants offering authentic as well as fusion cuisine from these Asian Countries.
When planning to visit Sydney, it is a good idea to do a bit of research on restaurants which you will visit during your stay. As with the sheer number of dining option, last-minute decision and recommendation from google maps and your apps might not give the best possible restaurants that you would want to explore.
Historically, the demographics of Sydney has evolved along with various ethnicities. However, in the last decade with the rising cost of living and high demand for properties near the CBD, the distribution has shifted quite a bit. Along with it brought a need for restaurants to cater to this demographic shift. With a large number of international students living close to the city, you will be surprised to find plenty of cheap eat-outs with great food and variety.
Also, affluent segment of the society has brought about a need for classy, uptown restaurants offering a unique dining experience. With such shifting trends, Sydney downtown offers a reasonable mix of cuisine in all price ranges.
I have spent good 20 years eating out in Sydney and have explored thousands of restaurants along the way. Here is a quick pick of my recommended restaurants in various localities within 5 miles of the city.
This information will come in handy for tourist who is planning to spend a couple of days in the city.
Sydney CBD
Sydney CBD is home to some great restaurants. Here are some of my recommendations
$ - under $20
$$ - $50+
$$$ - $100+
General Areas for restaurants are:
Close to CBD
Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, Surrey Hills, King Street Wharf, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Fish Market
3km from CBD
Kings Cross, Glebe Point Road, Newtown, Leichhardt, Milsons Point, Eastern Suburbs (Rosebay, Watsons Bay, Bondi), Marrickville
1. Rockpool Bar and Grill $$$ - 66 Hunter Street Sydney - CBD location
Call +612 8099 7077
Sydney landmark with impressive decor and great food claims to be one of the finest restaurants in Sydney. Ideally located in Martin place is easily accessible by train or foot if you are residing in Darling Harbour or CBD.
The menu is quite lavish and offers dishes ranging from steaks, seafood, pasta and salads. Private dining options are also available.
2. Cafe Sydney - Circular Quay $$
Popular cafe with great views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The menu offers a good mix of seafood, meat dishes and vegetarian options.
3. Neptune Palace - Circular Quay $$ -Halal (Kosher)
Offering a wide range of Malay-Chinese dishes. Great location and reasonable prices. Banquet Options available.
4. Mr Wong - Cantonese $$$
Good mix of Cantonese Food with over 80 dishes. Impressive food and nice location and decor.
5. Kingsley - Woolloomooloo - Steak & Seafood - $$$
Great location in Woolloomooloo offering some of the best steaks in town. Great dining option. Banquet for $75 (minimum 4ppl).
6. Otto - Woolloomooloo - Italian $$
Popular restaurants on Finger Wharf serving some great Italian food with great lively waterfront atmosphere.
7. Chat Thai $ - Various location in City
Serving great Thai food across various location in Sydney. One of my favourite Thai Restaurants in the City. One branch in Pitt Street Westfield. Other easily accessible location in Campbell Street in Haymarket
8. Mamak - Malay - Goulburn Street Chinatown $
I have been to this restaurant over 100 times and it never disappoints with the quality of the Malaysia food it serves. Try Mee Goreng, Nasi Goreng, Curries and Roti with various curries. Reasonably priced, and ideally located in Chinatown.
9. Ho Jiak - Malay - Harbour Street Haymarket
A new addition to the Sydney scene offering great Malaysia food with authentic flavours. Location opposite from Market City.
10. Sydney Fish Market.
Sydney Fish Market near Pyrmont is a great location to try the best of Sydney's seafood. Have your pick of seafood cooked in your style. I recommend this location for lunch or brunch.
11. Porteno $$ - Cleaveland Street Surrey Hills
South-American Flavours with a great atmosphere.
12. Chin Chin - Flinders Lane Surrey Hills $$ Thai Eatery
Modern Thai food served with style at Chin Chin. Located next to Longrain and Butter, two popular hangouts in the hood.
