The best Sydney restaurants with a view
Dine in style while gazing out on some of the Emerald City’s finest sights.
Whether it’s gazing out over Sydney Harbour or people-watching on Australia’s most famous beach, a spectacular view enhances a dining experience. Sydney has no shortage of fine restaurants with excellent, photo-worthy vistas. From classic institutions to cool newcomers, find below the best Sydney eateries with a view to remember long after the plates have been cleared.
In terms of a quintessential Sydney experience, it’s difficult to go past Cafe Sydney. Located on the fifth floor of the Customs House building, diners can take in the Sydney Harbour Bridge, boats bobbing on the water and flashes of the Opera House’s sails. The menu befits the vista, with executive chef James Kidman focusing on seasonal produce and excellent seafood. The well-curated wines are chosen by sommelier Simon Curkovic.
Picture this: it’s sunset and the surfboard stragglers are catching the final waves of the day. You’re perched at Icebergs watching it all, a serve of lobster and hand-rolled spaghetti to hand, with the promise of Messina chocolate and olive oil tart with hazelnut and Saint David cream for dessert. It’s a perfect Sydney day.
If you can’t be in Puglia, a seat at Mosman’s Ormeggio at the Spit amid the gleaming superyachts and mega-million dollar homes is an excellent consolation. Rebooted in 2020 to be brighter and breezier, its fine-dining menu by executive chefs and co-owners Alessandro Pavoni and Victor Moya (alongside co-owner Anna Pavoni) celebrates modern Italian cuisine and seafood. Save room for the candied lemon-studded gelato with meringue blowtorched on top in a rather theatrical display at the table. Eating it is practically a holiday in itself.
Tucked away in Potts Point, The Butler is a sweet oasis from the hustle and grind. It also happens to serve up a sweeping view of the Emerald City. Settle into a wicker chair amid the greenery and wallpaper, and pair a cocktail with dishes from Amber Doig’s Iberian influenced menu.
In terms of a room with a view, it’s hard to top Quay at Circular Quay. Looking out on to the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the water, it’s as spectacular as Peter Gilmore’s cuisine is truly memorable. Choose the six, eight or 10-course menu and expect all your senses to be enlivened.
Eating by the water is a leisurely pursuit that never loses its appeal, and this is particularly so at Rose Bay institution, Catalina. The menu, by executive chef Mark Axisa and head chef Alan O’Keeffe, is classic Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. While there be sure to raise a glass of Pol Roger to the boats and ferries and seaplanes passing you by.
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