The harbour city is a world-class playground for tourists and locals alike.
Sydney is a world-class playground for tourists and locals alike. Come sample its sights, sounds, shows, landmarks and restaurants to die for.
If Australia’s cities were in a beauty contest, the gorgeous and glamorous Sydney would be a hot contender for the crown every time. With its glittering harbour and iconic beaches – which are frequently saturated in sunshine – there’s no shortage of stunning sights to behold. However, Sydney isn’t just a sightseers’ paradise. The city’s food and drink scene is well worth relishing, with myriad restaurants that have Australia’s top chefs at the helm, and buzzy bars filled with glitzy patrons. When dining out in Sydney, make sure to share your time between the city’s dining institutions and the newcomers making waves; that way you will get a real sense for Sydney’s style of cuisine.
DINNER & SHOW
Sydney has a thriving cultural scene to immerse yourself in. Combine a movie or show with dinner at a neighbouring restaurant and you’ve got a perfect night out.
BENNELONG + THE OPERA HOUSE
Special occasions call for a meal at Opera House restaurant Bennelong, where the kitchen is led by worldrenowned chef Peter Gilmore. Follow it up with a concert, opera, play or ballet – with five venues at the Opera House in use, there’s no shortage of performances to choose from. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney bennelong.com.au
SOKYO + HAMILTON
Sokyo is a Sydney go-to for fine Japanese food. With the restaurant located at The Star Sydney, it’s ideal for a pre-show dinner if you have tickets for the must-see production of Hamilton at Sydney Lyric Theatre. 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont star.com.au
NOMAD + GOLDEN AGE CINEMA & BAR
For a great night out in Surry Hills, we suggest sharing the flavoursome Middle Eastern-inspired plates at NOMAD before sipping on a cocktail and watching a classic film at Golden Age Cinema & Bar, located at 80 Commonwealth Street. 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills nomad.sydney
5 MUST-VISIT DINING INSTITUTIONS
These beloved restaurants have been on the scene for years and are still serving up some of Sydney’s best food.
JONAH’S
With its views and food, you’ll feel as though you died and went to heaven when you arrive at Jonah’s in Whale Beach. For a truly special experience, we recommend arriving in style in a Sydney Seaplane from Rose Bay. 69 Bynya Road, Whale Beach jonahs.com.au
CAFE SYDNEY
Café Sydney is an institution for a reason. More than 20 years since it opened, it remains an unrivalled location to enjoy tasty cuisine while appreciating views of the Harbour Bridge. Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay cafesydney.com
ICEBERGS DINING ROOM AND BAR
It might seem like a Sydney cliché to dine at Icebergs, but the food is far from your typical tourist fare. It’s a classic for a reason, and you can’t beat that incredible Bondi view. 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach Idrb.com
BILLS
There are now four Bills restaurants in Sydney, but the original venue in Darlinghurst is a firm favourite. It’s up and running after a brief closure last year. 433 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst bills.com.au
DOYLES ON THE BEACH
The Doyle family has been serving seafood from this spectacular spot in Watson’s Bay since 1885. Having undergone a renovation, the revamped restaurant is worth checking out. 11 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay doyles.com.au
NEWS
SYDNEY SOLSTICE
8-20 June
This new event is set to celebrate Sydney’s world-class cuisine, music, entertainment and art. For foodies, there will be a range of culinary experiences to enjoy, with the event bringing together Sydney’s best venues, chefs, artists and musicians within four city precincts. sydneysolstice.com
HAVE A DRINK AT RE
Re- (below) aims to be the world’s first ‘no waste’ cocktail bar. Every item comes from a recycled source, from the plates and the glasses to the chairs. Leftover produce which is destined for landfill is transformed into innovative drinks. 2 Locomative Street, Shop 8, Eveleigh wearere.com.au
THE ROYAL RICHMOND HOTEL
If you’re heading out to the Blue Mountains, be sure to visit. The new bistro showcases Hawkesbury produce on a modern country-style menu. 163 Windsor Street, Richmond theroyalrichmondhotel.com.au
HINCHCLIFF HOUSE
Explore four levels of dining and drinking, featuring cocktail den Apollonia, Italian diner Grana, ‘premium-casual’ restaurant Lana and a top-floor event space. 5-7 Young Street, Sydney hinchcliffhouse.com