With a mix of international influences and a strong appreciation for Australia’s exceptional produce—from pristine seafood to premium wagyu—Sydney offers a vibrant restaurant landscape.
The city’s ties to Asia are evident in high-end omakase counters and modern interpretations of Thai and Chinese cuisine, while a commitment to sustainability highlights native ingredients.
Beyond the plate, Sydney’s dining culture is defined by relaxed sophistication. Many top restaurants combine world-class cuisine with stunning harbor views, with others nestled in the charming streets of Paddington or along Bondi’s coastline. Across the board, each offers meticulous service, thoughtfully curated wine lists and inventive cocktails.
Here at Elite Traveler, we’ve rounded up the top restaurants in Sydney, where you can find the best dining experiences the city has to offer.
Sean’s
- Sydney, Australia
Sean's, a Bondi institution overlooking the iconic beach, has been serving Sydneysiders for over thirty years. Chef-owner Sean Moran opened the restaurant in 1993, creating a welcoming, coastal-chic space that feels more like dining in a friend's home than a formal restaurant. The atmosphere is unpretentious, with roses from the garden adorning the tables and a blackboard displaying the daily tasting menu. Moran champions hyper-seasonal, local, and ethical produce, with much of it sourced from his own farm in the Blue Mountains. The cuisine is honest and simple, focusing on letting the quality ingredients shine. It's a place where the food is served with elegant simplicity, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Yoshii’s Omakase
- Sydney, Australia
Yoshii's Omakase, nestled within Nobu at Crown Sydney, offers an intimate encounter with Japanese culinary artistry. Chef Ryuichi Yoshii, a second-generation sushi master with over 38 years of experience, orchestrates a tasting menu of exquisite sushi and nigiri for ten fortunate diners. The experience embodies the meaning of "omakase"—"I'll leave it up to you"—as chef Yoshii crafts each course with precision and creative ingredient combinations, showcasing the freshest seasonal Australian produce. While the restaurant does not currently hold any Michelin stars, it has earned two Chef Hats from the Good Food Guide Awards. The setting is modern and intimate, designed to create a unique take on the omakase tradition, where diners are engaged in the cooking process in a personal setting.
Ursula’s Paddington
- Sydney, Australia
Ursula's, located in Sydney's Paddington, presents a modern Australian dining experience inspired by European neighborhood bistros. Chef Phil Wood, formerly of Rockpool Dining Group, helms this elegant eatery set within a two-story corner terrace. The restaurant has not yet been awarded any Michelin stars. The ambiance is undeniably chic, blending elegance and intimacy. Ursula's offers a refined tasting menu that nods to modern Australian comfort food. The interior, designed by Brahman Perera, features warm butterscotch tones and vibrant blues, creating a welcoming space. The restaurant aims for a smart casual neighborhood spirit, offering a contemporary and charming experience.
Saint Peter
- Sydney, Australia
Saint Peter, the Sydney-based Australian fish restaurant, is owned and run by chef Josh Niland and his wife Julie. Niland champions Australian seafood with a revolutionary "scale-to-tail" philosophy, utilizing almost every part of the fish. Located in Paddington's Grand National Hotel, Saint Peter offers a bar, dining room, private dining, and boutique accommodation. The restaurant offers a seven-course tasting menu Tuesday to Saturday, with a more relaxed à la carte menu available for lunch Thursday to Sunday. Saint Peter earned global recognition, ranking number 98 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in May 2024. While there is no Michelin Guide for Australia, Saint Peter's innovative approach has garnered international acclaim.
Oncore by Clare Smyth
- Sydney, Australia
Perched twenty-six stories above Barangaroo, within Crown Sydney, Oncore by Clare Smyth presents a refined dining experience with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. This is chef Clare Smyth's first international restaurant, the only woman to ever garner three Michelin stars in the UK. While Oncore itself does not currently hold Michelin stars, Smyth's London restaurant, Core, boasts three stars, informing the culinary excellence found here. Oncore has been recognized as one of the top fifty dining experiences in the world by La Liste Awards and has been awarded three Chef Hats from the Good Food Guide Awards. The restaurant champions sustainable ingredients, offering a seven-course tasting menu that reflects Smyth's signature style, one honed over years in some of the world's most celebrated kitchens.
Quay
- Sydney, Australia
Located in Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, Quay offers breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Owned by Leon Fink and led by executive chef Peter Gilmore, Quay is celebrated for its contemporary Australian cuisine and has consistently earned Three Hats in the Good Food Guide for twenty-two consecutive years. The restaurant's design reflects Gilmore's nature-inspired cooking, creating an organic space with vibrant textures and colors. Quay offers a signature tasting menu, providing a dining experience that harmonizes with its stunning harborside location. As of February 2025, Quay does not have any Michelin stars.
Bennelong
- Sydney, Australia
Located within the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bennelong offers a unique dining experience that celebrates Australian cuisine and wine. Executive chef Peter Gilmore presents a menu inspired by the country's diverse landscape, showcasing the flavors and quality of local produce. The multi-level layout provides various dining options, from the Restaurant to The Counter and the Bennelong Bar, each offering a distinct way to savor the experience. With views spanning the Opera House architecture and Circular Quay, Bennelong provides a spectacular backdrop. While Sydney is not on the Michelin Star tour, Bennelong is still considered one of the best restaurants in the city.
