Your Guide to the Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sydney
Embark on a culinary journey with my guide to the best waterfront restaurants in Sydney, designed especially for first-time travellers seeking a taste of the city's coastal charm and who want to soak up beautiful views whilst dining.
From iconic spots along Circular Quay to hidden gems in Darling Harbour, this guide ensures an unforgettable gastronomic experience along the picturesque shores of Australia's most beloved city.
If you are also in search of a good brunch, check out my guide to the best brunch in Sydney.
Ripples, Chowder Bay
One of the best spots to enjoy seasonal Mediterranean food, Ripples at Chowder Bay offers stunning views over the small bay and beach.
Recently undergoing a full makeover, Ripples offers a waterfront terrace, indoor restaurant, and a private dining area. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and includes dishes such as La Tagliata, Barramundi, and Spaghetti Vongole.
I advise putting a day aside to enjoy lunch by the water before heading town to the beach for some sun-baking. A short walk away is Taronga Zoo with its panoramic harbour views, and the pretty Whiting Beach which sits next to it.
Hugo's Pizza, Manly
Pizza with a view, what more could you need? So much so that even Beyonce and Jay Z stopped for a slice and a drink while they were in town.
Located on the East Esplanade, Hugos has been around for over two decades, firmly establishing itself as one of the best restaurants in Manly, and the rest of Sydney.
Friendly service and delicious cocktails are the icing on the cake here on Manly Wharf.
Its excellent location makes it a stunning sunset spot and an easy trip from the city via the Manly Ferry.
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Bondi Beach
You can't argue with the fact that Bondi's Icebergs pool is one of the most famous views in Sydney.
The Icebergs Dining Room & Bar is not only a feast for the eyes but a feast for the tastebuds also. The modern Italian menu makes a great lunch or dinner, a post-dip trip or simply for those strolling past.
Facing out onto an unobstructed stretch of the Pacific Ocean, Icebergs is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Sydney and a truly wonderful experience for everyone.
6Head, The Rocks
Overlooking the Sydney Opera House with a reputation for high-end, specialised steaks, 6Head at The Rocks is located within a beautiful revamped 19th-century building.
6Head claims to serve the finest steaks in Sydney, where high-quality produce takes centre stage.
There are six signature cuts of steak on the menu, including rump, rib-eye, T-bone, eye fillet, scotch fillet and sirloin. Other options on the menu cater towards vegetarians, fish lovers, and those who just don't fancy a steak.
Sommelier Ben Preston has hand-picked over 250 wines to create a worldwide drinks menu and chosen to match perfectly with each dish.
St Siandra, Mosman
Imagine you're on the Amalfi Coast... but you're actually in Sydney. That's how good the food is at St Siandra.
Located on 'The Spit', the famous beginnings of The Spit to Manly Walk, St Siandra is a waterfront venue with stunning interiors, beachfront views, and a menu that will transport you to the Mediterranean itself.
St Siandra is open all day, serving dishes such as Sydney Rock Oysters, Lamb Shoulder, and Hirimasa Kingfish. Diners can enjoy an endless summer atmosphere with sunset cocktails and views over the picturesque harbour.
Whalebridge
A French restaurant with extraordinary views, Whalebridge at Circular Quay is undoubtedly a good choice when choosing a waterfront restaurant in Sydney.
This former oyster bar has transformed into an al fresco delight offering smooth and rich dishes such as duck liver parfait with warm brioche, the House Burger with French onion mayo, dill pickle, and French fries, finished off with a Basque Burnt Cheesecake.
A seat and a cocktail at Whalebridge is surely one of the best ways to spend an afternoon at Circular Quay.
Mimi's, Coogee Pavillion
Hidden in the ever-popular Coogee Pavillion, Mimi's is a fine dining restaurant serving mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine.
Designed to inspire life's simple pleasures and emulate the coastal dining you find in Europe, Mimi's serves snacks, sharing plates, and delicious seafood.
Visitors walk through the open kitchen to reach a dining room with high ceilings and arched windows that perfectly frame the ocean views.
An immersive dining experience, patrons can try premium vodka shots served from a circulating trolley, accompanied by a “bump” of caviar served on the back of your hand.
Encore by Clare Smyth, Barangaroo
Oncore, located on the 26th floor of the Crown Towers Hotel and Casino, is Clare Smyth's first restaurant outside the United Kingdom.
The expectations are high, the three-course set menu starts at $240, and the seven-course at $330, with wine pairing as an added extra.
The menu combines some of Smyth's favourite dishes from back home with high-quality Aussie produce and flavours.
If you prefer an a la carte experience rather than the set menu, arrive in time for the lunch service. ‘Potato and roe’, Smyth's signature dish, appears on the menu, alongside plates such as Grilled King George Whiting, and Asparagus Tart.
