There’s nowhere quite like the multicultural metropolis that is Sydney’s culinary scene. With forever changing menus and world-famous restaurants, Sydney is truly one of the very few places that can deliver whatever it is you’re craving at any given second. With such an extensive range of options to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down where the best eats can be found. Here are our top picks of the best places to eat in Sydney.
The Grounds of Alexandria
A brunch lover's paradise, The Grounds of Alexandria has rightfully earned the title of “The Mother of All Cafés”. More of a mini marketplace, these enchanting, multi-experiential grounds are home to not only a café, but also a florist, bakery, garden, and even a small petting zoo, all under the roof of what was formerly a 1920’s pie factory. The rustic brick walls and French-style arched trellis within the brightly lit greenhouse-style dining hall provides the most delightfully wholesome backdrop to a brunch we’ve seen yet.
Opera Kitchen
No trip to Sydney is complete without experiencing the portside views that await you at the Sydney Opera House. The Opera Kitchen, located just below the Opera House, serves an array of delectable modern Australian and Asian cuisine right by the water’s edge, with breathtaking views out across Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge. With over 60 dishes to choose from, the Opera Kitchen provides a range of options to suit every budget, from fresh seafood to Asian bowls, as well as your Aussie-standard burgers and hot dogs. Open 7 days from morning through to late at night, the Opera Kitchen also has an extensive drinks menu, offering a wide range of national and international beers and wines, as well as mouth-watering classic and signature cocktails.
Black Star Pastry
Home to the world’s “most Instagrammed cake”, this Sydney patisserie in Newtown has had people arriving in droves since 2008 to taste its world-famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake. With over 1 million slices served each year, it’s become a tourist attraction on par with visiting famous Sydney landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge. Whilst everyone should line up to try the iconic Insta-famous cake at least once, you should also try out a few of their other showstopper cakes, including the Dragon Cake, Japanese Forest Cake, and Vegan Chocolate Popcorn Cake.
Sydney Fish Market
One word: Oysters. Located just a short distance from downtown Sydney on the corner of Bank Street & Pyrmont Bridge Road, the Sydney Fish Market is the second-largest seafood market in the southern hemisphere. With an abundance of flea markets, gift shops, restaurants and specialty stores, the market has earned its reputation as “Australia’s Home of Seafood”. With an overwhelming amount of quality seafood, fresh from the sea each day, be sure to make your way over to some of the market’s renowned restaurants, such as Doyles, Fisherman’s Wharf and Sea Emperor Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
Bills
In 1993, Bill Granger set out to open a no-nonsense café serving casual, yet scrumptious food to anyone and everyone in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Twenty-five years later, the once relaxed operation has since become a global phenomenon, with 19 restaurants dotted around the world. Coined “The Egg Master of Sydney” by the New York Times, the popular restaurant has often been credited for creating the iconic Aussie breakfast culture as we know it today. Yet with all its esteemed worldwide recognition, Bills has somehow managed to retain its much-loved laid-back, casual vibe. Now boasting three restaurants across Sydney in enviable locations, Bills also provides a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on its breakfast and lunch menus. And for those that prefer something a little sweeter for breakfast, you can’t go past the ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter.
There’s no shortage of best-in-class culinary options awaiting you in the city. From budget-friendly cuisine to world-famous dining experiences, you’ll find it all here in Sydney.
