When you think restaurants, you think food, and when you think food, you think culture. If you want to wine and dine in Sydney CBD, you will be sampling the cultural history of the city.
Several different indigenous groups have inhabited Australia. The English named them after their geographical location. These different groups collected food from their regions but always made sure to maintain the health of their food sources. This way, they could reap food year in, year out.
After 50,000 years, they created such an immense cultural history by collecting and cooking food, that they are the rightful owners of one of the most sophisticated cuisines in the world. This knowledge has been passed down regionally, and established food experts still study today how to best use Australia’s food sources to cook the most delicious meals.
So if you’re looking for great fine dining experiences, the best new restaurants in Sydney’s dining scene, and other restaurants with stellar à la carte menu options and drinks, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the best Sydney restaurants for date nights, special occasions, or food crawls guaranteed to give you good times and out-of-this-world culinary experiences.
1. Quay
Four centuries ago, European colonists arrived in Australia. The British established hegemonic rule and implemented a new parliament. Today, their overweight is still clearly visible in the current composition of the contemporary population. The majority of Sydney’s inhabitants are English, and of the ten most prominent cultural heritage groups in the city, seven of them are European. Only 1.5% of the people living in Sydney have an indigenous background. However, efforts are being made to preserve the indigenous culture that was lost during England’s takeover of the country.
Quay, located in The Rocks district near Sydney Harbour Bridge and the circular quay area, is a top-rated restaurant featuring set menu items inspired by Indigenous Australian cuisine. The head chef is world-renowned Peter Gilmore transforms this cuisine into contemporary dishes, sprinkled with a hint of English and Asian influence. It has been listed rightfully as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world for years in a row.
Quay is definitely the kind of restaurant where reservations are a must. You have to reserve months in advance. If you are a lucky individual who gets to eat here, you will be guaranteed an experience you will never forget. The menu is composed of a 6 or 8-course arrangement. Which arrangement you choose is up to you. I recommend complementing the dishes with the appropriate wines, paired by Shanteh Wong, one of the best sommeliers in the world.
You can also book venue rooms or a private dining room so you can enjoy their amazing food while also enjoying a stunning view of the Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s CBD.
Address: Upper Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Phone Number: (02) 9251 5600
Website: quay.com.au
2. Monté
Europe heavily influences the hospitality industry in Australia. Most of the restaurants in Sydney serve European food. Even the restaurants that say they serve Australian cuisine, actually mean they serve European food with a modern Australian twist. If you find the need to go to a European restaurant, this is one of the best places there is. And this may surprise you: it is not British!
Monté, not to be confused with the Mexican card game, is a French-European-Australian (there you have it) restaurant that serves quality food for a quality price point. It is listed as Sydney’s best restaurant by Tripadvisor. Monté is located just south of Quay, in the Inner West district.
Unlike Quay, you don’t have to reserve seat months in advance, just a week will do. Try the three-course menu and sample the fish entrées, meat mains, and sweet desserts. If you are craving some classic French fries, make sure to order them as well.
Address: 1/256 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040, Australia
Phone Number: (02) 9568 5377
Website: restaurantmonte.com.au
3. Mr. Wong
Two centuries ago, European colonists discovered gold in Australia. This discovery triggered migration from other parts of the world to Sydney. A large portion of the people who came searching for gold was of Chinese ancestry. Most who identify as Chinese-Australian in Sydney are descendants of the Chinese people who came to the city during this gold rush.
In fact, the third most common ancestry in Sydney is Chinese! Chinatown, with its lively markets, feasts, and restaurants, is really a cultural treat.
Although Mr. Wong is not located in Chinatown, it is still as much a cultural experience as it would be in Chinatown. Located in Sydney’s business district, it is worth every step you might take to get there. Among its diners are the most prominent figures in the world. The menu is well, just as prominent, if not more satisfying company to be around. It’s not just the food that makes Mr. Wong worth visiting, but the cocktails and wine bar, as well. Did we mention the interior? You’ll feel like you walked onto a classic movie set.
There are several menus from which to choose, such as the Banquet menu, which starts at ten dishes. Ask for the best wine pairings with each dish and ask for half glasses, just so you won’t fall off the table after dinner.
Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone Number: (02) 9114 7317
Website: merivale.com
4. Zahli
About one century ago, Lebanese immigrants entered the city of Sydney. Although citizens with a Lebanese background have been discriminated against from that time onwards, they have contributed greatly to the city and made it their personal goal to become active citizens. In addition to their beautiful culture, they brought along with them a fantastic cuisine. Some still hold onto the traditional recipes of their grandparents, and the food is certainly worth trying.
Located near Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills, Zahli is one of the many Lebanese restaurants in the area. Its interior design is marvellous. The restaurant serves small traditional dishes, such as hummus and baba ghanoush, which you can order separately. Or you can choose the arranged dinner. This means your table will be covered lavishly with fresh food using local produce that will make anyone forget their worries of the day. Zahli also has an upscale bar, with an extensive wine list, so don’t forget to order your favourite drink.
Address: 529 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Phone Number: (02) 9318 2228
Website: zahlirestaurant.com
Honourable Mentions
Honourable Mentions
Here are the best spots that didn’t make it to the main list of restaurants we love to go to.
- The Charles Grand Brasserie
- Woodcut Barangaroo in the Crown Sydney Tower
- Mr Wong
- Rockpool Bar & Grill
- Three Blue Ducks
- Oncore By Clare Smyth
- Cafe Sydney
- Bourke Street Bakery
Conclusion
Where you decide to eat is, in the end, is up to you. But any choice on this list will turn out to be a great place. Enjoy your meal and I will see you soon at one of the best restaurants in Sydney!
