Home to Australia’s most iconic views, Opera Bar is a must-visit on any tourist and locals list. Nestled by the clear Sydney Harbour waters at the foot of the Opera House enjoy the sunshine in this relaxed alfresco space. Don’t forget to try their famous Sydney Sling cocktail whilst enjoying light snacks from their Australian-inspired bar menu.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse Level, Sydney 2000
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am to 12:00am
Friday: 10:00am to 1:00am
Saturday 9:00am to 1:00am
Sunday: 9:00am to 12:00am
Price: $$
2. OTTO Ristorante, Woolloomooloo
Situated on the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, OTTO celebrates the best that Sydney has to offer. Think fine dining, spectacular waterside views and even better wine. One of Sydney’s most prestigious restaurants OTTO alfresco dining and delectable Italian dishes by renowned chef, Richard Ptacnik.
Where: 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
Price: $$$
3. Hugos Manly
Hugos Manly offers contemporary Italian cuisine and cutting-edge cocktails on Manly’s iconic pier. To indulge in the authentic Hugos experience, sit back enjoy the spectacular waterfront views as the Manly ferry rolls in with a refreshing glass of Hugos Frose and a plate of their freshly shucked oysters.
Where: Shop 1, Manly Wharf, East Esplanade Manly
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to late
Saturday to Sunday: 11:30am to late
Price: $$$
4. North Bondi Fish, North Bondi
A much-loved destination by the locals and a must-visit restaurant for tourists, North Bondi Fish is the perfect beach-side escape. Known for their modern seafood inspired dishes by one of Australia’s favourite chefs Matt Moran you won’t leave disappointed. Relax into the Bondi lifestyle with live music most weekends.
Where: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12pm to 12am
Price: $$$
5. Bennelong, Sydney
One of Australia’s most celebrated chefs Peter Gilmore presents some of Australia’s finest cuisine inside of the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Bennelong is renowned for their home-grown flavours and Australian cuisine, with unrivaled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Sydney CBD.
Where: Bennelong Point, Sydney
Opening hours:
Friday to Saturday: 12pm to 2:15pm, 5pm to 9pm
Sunday to Thurday: 5:30pm to 9pm
Price: $$$
6. Icebergs, Bondi Beach
Icebergs offer one of Australias most famous views, watch the waves crash into the Bondi Icebergs pool, whilst surfers carve up the swell and beachgoers make the most of the spectacular Sydney weather. Enjoy casual bistro style dining with modern Australian dishes that will “tempt all appetites.”
Where: 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 11am to late
Saturday to Sunday: 9am to late
Price: $$
7. Coogee Pavillion, Coogee
Known to locals as “The Pav,” the Coogee Pavillion offers something for just about everyone and any occasion. The ground floor provides a kid-friendly oasis with arcade games and casual dining that encourages sharing. Alternatively, you can climb the winding staircase to the adults-only rooftop which is home to four indoor and outdoor bars, mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine and 180-degree views of Coogee Beach.
Where: 169 Dolphin Stree, Coogee
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, Sunday: 7:30am to 12:00am
Friday to Saturday: 7:30am until late
Price: $$
8. The Boathouse, Balmoral
With homey-Hamptons vibes, you’ll feel right at home at The Boathouse. With aromatic coffee, delicious food and picturesque ocean views across Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse is the perfect weekend brunch location.
Where: 2 The Esplanade, Balmoral
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 7:00am to 3:00pm
Price: $-$$
9. The Newport, Newport
Located just one hours drive north of Sydney, The Newport’s waterfront location offers stunning views across Pittwater. The communal marketplace offers a variety of cuisines for all ages including Australian breakfast classics at the Kiosk, authentic Italian from Vinnies and true blue Aussie seafood from the Seafood Market.
Where: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am to late
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to late
Price: $$
10. Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay
You won’t be able to forget the spectacular views across Watson’s Bay beach of Sydney’s city skyline from Watsons Bay Hotel. Offering an extensive cocktail menu and fresh and zesty a la carte you’re bound for a once in a lifetime experience. For the full experience arrive by Ferry and soak up the views.
Where: 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 7am to 10pm
Thursday and Sunday: 7am to 11pm
Friday and Saturday: 7am to 11:30pm
Price: $$
11. Catalina, Rose Bay
Situated on the picturesque Rose Bay, Catalina has been a Sydney icon for over 23 years. With panoramic views of Sydney’s Rose Bay, it is the perfect location for any celebration. This family-run establishment offers a superb a la carte menu and a delectable cocktail menu.
Where: Lyne Park, Rose Bay
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12pm to 2pm
Monday to Saturday: 6pm to late
Price: $-$$
12. O Bar and Dining, Sydney CBD
One of Sydney’s most famous restaurants, O Bar and Dining offers 360-degree views of Sydney. Best seen at night, the restaurant rotates slowly, so every seat is the best seat in the house! Owner and Head Chef Michael Moore will be sure to serve you up a culinary feast from to slow-cooked duck to mouth-watering steaks.
Where: Level 47 Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 5pm to late
Friday: 12pm to 2:30pm
Price: $$$
13. Ripples, Milsons Point
Spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, sea breeze and a la carte dining – what more could you want? Enter Ripples at Milsons Point. This trifecta is situated next to the famous North Sydney Pool and Luna Park. The menu boasts everything from Brioche French Toast to Veal Saltimbocca to Whole Baby Snapper, there’s something for every pallet.
Where: Olympic Drive, Milsons Point
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8am to 10:30 am, 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to late
Saturday to Sunday: 7:30am to 10:30 am, 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to late
Price: $$$
14. The Boathouse, Glebe
This hidden gem is a seafood lovers haven and is located just a 10-minute drive out of the city, on Blackwattle Bay. Drink in the views of this picturesque bay with a glass of wine and an oyster or two while you peruse the innovative menu. To ensure the freshest of seafood and seasonal produce, executive chef Colin Barker changes the menu every day so every time you go you’re in for a new culinary delight.
Where: 123 Ferry Road, Glebe
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 6pm to late
Friday to Sunday: 12pm to 2:45pm, 6pm to late
Price: $$$
15. Manly Greenhouse, Manly
The new kid on the block the Manly Greenhouse opened in late 2018 and is fast becoming one of Manly’s go-to hotspots. This multi-storey restaurant and bar boasts some of the views along Manly beach. Each level of the venue offers a unique offering from casual dining on the bottom “Greenhouse” floor, to a grill restaurant on the middle level and a rooftop bar. It is the perfect spot for tourists and locals to mingle with a delicious spritz and tasty bites.
Where: 38 South Steyne, Manly
Opening hours:
Greenhouse
Monday to Sunday: 12pm to late
Grill
Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday to Thursday: open for Dinner
Friday to Sunday: open for Lunch and Dinner
Greenhouse
Monday to Friday: 4pm to late
Saturday to Sunday: 12pm to late
Price: $-$$
