If you’re only in Sydney for a short time, you’ll probably want to eat somewhere nearby Sydney Harbour. Nobody visits Sydney without visiting this part of town and a meal by the Opera House and the world's most magnificent harbour might just be a highlight of your Sydney stay. This is one of most memorable dining precincts there is. Check your credit card balance before diving in. There are quite a few eating choices in this area. Here's our brief guide.
Bennelong Restaurant - upscale dining in Sydney Opera House
You wouldn’t expect a meal inside one of the shells of Sydney’s Opera House to be anything less than spectacular. Bennelong serves exquisite contemporary cuisine in one of the world’s most remarkable dining locations. This is a special Sydney dining experience - and you’ll pay for it. Expect to spend close on $200 for food and a drink or two.
There are a few ways of experiencing Bennelong so you might come back with some change.
Peter Gilmour is the Sydney native that makes the Bennelong flavours happen. He also runs the kitchen directly opposite at Quay Restaurant - another fancy offering in this exclusive Sydney precinct.
Photo: Mark Bowyer All set for service at the Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House
Opera Bar - light bites and drinks by the harbour
If you want to hold on to spectacular harbour views, drinks with a more chilled dining experience, the Opera Bar on the The Opera House promenade might be a better choice. It gets busy on weekends and during events but it’s hard to beat on a spectacular Sydney afternoon or warm evening.
Photo: Mark Bowyer The Opera Bar - drinks, tunes, light bites and more
Harbourside eateries - east Circular Quay
The promenade between Circular Quay and The Opera House is packed with dining options from Chinese, Japanese to burgers and Italian. This is a busy tourist strip so expect the feel and prices to reflect that. These are dependable if unremarkable spots for bite and a drink with better than remarkable views.
Cafe Sydney Customs House - views and casual high-end vibe in a stunning heritage space
Cafe Sydney is a Sydney institution. Views are in good supply around Sydney Harbour but Cafe Sydney’s are even more special. It’s located at the top of a stunning heritage building that was Customs House in Sydney during colonial times. Food is contemporary Australian.
Address: Customs House, Circular Quay, Sydney
Grana and Lana - heritage warehouse vibe, great food and drinks
5 minutes walk beyond Circular Quay (right behind Customs House) is Grana. I love the feel of this place. The converted 1800s heritage warehouse space features Sydney sandstone block walls and giant timber beams. The warmth infects the team on the floor. It's a warm welcome all-round. That's not something you can always rely on in Sydney. Contemporary Italian menu with pastas, seafood, steak and vegetarian options downstairs. Upstairs is Lana with an emphasis on fare from the sea. Pricing on the mid to high side (higher at Lana - including the succinct wine list) but no surprise given the space and location. These guys own the adjoining cocktail bar, Apollonia, downstairs in the same stunning warehouse known as Hinchcliff House.
Address: Hinchcliff House, 5 - 7 Young St, Sydney - 5 mins from Circular Quay on foot
Photo: Mark Bowyer Sandstone, timber beams for ambience. Great food and vibe
Quay Restaurant - fancy set menus, fancy pricing
With Bennelong at the Opera House and Quay opposite to the west, both extremities at Sydney Cove are in the hands of one restaurant group. Celebrated Sydney local Peter Gilmour is in charge of the flavours. These are both serious dining propositions for a memorable meal. Expect to part with big dollars.
Squire’s Landing - laid back beers and food with harbour views
Squire’s Landing is a Brew House with a restaurant space. The most relaxed space on this cove of expensive eateries, it's a pub-stye venue showcasing the beers of the James Squire brewery. The food is burger driven. Spectacular views across the harbour - indoor and outdoor areas.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Squire's Landing - big pub vibes and views
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