Sydney’s stellar restaurant scene boasts everything from casual brunch spots to family-friendly joints to sleek cocktail bars and romantic date night gems. But when you’re looking to celebrate an extra special occasion, some stunning gems featuring elegant settings and award-winning tasting menus are sure to impress. For a fancy meal out to remember, the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney await.
From robust flavours served in one of Australia’s most iconic buildings to a unique, organic restaurant that brings views of the harbour, Sydney’s fine-dining gems have plenty of extra perks. A few extra-special omakase restaurants are always a unique experience and a luxurious cocktail bar is the perfect spot to wind down the night. So, put on your favourite smart casual outfit and get ready for a fancy night to remember.
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Keep reading for the best fine-dining restaurants in Sydney
For one of the best fine-dining experiences in Sydney for Chinese cuisine – book a table at Song Bird in Double Bay
Song Bird blends Cantonese cooking with modern Australian touches, all under the experienced hand of renowned Australian chef Neil Perry AM. The dining room is spread across three levels in the heritage-listed Gaden House, known for its floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. The menu pairs fresh Australian produce with classic Chinese flavours. Start with Sichuan pickled shiitake and cucumbers before trying fluffy dumplings like plump Spencer Gulf king prawn wontons or WA pearl perch dumplings. The Peking duck with hoisin sauce and mandarin pancakes can be ordered half or whole, perfect for sharing. Finish off with the Song Bird chocolate pavlova or a mango parfait with chewy sago.
For one of the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney, with a menu that changes often, visit Margaret in Double Bay
With four decades of hospitality experience, Neil Perry AM is an icon of Australia’s restaurant industry, as both a restaurateur and a philanthropist. He named this Double Bay gem after his late mother, and it’s her caring nature that inspires the ethos of Margaret. Its commitment to looking after suppliers, staff, community and customers helps create the warm, welcoming environment that greets every diner. Margaret is a fine-dining neighbourhood restaurant with a sense of, in Perry’s words, “comfort, generosity and cosiness”. While you can check out the menu before you visit, the dishes change slightly each day to best use the freshest seasonal ingredients. Seafood is the star of the menu, and there’s no better way to start things off than with a black pearl white sturgeon caviar tartlet. Expect a range of fresh grilled fish from the wood fire, such as stripey snapper with lime, coconut and garamasala. The dessert menu offers rich puddings like a crème caramel served with Blue Mountains honey alongside select Australian cheeses. If you happen to be celebrating a special romantic milestone, Sam and Neil’s wedding cake is an easy thematic choice.
For a unique omakase experience book a table at Kobo in Circular Quay
From learning at his grandmother’s side to refining his skills at Sydney hotspots like Marble BBQ and Tokki, hatted chef Jacob Lee has years of experience with Korean, Japanese and Australian cuisine. Kobo showcases his skills with an intimate – and exclusive – omakase experience. Combining traditional Korean dishes with Japanese influences and modern Australian twists, Kobo is an expression of chef Jacob’s life and culinary experiences. The eight-seat omakase offers just two sittings each day, so booking a spot in advance is crucial. Make your way down Quay Quarter Lanes, behind the heritage Hinchcliff House, and take your seat at Kobo’s central solid marble table. The chef, as much as the food, makes an omakase experience special, and chef Jacob is always a passionate host. He’ll take you through the unique flavours and expressions of each “episode” as he shares his own culinary memories through an ever-changing menu.
For Japanese omakase at one of the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney – book your seats at Tsuzumi in Barangaroo
Sushi, rhythm and sake are all part of the experience at this omakase restaurant in Barangaroo. The understated interior has room for just 12 diners, seated around the chef’s workspace. Simple decor and seating ensure that the focus is entirely on the skill of the chef and the flavours of the food. Smart casual is the required dress code but Tsuzumi encourages evening attire, so it’s the perfect opportunity to dress up in your finest. The chef takes diners through each ingredient and dish, explaining its origin and preparation. The tsuzumi (or 鼓) is a traditional Japanese hand drum, and this restaurant keeps a steady beat as it guides you through each course. With seatings for lunch and dinner, Tsuzumi uses seasonal ingredients sourced sustainably to offer the best dishes. This means the menu is always a little different, but expect a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, flights of sake and unforgettable flavours.
For one of the best Indian fine-dining restaurants in Sydney – head to The Grand Palace in Sydney CBD, Mona Vale, Terrigal
With outposts in Sydney CBD, Mona Vale, and Terrigal, The Grand Palace is one of Sydney’s most beloved fine-dining restaurants. Opulent interiors, with vintage furnishings, create an indulgent atmosphere that’s perfect for special occasions. Serving up traditional Indian dishes, the menu offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes (and all meat products are halal certified). Start with a seafood entrée like the crispy Amritsari fish marinated with garlic, lemon and carom seed. Or, try the chef’s special: tender tandoori broccoli served with grilled asparagus and mint sauce. Hearty mains include the classic butter chicken and the aromatic lasooni daal tadka. On the side, choose from over ten types of flatbreads, including cheese-stuffed naan and wholemeal roti.
📍 Sydney CBD — Check availability
📍 Mona Vale — Check availability
📍 Terrigal — Check availability
For an inventive menu by one of Australia’s best chefs – book at Quay in The Rocks
Quay offers one of the most unique fine-dining experiences in Sydney. With a dining space that extends out onto the water, you take in incredible views of Sydney Harbour, the Bridge and the Opera House at this creative restaurant. Executive chef Peter Gilmore is one of the most decorated chefs in Australia, receiving three Chefs Hats eighteen years in a row among numerous other accolades. At Quay, he’s worked alongside restaurant group Fink to create a relaxing, organic atmosphere that evokes Australia’s incredible biodiversity, with both its dining space and its menu. The restaurant has carefully considered every aspect of the experience, from the ingredients and dishes to the individual ceramic pieces that bring them to your table. With dishes like wild abalone with squid umami custard and confit pig jowl, you won’t find a menu like this anywhere else in Sydney. An extensive wine list ensures you can find the perfect complement (and if the choice is overwhelming, just ask the sommelier).
For one of Sydney’s best fine dining hotspots, head to the Sydney Opera House – Bennelong Restaurant in Sydney’s CBD
When he isn’t working on the creative menu over at Quay, executive chef Peter Gilmore brings his talents to Sydney’s most iconic building. Head through the entrance under the Monumental Steps and inside the sails of the Sydney Opera House. It might take a while to go through the menu as you bring your gaze to the harbour and the city lights. This restaurant is perfect for a pre-show meal, just be sure to allow ample time for the full experience. Bennelong Restaurant’s à la carte menu aims to celebrate the best Australian produce and culinary traditions. Start with the intense flavours of a salad of spring vegetables with liquorice kombu before digging into a slow-braised capretto with hummus and preserved lemon. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with Aussie favourites like fluffy lamingtons (made with cherry jam) or an extra special chocolate crackle. The restaurant’s Distillery Down Under project puts some of the best boutique distilleries in the country front and centre on the drinks menu. Enjoy the local products neat or in a special cocktail unique to the distillery of the month.
Date nights, anniversaries and other special occasions are easy to celebrate at the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney. Share delicious cocktails, fresh seafood and the finest cuts of meat. Plus, take in some of the best views in Sydney, over the harbour and under the bridge.
Book early and secure your spot at the best fine dining restaurants in Sydney on OpenTable.
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