These are the best Sydney restaurants where to watch the NYE fireworks and the city’s skyline

Experience one of the most spectacular NYE firework displays in the world with a booking at a Sydney Harbour restaurant with a view.
Fireworks being launched over Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve.

The Sydney NYE fireworks are recognised as among the most dazzling in the world. Many of the best restaurants in Sydney offer views over the harbour that take in the night sky on this special night of the year, bringing you a stunning display as part of a package that also includes fabulous food, delectable drinks and superb service. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience with fireworks as the crowning glory, or you want to dance the night away with scenic vistas of the Harbour, get ready for a NYE party to remember at the best restaurants with a view in Sydney.

Book a table at a fine dining venue in Sydney CBD and enjoy an exclusive private dining experience with spectacular views of the water and the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy some light bites and an astronomical drinks list at one of the best pubs in Sydney at Woollahra, or celebrate Spanish style with tapas, sangria and a countdown to the midnight big bang, with a New Year’s Eve experience from one of the best restaurants in Sydney with a view in Barangaroo.  

Guarantee your seat at one of the best restaurants for views of the Sydney NYE fireworks by booking on OpenTable today.

The best restaurants with a view in Sydney offer top spots to see the NYE fireworks

For an exclusive private dining experience with a view of the Sydney NYE fireworks – book at Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant in Sydney CBD

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Stunning Harbour views and an exclusive private dining experience await at Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant. Credit: Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant
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Uniquely modern Australian flavours served with style at Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant. Credit: Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant
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Experience contemporary Australian fare with a twist at Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant. Credit: Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant
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Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant, great for group dining with spectacular views across the Harbour. Credit: Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant

Make your next New Year’s Eve something truly special with a private dining room at Squire’s Waterfront Restaurant. Treat your guests not only to one of the best modern Australian menus in town but also to stunning views across the Harbour as you take in the Sydney NYE fireworks from your own private space for eight to 10 guests. Inspired by the legendary James Squire, you can expect bold and unique flavours in both the food and drink offerings.  Perhaps start your evening with a craft beer from the James Squire collection and raw Wagyu beef with pickles, shallots and homemade brioche, before moving on to a plate of gin and tonic cured Atlantic salmon with melon and spiced pangretto. Moving on, try the wood-fired broccolini with chermoula and chargrilled prawns with escabeche sauce, or a smoked, coffee-cured duck breast with braised fennel and cherry sauce.

For the perfect romantic date night at one of the best restaurants with a view in Sydney – make a date at Quay in The Rocks

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Quay is one of the most celebrated in Sydney, an ode to the Australian landscape with views over the Harbour. Credit: Quay
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Experience Australian fine dining at its best with views across the water to the Opera House at Quay. Credit: Quay
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Celebrated executive chef Peter Gilmore brings you the highest quality of fine dining at Quay. Credit: Quay
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Harbour views add a magical touch to the dining experience at Quay. Credit: Quay 

As one of the most celebrated restaurants in Sydney, Quay has a phenomenal reputation to uphold, and it does so with panache. If you’re looking for the perfect date night venue with views of the Sydney NYE fireworks, then this should be top of the list. From the nature-inspired interior to the menu that showcases the best of Australia, this is an experience not to be missed. For New Year’s Eve, choose from a five or seven-course menu with canapes from executive chef Peter Gilmore and sample some of the best produce of the region, prepared to perfection, and served in an immersive environment that will tantalise the imagination. Sample dishes include a caviar and seaweed tart with oyster cream and chocolate, and a roasted fillet of Wagyu beef with mushroom and black garlic puree.

For a Middle Eastern culinary adventure with special NYE experiences – watch the Sydney NYE fireworks from Jouneih at Dawes Point / Walsh Bay

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 Feast Middle Eastern style while soaking up the sun and views over Sydney Harbour at Jouneih. Credit: Jouneih
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Get a taste of the Middle East with a banquet from Jouneih on Sydney Harbour. Credit: Jouneih
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Unparalleled views across the Harbour while dining on Middle Eastern delights at Jouneih. Credit: Jouneih
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Indulge in freshly prepared seafood platters with Middle Eastern breads at Jouneih. Credit: Jouneih
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Take a seat on the covered terrace at Jouneih and enjoy stunning Harbour views. Credit: Jouneih

Named for a coastal town in Lebanon, Jouneih brings the flavours of the Middle East to Walsh Bay. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this hotspot draws on vibrant Lebanese culture, transporting guests to the bustling buzz of the souk. Dine indoors or out and gaze over the waters as you feast from either the a la carte or banquet menus, washing it all down with a luxury cocktail, vintage scotch or selection from the internationally acclaimed wine list. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Jouneih with exclusive NYE five-course banquet packages either early evening or to ring in the bells. Prime Sydney NYE firework viewing spots are just steps away from your table, where you can enjoy a carefully curated festive menu. Highlights include sambousek, a minced lamb and pastry dish and Bannockburn chicken with shaved fennel watercress and a black garlic jus.

For an artistic culinary experience inspired by Mediterranean flavours – book at Crafted by Matt Moran in Sydney CBD

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Crafted by Matt Moran, where the quality of the food is matched only by the views. Credit: Crafted by Matt Moran
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Australian produce crafted into recipes inspired by the Mediterranean at Crafted by Matt Moran. Credit: Crafted by Matt Moran
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Book a private event at Crafted by Matt Moran and bring a touch of artistic glamour to your next occasion. Credit: Crafted by Matt Moran
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Oysters, olives, and oh-so-delicious wine – just a taster of Crafted by Matt Moran. Credit: Crafted by Matt Moran
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Book the group sharing menu at Crafted by Matt Moran and get stupendous views into the bargain. Credit: Crafted by Matt Moran

Matt Moran is renowned as the tour de force behind many of the most celebrated dining venues in Australia. Crafted by Matt Moran showcases his finest work, inspired by the art gallery in which it is housed. Expect artistically presented dishes crafted from the very best of locally sourced, seasonal produce, served in a creative and inspirational environment. The wine list is all-Australian, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to the region. With picture windows overlooking the harbour, this is a prime spot to watch the Sydney NYE fireworks. Group sharing menus make it easy for large parties to get together and ring in the new year. Think platters of jamon serrano, Manchego, savoury churros and stone fruit to start, followed by grilled beef tenderloin with charred leek and salsa dragoncello, accompanied by a red velvet salad with aged sherry vinegar dressing. Finish with a white peach and prosecco granita and see in the new year in style.

For a harbourside countdown to the Sydney NYE fireworks – book your seat at BORN by Tapavino in Barangaroo

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Ring in the New Year in style with creative cocktails and harbour views at BORN by Tapavino. Credit: BORN by Tapavino
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Spanish-inspired tapas and a view over the water await at BORN by Tapavino. Credit: BORN by Tapavino
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Get your New Year celebrations off to a great start with a charcuterie platter from BORN by Tapavino. Credit: BORN by Tapavino
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Soak up the sun in the day and gain a prime seat for the fireworks across the harbour with NYE at BORN by Tapavino. Credit: BORN by Tapavino

As the third restaurant in the group, BORN by Tapavino brings the contemporary Spanish style that Tapavino lovers appreciate to the edge of Sydney Harbour. Views over the water enhance the dining experience, which revolves around family-style eating with tapas and small plates. For New Year’s Eve, there are two sittings, each of which has been scheduled to end just in time for diners to make their way to prime viewing spots for the Sydney NYE fireworks at 9 pm and at midnight. Showstopping dishes include lamb fillets with pistachio picada, seared scallops with mojo verde, and the house chorizo slider with carrot slaw. Or start your celebrations early with a weekend bottomless brunch – all-you-can-drink wine or beer with a set menu to help soak it all up.

For an elevated New Year’s Eve party at one of the best restaurants with a view in Sydney – head on up to Lady Banks Rooftop in Bankstown

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Harbour views, artistic interior and a perfectly curated menu characterise Lady Banks Rooftop. Credit: Lady Banks Rooftop

Gain a bird’s eye view of the Sydney NYE fireworks with a table at Lady Banks Rooftop, where you can gaze over the harbour from an elevated position. Take a seat around the firepit within the restaurant interior, or at a table on the rooftop terrace for spectacular views across the water and the city. Vibrant, unique and effortlessly charming, this is an experience not to be missed. On any night of the year, come along and enjoy late-night snacks and drinks around the fire, or grab one of the best seats in town for viewing the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The showstopping menu focuses on small plates for sharing with friends – try the baked double brie with tangy fig jam and walnuts, the charred Western Australian octopus with almond puree and lemon, or the slow-cooked lamb shoulder tagine with pomegranate and an Asian herb salad.

For an exclusive private dining experience with unparalleled Sydney NYE fireworks views – treat yourself to Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout in The Rocks

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Gaze over the Opera House while dining exclusively with a private room at Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout. Credit: Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout
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Watch day turn to night with an exclusive cityscape view from Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout. Credit: Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout

Experience sky-high views across Sydney Harbour with an exclusive booking for up to 20 guests at Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout. Watch the sunset over the water from the viewing deck atop the South-East Pylon of Sydney Harbour Bridge, while indulging in a three-course meal with a welcome mocktail and wine pairings. This unique package includes a tour of the Pylon Museum and is available on selected dates throughout the summer. Ascend the 200 steps and take in panoramic views to reach the Lookout level. Chef Luke Mangan and his team serve up a culinary delight, starting with a glass of champagne and canapes before you begin your evening dining experience. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly, carefully curated from local ingredients to bring you the best of Australian cuisine, with a paired glass of wine for each course.

For al fresco pub-style dining at one of the best restaurants with a view in Sydney – visit Rooftop at The Light Brigade in Woollahra

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Relax in the sun on the rooftop terrace at Rooftop at The Light Brigade. Credit: Rooftop at The Light Brigade
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 The signature wood-fired pizzas at Rooftop at The Light Brigade are a constant hit, with views to match. Credit: Rooftop at The Light Brigade
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Rooftop dining with an exclusive terrace bar at Rooftop at The Light Brigade. Credit: Rooftop at The Light Brigade
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Classic Italian flavour paired with one of the best views in Sydney at Rooftop at The Light Brigade. Credit: Rooftop at The Light Brigade
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Palm trees and beach vibes with panoramic city views from Rooftop at The Light Brigade. Credit: Rooftop at The Light Brigade

Celebrate New Year’s Eve from a whole new perspective at Rooftop at The Light Brigade. Located 83 metres above sea level, take in some of the best views in the city from the leafy rooftop terrace. The 9 pm Sydney NYE firework display can be seen from your table while you dine, while the downstairs bar is open until late and leaves you ideally situated to reach prime viewing spots for the midnight show. The New Year experience ticket runs from 6 pm until 10 pm and costs $100, which can be redeemed against any food or drink items from the menu and includes a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival. Perhaps use it for some roast pepper and vodka rigatoni with salted ricotta, pan-roast ocean trout with kipfler potatoes and watercress, or a beef brisket burger with caramelised onion and triple mustard. Add a classic cocktail before heading out into the night to ring in the new year.

For a Chinese feast with views of the Sydney NYE fireworks – check out The East Chinese Restaurant in Circular Quay

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Chow down on an authentic Chinese feast at The East Chinese Restaurant this New Year. Credit: The East Chinese Restaurant
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The best of traditional Chinese banquet style for a New Year feast at The East Chinese Restaurant. Credit: The East Chinese Restaurant
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Chinese delicacies at tables with the best view in the city at The East Chinese Restaurant. Credit: The East Chinese Restaurant
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Fried, steamed, any way you like it – indulge in some of the best Chinese in town at The East Chinese Restaurant. Credit: The East Chinese Restaurant
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 A Chinese feast for the senses, surrounded by waterfront views at The East Chinese Restaurant. Credit: The East Chinese Restaurant

Dig into a Chinese feast at The East Chinese Restaurant, whether with a date or the entire crew. Book early to guarantee a spot on the outdoor terrace and you also get unrestricted views of the Sydney NYE fireworks without having to leave your table. The menu is diverse and delicious, inspired by traditional Chinese cooking techniques and flavours. On New Year’s Eve, a special banquet menu will be available so your table can sample as many dishes as possible while celebrating fresh beginnings and gazing over the harbour. There are several banquet menus to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend and the size of your party – sample dishes include live lobster with a ginger and shallot sauce, east duck pancakes, and steamed kingfish with black bean sauce. Finish with the dessert of the day and a steaming cup of Chinese tea before the fireworks grab your attention.

For a luxury New Year’s Eve celebration at one of the best restaurants with a view in Sydney – head to Catalina in Rose Bay

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There’s no better way to celebrate than with freshly shucked oysters and perfectly chilled white wine at Catalina. Credit: Catalina
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 Artistry on a plate and across the water, with fine dining food and unparalleled views at Catalina. Credit: Catalina
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A veritable rainbow of colours and flavours await at Catalina, both on your plate and in the sky over the water. Credit: Catalina
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Sip on a refreshing cocktail while gazing over the harbour views from the deck at Catalina. Credit: Catalina

Say farewell to 2024 in elegant style with dinner at Catalina, with a uniquely Australian approach to fine dining. Take a seat in the luxuriously appointed interior dining room and enjoy sweeping views from Rose Bay across Sydney Harbour. Choose the early sitting and be ideally situated to find a great viewing spot for the main Sydney NYE fireworks later in the evening, or opt for the late sitting and enjoy the Catalina’s very own midnight firework display as part of the package. New Year’s Eve sittings run from either 6 pm until 8 pm or from 8:30 pm until late, starting with a deluxe canape and caviar experience. This is followed by a luxury three-course menu with choices of entrée, main and dessert for each guest, then coffee and petit fours. Dine to the accompaniment of live music from songbird Alice Terry, interspersed with DJ performances throughout the evening.

The New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney are among the most popular displays in the world, watched by over a billion people on television and over a million in person around the harbour. Be among the lucky million and see the spectacular display for yourself with a table at one of the best restaurants with a view in Sydney.

Book yourself a table at the best restaurants with a view in Sydney with OpenTable.

If you’re looking for other great restaurants in Sydney for any time of year, discover more with these great guides:

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