Sydney restaurants with a view

Two things Sydneysiders love are good food and striking views. Combine them together and you’ve got an unforgettable experience. Wherever you are in the city, Sydney doesn’t stop with delivering a striking landscape for restaurants.

Destination NSW

Aug 2021 -

min read

Whalebridge

At Whalebridge, diners aren’t just looking at the view – they’re part of it. Taking over the site of the much-loved Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, Whalebridge is entirely al fresco with tables lining the edge of the water at Circular Quay. It’s a classic French bistro serving up dishes like bouillabaisse, lobster thermidor, moules mariniere and steak frites, plus oysters are still on the menu. With a chilled glass of champagne on a sunny day, there’s no better place to be.

Whalebridge, Circular Quay - Credit: Whalebridge

Cafe Sydney

Set on the rooftop of the historic Customs House building in Circular Quay, a 180-degree panorama of Sydney Harbour unfurls in front of diners at Cafe Sydney. And don’t let the name fool you – this is no cafe. Instead, you can expect an effortlessly stylish dining room, attentive service and a menu that heroes Australian ingredients like Moreton Bay bugs, Queensland prawns, Humpty Doo barramundi and Sydney rock oysters.

Rooftop dining with views across Sydney Harbour at Cafe Sydney, Sydney

Bennelong

At Bennelong, you get the chance to be inside one icon while looking out upon another. Tucked under the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is framed by the unique wooden beams that support the huge windows. On the plate, chef Peter Gilmore creates delicately beautiful dishes inspired by his conversations with Australia’s most passionate producers.

Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House

Quay

The dining room at Quay has a postcard perfect view of the Sydney Opera House, directly across the water. Chef Peter Gilmore is in the kitchen here, the mastermind behind the Insta-worthy pretty white coral dessert. Be warned though, if there’s a cruise ship docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, you’ll be looking into the cabins rather than at the sails.

Dining room overlooking the Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Quay, Circular Quay - Credit: Nikki To

Henry Deane

Spread over levels four and five of Hotel Palisade in Millers Point, Henry Deane  exudes modern sophistication with uninterrupted Sydney Harbour views, plush comfy seating, copper decals and marbled surfaces. Enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner with a menu designed to be shared and relished alongside the seamless aquatic backdrop. Visit at night for a cocktail lounge with drinks and the glimmer of city lights reflecting off the water.

View of the Hotel Palisade rooftop bar from Observatory Hill, Millers Point

The Fernery

Right in the heart of Mosman, you’ll find The Fernery, a luxurious green rooftop oasis. Lush hanging plants and ferns effortlessly combine with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, North Head and the CBD skyline. This verdant space and landscape inspire the modern Australian food and drinks menu, utilising ingredients right from the kitchen garden and local produce.

The Fernery, Mosman

Bathers’ Pavilion

Take in stunning Balmoral Beach at the elegantly relaxed Bathers’ Pavilion. Serving seasonal, modern European cuisine, they’ve got you covered for all occasions from coastal fine dining in the restaurant to chilled all-day dining in the bistro. Enjoy crystal water views filtering through the floor to ceiling windows, and open kitchen and dining areas. Soak it all in with their 350-strong wine list, or head upstairs to Betel Leaf for bright nautical style, Thai flavours and panoramic beach views. 

The Bathers' Pavilion, Balmoral Beach

Cottage Point Inn

A true destination dining experience, Cottage Point Inn is hidden away on a quiet bend of the Hawkesbury in the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. It’s around an hour’s drive from the city, but it’s much more fun to arrive by boat or take a scenic seaplane flight. The open-air dining room looks out over the calm water, surrounded by lush bushland and a few boats bobbing at anchor. On the plate, it’s a five- or eight-course degustation that changes seasonally, but always has a strong seafood focus.

Boats moored at Cowan Creek, Cottage Creek

Cottage Point Inn, Cottage Creek

Jonah’s

Perched on a clifftop above the spectacular coastline of Whale Beach, Jonah’s is a fine dining restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine with an Italian twist. Take a seat in the dining room by the floor-to-ceiling windows, or on the terrace to feel the gentle ocean breeze. If you feel like sampling a few vintages from the award-winning 1,600-bottle wine list, there are also 11 gorgeous hotel rooms to check-in to and an infinity pool where the views are pinch-me good.

EAST

Mimi’s

Standing tall at the northern edge of the beach, Coogee Pavilion is three levels of dining, drinking and dancing. On the middle level, Mimi’s is an oasis of luxury, complete with tableside bumps of caviar and truffles shaved over anything you like. The views are just as delicious, the rolling waves of Coogee Beach framed by huge arched windows and blush pink walls.

The light filled room at Mimi's restaurant on the middle level of the Coogee Pavilion, Coogee

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

Dominating the tiny cove of Watsons Bay, this sprawling pub, restaurant and hotel is the ultimate summer playground. With its distinctive blue and white striped umbrellas stepping neatly down to crystal clear water, huge palm trees and a storybook wharf, you might think you’re at a yacht club in Greece or Italy instead of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The menu has a Mediterranean feel as well, with antipasti and pasta alongside seafood platters and buckets of fresh prawns.

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

A go-to for locals and visitors alike, sitting on the cliffs of iconic Bondi Beach, Icebergs still delivers for the ultimate waterside dining experience. Modern Italian cuisine pairs perfectly with a breezy seaside atmosphere. With a seasonally changing menu, expect the freshest produce, divine seafood and a taste of native Australia within an intimate setting in the Dining Room. Head to the Bar for a more relaxed atmosphere; elegance continues here with the blend of sweeping views of Bondi and classic Italian style.

Bondi Icebergs, Sydney

Catalina

Situated along the curving edge of Rose Bay, Catalina serves up a striking waterfront fine dining experience. Executive Chef Mark Axisa and Head Chef Alan O’Keeffe pioneer a bright menu of modern and classic dishes, which stars some of the finest seafood including fresh poached Australian marron, a popular entree. Savour this with a fine drop from the wine list, frequently voted Australia’s best. Wine and dine in a tranquil ambience as you watch ferries and seaplanes pass by, and if you’re lucky, be delighted by the sight of a seal or dolphin.

Catalina Rose Bay, Sydney East

SOUTH

The Boatshed La Perouse

With a dining room that extends out over the sand of Frenchman’s Bay, you can’t get much more waterfront than The Boatshed. The atmosphere is casual, coastal chic, but you won’t get any strange looks if you arrive with sandy feet. Drop in for a bacon and egg roll or ricotta pancakes after an early morning swim or settle in for a long lunch over a heaving seafood platter, lobster mornay or barbecued prawns.

The Boatshed, La Perouse

Sealevel Restaurant & Bar

Seafood lovers are drawn to Sealevel Restaurant & Bar in Cronulla for the sights, sounds and flavours. The constantly evolving seafood-based modern Australian menu also takes influence from France and Italy. The circular, smooth design allows for coastline views from every angle of blissful Cronulla Beach.

Sealevel in Cronulla, Sydney South

Blackfish Cafe & Grill

Established in 1895, Como Pleasure Grounds is a popular park on the edge of the Georges River with swimming baths, playgrounds, bike tracks and walking trails. In the centre is Blackfish Cafe & Grill, a casual dining spot with panoramic views of the river and surrounding bushland. Open every day for breakfast and lunch, it’s both kid and dog friendly, making for a picturesque rest stop when exploring the grounds.

Blackfish Cafe & Grill, Georges River - Credit: Blackfish Cafe & Grill

Le Sands

Award-winning restaurant Le Sands is an icon of Sydney’s South. Found in Botany Bay, this restaurant will take your breath away with its unsurpassed shimmering waterfront views and finest seasonal ingredients. Immerse in the warmth of the sight of a sunset and flambe of one of the signature dishes, a beautiful, tender steak Dianne done right at your table. It’s modern European cuisine at its bayfront finest.

WEST & INNER WEST

Nick & Nora’s

Step inside a world of glitz and glam at Nick & Nora’s. This cocktail and champagne bar takes you back to the golden era of the 1920s accompanied by dazzling city skyline views on the 26th floor of the V by Crown building in Parramatta. The bar honours the detective novel, The Thin Man, and emulates its exclusive parties, champagne towers and lush cocktails. Enjoy the glamour and view with a selection of world-class caviar, artisanal cheeses and other delicious morsels from their canape-style menu.

Couples enjoying cocktails at Nick and Nora's bar in Parramatta, Sydney West

Nick and Nora's, Parramatta

The Fenwick

Set inside an immaculately restored 1880s stone building on the East Balmain waterfront, The Fenwick offers a unique view of the ‘back side’ of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s open for lunch and dinner every day, with breakfast served on the weekends, offering a rustic Italian menu that includes housemade pasta and lots of seafood. But it’s hard to go past the whole lamb shoulder, a house specialty, with a red wine reduction and garlic and rosemary potatoes.

The Fenwick, Balmain

Lakeside Restaurant

Lakeside Restaurant is a hidden gem in Penrith. Located at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a unique view of Penrith Lakes with a stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains. Drink in the serene, still waters paired with a fresh, contemporary Italian dining experience. Start with a melt in your mouth beef carpaccio and end with a cooked-to-order indulgent chocolate fudge zeppole.