New South Wales is Australia's oldest and most populous state, home to Sydney, iconic beaches, ancient national parks, and diverse landscapes. From the Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley wine country, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every type of traveler.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Quay
Chef Peter Gilmore's flagship restaurant is consistently ranked among Australia's finest, with panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The degustation menu features exceptional produce-driven Australian cuisine with extraordinary technical skill. The signature Snow Egg dessert is iconic.
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
Tetsuya's
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda's legendary restaurant has been a pillar of Sydney fine dining since 1989. The 10-course degustation menu blends Japanese philosophy with French technique, presented in an intimate garden setting. One of Australia's most awarded and internationally recognised restaurants.
529 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Aria Sydney
Aria occupies a prime position on the waterfront at Circular Quay with sweeping views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Chef Matt Moran's modern Australian cuisine showcases the finest seasonal produce. A two-hat restaurant that strikes an elegant balance between fine dining and approachability.
1 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Bennelong
Located inside the Sydney Opera House under Peter Jorgensen's iconic shell, Bennelong is one of the world's most spectacular restaurant settings. Chef Peter Gilmore leads a Modern Australian menu using the finest Australian produce. The bar menu offers more casual access to the extraordinary space.
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Sepia
Chef Martin Benn's Sepia is an intimate fine dining experience that seamlessly merges Australian produce with Japanese and European techniques. The progressive tasting menu changes seasonally and features creative, beautifully composed dishes. Consistently rated among Sydney's best.
201 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Eleven Bridge
Housed in a beautiful heritage sandstone building in the CBD, Eleven Bridge offers refined Modern Australian cuisine with an outstanding 2000-bottle wine list. The elegantly dressed dining room with high ceilings creates a special atmosphere for business dinners and celebrations.
Level 1, 11 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
The Grounds of Alexandria
Sydney's most beloved cafe complex occupies a beautifully converted industrial site in Alexandria and features multiple dining spaces, a florist, bakery, an urban farm with resident animals, and an incredible garden. Weekend brunch here is a quintessential Sydney experience with spectacular seasonal menus.
Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015
Bills Sydney
Bill Granger's iconic cafe is credited with creating the Sydney brunch culture and popularising smashed avocado toast to the world. The bright, open dining room in Darlinghurst serves beautiful Australian cafe food from breakfast through to lunch. Simple food done brilliantly in a relaxed setting.
433 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Modern Australian
Quay
Aria Sydney
Bennelong
Eleven Bridge
Cafe Sydney
Nikki's in the Rocks
Seafood
Flying Fish Restaurant
Fish at The Rocks
Cirrus Dining
The Boathouse Palm Beach
European
Porcine Surry Hills
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
French
Tetsuya's
Bar Copains
Italian
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Totti's Bondi
Japanese
Sepia
Sashimi at Tokio Hotel
Modern Australian Cafe
The Grounds of Alexandria
Grounds of the City
Specialty Coffee And Cafe
Single O Surry Hills
The Paramount Coffee Project
Artisan Market
Eveleigh Farmers Market
Australian Bbq And Charcuterie
LP's Quality Meats
Australian Farmers Market
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Brasserie
Gowings Bar & Grill
Farm
The Farm Byron Bay
Hunter Valley Regional
Brokenwood Wines Restaurant
Latin
Reuben Hills
Live
Firedoor
Market And Street Food
Paddy's Markets Haymarket
Market Food Stalls
The Rocks Markets
Mediterranean
Mimi's Coogee
Middle Eastern
Kazbah on Darling
Modern Australian Brunch
Bills Sydney
Modern Australian Wine Bar
The Winery Surry Hills
Regional Australian
Hunter Valley Harvest Kitchen
Specialty Coffee
Artificer Coffee
Specialty Coffee Cafe
Edition Coffee Roasters Newtown
Steakhouse
Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney
Sustainable Australian Cafe
Cornersmith Marrickville
Thai
Longrain Sydney
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |