Restaurant in Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney
Classic steakhouse in art deco setting serving premium Australian beef and seafood. Renowned for dry-aged steaks and extensive wine list.
Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney occupies a grand art deco space at 66 Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD, housed within the former City Mutual Life Building and retaining much of its original interior — bronze ceilings, marble floors, and a wide bar running the length of one side of the room. The restaurant opened in 2009 and quickly established itself as Sydney's leading steakhouse, winning multiple awards and maintaining a consistent reputation for dry-aged Australian beef and a serious approach to wine.
The kitchen's centrepiece is its wood-fired grill and rotisserie, from which most signature meat and fish preparations are drawn. The beef programme is one of the most considered in Sydney, sourcing from specific cattle stations across Australia — including Blackmore Wagyu and Rangers Valley Black Angus — and dry-ageing in-house for extended periods. The 350g grass-fed ribeye is among the most consistently ordered dishes, while full-blood Wagyu cuts at the premium end of the menu attract serious beef enthusiasts. Wood-roasted whole fish and rotisserie chicken broaden the menu for guests who prefer seafood or poultry.
The wine list is one of Sydney's most extensive, running to hundreds of pages and leaning heavily on Australian regions including Coonawarra, the Barossa Valley, and Margaret River, with strong Burgundy and Bordeaux representation. The bar programme is equally serious, with a broad cocktail list and a wide selection of Australian and imported spirits. The bar area functions as a standalone destination for pre-dinner drinks.
Lunch service runs Monday through Friday, and Saturday is dinner only. The restaurant is now operated under Hunter Street Hospitality, which also runs associated venues in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Private dining rooms are available for groups and corporate events.
Signature dishes
- Grass-fed ribeye 350g — $89
- Wood-roasted whole fish — $68
Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM - late; Saturday dinner only
Reservations: Recommended
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +61 2 8078 1900
Location
66 Hunter St, Sydney NSW 2000
-33.8644, 151.2089 — View on map
Highlights
- Grand art deco interior within the heritage City Mutual Life Building on Hunter Street — one of Sydney's most impressive dining rooms
- In-house dry-aged beef programme sourcing from Blackmore Wagyu, Rangers Valley Black Angus, and other premium Australian stations
- Wood-fired grill and rotisserie at the heart of the kitchen, producing steaks, whole fish, and rotisserie chicken
- Exceptional Australian-heavy wine list spanning hundreds of pages across all major domestic and international regions
- One of Sydney's most acclaimed steakhouses since opening in 2009, with consistently strong reviews for beef quality and service
Tips
- Weekday lunch is a more affordable entry point — the same kitchen and quality, with a shorter format and lower overall spend.
- For the most atmospheric seating, book a table in the main room rather than a private dining area — the central space around the bar is the best vantage point.
- The Blackmore Wagyu cuts are significantly more expensive than grass-fed options; allow time to review the beef board with the waiter before ordering.
- Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and Friday lunch — walk-in availability at the bar is possible at quieter times.
- Ask about the dry-aged specials board, which can include aged cuts not listed on the standard menu.
FAQ
What is Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney known for?
Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney is known primarily for its premium dry-aged beef programme, its art deco heritage interior, and a wine list considered one of the most extensive in Sydney. It has been one of Australia's most acclaimed steakhouses since opening on Hunter Street in 2009.
How much does dinner at Rockpool Bar & Grill cost?
A typical dinner for two with wine can range from AUD $200 to $400 or more, depending on beef selection and wine choices. Grass-fed steaks begin around AUD $89; full-blood Wagyu cuts are considerably higher. Weekday lunch is a more affordable option.
Does Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney have a dress code?
Smart casual dress is expected. The room is formal in character, and guests in business attire or smart casual clothing are most appropriate. Casual sportswear and shorts are not suited to the setting.
Are reservations required at Rockpool Bar & Grill?
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner service. Online booking is available through the restaurant's website. Walk-in seating at the bar is sometimes possible during quieter periods.
Accessibility
Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney is at street level on Hunter Street with step-free entry from the pavement. The main dining room and bar are accessible to wheelchair users. The heritage building's features are preserved but do not obstruct access to the primary dining and bar areas.