AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Discover Sydney's Culinary Gems: From Iconic Ocean Views to Plant-Based Wonders


Sydney's food scene stands as a testament to the city's dynamic culinary heartbeat, where a blend of cultures and flavours come together in unique and memorable ways. Whether you're looking for an intimate meal with ocean views or a vibrant fusion of plant-based dishes, Sydney offers a variety of dining experiences that redefine modern Australian cuisine. Join us as we explore some of the finest venues that encapsulate this city's gastronomic spirit, each bringing their distinctive flair and unforgettable flavours to the table.

Jonah's - Whale Beach, NSW

Perched above the breathtaking shores of Whale Beach, Jonah’s is not just a restaurant; it's an indulgent escape with panoramic ocean views that capture the essence of Australia’s coastal charm. Renowned as one of the finest dining experiences on the Northern Beaches, this Chef-hatted establishment showcases design that beautifully integrates the surrounding natural beauty with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a terrace that wraps around the cliff edge, perfect for lingering over lunch with someone special. With an atmosphere that balances elegance and comfort, diners are enveloped in a sense of tranquility that makes every meal an occasion.

Discover Sydney's Culinary Gems: From Iconic Ocean Views to Plant-Based Wonders

At Jonah's, the focus on exceptional seafood shines through in every dish. Begin your culinary journey with grilled King prawns, enhanced by miso and orange butter, presenting a delightful balance of sweetness and umami, accompanied by pickled fennel, grapefruit, and a dash of smoky wasabi mayo. The main offerings continue to impress with options like capellini pasta featuring bug tails and saffron, alongside ocean trout fillet adorned with confit cherry tomatoes and chive oil, each plate a celebration of fresh Australian produce. Fall in love with the gorgeous views and delectable food - make a booking today.

Green Gourmet Restaurant - St Leonards, NSW

Step into a verdant oasis at Green Gourmet, a charming restaurant on Pacific Highway where dishes embrace the bounties of nature through bold plant-based flavours. With a vibrant exterior that beckons diners inside, this family-run haven combines the warmth of Asian culinary traditions with contemporary health-conscious cuisine. The intimate setting filled with lush greenery and delightful artworks provides an inviting atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration of life and sustainability.

Discover Sydney's Culinary Gems: From Iconic Ocean Views to Plant-Based Wonders

Diving into the menu, you’ll find an array of inventive dishes that challenge the expectations of vegetarian dining. Start your meal with a BBQ 'pork' love bun or opt for the enticing faux 'prawn' dumplings, which marry water chestnuts and bamboo shoots with a turmeric-infused pastry. The pièce de résistance may just be the Shantung Not ‘Chicken’, crispy wheat protein enveloped in a sauce of sweet rice vinegar, complemented by roasted peanut crumbs, a dish that tantalises the taste buds while respecting the plant-based ethos. Don’t leave without indulging in a sweet treat from their handcrafted selection. Join the plant-based revolution - reserve your table today.

Shaffa - Surry Hills, NSW

Hidden away in Surry Hills, Shaffa is a delightful refuge where the vibrant cultures of the Middle East come to life. Nestled between heritage-listed sandstone buildings, this intimate restaurant exudes a charm that beckons food lovers through its narrow entrance. With a design that features exposed brick walls and stylish velvet banquettes, the mood is perfectly set for comfort and conversation, amplified by the aroma of spices wafting from the open kitchen where talented chefs create magic with each movement.

Discover Sydney's Culinary Gems: From Iconic Ocean Views to Plant-Based Wonders

The menu is crafted for sharing, encouraging a convivial dining experience that is rich with flavour and creativity. Don't miss the seared scallops that dance alongside sujuk and a capsicum coulis, or the succulent grilled beef sirloin, which delights with its herbaceous notes and crunchy Panko crust. The seafood offerings are equally tempting, featuring snapper adorned with tabouli and arak butter each bite a journey through the Mediterranean. Conclude your meal with a chocolate mousse adorned with hazelnut praline and halva crumb, a sweet finish to a remarkable evening. Discover the joy of communal dining, book a table now.

Two Deers Cafe - Burwood, NSW

Located conveniently within Westfield Shopping Centre, Two Deers Café provides a stylish respite for shoppers looking to recharge. This bright and airy café walks the line between chic dining and comfort, featuring lush potted plants and generous booth seating. Renowned for their exquisite high tea sessions, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a calm moment amidst the hustle and bustle of retail therapy, where every detail contributes to an uplifting experience.

Discover Sydney's Culinary Gems: From Iconic Ocean Views to Plant-Based Wonders

The all-day menu is packed with diverging flavours, featuring smashed avocado on sourdough as a lighter option, draped in feta and accompanied by pumpkin seeds. For those looking for something heartier, explore the Korean-style pork belly wraps, an exciting taste sensation served with crunchy lettuce and ssamjang sauce. Meanwhile, the grilled barramundi, served with a side of fresh salad and lemon, is a highlight of the lunch offerings, proving that even in a shopping centre you can savour gourmet fare. Need a delicious pick-me-up mid-shopping spree? Secure your spot today.

Bistro George - Sydney CBD, NSW

In the heart of the bustling Sydney CBD, Bistro George stands as a beacon of culinary delight just moments from Circular Quay. With an atmosphere that effortlessly blends casual elegance and conviviality, this venue is perfect for everything from swift business lunches to leisurely dinners with friends or family. The décor is contemporary and inviting, making it an unmissable stop for locals and visitors alike looking to indulge in the city's vibrant food culture.

Discover Sydney's Culinary Gems: From Iconic Ocean Views to Plant-Based Wonders

The European-Australian menu is designed with freshness at its core, exemplified by dishes like Ora King salmon gravlax that bursts with vitality from the accompanying green apple and horseradish cream. Dive into comforting pasta plates such as mafaldine accompanied by a rich pork and fennel sausage ragu, or treat yourself to the divine date pudding finished with butterscotch sauce and koji ice cream, embodying a perfect conclusion to your gastronomic journey. Elevate your dining experience, reserve your table now.

Sydney’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse influences, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers across the globe. Each venue explored in this journey not only offers exquisite dishes and standout ingredients but also a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. Whether you are sitting at a cliff-top restaurant or indulging in innovative plant-based creations, Sydney continues to push the boundaries of what modern dining can be. Embrace the eclectic flavours and sumptuous offerings that define this beautiful city and let your culinary adventure begin.

Featured Locations

Bistro    $$$$$

Bistro George

Located in Sydney’s CBD just a stone’s throw from Circular Quay and the harbour, Bistro George on George Street offers a vibrant and inviting setting ideal for everything from casual catch-ups to w...

European    $$$$$

Jonah's

Offering stunning views from every table, Jonah’s on Bynya Road in Whale Beach is one of Australia’s most spectacular ocean retreats. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this Chef-hatted venue ha...

Green Gourmet Restaurant

Celebrate nature through creative plant-based fare at Asian restaurant Green Gourmet on Pacific Highway in St Leonards. A vibrant green façade greets diners at this family-owned and operated eatery...

Cafe    $$$$$

Two Deers Cafe

Sydneysiders take a break from retail therapy to refuel and recharge at Two Deers Café located in Westfield Shopping Centre on Burwood Road in Burwood. Nestled on Level 2 and renowned for decadent ...

Middle Eastern    $$$$$

Shaffa

A feast for the senses awaits at the end of a narrow laneway, tucked in between two heritage-listed sandstone buildings, at Shaffa on Albion Street in Surry Hills. This inviting Middle Eastern rest...

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