AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Unforgettable Dining: Sydney's Must-Visit Venues


Sydney, known for its vibrant food scene, offers a myriad of dining experiences that seamlessly blend innovation with tradition. From beachfront restaurants boasting breathtaking views to hidden gems serving authentic ethnic cuisine, this city is a culinary playground just waiting to be explored. For those who seek both sophistication and flavour, here are four extraordinary venues that capture the essence of Sydney's diverse gastronomic landscape.

Catalina Restaurant - Rose Bay, NSW

Boasting a stunning position on the tranquil waterfront of Rose Bay, Catalina Restaurant is a pillar of Australian dining, effortlessly combining elegance with a coastal charm. Operated by the McMahon family for an impressive 30 years, the venue offers an atmosphere where sophistication meets approachability. Each table presents a picturesque view of the harbour, creating a feast for the senses before the meal even begins. Whether you choose to indulge in the creative yellowfin tuna and scallop crudo or the rich housemade fettuccine carbonara, every dish is crafted to perfection amidst opulent surroundings.

Unforgettable Dining: Sydney's Must-Visit Venues

What awaits you here is an impressive array of beautifully sourced, sustainable seafood and meat. From the crispy blue cod accompanied by heirloom tomatoes to the indulgent Black Angus beef tenderloin, the flavour profiles take centre stage. Each dish harks back to Australia’s rich culinary heritage, emphasising both farm-fresh ingredients and the oceans' bounty. This is a must-experience venue for those who appreciate a menu that pays homage to local produce.

Prepare for an unforgettable dining journey by securing your table at Catalina Restaurant.

Tetas Authentic Lebanese - Roseville Chase, NSW

Step into Teta's Authentic Lebanese in Roseville Chase and immerse yourself in the warm, inviting flavours of the Middle East. Adorned with rustic charm, the restaurant offers an intimate setting, with natural elements like exposed sandstone balancing the vibrant ambience. Named after 'grandma', Teta's echoes the comforts of familial cooking, delighting diners with a passionate interpretation of classic Armenian and Lebanese dishes that showcase their deep culinary roots. The welcoming atmosphere encourages you to linger longer, enjoying the art and craft of Lebanese cuisine among friends.

Unforgettable Dining: Sydney's Must-Visit Venues

The menu is a delightful homage crafted with love, featuring standout items that keep patrons returning for more. The charcoal-cooked octopus with its searing flavours and beautifully balanced accompaniments sets the tone for a meal that’s nothing short of nostalgic. Follow this with marinated lamb backstrap skewers that are grilled to perfection, served alongside velvety hummus and seasonal roasted vegetables to elevate the experience. The kitchen’s dedication to authenticity is felt in every bite, stirring memories of traditional gatherings in the heart of Sydney.

Your taste of Lebanon awaits, so don’t hesitate to reserve your experience at Tetas Authentic Lebanese.

Kaiza Izakaya - Newtown, NSW

At Kaiza Izakaya, located on the lively Enmore Road in Newtown, diners are transported to the energetic culinary streets of Tokyo. Visionary Chef Jason Nguyen melds his Vietnamese heritage with a profound appreciation of Japanese flavours, resulting in an exquisite menu that reflects both cultures' vibrant spirits. The venue fuses contemporary design and intimate aesthetics, adorned with artwork, making it a hotspot for both food enthusiasts and casual diners. The atmosphere is complemented by a dynamic courtyard that beckons during balmy evenings, ensuring that every visit is a unique experience.

Unforgettable Dining: Sydney's Must-Visit Venues

Start your culinary adventure with dishes like paradise prawns cooked in spicy coconut and served with crispy prawn heads – it’s an explosion of textures and flavours that invites exploration. For the main course, the barramundi topped with ikura and a delicate sauce pairs beautifully with its convincing finesse. Each plate is a celebration of fresh, quality ingredients, where every item tells a story. Your evening wouldn’t be complete without savouring the grilled lamb ribs, with a yuzu miso glaze that highlights the essence of Japanese cuisine with an Aussie twist.

Indulge your senses further at Kaiza Izakaya.

BTWN - Sydney CBD, NSW

In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, BTWN on Wheat Road embodies the pulse of city life through its innovative dining concept that captures the essence of urban sophistication. Located on the third level of W Sydney, this restaurant is both a visual and culinary spectacle, offering dramatic views over Darling Harbour. The interior design merges modernity with creativity through street art and dynamic elements that reflect the vibrant cityscape outside. This engaging atmosphere evolves as the sun sets, transforming the dining space into a lively haven filled with excitement, where every meal is accompanied by the symphony of Sydney’s night atmosphere.

Unforgettable Dining: Sydney's Must-Visit Venues

At BTWN, the menu is a canvas of flavours that showcases the best of seasonal produce and culinary creativity. Signature dishes such as harissa-basted chicken bring a bold and comforting element to the table, accompanied by innovative sides including bunya nut tarator and labneh. The offerings here are dynamic, inviting diners to stay with enticing weeknight specials that keep the experience fresh. This is a place where food innovation thrives, making each visit a celebration of taste and culture.

Don’t miss out on experiencing the energy of Sydney’s flavours at BTWN.

Sydney's culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture, offering an exciting range of flavours that cater to every palate. Whether you're after a sophisticated waterfront meal or a rich taste of Middle Eastern tradition, the venues highlighted here promise an unforgettable journey through the city's dining treasures. No matter your choice, you're sure to experience the best that Sydney has to offer on your next culinary adventure.

 

Featured Locations

Japanese    $$$$$

Kaiza Izakaya

Diners are transported to the bustling streets of Tokyo at Newtown restaurant Kaiza Izakaya on Enmore Road. The brainchild of Chef Jason Nguyen, this stylish Japanese fusion restaurant has a moody ...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

BTWN

BTWN on Wheat Road draws on the kinetic energy of Sydney's urban spirit to create a metropolitan mashup of texture, taste and theatre. Situated on Level Three of W Sydney, BTWN serves up a dynamic ...

Lebanese    $$$$$

Tetas Authentic Lebanese

Taste traditionally inspired flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine at Teta's Authentic Lebanese restaurant in Roseville Chase. A grand entrance charms with rustic elements, from rough sandstone bricks...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Catalina Restaurant

Set on the waterfront in Rose Bay, Catalina on Lyne Park is an Australian culinary icon. Owned and operated for more than 30 years by the McMahon family, this Sydney restaurant has built a reputati...

Want more AGFG?
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest articles & news...