Australia is still not recognized by the Michelin rating system yet, which is a shame. The continent is home to world-class dining from highly acclaimed chefs. The Sydney area, in particular, is host to a multitude of internationally recognized dining establishments. Many foodies know that the land down under and Sydney restaurants are a mecca for fine dining. Here are the top restaurants in Sydney for you to enjoy on your next visit.
Ester Restaurant and Bar
Open since 2013, Ester Restaurant and Bar is a wood-fired locale that has overhauled Sydney restaurants and the foodie scene. This neighborhood favorite offers casual and on-trend menu choices. The selections vary by seasonality and local availability. Chefs and food writers love to dine here. The excellent wine selection is an added perk of dining at Ester.
Tetsuya’s
Tetsuya Wakuda refurbished a heritage-listed site to create a beautiful and serene Japanese restaurant. It is now one of the top restaurants in Sydney. The restaurant describes their menu and philosophy as such:
Tetsuya’s serves a degustation menu. The degustation is unique, based on the Japanese philosophy of using natural seasonal flavours, enhanced by classic French technique and utilising the freshest possible ingredients. Tetsuya designed his own on-site ‘test kitchen’ within the restaurant to enable him to create the constantly evolving and inspiring dishes on which he has built his esteemed international reputation.
Quay Restaurant
When looking at Sydney restaurants, this one truly has it all. It has a spectacular location which overlooks the Sydney Opera House. The dining room is elegant and immaculately designed. Chef Peter Gilmore creates exquisite masterpieces that delight guests from all over the world. The menu at Quay is playful, creative, and unparalleled in Sydney, or most of the continent, to be honest. The dessert menu is not to be missed, either. The eight textured chocolate cake is exquisite. Chef Gilmore’s seasonal snow egg is another must try on the dessert menu.
Momofuku Seiobo
Executive Chef Paul Carmichael celebrates the cuisine of the Caribbean at Momofuku Seiobo. The team utilizes locally sourced Australian produce to recreate the tastes of the islands. A tasting menu that changes frequently is available for diners to enjoy. The price for the tasting menu is 185 Australian dollars. Make a reservation before you head there as this is one of the top restaurants in Sydney. Momofuku Seiōbo has three hats from The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2019 and is currently ranked as the second best restaurant in Australia by Gourmet Traveller Magazine 2019.
Sixpenny Restaurant
This boutique restaurant seats 35 and is refreshingly unpretentious. Sixpenny got its start in March 2012 in a historic building on Percival Road. The name is a nod to the sixpence restaurants that opened in Australia in the late 1800s. The kitchen draws its resources from local suppliers, growers, producers, and craftsman. This is a truly all things Australian restaurant. A seven-course tasting menu is available for $160. The chefs work with local small-scale farmers, fishermen, and producers to create a menu that is locally and ethically sourced. The contemporary Australian cuisine is delicious and on trend.
Automata
Automata is located in Chippendale’s Old Clare Hotel and should be on your list of Sydney restaurants to try. Chef Clayton Well has received much acclaim for his degustation offerings. Patrons love the frequently changing menu. For lunch, Automata offers the option between a three or five-course menu. At dinner, guests can choose between a 5- or 7-course menu. Chef Wells draws on his background at fine dining institutions in Australia and Europe to create his menus.
Have you been to one of our picks for the top restaurants in Sydney? Which of these Sydney restaurants will you try? While you are in the area, be sure to enjoy the top Chinese restaurants in Sydney as well.
