10 of Sydney’s Best Waterfront Dining Spots
If there are two things we know this city excels in serving up – food and views. And lucky for us, we’re spoiled for choice for spots and sites which deliver both.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special harbourside moment with a loved one or catch up with friends over sunset cocktails, our Harbour City is home to an impressive array of incredible waterside dining and drinking venues, old and new.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourites within walking distance in and around Pyrmont, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, so all you need to do is choose which one to book, get your camera ready to capture sensational food and views in one shot, and enjoy the experience.
1. Sala Dining, Pyrmont
One of Sydney’s newest Italian restaurants, Sala Dining is sure to wow with its panoramic views and front row seats to the spectacle that is the harbour. Perched on the edge of Jones Bay Wharf overlooking the water across to the Sydney Opera House, Sala offers a delectable dining and drinking experience like no other. The talented team combines fresh Australian seafood classics with modern Italian flavours to create a delicious menu of memorable dishes to enjoy while soaking in the views.
2. Smoke Bar, Barangaroo
An ode to the trendy rooftops on the California coast in America, Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House is the perfect spot to enjoy sunset cocktails or a leisurely, high-end bar snack while watching the glistening waters of Sydney Harbour sparkle away before your eyes. Stacked on top of new Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar, you can spend the night on the rooftop or make your way across the venue’s various levels for a progressive dining experience, taking in live music and a program of rotating arts and cultural events changing on a weekly basis.
3. Mediterranean Magic, Pyrmont
Mediterranean Magic is Pyrmont’s stunning waterside Greek restaurant and bar set on Jones Bay Wharf. Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour whilst dining in the outdoor waterfront alfresco area or cozy indoor dining room. Serving traditional greek cuisine, the restaurant is owned and operated by Sydney local and father-daughter duo, Dimitri and Konstantina, with an all-star team of Greek-born chefs. Don’t miss out on their live music sessions on Friday & Saturday nights.
4. Lumi Dining, Pyrmont
It’s hard to pass this one by, especially when seeking out a spot to celebrate a special occasion. Lumi is well-known for its intricate and creative Italian-Japanese fusion degustation menu by celebrated chef Federico Zanellato (of ELE and Lode Pies) and a wonderful wine list perfect for pairing your night away with. And of course, the restaurant’s location on the edge of the wharf means water gently lapping and views to gaze out into, while cosying up in the moody setting ideal for date nights and intimate celebrations.
5. Lotus, Barangaroo
If dumplings are your love language, you’ll fall in love with this dumplings-with-a-view offering in buzzy Barangaroo. Set on the restaurant strip of Barangaroo’s eat street, Lotus is a modern Chinese restaurant with a strong seafood-focused menu, combining traditional Chinese flavours and Australian elements. Sample delicious parcels of joy courtesy of Lotus’ dumpling master, while watching ferries meander by on the harbour.
Photography: Jiwon Kim for Broadsheet
6. Zebra Lounge, Pyrmont
With its enviable position on the harbour by lush Pirrama Park, Zebra Lounge is a favourite haunt of Pyrmont locals, loved for its chilled vibes and open-air indoor/outdoor seating. Tuck into the cafe’s bistro-style modern Australian menu and a casual glass or two of wine while taking in the serene scene of the harbour, often dotted with kayakers exploring the waterway stretching between Sydney Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge.
7. Ploos, Circular Quay
A rendezvous in Sydney isn’t complete without a sighting of the iconic Sydney Opera House, from near or far. But best to make it near, and what better way to do so than with a scenic ferry ride across the harbour from Pyrmont Wharf to Circular Quay, combined with a dining experience at new Mediterranean restaurant, Ploos. Located in the newly-restored heritage-listed warehouses of Campbell’s Cove, this waterfront beauty draws inspiration from the Aegean Islands, so expect lounging sofas, bespoke cocktails and a Greek-inspired menu from the godfather of Greek cuisine in Sydney, chef Peter Conistis. Oh, and uninterrupted views of our white-sailed neighbour.
Image courtesy: https://forfoodssake.net/
8. Sails on Lavender Bay
A short ferry trip to Sydney’s North Shore from Pyrmont will land you at the doorstep of one of Sydney’s prettiest waterside restaurants with picture-perfect postcard views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Nestled on the foreshore, Sails on Lavender Bay stunning sanctuary offers unforgettable, classic French cooking with an emphasis on showcasing vibrant fresh seafood. Sit and sip inside the beautifully appointed restaurant with an award winning wine list of over 130 Australian and International wine varietals.
9. Jordon’s Seafood, Darling Harbour
Just across the bay on King Street Wharf is Jordon’s Seafood – the coolest spot for Australia’s finest seafood favourites with uninterrupted views of Sydney harbour. Conveniently located just a short 14 minute walk from our hotel in Pyrmont, soak up the sun and sea as you enjoy a mouthwatering seafood platter, fresh oysters, a whole lobster and more locally sourced seafood at this iconic waterfront dining spot in Sydney’s CBD. Their commitment to sustainable food practices through microgreens, and a unique chargrill cooking method enhances and brings out the delicious flavours of the ocean in every bite.
10. The Fenwick, Balmain
For a slice of local history and some laid-back vibes, with iconic, sweeping views of Sydney’s sparkling harbour and cityscape, The Fenwick, Balmain is the place to be. Just hop on a quick ferry from Pyrmont, and you’re there! Be blown away by the commanding water views of Sydney’s CBD from all sides from Barangaroo to Balmain East, whilst dining inside a stone-walled restaurant with huge windows – that was formerly tugboat store in the 1880s. Their exquisite all-day dining menu boasts seasonal Italian-inspired, contemporary Australian dishes from hearty pastas to refined seafood starters.
Whether you’re choosing the first one that catches your eye or you’re off to a food trip excursion, why not make a night of your waterfront dining experience and stay at Aiden Darling Harbour? Plan your adventure and view our current packages and offers here.