Sydney's culinary scene is world-class, thanks to its exceptional produce and bounty of award-winning restaurants. It's a city that caters to every taste, with a diverse range of dishes and cuisines thanks to its large multicultural population. If you fancy eating out in Sydney, you're spoiled for choice, from exquisite fine dining by Michelin-starred chefs, beloved Aussie pubs serving classic pub meals, and casual dining that covers a wide range of international cuisines.
Must-try dishes in Sydney
Summertime in Australia is synonymous with the 'Barbie'. Aussies love their barbecues! Sausages (snags), steak, meat patties or prawns — anything goes. Roast dinners are another favorite, thanks to the country's ties to England, with lamb roast being the dish of choice for many. You'll always find a roast dinner option on the menu at any Aussie pub alongside another beloved dish with English roots, Fish and Chips.
In recent times, the Chicken Parmigiana — also known as a parmi in Sydney — has become a pub fave, and thanks to Australia's extensive coastline, there's no shortage of quality seafood when you're eating out. Whether you're at a pub, a fine dining establishment, or a more low-key venue, you'll often see prawns, oysters, and calamari on the menu.
If you're off to the footy, then a meat pie and a beer are staples, and in more recent times, restaurants offering a unique culinary experience have added kangaroo, crocodile and emu meat to the menu. And for those who like to round off their dinner with a sweet treat, Australia has some popular traditional desserts you might want to try. The Pavlova, also known as a 'Pav,' is a meringue-based dessert typically topped with fruit and cream, while the Lamington is a sponge cake covered in chocolate and coconut. And while they are more of a snack than an after-dinner nibble, ANZAC biscuits are eaten all year round and hold special significance around ANZAC Day each April to commemorate the spirit and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
Sydney's most popular restaurants
Sydney's restaurant scene is ever-evolving, boasting some incredible dining experiences with stunning views. Take , a world-renowned restaurant in Circular Quay, which enjoys breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and is one of the country's most highly awarded restaurants, consistently receiving prestigious Chef Hat Awards from the .
Other winners in the Australian Good Food Guide's 2025 Sydney Restaurant Awards include exceptional modern Australian cuisine at by Clare Smyth — the only British female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars in the United Kingdom. Plus, there's in the inner-west suburb of Stanmore, which is housed in a historic building and has a tasting menu that celebrates local growers and producers.
For lovers of wood-fired cooking, , located in the inner-city suburb of Chippendale, won't disappoint. Not far from Central Station, Ester has a relaxed vibe and an innovative menu full of unique flavors. And if you head over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the North Shore, you'll find plenty of eateries that cater for all budgets and tastes. North of the harbor is also home to some exquisite dining complemented by magnificent views. The iconic restaurant in Mosman received two 'hats' in the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide and wows diners with its sophisticated dishes and Balmoral Beach views. is another two-hatted Mosman restaurant with dazzling water views and an elegant tasting menu featuring incredible seafood creations.
In addition to the high-end dining options scattered throughout the city, some Sydney suburbs are renowned for their association with global cuisine, thanks to their immigrant populations. For instance, Little Italy is located in the inner-city suburb of Leichhardt, there's Indian fare in to the west, is in Cabramatta, and there's a thriving Greek culture in Marrickville. In the city center, is located around Dixon Street just south of the CBD in Haymarket, and delicious Thai treats are to be found in nearby Thai Town.
Sydneysiders love dining out, and there are all types of cuisine to satisfy every craving. Whether it's luxe degustation menus, pub meals, street food, or small family restaurants, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets.
The cost of eating out in Sydney
Like the vast selection of cuisine on offer, the cost of dining out in Sydney also varies widely. It is not a cheap city, but you can still eat out on a budget in Sydney if you know where to look. While premium restaurants can set you back upwards of AUD 300 (USD 196) per person, you can find mid-range meals at pubs and restaurants where main courses cost between AUD 18 (USD 12) and AUD 50 (USD 33). Restaurants usually charge between AUD 20 (USD 13) and AUD 30 (USD 20) for a pizza, depending on the toppings, and a great way to keep prices down is by choosing a BYO restaurant where you can 'bring your own' alcoholic drinks to avoid paying top dollar for the beverages on offer.
If you're looking to keep costs to a minimum, there are cheap Asian eats in the city, with dishes ranging between AUD 5 (USD 3) and AUD 15 (USD 10), and you'll discover more budget-friendly choices the further into the suburbs you venture. Shopping center food courts can also be a great place to buy affordable meals.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
