On your behalf, we’ve done the hard yards and visited a huge range of eateries visited North Sydney and its surrounding suburbs. Happily, it’s been a hugely enjoyable experience and we’ve eaten some fabulous food and sampled some truly memorable cocktails.
North Sydney is home to Sydney’s second-largest CBD, and as a result, it means there are tons of restaurants and bars to try. From Thai to Modern Australian and everything in between. With all the choices, it can be difficult to know what places are good and worth visiting.
That’s why we’ve done all the research for you.
With that said, here are the best restaurants that North Sydney has to offer.
Location: North Sydney Olympic Pool, Northcliff St & Paul St, Milsons Point, NSW 2061 Ph: (02) 9964 9998
Now, we don’t want to annoy you before we even get started, but at the time of writing this, Aqua Dining is closed.
However, we been assured that this is only a temporary state of affairs. In fact, we believe that the fabulous North Sydney Pool is being renovated and will re-open sometime in 2024. Whether Aqua Dining will open as it was, or in a newer, shiner incarnation remains to be seen.
Anyway, the old Aqua Dining was one of those places where you just had to take out-of-towners. It served fresh, bright Italian dishes crafted from the best of Australian produce.
And then there was the location.
Perked regally above the iconic North Sydney pool it was hard to top. From the deck overlooking the swimmers doing their alps you had unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD across the water. Stunning.
We can’t wait to see how it looks when it re-opens.
The next restaurant we recommend visiting is The Botanist.
The Botanist is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. They use seasonal ingredients, that are always fresh, to create vibrant and delicious dishes.
More than that, The Botanist understands that when you visit a restaurant, there is more to experience than just the food.
From the outstanding dish decoration to the interior of the restaurant, The Botanist has managed to create a chic and relaxing atmosphere that can transform the individual to indulge in their palace of food.
You can expect to see hanging plants and vines, paired with delightful vases and pots, pulling on the botanical color scheme of green and brown.
The food itself is designed to be shared. You can take a step back from fine dining, and enjoy properly made slides, pizzas, and tacos. They also took the time to create an extensive drink menu, full of wonderful cocktails, which is very popular.
Another restaurant we recommend visiting is the very quirky, Treehouse.
If you’re searching for a restaurant with a unique twist, then pop on down to Treehouse. Given the name, it’s no surprise that these guys aren’t afraid to be bold.
You can expect to see gargoyles, who protect the outdoor seating area from any mythical predators.
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The interior is splendid. It’s dark, moody, and mysterious. You can expect to see chandeliers, rustic wood, and leather seats, paired against a brick wall.
When it comes to the meals, everyone can expect to find something that they like.
We recommend that you order the grilled scampi, it comes with lemon-infused herb butter and a delicious parsley salad. If you prefer meat, then you may enjoy the beef carpaccio, paired with capers and anchovies.
Moorish Blue
Location: 139 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 9929 8252
Another restaurant we recommend visiting is the delightful Moorish Blue.
Moorish Blue is an excellent restaurant, that we feel has not received the publicity that it deserves.
This is a Tunisian-inspired restaurant, created by the owner and chef Jamil Ben-Hassine. The dishes are authentic North African food and are truly delicious.
You can expect to discover mouthwatering dishes, such as a tagines with flavoursome rice, full of succulent lamb, olives, figs, and broad beans.
Plus, the serving sizes are Moorish Blue are very generous, so you’ll be leaving with a very happy stomach.
Editor’s Note: We have heard that Moorish Blue is temporarily closed and is currently moving premises. We will let you know when we learn more.
The following restaurant we recommend visiting is the quaint Oski.
Okay, if we’re honest, Oski is not a restaurant, it’s technically a cafe, but it’s still worth the visit. So, this little place does not take bookings, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get a seat.
Crowds of people wait in line to get a seat at Oski, because the food is that good. The owner of Oski is from Sweden, and as a restaurant, the menu is inspired by Swedish food.
One especially popular dish is the pytt I panna, which translates to bubble and squeak.
Think of a delicious fried egg, sautéed bacon, tiny fried potatoes, and sausages, drizzled in olive oil with a sprinkle of dill. Um, did someone say brunch?
Location: 110 Walker St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 8920 1967 See Website for Further Locations
The next restaurant we recommend visiting is the classic Charlie & Franks.
Let’s be honest, none of us are in the mood for fine dining all the time.
Charlie & Franks offers amazing food, in a relaxed, homely environment. All the ingredients are sourced ethically and are as sustainable as possible.
When it comes to the menu, you can find a range of tasty, proper food. One of our favourite items was the Korean-style fried chicken burger with fries and a chai latte. There’s also an excellent selection of salads and green juices if that’s your thing.
If you feel like Indian spices and techniques given a fine dining twist, you should visit Lavendra.
When it comes to Indian food, Lavendra is one of the finest places on either side of the ‘Harbour. What we loved about Lavendra is that they offer a seasonal tasting menu, full of delicious food, but guests can also navigate the menu by themselves.
When it comes to the food itself, the butter chicken and roasted macadamia nuts are extraordinary. There are also barbecued lamb cutlets, papri chaat, and samosa that will knock your socks off.
Location: 99 Mount St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 8376 2900
Rafi is a new restaurant and bar which is causing quite a lot of excitement. And so it should.
The latest venture by Applejack Hospitality who also have the Botanist (see above) in Kirribilli, the dynamic menu is ‘inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney’. Yes, seafood-lovers, this is the place for you!
The dining room is relaxed, but stylish. However, the big attraction is the tables sat out on the terrace. Come a warm Sydney summer’s evening, it’s hard to imagine a better spot to sip a cocktail and work your way through a plate of scallop with pickled turnip, ponzu & fresh wasabi. Or perhaps the BBQ South Coast octopus with chilli, oregano & lemon sounds more to your liking?
Pleasingly, Rafi Sydney also offers 2 Banquets, for those – like us – who live to sample as much of a menu as possible.
Combine superb food, delicious drinks, lots of different spaces to chill and a great vibe and Rafi is already firmly on the list of the top restaurants in North Sydney.
Location: Rooftop, Level 10/100 Miller St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 8904 9108
The Green Moustache is an unexpected oasis of rainforest greenery bang in the middle of North Sydney.
Flooded with natural light and an abundance of leafy foliage, this stylish venue combines a strong wine list with a menu of popular modern globally inspired dishes. And they mix up a rather good cocktail too.
Start off with the Szechuan Black Pepper Squid. This fiery plateful has bags of flavour thanks to the addition of coriander, chilli, crispy curry leaf and a sweet fish caramel. Yum! If prefer a plant-based option, you are in for a treat with the Housemade Gnocchi. This carby delight comes with smoked eggplant, cauliflower blossom, confit cherry tomatoes and buffalo burrata.
Apart from serving Lunch and Dinner and offering event hosting, the Green Moustache also runs a Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays for $85pp. Honestly, we can’t think of too many better spots to chill with a glass of Prosecco and a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice than surrounded by plants in the Green Moustache rooftop garden bar.
Location: 2 Henry Lawson Ave, McMahons Point, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 9955 5998
When Sails on Lavender Bay claims to have ‘post card views’ of both the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, they aren’t exaggerating. Seriously, if you really want to impress your date, you’ll struggle to beat this iconic fine dining restaurant.
Thankfully, the food lives up to the panoramic vistas.
With an emphasis on Modern Australian fare, the menu at Sails evolves as seasonal produce moves in and out of season. If you love the flare of French technique and have a passion for seafood, you are in for a treat. Whether you decide to commit to the 6 Course Degustation Menu ($155 plus $75 for Wine Pairings) or to venture A La Carte, Head Chef Saro Derderyan and his team will take care of you.
Open with the Seared Scallops – the sweetness of their flesh enhanced by the aniseed kiss of a Fennel Cream and Saffron & Verjuice Vinaigrette ($38). Move on to the delicate NZ Snapper, Tempura Baby Eggplant, Labne & tangy Tamarind ($56). Or maybe the classically influenced Smoked Grimaud Duck Breast with Leg Croquette, Almond Cream and vibrant Sour Cherry ($54) sounds too good to ignore? Whichever way you go, we strongly recommend you plump for the tropical-scented Rum Baba, Pineapple, Lime Chantilly & Spiced Rum Ice Cream ($21).
Combine this with a much-lauded Wine List and truly exemplary service and it’s easy to see why Sails at Lavender Bay is such an institution.
Lastly, as this is both one of the finest restaurants in North Sydney, and blessed with an amazing outlook, there are few spot better to celebrate New Year’s Eve. But you need to get your booking in early!
Location: Upper Ground Floor, 100 Mount St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 9167 7499
Light, bright and sunny, it’s easy to fall for Glorietta Italian restaurant. Not least because the food is sunshine on a plate and the cocktails pack a punch.
Fresh ingredients, treated with love and respect – that’s the key to Glorietta. So the Burrata, Beetroot & Basil Pesto ($26) from the Antipasti section features lush, vermillion-hued Beets and the creamiest of cheeses. Similarly, the Secondi dish of Crumbed Lamb Cutlets, Almond Puree & Watercress ($46) dances on the palate.
If you pop in for a post-work tipple, the wood-fired Pizzas are great for sharing. What’s more, many of them have a little something extra that makes them stand out from all the other pizzas in town. For example, the Funghi ($28) adds Broccolini to the usual mix of Mushroom, Mozzarella, Thyme, Parmesan and Chilli – and it’s inspired.
But back to the drinks. Whether you feel like a chilled Birra Moretti ($12) or a NV Amanti Prosecco DOC ($75), the bar has you covered. Personally, we’re suckers for the Ciao Bella Cocktail ($20) – a playful concoction of Absinthe, Vodka, Passionfruit and Lemon Verbena. It’s la dolce vita in a glass!
North Sydney is full of amazing and interesting restaurants. These are some of the best restaurants that North Sydney has to offer. Let us know if you end up visiting any, as we had a delightful time visiting and reviewing these wonderful restaurants.
Editor’s Note: We are currently in the process of updating this post. Please come back in the coming week for further advice and reviews.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
