There’s some tough competition for the title of the best steakhouse in Sydney. Each restaurant, from luxury fine dining to casual dinner spot, has a fervent following, ready to defend their pick to the last. Really, you have no choice but to try them all.
Steak in Sydney is often a simple thing. Fortunately, locally sourced beef means the steaks burst with fresh flavour and need little done to them.
Combine quality beef from reputable sources with deliciously clever cooking, and you get the typical Sydney steak – pure meaty goodness. But that doesn’t mean each steakhouse doesn’t have their individual spin on the classic dish.
In this guide, we cover the best steakhouses in Sydney, and what steaks you should order when you get there. Get ready to sink your teeth into the most succulent steaks around.
Porteño has become a legend of the Australian steak community, so if you want to try the best steaks in Sydney, head here first.
The Argentines know a thing or 2 about cattle, so it’s logical that this Argentinian restaurant is one of the most-renowned red-meat eateries in Sydney.
An open dining area allows the scents of sizzling meats, as well as the vibrant atmosphere, to infuse the space with a sense of welcome. Your stomach will be rumbling before you even get a chance to look at the menu.
Any steak at Porteño is good, but we recommend whatever on the changing menu is currently being served with chimichurri. It’s the best of Argentina, transplanted to Surry Hills.
The Gidley is one of the few restaurants in Australia to serve a spinalis steak — a cut so mouthwatering and tender you’ll never forget it. That alone makes The Gidley worth a visit, but the rest of the menu is pretty fantastic as well.
Start with a cocktail in the elegant lounge – an Old Fashioned is always good with steak – before settling into the soft velvet booths of The Gidley. There’s a real old-fashioned charm to the dining room, which pairs perfectly with a char-grilled rib eye. And make sure that you take time to peruse the Wine List thoroughly – it’s one of the best in town.
Location: Bay 10 & 11, Campbell’s Stores 7, 27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8629 8866
Try and soak up as much of the harbour views as you can before your food arrives at 6HEAD, because as gorgeous as the location is, the food is better. 6HEAD have directed their focus on ensuring their beef is of the highest quality, serving grass fed meats carefully selected from Australian farms.
The wagyu is particularly remarkable, and grilled just how you like it by the talented chef. Try not to fill up on the delicious starters, so you can really appreciate the fine meats.
6HEAD has cultivated an atmosphere that feels both romantic and friendly, making it the perfect place for a date night or celebration. Honestly, the steak is so good, you’ll probably be happy to come by yourself.
We stay within striking distance of the fabulous Sydney Harbour as we continuing searching for the best steaks in Sydney.
There’s only one steak on the Bistecca menu, which is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Don’t worry about the lack of choice — this is the only thing you’ll want to eat (possibly ever again).
A traditional Italian steak served in a traditional Italian setting, Bistecca serves their T-bone steak cooked medium rare over ironbark and charcoal. But not before you’ve had the chance to view it at your table.
When a restaurant does one thing this good, they don’t need anything else. The sides are fantastic too, serving to elevate the steak, and never drawing attention from the star of the show.
Update: Bistecca came 32nd in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurant Awards for 2023.Not bad, given the competition.
Location: 23-33 Mary St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 8204 0800
Everything at Firedoor is powered by wood fire, and watching the licking flames perfectly sear your meat is an unforgettable experience. Firedoor has become a star of the Sydney culinary scene, with a red-hot fire right at the heart of it.
The chef’s menu at Firedoor is ever-changing, but the steak makes frequent appearances. Book well in advance, because reservations fill up fast. Even the most ardent carnivore will enjoy what gets cooked up. If steak hasn’t made the cut, you’ll just have to book again. Trust us, it won’t be a hardship.
Chef Neil Perry casts a long shadow over modern Australian cooking, so it’s hardly surprising that the steaks at this, one of his best-loved restaurants, are superb.
In fact, anyone interested in the best steaks in Sydney has to try Rockpool Bar and Grill at least once. It’s become the first choice for many Australian foodies, interested in a menu that exemplifies the best produce available nearby.
The steaks are dry-aged on the premises, and butchered daily. The Cape Grim rib eye is the star, but there really isn’t a bad offering. Get some mustard on the side to bring out the nuttiness of the steak. Enjoy alongside the incredible art deco interior that makes Rockpool such a special place to eat.
Update: Rockpool Bar & Grill was voted 8th at the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurant Awards for 2023. Frankly, we’re not surprised!
Location: Fortis, 30-36 Bay St, Double Bay, NSW 2028 Ph: (02) 9068 8888
From one Neil Perry institution to a new jewel in his culinary crown – Margaret Double Bay.
The eponymous centre of the Margaret Family, this venue showcases all of Perry’s years of expertise when it comes to picking stellar produce and presenting it with respect. So much so that Margaret was declared the 2nd best Steak Restaurant in the World by the prestigious World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants. Oh. And the finest in Australia…!
Needless to say, from its sophisticated, yet relaxed dining room to the superb service, Margaret offers a special occasion dining experience.
We are always partial to a Tartare and the one at Margaret’s is no exception. Here, it’s a Spicy Korean Style Tartare featuring Pav and Heidi’s Bigeye Tuna with Gochujang, Sesame and Pickles ($34). It’s fresh, punchy and bursting with flavour. Continuing the theme, the menu carries a great selection of Wood-Fire Grilled Fish, but it’s the red meat that we’re really after.
The umami-richness of the 240g David Blackmore Pastre-Fed Rohne Skirt ($90) is divine. And the accompanying Tarragon Salsa is the perfect foil. That said, classics are winners for a reason, and the 220g Rohne Fillet with Bearnaise is hard to beat.
It seems that with Margaret, Neil Perry has done it again.
If you struggle to make a decision, then avoid BLACK bar and grill. The extensive steak menu is nothing but goodness, and the chef lightly smokes the beef before grilling to add a sweet hint of cherry wood.
The meat is then grilled over slow-burning ironbark that infuses the beef with an unbelievable depth of flavour. Caramelised on the outside, juicy in the middle; simple seasoning and clever techniques brings out the best of the quality cuts.
BLACK blends simplicity and class for an elegant dining experience with a twist of modern. Bring along a few friends, and try the wagyu tasting board. It’s definitely amongst the best steaks in Sydney.
Restaurant Hubert seems to have been designed with date night in mind. The atmosphere is awash with intimacy, and the classic French decorating adds romance to every experience.
For a moment, you’ll really feel you’ve stepped through the doors of a Parisian jazz club.
Spend some time looking over the wine list. Trust us, you won’t need long to consider the food. The Cote de Bouef, served with a béarnaise sauce, is simply incredible. You won’t get a better French steak in Sydney.
Location: Walsh Bay, The Rocks, Pier 8/9, 23 Hickson Rd, Millers Point,NSW 2010 Ph: 1300 353 636 See Website for Further Locations
You’ve got to be pretty confident in both your product and your capabilities to declare yourself ‘Masters of Steak’. But that’s exactly what the team at Elements do on their website.
So, how do they compare to the other best steaks in Sydney? Pretty favourably – is the short answer. In fact, so successful is their heady mix of ambience, great service, exemplary food and drinks that Elements are popping up across Sydney. As we write, the team has Elements Bar and Grill Pyrmont, Elements Smokehouse and Bar and Elements Bar and Grill Walsh Bay in its stable of eateries. Will there be more? Very possibly.
But I digress. Let’s talk about the steaks. Whether you prefer British Breeds, Angus & Hereford or Black Angus, the chefs have a cut for you. That said, the knock-out choice is arguably the Tomahawk Steak – carved at the table. It’s a genuine show-stopper.
And whilst a steakhouse obviously lives or dies on the flavour and texture of its Beef, Elements restaurant has more than one string to its culinary bow. If you love a Burger, one of their House-Made Smoked Burgers is a must-try. For Pescatarians, the Garlic Prawns are superb and we’re also big fans of the Haloumi. However, for us, the star dish is the Signature Roasted Bone Marrow.
Editor’s Update: Sadly LP’s Quality Meat have closed their Chippendale Restaurant. However, the team are still operating a superb butchery at new premises in Marrickville (see above for the address).
Chippendale is emerging as quite a foodie hub, so it’s no surprise to find it’s home to on some of the best steaks in Sydney.
LP’s Quality Meats may not have the same elegant finish and classic dining you find at other Sydney steakhouses, but you’d be a fool to let that keep you away. “Quality Meats” isn’t just a marketing slogan — it’s the most apt description of the menu at LP’s.
Start with the charcuterie selection, and then get the dry-aged rib eye steak. The relaxed environment of LP’s makes you want to savour every mouthful, but your first bite of steak might bring out the primal side. LP’s is a restaurant for the carnivorous, and the juicy meats will make you wild.
Location: Sydney Fish Market, 50-60 Bank St, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: (02) 8570 8570
It might seem confusing that you have to head to the Sydney Fish Market to get one of Sydney’s best steaks, but Vic’s Meat Market is a carnivore’s delight in the heart of fish country.
When you first set eyes on Vic’s Meat Market, you might find you start drooling. Piles and piles of exquisitely cut steak await you. Guided by the expert butchers at Vic’s, grab some steaks to eat at home.
Tide yourself over until then with the smoked wagyu, or the wagyu brisket burger.
Editor’s Update: After 11 years, Vic’s Meat Market has ceased its relationship with Sydney’s Pyrmont Fish Market and will not be moving into new premises there when it opens later in 2025.
Location: King Street Wharf Darling Harbour, 29a King St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9295 5080
Sink your teeth into some choice cuts at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo and Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse. Dry-aged striploin on the bone is irresistibly good, but the Black Angus rib eye is pretty spectacular. Whatever you decide on, you’ll find it’s amongst the best steaks in Sydney.
With a gorgeous location on the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Kingsley’s has a breezy atmosphere that accommodates gatherings with friends, family and anyone who enjoys great food.
Update: Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo landed the No. 31 spot in the 2023 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurant Awards. Which is a pretty impressive achievement.
Steak isn’t the focus of the menu at Fratelli Paradiso Italian restaurant, but the one they serve is so good it needs to be on this list.
Eating at Fratelli Paradiso feels like you’re having dinner with your large, Italian family, if your family were all fantastic chefs. Go to Fratelli Paradiso feeling hungry, because you’ll want to sample from across the menu.
Start with the arrosticini, order your perfectly aged steak with a side of potatoes, and finish with a tiramisu. Nothing but Italian goodness.
By the way, this is reportedly one of the first places that UK celebrity chef Nigella Lawson dines at when in town. And if it’s good enough for Nigella…!
This vintage-style dining space has a huge draw factor. It’s new menu is overseen by well-known chef and 4th generation live stock farmer, Matt Moran.
Chophouse proves that a good steakhouse doesn’t need to hide what it’s all about. A simple name for a restaurant that knows it does steak well.
Chophouse has confidence in what they do, and you can feel that in the friendly greeting, open decor, and menu that doesn’t stray from the classics.
Steaks here are good, with no pretension distracting from their tender flavour. The beef is sourced from the best local suppliers, and cooked with minimal fuss. Ask the staff for a wine recommendation off their artfully curated menu.
Also at g09/180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Ph: 0473 947 834
“The butcher that cooks for you” — at Macelleria, you can choose your perfect steak, and get it cooked to your liking. Don’t worry if you fall in love with your steak, because you can get the same cut to take home with you.
A casual dining experience, enjoy tender steak in a comfortable restaurant.
Fancy saving your steak for later? The burgers at Macelleria are just as good, and perfect with a beer and Macelleria’s Bondi location.
Incidentally, they also have an outpost in Richmond, Melbourne.
Location: 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089 Ph: (02) 9953 5515
An unpretentious take on the steak house, dinner at The Oaks Hotel is good steak at a reasonable price. The Oaks Hotel has a long menu, but don’t let your eyes pass over the Tomahawk steak.
Alongside this specialty, the in-house butcher (Meatorium) has crafted a diverse and interesting steak menu. There’s also a huge wine list, which is carefully temperature controlled, and makes a classy accompaniment to one of the best steaks in Sydney.
On a summer’s evening, there are few nicer ways to catch up with friends then with a steak in the beer garden at The Oaks.
Location: Ground Level, International Tower One/100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8629 8888 See Website For Further Locations
Whilst the African-influenced steak house chain has a number of restaurants across the country – and more than one in Sydney – the Barangaroo venue is arguably one of its finest.
Set amongst the chic, sleek and, quite frankly, stunning fine dining establishments on flashy Barangaroo, this temple to red meat more than holds its own.
Kick off with the Aged Wagyu Tartare, rich with anchovy aioli and egg yolk. Or maybe the King Prawns in a fiery Mozambican Peri-Peri Sauce sounds more to your liking?
Of course, the main event is the steaks. And at the Meat & Wine Co. there is quite a selection. From Monte Fillet to O’Connor Rib-Eye and on to Wagyu Rump – all cuts are carefully sourced and guaranteed Grain Fed. No wonder these are some of the finest steaks in Sydney.
There is also an extensive range of sauces. Personally, we’re suckers for the Blue Cheese. And on the Side, we recommend the Triple Cooked Potatoes with their addictive accompaniment of malt vinegar and porcini salt. Actually, we’d pair those potatoes with pretty much anything!
Whether you head to Alfie’s Bar and Steak Restaurant for the superb Cocktails or divine Steaks, you’re going to be a very happy camper. But that’s no wonder, really, as this is another venture from the Liquid and Larder group. Wonder which eateries have their fingerprints on them? Well, The Gidley and BISTECCA (see above) for starters.
And talking of Starters, Alfie’s doesn’t have any. Instead, the kitchen does a fast service of one signature Steak – in this case a 220g Sirloin – and a pile of great Sides. Although we really dig the Risoni with Peas, Pine Nuts & Lemon EVOO Dressing, our English heart’s can never resist the pull of Hot Chips with Chip Shop Curry Sauce. If you know, you know.
Throw in a chill vibe – including an in-house DJ – interesting art and a damn good Martini and Alfie’s is a fabulous destination for a night out.
And their Steaks are very fine too. That’s why this spot makes our rundown or the best steaks in Sydney.
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!
