Best Date Restaurants In Sydney
Gowings Bar and Grill
Situated on the ground floor of the QT Sydney, this stylish, all-day brasserie led by chef Chef Paul Easson features the very best seafood, meat, and produce Australia has to offer. From pristine Pacific oysters to stuffed globe artichokes to Darling Downs steaks, there’s something pleasing to all palates.
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Bennelong
Given its location within the iconic Opera House, the setting is beyond breathtaking. But despite its prime real estate, you can impress a date without breaking the bank. Simply bypass the main dining room and head to the “Cured & Cultured” area or the bar, where the focus is on Australian wines, cocktails, and small shared plates. And yes, reservations are a must.
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Acme
If you’re in the mood for a lively night out, look no further than this hot spot in Rushcutters Bay. The menu is simply divided into snacks and pastas, and everything is meant to be shared. The baloney (not a typo) sandwiches and salt & vinegar onion rings make for terrific starters, but it’s the imaginative pastas (like the luscious hand-cut macaroni topped with pigs head and egg yolk) that rule the roost.
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The Paddington
It’s billed as a pub, but expect far more than frosty pints at this bustling all-day eatery located in, as you might expect, Paddington. Here, chef Ben Greeno (of Momofuku Seiobo) uses handsome, custom-made French rotisseries to turn out superbly plump and golden birds. Split one – each order comes with gravy, fries, and romaine salad – for a simple, yet sublime supper.
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Quay
There is no shortage of awards for this fine dining institution helmed by chef Peter Gilmore, and it’s easy to see why. The striking views of the Sydney Harbor are unbeatable, and the cuisine – think contemporary Australian with Asian flourishes – is finely crafted and more importantly, delectable. Cap your meal with Gilmore’s most beloved creation, the Snow Egg: a crispy meringue “egg” filled with apple ice cream, resting on a granita flavored with seasonal fruit.
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Mr. Wong
Chinese cuisine goes seriously swanky at this sprawling, two-level restaurant in northern end of the CBD (short for “Central Business District”). The crowds here are dressed to the nines, so looking sharp is a requirement. But thankfully, the food – the Peking duck and dim sum are absolute musts – is a bit more relaxed and approachable.
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Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
The vibes are beachy at this beloved Italian mainstay with its crisp aqua and white palette and breathtaking views of Bondi Beach. The menu, unsurprisingly, leans heavily on local seafood, but it’s the juicy bone-in Wagyu ribeye that customers, a mix of stylish locals and in-the-know travelers, can’t stop buzzing about.