gourmet traveller best restaurants sydney

• Reservations
• MAKE A RESERVATION
• BOOK THE SNOW EGG

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards 2023

“The service is warm, the views unbeatable and the overall sense of understated luxury profound. Peter Gilmore’s flagship continues to define fine-dining in Australia. ” – Gourmet Traveller.

We are so thrilled to be listed as one of the best restaurants in NSW in the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards 2023 and so grateful for our entire Quay team who bring such heart to the restaurant each and every day.

READ THE REVIEW

25 MAY - 15 JUNE

Return of the snow egg.

Quay’s Return of the Snow Egg with American Express In the Quay Green Room 25 May – 15 June 2024

SUNDAY 12 MAY

Mother’s day at quay.

Celebrate a remarkable Mother’s Day on Sydney Harbour at Quay. A day designed to spoil the mother figure in your

La Liste 1000

LA LISTE TOP 1000 RESTAURANTS 2024 We are honoured to have taken out #5 in La Liste’s 1000 Best Restaurants

Three Hats for Quay

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024 Awards We are honoured to have achieved Three Chef Hats in this year’s

Restaurant & Catering Association Awards 2023

Restaurant & Catering Association Awards 2023 We are thrilled to have been awarded numerous accolades in this year’s National and

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH QUAY

Gift vouchers.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Rockpool Sydney restaurant named the best in Australia by Gourmet Traveller

After seven months and hundreds of meals, the food, wine and travel magazine plumps for a ‘grown up restaurant that doesn’t insult your intelligence’

Sydney’s Rockpool has been named best restaurant in the country in the Gourmet Traveller awards.

Head judge Pat Nourse praised the flagship restaurant run by veteran chef Neil Perry. “You hear people telling you that fine dining is dead with the same predictable frequency that you hear the novel is dead, but just as people writing great books, people keep producing great restaurants. It’s a grown up restaurant, it’s an exciting restaurant. It doesn’t insult insult your intelligence.”

Rockpool’s mains are around the $40-$50 mark and chefs work with local produce, giving it an Asian twist (for instance – roasted blue swimmer crab with fried garlic and fragrant udon noodles). A tasting menu of nine courses is $185.

Nourse, who spent seven months (with a team of 60 reviewers) trying restaurants and bars around the country, praised Rockpool ’s sommeliers and the “elegant, incredible dining room”.

“The staff have a command of their material. Restaurant-craft for them is something innate – it’s in their bones. It’s not hospitality that’s been cribbed from the internet and practised in front of the mirror: you know as soon you walk through the door that it’s the real deal. You get the sense that everything will be taken care of.”

Although there are Rockpool franchises in Melbourne and Perth, the Sydney original is the gold standard, says Nourse.

“Rockpool has always been Neil Perry’s baby. There is the clear sense that this is his flagship. It’s the creative engine that powers all his businesses – and a real creative engine for modern Australian dining, as a whole. You have this dialogue between Neil Perry, a veteran who still picks up the knives, and the head chef, a young gun called Phil Wood who knows how to push the boat out.”

Australia’s Bar of the Year is Brisbane’s heritage listed space, The Gresham, while Regional Restaurant of the Year is Byron Bay newcomer Three Blue Ducks – who also operate a cafe in Bronte.

Nourse said Melbourne had fewer “dynamic restaurant openings than Sydney this year” but Victoria scored gongs with Vanessa Crichton of Rosetta taking out Maître d’ of the Year, and Raffaele Mastrovincenzo from Kappo winning Sommelier of the Year. Dan Hunter, of Brae in country Victoria, took out the top spot in the peer-voted Chef of the Year award.

New Restaurant of the Year award went to the newly refurbished Bennelong , at the Opera House. Billy Kwong , also in Sydney, won Wine List of the Year.

Lennox Hastie, a chef who cooks only with fire at his Surry Hills restaurant, Firedoor, was named Best New Talent.

“We’ve stretched the definition of ‘new’ a bit in Best New Talent; he’s been cooking for 15 years professionally, and has worked with some of the most famous chefs in Europe before finally opening a restaurant of his own here in Australia. The way these guys cook is like nothing else. It’s not big flavours, it’s not what this guy does. He uses smoke and fire with precision and delicacy. He’s cooking with pans made of mesh. He’s cooking over coals in what looks like a strainer.”

A full list of the winners

Restaurant of the year: Rockpool , Sydney, NSW

Chef of the year: Dan Hunter, Brae , Birregurra

Outstanding contribution to hospitality: Joost Bakker, sustainability activist

New restaurant of the year: Bennelong , Sydney, NSW

Wine list of the year: Billy Kwong , Sydney

Sommelier of the year: Raffaele Mastrovincenzo, Kappo, Sydney

Maitre d’ of the year: Vanessa Crichton, Rosetta , Melbourne

Best new talent: Lennox Hastie, Firedoor , Sydney

Regional restaurant of the year: Three Blue Ducks , Byron Bay, NSW

Bar of the year: The Gresham , Brisbane

Three star winners

The Bridge Room, Sydney

Sepia , Sydney

Vue de Monde, Melbourne

Momofuku Seiobo, Sydney

Quay, Sydney

Brae, Birregurra

Attica, Melbourne

Rockpool, Sydney

• Life and style
• Australia food blog
• Australian food and drink

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

Don't miss a thing!

Our top headlines in style, culture, and more, in your inbox, daily, we respect your privacy. all data captured will be used in accordance with our privacy policy, 17 of the best luxury restaurants in sydney.

No matter which cuisine you’re in the mood for, these restaurants are sure to satisfy. By Dani Maher , Tessa Ogle , Ella Sangster and Hayley Peppin

WITH ITS VIBRANT MULTICULTURAL population, Sydney is a hub for delicious eateries — from casual to fine dining, it’s safe to say we are thoroughly spoiled for choice.

And when you’re looking for the very best restaurants to indulge in, the city alone provides countless options that will leave you in awe.

If you’re looking for quality dining experiences while in Sydney, these are the culinary delights that promise not to disappoint.

Related: Best Indian restaurants in Sydney

AALIA MLC Centre, CBD

It may have only opened a little over a year ago, but AALIA has quickly gained a cult following as a top Middle Eastern restaurant in Sydney. It’s also a two Hatted Restaurant, reinforcing its culinary prowess. By the ESCA Group, the delicious team behind Surry Hills restaurant Nour; AALIA’s Executive Chef,  Paul Farag ; thoughtfully fuses Middle Eastern and North African flavours through a shareable feast.

Diners’ could easily mezze their way through the A La Carte menu with simple yet delicious dishes such as Angelachu anchovy toast; smoked buffalo labneh, unpretentiously (and authentically) enjoyed with leaves in replacement of crackers or bread; and salty puffed bread to rival Tottis signature — best dipped in a particularly sumptuous eggplant mes ‘a’. Of bigger servings, there’s the unmissable lamb neck shawarma with tarator, pickles, and Saida saj as well as steamed coral trout with toum butter and burnt milk — and rest assured; there’s a sizeable wine menu featuring local and international drops to pair with plates as well as a expertly curated selection of cocktails. We suggest AALIA’s bespoke (and smokey) mezcal-based spicy margarita.

With helpful and friendly service, a dynamic and architecturally-designed space situated in the heart of the MLC; and of course, a menu to indulge — and later, dream about — AALIA isn’t just for city workers; it’s worthy of suburban-dwellers leaving their familiar favourites for a weekend booking.

Métisse 5-9 Roslyn St, Potts Point

‘Métisse’, which can be translated ‘mixed to race’, draws on a combination of French Avant-garde gastronomic techniques and renowned chef Opel Khan’s ( Acqua E Farina; Pizza Boccone ) childhood memories of spices & salts. For this reason, the restaurant’s name perfectly describes its mesmerising luxury offering.

From the recently introduced new degustation menu, you can expect elevated experimental dishes, straight from the creative mind of Khan. Each course pays homage to the owner and executive chef’s gastronomical style of cooking. Not to be missed is the Mosaïque, a signature dish served as one of the courses — a beautiful symphony of fish presented as edible art.

The degustation also has a premium wine pairing curated by an expert wine sommelier. Via the selection, you can expect to journey through the highlights of key wine regions in France.

And for those who don’t want to commit to the full degustation, a Petit Degustation, which is a smaller, faster experience for customers, is available. And better yet, menus can be made vegetarian and vegan upon request.

Restaurant Hubert 15 Bligh St, Sydney CBD

Arguably Sydney’s première French restaurant —  Hubert is considered a Francophile fixture for a reason. Epitomising Parisian culture both interiorly and menu-wise, the lavish underground restaurant summons the days of Hemingway and Oscar Wilde with its Roaring Twenties-inspired bistro.

Diners can devour their steak du Jour or chicken fricassé (its star dish) to the sweet sounds of French jazz. Hubert’s beverage list is equally impressive, hosting the largest miniature spirit collection in the Southern Hemisphere with 4,000 bottles.

The Gantry Sydney

If it’s a Harbourside luxury you’re after, the newly renovated The Gantry — with an elevated and flawlessly curated menu and wine list — certainly won’t disappoint. Situated within the Pier One heritage wharf, boasting views of Sydney Harbour’s Walsh Bay, The Gantry is far more than a hotel restaurant. With both indoor dining — within the stunning stained timbered Dining Room, The Terrace or alfresco on the pier — on offer, the experience is guaranteed be complimented by glistening ocean views which act as the perfect stage for the menu.

Head Chef, Rhys Connell, has constructed a menu that is ambitious, yet perfectly articulated. Expect the best local produce, favouring flavours of the ocean. The Yellowfin Tuna paired with slightly dried ox heart tomato, burrata and basil, is undoubtedly a highlight. It’s best described as a reinvented (and superior) bruschetta that’s available as part of the set menu — a worthy and delightful journey for the senses.

The extensive wine list, by enigmatic sommelier Ahmad Fahda, has been created with the care and thought reminiscent of that which an art curator would put into a gallery. Fahda offers bespoke pairing options, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike, and hits the nail on the head with every drop. From the environment and warmth of the staff to the sophistication of the menu and wine list, The Gantry is an unmissable Sydney dining experience.

10 William St Paddington

10 William St may be a wine bar at its heart — the perfect destination to explore reds, whites, skin-contact and pet nats by the glass or bottle — but its menu is certain to blow you away. Changing to suit the seasons, the menu always retains a heart of Italian-style cuisine and ingredients, with that classic Australian modern dining twist.

Nestled in a two-storey Paddington terrace, you’ll find crudités and salads, pastas and heart risottos, luscious tarts, fresh seafood, and more — all prepared to perfection.

Kittyhawk Sydney CBD

The recently revamped and reopened Kittyhawk features a swanky cocktail bar area and a similarly luxe dining space. Operated by Merlino & Co, with the kitchen led by Head Chef Leonard Michaud, you can expect a premium drinking and dining experience with unpretentious, laidback vibes and regular live music.

The French-inspired menu has a modern Australian flair, with seafood highlights including caviar bumps with frozen Grey Goose, appellation rock oysters with mignonette, and king prawns with miso butter. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, be sure to enjoy one of the unique and well-balanced cocktails while you’re there, or sip from the extensive wine list.

Ester 46-52 Meagher St, Chippendale

Redefining fine dining since its launch in 2013, Ester offers a relaxed setting with sparse interiors and unfussy meals — but each of them exemplifies culinary finesse.

Armed with a wood-fired oven and the very best of local produce, Chef Mat Lindsay creates seasonal menus with year-round highlights: Baked cauliflower with almond cream and mint perfect for the vegetarian; a daring blood sausage “sanga” sandwich for the carnivores; and roasted king prawns for the pescatarians. The wine list consists of exclusively organic and biodynamic wines and premium sakes, and the relaxed bar or kitchen-adjacent seating makes for a cool environment.

Bennelong Sydney Opera House

When it comes to memorable Sydney dining experiences, Bennelong is hard to beat. Housed in one of the most iconic Australian landmarks — the Sydney Opera House — the restaurant combines stunning architecture with equally stunning views of Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay.

Executive Chef Peter Gilmore’s is among Australia’s finest culinary experts, offering creative and delightful menus showcasing the best of Australian produce and wine, crafted in partnership with farmers, fisherman, breeders and providores across the country. Proudly ‘robust and direct’ menu concepts ensure that nothing is out of reach: You don’t have to be the most knowledgable or experimental gourmand to enjoy the dining experience.

ELE by Federico and Karl The Star, Pyrmont

If you like your dinner with a side of theatricality, ELE by Federico and Karl is the new immersive culinary experience bringing together food, sound and projected art. Helmed by innovative chefs Federico Zanellato and Karl Firla, ELE’s modern and sustainable-focused Australian menu is inspired by the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water. There’s an extensive wine list, but the elemental cocktails are particularly inspired (as are the premium non-alcoholic mocktails, for non-drinkers).

Diners move through the restaurant space as they eat, starting their night at the bar for a welcome cocktail and snacks like potato mille feuille (pictured); then to the dining room for the likes of dry-aged Murray Cod and Western Australian marron; and finally the chefs table, where they will watch the chefs meticulously construct their desserts. Each space offers conceptual lighting, visuals and audio inspired by the elements to create a unique sensorial dining experience.

Mille Vini 397 Crown St, Surry Hills

Inside its beautiful sandstone dining room, Mille Vini offers the effortless cool of a wine bar with the delicious menu of your favourite Italian spot. Its new owners relaunched it in late 2021 with a strong emphasis on classic recipes spanning the entirety of Italy’s lush regions, with signature dishes including poached octopus salad, battered zucchini flower, and crostini stracciatella.

‘Mille Vini’ translates to ‘a thousand wines’ in Italian, so naturally, expect an extensive list of delicious drops. There’s a focus on local producers with Italian varieties, celebrating the restaurants Italian inspirations and Australian roots. A private dining area and large group booking capacities make it the perfect venue for any occasion.

Mr. Wong 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney CBD

Merivale’s wide selection of eateries scattered across the city each have their own selling points, but Mr. Wong has to be among the best. Serving 240 diners over two buzzy levels, with up to 80 dishes on the menu at a time, the Cantonese-style restaurant still feels intimate with romantic couple-y nooks and moody jazz music.

Executive chef Dan Hong brings energy and creative flair to the kitchen, with barbecue ducks a common crowd favourite along with the lunchtime dim sum menu by Michael Luo. Of course delicious xiao long bao soup dumplings and fried ice cream hold coveted positions on the menu, each of which are among the best of their kind you’ll find in the city.

Besuto 6 Loftus Lane, Sydney CBD

A tiny 12-seater restaurant restaurant, Besuto (that’s “best” in Japanese) offers a truly unique dining experience. That’s because it’s an omakase restaurant — Japanese for “I’ll leave it to you” — where the decision is out of your hands, resting in those of the expert head chefs who serve up 18-course set menus that vary by the day.

Hirofumi Fujita, specifically, is the man in whose hands your culinary fate will rest. He combines traditional and innovative takes on Japanese cuisine, with the likes of spiced coconut and cauliflower soup, Glacier 51 toothfish marinated in miso, torowith caviar, and refreshing yuzu sake sorbet among the menu regulars. Sashimi and sushi is to be expected too, along with a reserved wine list designed to pair perfectly with the dishes.

Long Chim Angel Place, Sydney CBD

Sure, everyone claims to have a ‘good’ local Thai joint — but Long Chim will blow them all out of the water. Dubbed by many to be the best Thai food in the city — it’s helmed by restauranteur David Thompson, who has managed Michelin starred joints across the world — it pays homage to Thai cuisine’s street-food roots to celebrate intense heat and intense flavour.

Expect more culturally authentic Thai fare than you’re used to — but worry not, you’ll still find pad see ew on the menu if you’re not feeling particularly adventurous.

Quay Restaurant Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks

A hop, skip and a jump across Circular Quay from Bennelong, you’ll find the equally luxe Quay , housed in the upper level of the Overseas Passenger Terminal and offering beautiful views of the Harbour — Bridge and Opera House included.

Also led by executive chef Peter Gilmore, Quay celebrates nature-inspired cuisine — playing with textures, colour, flavour and harmony to bring life and vibrance to your palate. Again, local producers are carefully consulted with to ensure an authentic and exclusive menu is offered, with the tiniest of details — down to the dishes your meals are served in — all taken into consideration to provide the most refined experience.

Lola’s Italian and Bar 180/186 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

In one of Sydney’s premier beach suburbs, you’re not hard-pressed to find a restaurant with stellar ocean views. But amid the myriad seafront eateries and host of Italian venues, Lola’s Italian and Bar is still one of Bondi’s best.

Formerly a Mediterranean restaurant known as Lola’s Level 1, the Bondi institution has been relaunched by Marco Ambrosino (the former co-owner of Fratelli Paradiso & 10 William St), with a sweet new name and hearty Italian focus. Helmed by Head Chef Toby Stansfield and under the guidance of Venue Manager and in-house Sommelier Mon Ditbunjong, the menu is anchored in 100 per cent Italian cuisine, with a top offering of wine, cocktails and aperitifs to match (try the spicy margarita and thank us later).

They’ve nailed the classic eats — creamy, flavoursome Burrata, to-die-for semolina spaghetti and arguably perfected lasagnetta di bolognese, to name a few — which can be enjoyed with panoramic views of the beach and promenade. The homely interior design — which features art drawings and ceramics by Ambrosino’s partner, Pina Ambrosino — make for an inviting space, perfect for a sun-drenched summer refreshment or long winter lunch.

Find your new date night venue tucked away from the bustling Bondi crowds above the suburb’s central hub on Campbell Parade. A top tip: be sure to pop in for ‘Pranzo Pronto,’ their Three-Course Launch Lunch Special for $49 per person from Friday to Sunday between 12pm and 4pm.

Indu 350 Angel Place, Sydney CBD

When you step into this dimly lit space smattered with terracotta details, mud bricks and bells hanging from the ceiling, first impressions tell you that it’s not just your tastebuds going on a trip tonight. At Indu , Head chef Bimal Kumar focus on rural flavours and cookery elements from villages in South India and Sri Lanka.

Inspired by the dissonance between Indian home cooking and rich colonial Indian restaurants, Indu curates just the right fusion of innovation and eloquence. Service and interiors satiate all the touch points a contemporary diner would yearn for while taking guests on a journey with traditional flavours that are steeped in a rich history and reframed for the now. 

Makaveli 179 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi Beach

The marker of any good contemporary Italian is a top-tier burrata and signature margarita. By both measures, Bondi’s Makaveli is a winner.

With Head Chef Jessica Young (whose resumé spans Michelin Guide-recognised venues in Scotland, East London, and now Sydney) at its helm, the new Italian-inspired and contemporary eatery is already making waves in the beach suburb.

Set back from the Beach on Glenayre Avenue, Makaveli makes for a cosy hub in which to enjoy a curated selection of snacks and share plates, paired with wines, creative cocktails — there are several negroni options, as well as the classics and house specials — and premium coffee. As mentioned, the burrata is a must-try, as well as the sourdough and smoked butter, Stracciatella di bufala and Kingfish Crudo. Vegetarians will be well looked after as well, with plenty of options on offer (we recommend the Zucchini Flowers). Swing by for an intimate date night or perch at the bar with friends for an evening working through the cocktail menu, between 5pm – 11pm Thursday through Saturday, and until 8pm on Sunday.

The venue is also open for breakfasts seven days a week (with some very pretty pastries on offer) between 6am – 12pm.

See inside the Seoul launch of Rimowa’s latest collection

BOSS | Samsonite is here to elevate your travel experience

The best vintage stores in Paris according to a luxury buyer

Live out your ‘Ripley’ dreams with Lexus’ new luxury yacht

Find Paris in Melbourne at this boutique hotel

Sarah Cicolini shares her Rome dining guide

35 of the best restaurants in Sydney

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

20 December 2023

Meticulous technique, iconic vistas and nothing but fresh produce make the best restaurants in Sydney unforgettable culinary celebrations.

The dining landscape in this city is vast, varied and constantly evolving. From reimagined restaurants playing on the unique skills of world-renowned chefs to pretty-as-a-picture fit-outs and electrifying ambience, here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Sydney as navigated by suburb or region.

Eastern suburbs |  Inner West |  Sydney CBD |  Western suburbs |  Northern suburbs

The best restaurants in Sydney’s eastern suburbs

Flashy scenes to be seen complimented by elegant menus, elevate wining and dining to sophisticated heights.

Price:  $$$$

Best for:  French on a very special occasion.

This Potts Point powerhouse is the brainchild of world-renowned chef Opel Khan, so the bar is high at Metisse  before you even walk through the door. But when you do, get set for spectacular.

A luxury degustation combines chef Opel’s French gastronomic techniques with his fondness for spices and salts which stems back as far as his childhood. The team sources local produce so fresh it bounces from plate to plate, and the degustation features a premium French wine pairing curated by an incredible sommelier.

Check out Metisse’s white truffle custard with caviar.

The Fruits de Mer, a severely tricked-up seafood platter compiling Yamba prawns, octopus carpaccio, salmon confit and sea scallop is magical. Burnt butter ties every inch of the flavour medley together and sparks goosebumps the moment your first forkful touches your lips.

Consider the premium Kobe beef score 12, another ridiculously delicious choice. Melt-in-your-mouth doesn’t even cut it. Artful presentation, purposeful flavours and innovative flair tell a story of triumph, on full display at one of the best restaurants in Sydney right now.

Dine authentic French cuisine at Metisse.

Address:  5-9 Roslyn Street, Potts Point

2. Margaret

Price:  $$$-$$$$

Best for:  Fine modern Australian fare from a world-class chef.

Been yearning for your Chef Neil Perry fix ever since Rosetta in the CBD shut its doors? Same. This is just one reason why Margaret evokes instant cheeriness the moment you clap your eyes on it. Bright, light-filled and endlessly chic can best describe not just this gorgeous Double Bay fit-out but also the warm staff who greet you before guiding you through the culinary veteran’s refined modern Australian menu.

Pop into the light-filled dining setup at Margaret. (Image: Petrina Tinsley)

Start with small local catches splashed with Asian flavours like the spicy tuna tartare, trevally ceviche with chilli and coconut milk and the fried coral trout wings, before moving to larger wood fire entrees and mains meat lovers could possibly cry over —in signature Chef Neil Perry style, the steaks are always that good.

Relish in modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours at Margaret. (Image: Petrina Tinsley)

Address:  Bay Street, corner Guilfoyle Avenue, Double Bay

3. Pellegrino 2000

Price:  $$$

Best for:  A buzzy Italian date night.

Rated by Sydney’s hospitality scene as the place to go if you’re in the know, Pellegrino 2000  is a very cosy corner trattoria dishing up some of the city’s most authentic Italian (including one killer prawn ravioli dripping with a brown butter and sage sauce that you’ll prey never ends). The team is slick and generous with their time before leaving you and your date to bask in the romance of red wine, good vibes and excellent food.

Try Pellegrino 2000’s signature Italian dishes.

The Fritto Misto is delicately battered to perfection, the artichokes are drenched just the right amount of herby oily goodness and the veal alla parmigiana will transport you straight to the shores of Sicily.

Pellegrino 2000 is a garage-style trattoria in Surry Hills.

Address:  80 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

Best for:  Modern Australian fare in the thick of hipster central.

A cosy neighbourhood hole-in-the-wall whipping up inventive, mouth-watering dishes utilising quality local produce, Jane  is a Surry Hills favourite. Along leafy Bourke Street, the restaurant pops up out of nowhere, blending right into the multi-million-dollar terrace homes. But while it feels casual, the food itself is anything but.

Feast your eyes and palate when you dine at Jane. (Image: Cameron Carter)

Expect plenty of native ingredients paired with fresh seafood and top-notch meat, including the kangaroo tartare with bush tomato harissa and the beef dumplings with saltbush, chilli and yoghurt. Jane is delightful, personable and overflowing with personality.

Sink into exquisite meals at Jane. (Image: Cameron Carter)

Address:  478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

5. 10 William Street

Best for:  Italian done with understated elegance, every time.

Speaking of sensational Italian, 10 William Street  is the long-loved neighbourhood bistro of your La Dolce Vita dreams. Squeeze inside the discreet shopfront to score a table either upstairs or downstairs and prepare to be spoiled in the way of food and vino at one of the best restaurants in Sydney.

Staff will be surprised if you don’t order the pretzel with whipped bottarga — a cult favourite — but other knockouts include the tagliatelle al ragu and the ocean trout with fennel and onion puree.

It would be a sin to neglect the heavily European wine list too. Allow one of the very knowledgeable team to help you pick the perfect match to send you soaring.

Address:  10 William Street, Paddington

6. Saint Peter

Best for:  Exceptionally prepared fish in a relaxed setting.

Dishing up some of the most acclaimed fish-based handiwork of any Australian kitchen, Saint Peter  has built quite a reputation since opening its doors on trendy Oxford Street in 2016.

Pull up a chair at Saint Peter. (Image: Josh Niland)

Laser-focused on delivering ethically sourced seafood and outstanding seasonal produce to elevate the show’s stars, the team here is passionate and endlessly slick.

Treat your senses to sea urchins, shellfish, spectacular vinaigrettes with fish you never knew existed and more. Pretty much everything good under the sea can be found celebrated here.

Grab a spoonful of their signature Chocolate and Murray Cod Fat Caramel slice. (Image: Josh Niland)

Address:  362 Oxford Street, Paddington

7. Ursula’s

Best for:  Sensational modern Australian in a homely setting.

Tucked away in the postcard-perfect tree-lined backstreets of Paddington lies Ursula’s , a quietly confident Sydney restaurant local’s wish nobody knew about.

Feel at home when you dine at Ursula’s Paddington. (Image: Nikki To)

Focused on doing fine seasonal produce total justice through serious technique and flair (this is, after all, the brainchild of Chef Phil Wood, an ex-Rockpool rockstar), this best restaurant in Sydney dishes up endlessly chic comfort food.

Delight in a roast Sovereign lamb with green curry vinaigrette and braised eggplant, the popular chicken with creamed corn, vegetarian masterpieces and delicate seafood splashed with subtle Asian flavours.

Try the Moreton Bay bug pasta crustacean butter at Ursula’s Paddington. (Image: Nikki To)

Address:  92 Hargrave Street, Paddington

8. Bar Reggio

Price:  $$

Best for:  Hearty Italian that’s always affordable.

Bar Reggio  has attracted a loyal following since opening in 1992, luring people from all over Sydney with its authentic, abundant and absolutely minimal-fuss Italian fare.

Affordable and always delicious, the food is rivalled only by the ambience which is always buzzing with laughter, birthday celebrations and plenty of overexcited groups.

Bar Reggio evokes a rustic but classy charm.

It’s like you’ve stepped into a street party at Nona’s house — bellies are full and life is sweet.

Select from an extensive menu of pizzas done with Napoli sauce and fresh mozzarella, classic pastas and traditional mains including Cotoletta Milanese and eye fillets with the creamiest of sauces.

Their shrimp pasta is shrimp-ly delectable.

Address:  135 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

Best for:  Getting more pork on your fork in fabulous French flair.

The name says it all but there’s so much more to Porcine  than sensational French food inspired by the kitchens of Europe. Sure, the daily menu features masterstrokes with pigs, like the double smoked pork jowl dressed in dainty micro blooms and floating in a sea of elderflower honey, the revolving door of stunning Pate En Croutes (pastry wrapped around pate), and mouth-watering Berkshire pork chops but they’re also doing wonders with seafood, seasonal vegetables and roast birds. Take a seat by the fireplace and strap yourself in — this is intelligent and inspired dining at one of the best restaurants in Sydney.

Dine classic, sensational French meals at Porcine.

Address:  268 Oxford Street, Paddington

Price:  $$-$$$

Best for:  Elevated plant-based dining.

A freshest-of-fresh menu at Alibi Bar & Dining in Woolloomooloo’s Ovolo Hotel has been spearheaded by renowned plant-based aficionado Shannon Martinez.

Alibi’s dining interior gives off a chic and sophisticated vibe.

Filled with a seasonal, colourful and innovative selection inspired by the Mediterranean, signature dishes include a Cotoletta Parmigiana, fried eggplant with toasted hazelnuts, grilled stone fruits with radicchio and garlic labneh and oyster mushroom pinchos.

Alibi has plenty of chairs plus good lighting.

For dessert (we know you’re interested), think quince-filled doughnuts, tiramisu and the delectable Crème Catalana.

Take your pick.

Address:  Ovolo Woolloomooloo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo

11. Lola’s Italian and Bar

Best for: Casual, welcoming Italian.

Lola’s Italian and Bar is the newest eatery to grace Bondi, and boy is it a good ‘un. With views over Bondi Beach, Lola’s is the place to be as the weather warms up.

Sit on the terrazzo for views of Bondi Beach. (Image: Nikki To)

The menu serves fun and elegant Italian classics along with a provocatively curated wine and cocktail list. Don’t miss the semolina spaghetti with vongole and ‘nduja, and the octopus ‘alla amatriciana’. Not looking for a full meal? Guests can also have a seat at the marble bar for a quick drink and snack.

The food is warm and inviting at Lola’s. (Image: Craig Wall)

Address: Level 1, 180-186 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

12. Manta Restaurant

Best for:  Fresh produce with a waterfront view.

Fresh doesn’t even come close to describing what you’ll receive when dining at Manta. Moments after ordering the whole lobster pasta from their spring lobster menu, our friendly waitress brought over Henry the lobster, straight out of the tank and on his way to the kitchen.

Caught slightly off-guard by Henry’s appearance, my apprehension turned to excitement as we awaited his return by devouring half a dozen Sydney rock oysters with cabernet sauvignon mignonette.

The whole lobster came out served on a bed of Mafalda pasta with ginger, chilli and Dashi. Cooked to perfection, every bite was better than the last and the sauce tied everything together so flawlessly. Manta Restaurant also has an à la carte menu if you’d prefer.

Try the whole lobster pasta from Manta’s spring lobster menu. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Address:  6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

The best restaurants in Sydney’s inner west

Spinning new takes on food influences from right around the globe, the inner west excels at a variety of cuisines.

13. Continental Delicatessen

Best for:  Easy-going neighbourhood dining done right.

Who knew tinned fish and cold cuts were the stuff of hanger dreams? Just ask anyone who’s dropped into Continental Delicatessen , famed for levelling up the city’s lunch game with 12 tinned fish varieties slurped down alongside epic deli meats and cheeses.

The evening bistro menu steals hearts too with its lavish take on humble ingredients, and it’s that distinct out-of-the-box genius from the boys behind the marble-topped deli counter that lingers long after you’ve kissed this best restaurant goodbye.

Keep the good times rolling with the team’s canned cocktails (a ‘Mar-tinny’ is never a bad idea) or ask for Mike who’s often behind the bar knocking your socks off with his mad skills for shaking together big, bold, boozy liquid art.

Get hold of Continental Delicatessen’s grape and cheese platter. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address:  210 Australia Street, Newtown

14. Lucky Kwong

Best for:  Casual Asian cuisine from one of Sydney’s most iconic chefs.

News of Billy Kwong’s closure broke hearts right across the nation’s foodie circles but nobody doubted that Chef Kylie Kwong’s next venture would spark a cult following all over again. This is why Lucky Kwong , her latest eatery, brought along one of the most anticipated launches in recent years.

The verdict? It’s fuss-free soul food straight from the culinary master’s heart. Paying tribute to her heritage, dumplings, silken tofu, savoury pancakes, sung choi bao, ‘Uncle Jimmy’s Steamed Hokkien Noodles’ and the other items on her menu are all varying shades of flavour-packed bliss.

Savour Asian favourites at Lucky Kwong.

Address:  2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh

15. The Charlie  

Best for:  Catching up with friends over sophisticated comfort food.

One evening at  The Charlie  will have you wanting for many, many more. Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, this place delivers on all fronts, making it one of the best restaurants in Sydney.

The Charlie is one of the most-loved restaurants in Sydney. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)

To start with, there’s an awesome menu to dive into. Think melt-in-your-mouth Korean fried chicken, kingfish ceviche, steak frites with herb fires, and delicious tacos, complemented by some of the most mouth-watering cocktails in the inner west.

In terms of decor, The Charlie is a slice of tropical heaven, combining industrial elements with Barbie pinks and a touch of mint green, plus eye-catching fernery.

With so many food choices, you don’t know where to start. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)

Address: 199 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

16. Pizza Bros on The Imperial Hotel Rooftop

Best for: Woodfired pizza and cocktails on a sunny rooftop setting.

The Imperial Hotel has long been a Sydney institution, and now there’s even more reason to settle in for a Sunday sesh or unwind over dinner. Popular food truck, Pizza Bros , has settled into the rooftop kitchen as its first brick-and-mortar location.

Watch brothers John and Jason Chammas make your pizza.

Run by brothers John and Jason Chammas, watch your pizza being prepared and cooked in the large, open woodfired oven as you sip on a cold beer or fun and fruity cocktail from the bar. Soak up the sun or stay cool under fringed yellow umbrellas as floating disco balls reflect the light around you.

The pizzas bring new, adventurous flavour combinations to that classic woodfired pizza taste – the Cacio E Pepe with double cream, truffle and pecorino is a must-try, while the Margho Picasso keeps it classic.

Settle in to decor as fun as the pizzas. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Address: 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville

17. The D’s Bar and Dining

Price: $$-$$$

Best for:  Contemporary Asian cuisine.

Located in the heart of Marrickville, The D’s Bar and Dining is a slice of paradise that combines NYC decor with diverse Asian flavours. Chef Lucas Doan, of Mr Wong and Luna Lu fame, opened The D’s with family at the forefront, not only by returning to Marrickville where his family lived when they first migrated to Australia, but also by having his sister by his side managing the restaurant.

Dine here on a Friday or Saturday night to be delighted by live jazz while you feast on the extensive menu. With a Vietnamese background and experience cooking at various kitchens across Asia, The D’s menu is as diverse as it is delicious.

Don’t miss the Merimbula appellation oysters, the crispy tempura eggplant, the beef suon black Angus short ribs or the crab fried rice. The crab fried rice isn’t your traditional fried rice though, it’s (intentionally) wet which I initially thought was a mistake, but it was delicious and a must-try.

The D’s crab fried rice and crispy eggplant are must-try dishes. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Address:  Shop 1, 359 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville

The best restaurants in Sydney’s CBD

Move over, Melbourne. The beating heart of this city plays home to the most wonderous, envelope-pushing culinary experiences in Australia.

Best for:  Food that surprises at every angle.

Love or hate the $10 ‘fancy Jatz’ that sparked controversy when Kiln  unveiled the appetiser on its a la carte menu at the end of 2022, this is a restaurant unlike anything else in Sydney’s CBD.

Found on the roof of Ace Hotel, 18 levels up, it’s literally elevating seasonal produce to unexpected new heights. The Jatz, topped with anchovy and smoked butter, is undeniably delicious as is everything else on the sophisticated menu including a whole flounder prepared with miso brown butter and a wagyu tartare with smoked mayo and mustard greens.

The vibe is rocking as a glittering carpet of the city’s lights below provides the ultimate backdrop to a guaranteed great time.

Opt for rooftop dining at Kiln. (Image: Anson Smart)

Address:  53 Foy Lane, Sydney

19. Bennelong

Price:  $$$$-$$$$$

Best for:  Extraordinary modern Australian inside a truly iconic destination.

Australia’s finest culinary star Chef Peter Gilmore continues to stun Sydneysiders and visitors alike with his utterly refined Bennelong  experience. Sure Quay’s spectacular overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour, but the intimate buzz of Bennelong, found inside the sails of the Opera House itself, cannot be replicated.

The award-winning food celebrates native ingredients and brilliant seasonal produce, all the way down to the must-order Cherry Jam Lamington which dances over spoilt tastebuds as you start dreading the fact it’s all about to end.

Chefs at Bennelong meticulously curate dishes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address:  Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney

20. Quay Restaurant

Price:  $$$$$

Best for:  World-famous seafood with world-famous views.

It’s incredible to think just one restaurant could present so many iconic moments. The location, smack bang in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, is unrivalled yes but the food, oh the food.

Dine at Quay Restaurant while overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Nikki To/Destination NSW)

Home of the now-retired snow egg, God rest her soul, Quay Restaurant  excels in crafting cult dishes to utterly rock Australia’s food scene. Pulling from the most excellent seafood to be found in our nation’s waterways, this is dining that continues to make waves right around the world.

You can go the four-course menu but it’d be foolish to skip any of the eight courses on offer at this unforgettable space, a best restaurant in Sydney like no other.

Be at the beating heart of Sydney. (Image: Nikki To/Destination NSW)

Address:  Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney

21. Mr. Wong

Best for:  Rowdy, atmospheric Cantonese with amazing cocktails.

They’re not joking when they say to book three months in advance. Although Mr. Wong  opened its doors more than 10 years ago, the crowds refuse to tire — and doesn’t that say it all?

Enter the enormous, dimly lit Sydney institute from a lane behind George Street and brace yourself for energy overload as some of the city’s finest Chinese fare rolls out of the kitchen thick and fast.

All your classic noodle dishes, dumplings, stir-fries, curries and roast meats are there (just prepared way yummier than you’ve ever had them) and then there’s the freshest of seafood drenched in layer upon layer of flavoured goodness. A sensory overload every visit.

Dine Cantonese dishes at Mr Wong.

Address:  3 Bridge Lane, Sydney

Best for:  A lively date night or quick mid-week lunch.

Kanade  is a vibrant new place to be if you’re in the middle of town. The menu is a seamless blend of traditional Japanese flavours with contemporary twists from an experienced team of chefs who have honed their craft in venues like LuMi Dining in Pyrmont and Kuon Omakase elsewhere in the city, making it one of the newest best restaurants in Sydney.

The special sake barrel cocktail was lethal and absolutely to die for.

Try the roasted duck breast with corn salad and sesame miso sauce, the fluffy miso cream carbonara with onsen egg and the wagyu beef steak with yakiniku sauce for the ultimate party in your mouth.

Wash it all down with a delicious drinks list expertly crafted by top dogs in Sydney’s mixology scene from Maybe Sammy. The special sake barrel cocktail is lethal, and we can’t get enough of it.

Try the roasted duck breast with corn salad and sesame miso sauce.

Address:  62 Clarence Street, Sydney

Best for:  Pan-Asian share plates with friends.

The much-loved Goji  from Penrith has set up digs in the big smoke, opening a second venue in the heart of the city. Taking inspiration from Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian cuisines, the menu is cleverly crafted by head chef Sam Chang who has 20+ years’ experience across all Asian disciplines.

The menu takes inspiration from Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian cuisines.

Everything is designed to be shared so pick a few plates and get stuck in with your nearest and dearest at one of the best restaurants in Sydney. Standout dishes include the stir fry noodles with kung pow chicken and chillies, twice-cooked green beans with garlic and chilli, slow-cooked wagyu beef brisket rendang and one heavenly Ferrero Rocher fried ice-cream.

The Ferrero Rocher fried ice-cream is a must-try.

Address: 259 George Street, Sydney

Best for:  A quality Southeast Asian pre-show feed.

Located inside The Star Sydney and right opposite the Sydney Lyric Theatre,  Rumble  celebrates the four classic flavours that permeate Southeast Asian culinary culture – sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. The menu is simple yet punchy, and the inventive cocktail list incorporates a range of spirits infused with spices, herbs, teas and fruits from across Asia.

Pick from an array of Southeast Asian dishes at Rumble. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Don’t miss the Suea Rong Hai (crying tiger), a Japanese A5 wagyu sirloin with Nam Jim Jaew. Think melt-in-your-mouth and bursting with flavour. This winning spot is open for lunch, dinner, drinks and pre-show snacks, seven days a week.

Nab a spot at the dimly lit dining interior of Rumble, The Star Sydney. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Address:  Level G, Harbourside, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont

25. Caffe Q’s

Best for: Aperitivo dining.

Recently opened in Sydney’s Quay Quarter, Caffe Q’s is bringing Europe to Sydney. Inspired by the Italian aperitivo tradition, Caffe Q’s is a destination that encourages connection. In the morning it’s your coffee go-to with Little Marionette providing the beans, and of an afternoon, unwind with a delicious cocktail and some thoughtful tapas.

Caffe Q’s is bringing Europe to Sydney. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Owner Quynh Nguyen brings his impressive bar expertise to the table, formerly working at Margaret, Icebergs, and Fred’s, and more recently he was responsible for the drinks program at Goji’s Sydney CBD outpost.

There will be spritzes galore and a handful of cocktails to try – the Aussie Faux Pas is to die for – and the food completes Nguyen’s vision. With charcuterie, cheese and antipasti boards, breakfast pinxtos and fresh sandwiches on display, Caffe Q’s has you covered from morning to evening.

Caffe Q’s is a destination. (Image: Jayden De Araujo)

Address: 50 Bridge St, Sydney

26. Jackalberry

Best for:  Flavour-packed dining when you can’t settle on a specific cuisine.

As it turns out, a seat at this cocktail bar will get you a ticket to some of the world’s most famed culinary destinations. Get to know  Jackalberry , a restaurant found within the Hyatt Regency Hotel and a place where cultures come together in celebration of discovery and exploration.

The menu derives inspiration and flavour from some of the tastiest plates from around the world, accompanied by a cocktail menu that will transport your taste buds both near and far. Simply pick out a country and the mixologist will whip up an ode using the finest local ingredients.

From Havana to Norway, there’s a recipe for even the most well-travelled among us, from Moroccan lamp chops and soy glazed salmon to the Thai pork salad and fresh burrata.

Talking décor, the botanical design boasts moody tones, with emerald velvet booths and safari wallpaper ready to welcome guests.

Address:  Hyatt Regency Hotel, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney

27. Glass Brasserie

Best for:  A civilised dining experience.

Helmed by chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan, the menu at Glass Brasserie  provides guests with an exquisite culinary experience from the moment you enter the loft location above the Hilton Sydney’s lobby.

Be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass walls at Glass Brasserie. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just the interiors alone, designed by New York’s Tony Chi, are enough to get you excited. The 240-seat space features a 13-metre floor-to-ceiling glass wall and perfectly positioned booths that offer views of the Queen Victoria Building.

Serving modern Australian cuisine, emphasis is placed on local and seasonal produce. Kingfish sashimi and tiger prawns are entrée heroes, followed by an ‘off the grill’ section that will really start some dinner table conversation. The staff are warm, attentive, and helpful – writing the book on how elevated dining should be done.

Experience elevated dining at Glass Brasserie. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address:  Level 2, Hilton Sydney, 488 George Street, Sydney

Best for:  Elegant waterfront seafood.

There’s plenty going on at Barangaroo but choosing Cirrus  over anywhere else in the business district is always a smooth move. Arrive in the day, like many inner-city workers do, and you’ll be treated to sensational views across Sydney Harbour, a beautiful backdrop to a menu that’s constantly evolving yet reliably exquisite.

The order of the day is fresh-caught marvels transformed into edible art like the fried steam bun with raw tuna, a whole lobster with scallop XO sauce or the extremely brilliant Hiramasa kingfish with salted strawberry. Can’t stand people taking photos of their food? We’re sorry to say you’ll be tempted to join them here.

Address:  23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, Sydney

29. Restaurant Hubert

Best for:  Dimly lit French with ample atmosphere.

Located in the heart of downtown Sydney,  Restaurant Hubert  is the kind of vintage hole-in-the-wall that will make you feel as though you’ve accidentally stumbled onto the set of a movie. The interiors at allow you to truly dislocate from the outside world.

Upon entering, 4000 miniature liquor bottles line the spiral staircase that transports you into an alternative post-war Europe universe. The wood-panelled space is dazzling, romantic and topped off with a 100-seat theatre complete with a grand piano perched atop a stage.

Hubert is much about the ambience, good conversation and laughter, as it is the quality of the wine and the food. About which they also have plenty to brag. To truly get the grand Hubert experience, we suggest travelling in a group. The banquet menu requires at least four people – and with the amount of food you get, you’ll also need at least four stomachs at the table. Whether it’s the whole garlic chicken, prime beef tartare or the can’t-leave-without-trying Escargots XO, make sure you wear your stretchy pants.

Restaurant Hubert is a vintage hole-in-the-wall eatery serving French cuisine. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 15 Bligh Street, Sydney

Best for:  A slick seafood dinner done different.

If you’re yet to experience the flavour bombs of Italian cuisine splashed with Asian spices, you may be dubious learning it’s the basis of Lana ’s culinary chops. But dive in and don’t look back because this is pure brilliance unleashed and Sydney is hooked.

Opt for a satisfying seafood dinner at Lana. (Image: Steve Woodburn)

While the dreamy, pastel-trimmed fit-out looks, the business blending exposed brick and dark timbers with slivers of gold, ocean blue and the restaurant’s signature blush pink, the atmosphere is light thanks to warm service and a menu that is relentlessly playful. Start with the very reasonably priced banquet and level up your experience with added extras, all exquisitely crafted and Instagram-perfect.

Pop into Lana, a dreamy, pastel-themed Sydney restaurant. (Image: Steve Woodburn)

Address : Level 1, Hinchcliff House, 5-7 Young Street, Sydney

Best for:  Impressing colleagues and clients in the middle of the city.

The CBD is spoiled for great business lunch spots but Aalia  might just be our favourite. Treat your senses to a journey through the Middle East and North Africa with meals finessed to utter perfection.

Raw dishes include Persian caviar before moving on to delicious mezze plates you’ll struggle to avoid licking off the dish, stunning seafood creations and top-notch meats. And if you really can’t hold back on licking those plates, you’ll be quickly forgiven. The vibe here is relaxed and upbeat as opposed to stuffy, hence eliminating the awkward small talk that comes with every working lunch.

Cap off your busy week with a toast at Aalia. (Image: Jason Loucas)

Address:  Shop 7.07 and 7.08, 25 Martin Place, Sydney

32. Jacksons on George

Best for:  Versatility across three levels.

Jacksons on George is the newest venue taking Sydney by storm. Occupying three unique levels, Jacksons on George is ready to accommodate all kinds of diners.

On the ground floor you’ll find the Public Bar which welcomes guests into its doors for a cocktail or three, on the first floor is the flagship restaurant Bistro George , and on the top floor is the delightful Rooftop Bar which provides views over the city.

Jacksons on George’s Rooftop Bar is the place to be this summer. (Image: Tom Ferguson)

Head Chef Steven Sinclair (formerly Icebergs Dining Room and Bar) leads the food menu across all three spaces, with European-influenced bistro dishes with classic Aussie fare as the common theme.

Must-try dishes at Bistro George are the clams casino with Goolwa pipis, guanciale and pangritata, the gin rigatoni with fermented chilli, the 200-gram David Blackmore wagyu short scotch and the passionfruit tart with cultured cream to finish.

Jacksons on George is the first venue by new hospitality group DTL Entertainment Group, fronted by Icebergs Dining Room and Bar owner Maurice Terzini as the creative director and Michael Broome as the general manager.

The clams casino with Goolwa pipis, guanciale and pangritata is a must try. (Image: Jason Loucas)

Address:  176 George Street, Sydney

The best restaurants in Sydney’s western suburbs

The city’s culinary heartland nails international flavours and techniques with total authenticity.

32. Chatkazz

Price:  $-$$

Best for:  Cheap and cheerful Indian for the family.

Renowned throughout the city and beyond as one of the best restaurants in Sydney for Indian food, Chatkazz  is unmissable thanks to its queue of hangry families crawling out the door.

Inside, the tables may be a little bit sticky, and the vibe feels a bit churn-and-burn but the food comes as flavour hits so delicately paired and generously dished that all you’ll be wondering is why you haven’t visited before.

Don’t fill up on the flatbreads, as difficult as it is to pass on perfectly puffed wheat flour stuffed with taters and spices. You’ll need ample stomach space for mouth-watering curries, stir fried rices and all your other Indian favourites.

Have a glass of the fruity berry drink at Chatkazz. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address:  Shop 4-6/14-20 Station Street East, Harris Park

33. Theo’s Rooftop Bar

Best for:  Tapas and charcuterie with serious party vibes.

A rooftop infinity pool, killer cocktails, pumping music and beautiful people everywhere. Have we stumbled into a Los Angeles rager? Theo’s Rooftop Bar  is the place to be in Penrith, offering a menu of mouth-watering share plates to split with mates as you’re flooded by stunning Blue Mountains vistas.

Head to Theo’s Rooftop Bar if you love pasta.

Arrive before dusk to score a table as the sun sinks and build your spread from aged meats, excellent cheeses, and traditional tapas. Really hungry? A small list of mains includes modern Australian favourites done with plenty of love.

Pair your meal with a glass of wine at Theo’s Rooftop Bar.

Address: Level 8, Astina Suites, 21-25 Woodriff Street, Penrith

The best restaurants in Sydney’s Northern suburbs

With more nature at its feet, Sydney’s Northern suburbs play home to legendary spots mastering exceptional local catches and produce.

34. Berowra Waters Inn

Best for:  One-of-a-kind creekside dining.

Just a 50-minute zip from the city is  Berowra Waters Inn , a destination restaurant held alongside Australia’s best since its 1984 inception. Housed on Berowra Creek, the rugged gorges and gum-tree-lined site is only accessible to diners by boat or seaplane.

Head chef Brian Geraghty owns and runs the space, which boasts a frequently changing menu based on availability. If you’re a stickler for cuisine, however, you could say it’s a mix of classic French with modern Australian.

The degustation menu heroes the venue, explained ever so pleasantly by the delightful staff. And with floor-to-ceiling windows, every table has a window seat.

Address: 1 Calabash Point, Berowra Waters

35. Bert’s

Best for:  A waterfront seafood extravaganza.

The hottest spot to dine on the Northern Beaches, Bert’s  is lighting up the lives of locals just a 45-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD. The spotlight shines brightly on the freshest of seafood and seasonal ingredients like the hand-picked mud crab with lemon and mayonnaise, a daily raw fish selection, grilled whole fishes and the most delicious of shellfish. It’s also very tempting to indulge in caviar on brioche toast and lobster tagliolini, so be sure to budget accordingly.

Bert’s is definitely one of the best in town for your carnal craving. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Make it on a Thursday night and be treated to live jazz plus a limited-edition range of cocktails, shaken and stirred to perfection just like everything else this best restaurant in Sydney does.

Head to Bert’s for casual dining. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Address: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport

Written by Kristie Lau-Adams with updates by Emily Murphy and Kassia Byrnes.

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might also like

Hotel Review: Paramount House Hotel

In the space of five months, one pocket of Surry Hills received a major boost in the heritage building-turned-cultural destination stakes. Where Par...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

• NSW Road trips
• Accommodation
• Be inspired

The best new restaurants in Sydney right now

Sydney’s reputation as an excellent place to dine out held firm in 2023. from indigenous cuisine by the harbour to a sustainable seafood restaurant, these are the high-end, award-winning restaurants that made the biggest splash..

Destination NSW

Petermen , St Leonards  

The second restaurant from Sydney’s patron saints of seafood, Josh and Julie Niland, is somewhat more accessible than their first: Petermen has an a la carte menu designed to share (rather than a degustation only). The menu continues the chefs’ philosophy of presenting fish in unexpected ways (don’t skip the abalone schnitzel sandwich) or, simply, to let the flavour shine (the Goolwa pipis served in their own juices are sublime). It’s definitely the only restaurant in town where you’ll find yellowfin tuna spaghetti on the kid’s menu. To add to the experience, the polished room is enlivened with Australian artworks and an open kitchen. 

Accolade: two hats in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024 

Petermen , St Leonards - Credit: Petermen

Midden by Mark Olive , Circular Quay

The land on which the Sydney Opera House stands was a gathering place for storytelling, ceremony and culture for the Gadigal people. It’s fitting then, that Bundjalung chef Mark Olive has created an experience underneath Australia’s most famous theatre highlighting native ingredients at Midden. The restaurant is ripe for repeat visits. Whether it’s for a grazing plate (including smoked kangaroo, NSW cheeses, roasted macadamias and quandong paste) at sunset paired with a eucalyptus gin fizz; a pre-theatre set menu with braised wallaby shank or bush pavlova; or a native high tea with wattle seed-, Davidson plum- and lemon myrtle-flavoured sweets – all are served with postcard-worthy views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  

Accolade: a Gourmet Traveller best new restaurant in 2023  

Midden by Mark Olive , Circular Quay - Credit: Midden by Mark Olive

Brasserie 1930 , CBD   

If decadent food enjoyed in lavish surroundings is your idea of a luxurious night out then Brasserie 1930 should be the top of your list. On the ground floor of the five-star Capella Sydney , chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt have created a majestic French-leaning restaurant with Australian produce as the star. Elegant dishes like spanner crab pasta with sea urchin sauce, Southern Rock lobster with finger lime and tarragon, and the signature whole roasted duck – crisp-skinned and served with blood orange and grilled radicchio – are heroes. Extend the night by sampling the wares from the roving cheese trolley and perusing the hefty wine list.  

Award: two hats in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024 

Rock lobster dish at Brasserie 1930  in Capella Sydney - Credit: Kristoffer Paulsen

Poetica , North Sydney

Poetica is all about steak: high-end cuts, dry aged, cooked over charcoal. The pared-back interior coloured with cool grey and blues, and drenched with natural light, lends itself to any occasion, be it after-work drinks (it’s located in North Sydney ’s business hub) or a romantic lunch for two. Sides and snacks are no afterthought and are what really elevate this restaurant into something special. Try the spicy oysters with nduja and guindillas (Basque chillis) or delicate broad beans with ricotta and pickled lemon.  

Award: one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024  

Poetica , North Sydney - Credit: Steven Woodburn

Raja , Potts Point 

Raja offers a romp through the punchy smells, tastes and styles of India’s regions. The Potts Point venue abounds with colour and youthful energy, from pink-fringed light fittings and leopard print banquets to carved doorframes. Dishes are imaginative and capture the chef’s memories of childhood meals and the owners’ excellent meals had in India. Inventive cocktails (try the jackfruit old fashioned) and personable service help make this meal extra memorable.  

Award: one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024; best relaxed dining venue at the Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards 2023  

Raja , Potts Point - Credit: Nikki To

Longshore , Chippendale 

From the elegant coastal design nods (think coiled rope, pearl tiles, inky patterned wallpaper) to the sustainable seafood-focused menu and a wine list with as many female producers as male, every part of Longshore is surprising, thoughtful and innovative. Dishes are deeply delicious, with Asian and native Australian ingredients strewn through the menu – don’t miss the abalone party pies or the delicate coral trout with XO butter and sea greens.  

Longshore , Chippendale - Credit: Jason Loucas

Clam Bar , CBD 

Clam Bar is essentially a steak and seafood restaurant, the likes of which New York is known for, but done with a Sydney twist. Australian artworks and vintage posters brighten up the timber-panelled walls, and the low lights (and tome-like wine list) help you lose track of time. Start with one of Sydney’s best martinis (bone dry, and properly dirty if you request it so) and a prawn cocktail and leave room for a rib eye to share – the sides and condiments – like creamed spinach, beef fat potatoes and anchovy butter – are deceptively delicious.  

Award: two hats in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024   

Prawn cocktail at Clam Bar , Sydney CBD - Credit: Clam Bar

Le Foote , The Rocks  

It’s worth returning to Le Foote more than once to truly appreciate the breadth of the venue. Start with a fish sandwich al fresco on George Street , come back for a half-serve negroni in the wine bar and spend a long evening in the grand dining room, admiring the six-metre-wide resplendent mosaic mural. When you’re there, take time to walk through the heritage-listed building, dating back to 1838, to admire original features. Dishes are Mediterranean in influence: try the cheese pie or calamari and pancetta skewers, before moving onto mains such as barramundi or rib eye cooked over charcoal and served with sides.   

Award: one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024; restaurant of the year at the Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards 2023   

Le Foote , The Rocks - Credit: Kristoffer Paulsen

Palazzo Salato , CBD 

From the team behind venues including Ragazzi and Fabbrica comes Palazzo Salato, the group’s biggest and most refined restaurant yet, with a focus on what they do best: pasta and wine. Textured, cream walls; coffee-coloured leather banquettes and sculptural pendants soften the space, which is crowned by an overhead mural of a tablescape by the sea by Australian artist Louis Wayling. Dishes step away from obvious choices – entrees include trippa alla Romana (Roman-style tripe) and artichoke with green tomato pesto. The handmade pastas come in unusual shapes with sauces that offer an incredible depth of flavour (the Amatriciana is a must order).  

Award: one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024   

Palazzo Salato , CBD - Credit: Nikki To

Funda , CBD 

Funda’s ethos is simple: dining out should be as much fun as possible. Walk through a LED tunnel broadcasting imagery of Korean culture into a space with pumping music, neon lights and bright green booths, then sit down to a meal bringing together Korean traditions and Australian ingredients in a completely innovative way by a Michelin-starred chef. A seaweed roll comes filled with prawn and scallop mousse and fried in tempura batter, a soy-cured prawn is accompanied with burrata, and tteokbokgi (Korean rice cake) is served with mushroom cream and pickles in puff pastry. Wash it down with local brews, a soju or one of the many wines by the glass.  

Award: Chef Jung-su Chang held two Michelin stars at chef Yim Jung-sik’s Jungsik Seoul   

Funda , Sydney CBD - Credit: Funda

Armorica , Surry Hills   

Armorica is a French restaurant that does nothing in halves: statement art on the walls, generous use of Italian marble and a menu studded with lobster, caviar and foie gras. The Josper grills form the heart of the kitchen and are used deftly to cook Australian seafood as well as the classic dish of steak frites. Leave room for the signature dessert: a chocolate bar with mousse, salted caramel and chocolate chip cookie filling.  

Award: one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024; best fine dining venue at the Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards 2023   

Armorica , Surry Hills - Credit: Armorica

Kame House , Gordon 

A quiet suburb on the upper north shore may be a surprising spot for an omakase (Japanese for ‘I’ll leave it to you’, meaning the chef chooses and prepares your meal, often right in front of you) restaurant. But this location suits the elegant perfection of chef Tomoyuki Matsuya’s offering at Kame House: a 15-dish menu focusing on nigiri, which changes daily. The meal sets are equally as intricate – the Next Gen Chirashi (chirashi means scattered sushi) is a pretty-as-a-picture box of rice and tuna overlaid with adjacent squares of seafood plus miso soup, pickled vegetables and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).   

Award: one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2024   

More articles by theme

You may also like....

The best Indian restaurants in Sydney

Fruit picking & farm stays in the Hawkesbury

A 3-day itinerary in the Hawkesbury for foodies

Where to dine on native ingredients in Sydney

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay connected to Sydney for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

7 World-Famous Restaurants to Sample in Sydney

Australia's Food Scene Is Happening

Often the best part of traveling to new places is checking out the local cuisine. In Australia, you can always get a meat pie or fish and chips at the nearest pub, but sometimes the occasion calls for a more memorable dining experience. Sydney has world-class eateries, so when you're visiting the Harbour City, enjoy the best.

The view of Sydney Harbour from Quay's dining room is spectacular, and the award-winning "nature-based" modern Australian cuisine created by Chef Peter Gilmore is equal to the setting. Unique menu items include reworked classic dishes and new dishes for each season, including such items as slow-cooked quail with fermented mushroom custard, wild Tasmanian green-lipped abalone, and congee of hand-dived scallops. The wine list is extensive, and wine and food pairings are offered. Quay has made the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list more than once and is the winner of the 2017 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Restaurant of the Year Award.

Formerly helmed by Chef Peter Doyle (who has since retired), this restaurant creates contemporary Australian food that is seasonally driven and French-influenced. Dine in the heart of Sydney in est.'s elegant dining room with its soaring white columns and decorative ceilings. The dinner tasting menu includes such Australian specialties as sea urchin, poached squid, shaved abalone, and Blackmore wagyu beef, and wine pairing packages are available. The restaurant is just a short walk from Circular Quay wharf and is open for lunch and dinner, except on Sundays. Reserve in advance by phone or online.

Sydney Tower Buffet

A visit to the Sydney Tower Buffet is a must-do experience. It is buffet-style dining with 360-degree revolving views of the city below, so no matter where you sit, the sight of Sydney is breathtaking. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner so you can admire the city by day and see the city lights by night while choosing from more than 60 dishes, including Vietnamese, Australian, Italian, and Japanese cuisine. The buffet also offers a large selection of fresh local seafood.

Tetsuya's

This Michelin-starred Sydney restaurant offers traditional Japanese dining with a French-influenced twist. Set inside a refurbished heritage-listed building, it is famous for its ten-course tasting menu based on the Japanese philosophy of using natural seasonal flavors and classic French cooking techniques. Chef Tetsuya Wakuda designed his own on-site test kitchen where he creates such unique dishes as spanner crab with yuzu kosho and clam vinaigrette; Marron with Davidson plum and smoked butter; and confit of ocean trout with celery, witlof, and apple. This popular restaurant is often packed, so book well in advance.

Bill Granger's restaurant in the Darlinghurst section of Sydney offers relaxed dining with an emphasis on local seasonal ingredients. A native of Australia, Granger has created a casual atmosphere where breakfast starts the day early with ricotta hotcakes or sweet corn fritters. Or go native and order the Full Aussie: scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, roast tomato, bacon, miso mushrooms, and pork, chili, and fennel sausage. Try the fresh juices and smoothies, such as Bill's Beets with beetroot, carrot, fennel, and apple or the Sunrise with berries, coconut yogurt, and agave. 

Jamie's Italian Sydney

Founded by world-famous chef Jamie Oliver, Jamie's Italian in Sydney is an upscale dining experience with a casual atmosphere. The venue is on two levels: The lower level is a traditional restaurant setting, and the upper mezzanine has an open kitchen so diners can watch the chefs at work. Set menus of two or three courses are available, as well as an extensive a la carte menu of various kinds of pasta, entrees, contorni (side dishes), and desserts. The lunch menu features a pasta of the week, a fish of the day, and the "classic super food" salad with roasted beets, avocado, grains, broccoli sprouts, pomegranate dressed with harissa and ricotta.

Rockpool Bar and Grill

Rockpool Bar and Grill ranks high on the Australian Gourmet Traveller's list. Situated in the 1936 art deco City Mutual Building, the restaurant is a stone’s throw from Sydney Harbour. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Rockpool is a foodie’s dream. The menu features dishes based on an ever-evolving selection of quality local produce, matched with an awarding-winning wine list with over three thousand wines. Enjoy wood-fired grilled meats dry aged on site that is free of growth hormones and antibiotics. For a more casual meal, enjoy drinks and small plates at the bar, such as the Spanish-influenced potato and chorizo egg tortilla with aioli or clams steamed with Serrano ham and beans.

Check out the guide to tipping in Australia .

The 15 Best Restaurants in Sydney

The Best Restaurant in Every State

The Top 13 Restaurants in Cairns

The 20 Best Restaurants in New York City

Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

The 12 Best Restaurants in Cancun

The 30 Best Restaurants in Boston

10 Foods to Try in Cairns, Australia

Sydney Opera House: The Complete Guide

The 12 Best Restaurants in Brisbane, Australia

Top 8 Honolulu Restaurants

48 Hours in Sydney: The Ultimate Itinerary

Disney Dream Cruise Ship Dining Options

10 Dishes to Try in Sydney

The 10 Best Restaurants in Montauk

The Best 15 Restaurants in Perth

The latest food, beverage, lifestyle & travel news

GOURMET TRAVELLER’S RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AND WINNERS OF THE 2023 RESTAURANT AWARDS REVEALED

CELEBRATING THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN AUSTRALIAN DINING THIS YEAR

Australia’s leading luxury food title, Gourmet Traveller, last night unveiled the winners of the Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Awards at the hospitality event of the year. South Australia’s Restaurant Botanic has taken out the top honour at this year’s Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards, with chef Justin James accepting the award at a glittering gala event at Shell House in Sydney. “There’s no question that Restaurant Botanic is a bravura performance,” says Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin. “It combines fun and adventure with polish and poise. Chef Justin James doesn’t attempt perfection but rather embraces the beauty of irregularity and nature, making the most of the restaurant’s iconic location and using the garden’s bounty to create something uniquely of its place.” The country’s leading chefs and restaurant personalities came together to celebrate the annual awards, which are Australia’s longest-running restaurant awards and a highlight of the hospitality calendar. Neil Perry, Shannon Martinez, Ben Shewry, Brigitte Haffner, and Andrew McConnell were amongst the top chefs to attend the event, which marked the first time the awards have been announced in person, following more than two years of Covid restrictions and disruptions. It was a night of double celebration for Perry, whose Double Bay diner Margaret was named both Best New Restaurant and the NSW state winner of Restaurant of the Year. Tasmania claimed Best Destination Dining for Van Bone in Marion Bay, while Hobart’s Fico was named the state winner. In South Australia, Restaurant Botanic claimed both the state prize and was named Restaurant of the Year, while the creative duo behind Willunga wine bar Muni – Mug Chen and Chia Wu – were named Best New Talent. From Victoria, Thi Le was voted Chef of the Year in the night’s only peer-voted category, while Shannon Martinez was named Restaurant Personality of Year. Tedesca Osteria was named the state winner for the second year in a row. Gold Coast wine bar Paloma was singled out as the Wine Bar of the Year, while Essa was awarded the state prize for Queensland. Rounding out the state winners, Pilot was named ACT’s best restaurant for a second year running, while Perth’s Lulu La Delizia took out the honour for Western Australia. Full profiles of all the winners, along with the full 2023 Restaurant Guide, feature in the October issue of Gourmet Traveller, on sale now. The Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Award winners: RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: RESTAURANT BOTANIC, Adelaide STATE WINNERS: ACT: PILOT, Canberra NSW: MARGARET, Sydney QLD: ESSA, Brisbane SA: RESTAURANT BOTANIC, Adelaide TAS: FICO, Hobart VIC: TEDESCA OSTERIA, Red Hill WA: LULU LA DELIZIA, Perth CHEF OF THE YEAR: THI LE Ca Com & Jeow, Melbourne, Vic BEST NEW RESTAURANT: MARGARET, Sydney, NSW BEST NEW TALENT: MUG CHEN & CHIA WU Muni, Willunga, SA BEST DESTINATION DINING: VAN BONE, Marion Bay, Tas WINE BAR OF THE YEAR: PALOMA, Burleigh Heads, Qld RESTAURANT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: SHANNON MARTINEZ Smith & Daughters, Melbourne, Vic Profiles of the award winners will be published in the October issue of Gourmet Traveller, now on sale, along with the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, which highlights the best dining experiences to be found in Australia in the year ahead. This year’s awards are sponsored by Winning Appliances, PorkStar, Oceania Cruising, Ilve & Fhiaba, and Furi.

Share this:

Please leave a reply cancel reply, discover more from.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Sunshine Coast
• New Zealand
• Best Of Sydney
• Things To Do
• Food & Drink
• Health + Wellness
• Local Escapes
• Gift Guides
• Live the WA Dream
• Tales of Italy
• Japan After Dark
• Perfect GC Family Itinerary
• Bold Brisbane

The Best Restaurants In Regional NSW

By Jack Revell

29th Aug 2023

NSW has more than its fair share of far-off places brimming with delicious foods. There's a good scattering of restaurants right across the state that are well worth clocking some annual leave and packing your weekend bag for. Yep—the types of places you plan a holiday around getting a table at, that use locally sourced ingredients to bring the flavour and character of the surrounding country to your plate.

Here are 20 top regional restaurants in NSW that should be on your road trip hit list for this year—maybe you could even tick a few off in one trip?

Amara 

Blue mountains.

For lunch, you'll be treated to a five-course set menu, while dinner is a delightful seven-course set menu feast. Edas lets the ingredients do the talking with traditional cooking techniques like charcoal and fire—a mushroom and togarashi mini toast as a snack to start followed by leek and asparagus with a mushroom consommé. Market fish is drizzled with a tasty seafood bisque and, for dessert, Edas' take on the classic apple pie. 

Megalong Restaurant

Just two hours out of Sydney, the 50-seat restaurant is a renovated homestead with 360-degree views of the breathtaking valley, sandstone escarpment, and gardens. When you visit, you'll be treated to five or six courses—a moveable feast that changes daily based on what Barker and his team have farmed and foraged. Expect snacks on arrival followed by simple but perfected proteins, vegetable sides, fruit-based desserts, and petit fours. Matched wines are also available. 

The Zin House

Situated on the spectacular family-owned and run Lowe Estate winery,  The Zin House  is run by long-time veteran chef and past NSW Rural Woman of the Year winner Kim Currie. The food is seasonal, local (with much from their own extensive kitchen gardens, orchards and grazing farmland) and the optional wine pairing from Lowe Estate is matched by David Lowe himself. Bookings are essential.

Raes Dining Room

Subo  has a simple goal: to serve delicious food in a relaxed environment. To do that, the Newcastle restaurant offers a six-course set menu (two entrees, two mains, two desserts) which changes twice a season. The wine list is minimal intervention and entirely Aussie, bringing small, local producers to light, and the setting, with exposed brick and plenty of light, feels just like home.

Bistro Livi

Murwillumbah.

Offering loosely Spanish-influenced fare in a charming town inland from Byron Bay,  Bistro Livi  is an elegant and intimate local favourite that guarantees a memorable date night. They're all about the local Northern Rivers produce (of which there is an absolutely abundance), served in small share plates made to pair with their interesting and considered beverage list.

EXP. Restaurant

There’s already so much calling us to wine country in the Hunter Valley . But if you want another delicious drawcard, book a table at EXP. Restaurant . Open Friday–Monday, the Pokolbin restaurant was opened in 2015 by chef and owner Frank Fawkner. As it should, EXP. takes full advantage of its renowned surroundings, from local farm produce to its wine list. To see how the magic happens, ask for a seat at the chef bar, where you can enjoy the spectacle of wood-fired grills, or in the restaurant garden to soak up the fresh Hunter Valley air while you dine.

Il Passagio

Head south of the big smoke (aaaaalmost till you hit Victoria) to find this modern Italian gem. Il Passaggio 's charming outlook over the fisherman's wharf sets the scene (is that an Adriatic breeze?), and the food blends rustic Italian techniques with the best local produce, with antipasti, pizzas, pastas and main dishes perfect for filling that post-roadtrip hole.

Orange is known as an up-and-coming foodie capital, and  Charred  holds a well-earned spot on the city's culinary hit list. Their farm-to-plate philosophy and approach to cooking set them apart, along with the massive cast-iron wood burner. It’s all seasonal fare, and while their slow-charred meats are an obvious go-to, they still have plenty up their sleeves for veggoes and vegans.

Paper Daisy

Graze Willow Tree Inn

Willow tree.

Graze at the Willow Tree Inn  on the way to Tamworth is another classic out-of-the-way spot that hits all the right notes. A heritage stone building with lush gardens surrounding it, the husband and wife duo behind Willow Tree serves choice in-house dry-aged cuts of  Black Angus beef from their farm up the road.  

Light Years

Rick Stein At Bannisters

Mollymook and port stephens.

This is pretty much THE destination seafood experience for fine dining in NSW. Chef Rick Stein needs no introduction but, suffice it to say, he cooks a mean fish. Dining on fresh seafood straight from the ocean as it rolls out in front of you is always an incredible experience, but when you’ve got the quality and expertise of this institution behind you, it doesn’t get much better.

Mount White

Muse Restaurant

Hunter valley.

It's hard to play favorites when you're talking about the Hunter , but Muse consistently tops so many “best of” lists that it would be wrong to leave it out. It’s truly next-level dining that epitomises everything the Hunter is about. That is, wide-open spaces with views of the surrounding vineyards and a menu packed with all the best local produce and of course, wine. 

Now, check out:

• The best restaurants in Byron Bay
• The best romantic getaways in NSW
• Amazing Airbnbs to book for large groups

Image credit: Amara, Amara, Megalong Restaurant, Raes on Wategos, WILMA, Tonic, Birch, Pipit, Paper Daisy, Light Years, Pilot, Saddles, Destination NSW

We're dedicated to keeping our recommendations and content free. BECOME A SUPPORTER

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

More On …

• Cookbook Store List

Gourmet Traveller announces 2023 Restaurant Award finalists

After combing the country to determine the best places to eat, Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine recently announced the finalists for its 2023 Restaurant Awards in five different categories: Best New Restaurant, Best Wine Bar, Best New Talent, Restaurant Personality of the Year and Best Destination Dining.

The winners will be revealed soon at a glamorous gala evening at Shell House in Sydney and in the upcoming October issue of the magazine. We list the finalists for Restaurant of the Year below, and you can view the restaurants named in the other four categories on the Gourmet Traveller website using the link above.

• ARKHÉ | Adelaide
• DI STASIO CARLTON | Melbourne, Vic (cookbooks by chef Rinaldo Di Stasio )
• FRUI MOMENTO | Margaret River, WA
• GRILL AMERICANO | Melbourne, Vic
• LANA | Sydney, NSW
• MARGARET | Sydney, NSW (cookbooks by chef Neil Perry )
• ONZIEME | Canberra, ACT
• PEPPINA | Hobart, Tas
• SHELL HOUSE DINING ROOM & TERRACE | Sydney, NSW

Post a comment

Search this blog.

• All Posts (6618)
• Antipasto (1987)
• Author Articles (241)
• Book News (918)
• Cookbook Giveaways (944)
• Cookbook Lovers (247)
• Cooking Tips (97)
• Culinary News (298)
• Food Biz People (538)
• Food Online (758)
• Holidays & Celebrations (257)
• New Cookbooks (140)
• Recipes (1442)
• Shelf Life With Susie (231)
• What's New on EYB (129)

Latest Comments

• Ingridemery on Every Last Bite Cookbook Giveaway
• Fyretigger on Can copycat recipes be trusted?
• IvyManning on Modernist Bread at Home – Bread School Announcement and Giveaway
• artthecat on Modernist Bread at Home – Bread School Announcement and Giveaway
• takemori on Anything’s Pastable and Pasta Giveaway
• artthecat on Hot Sheet – Cookbook Giveaway
• takemori on Flavor – Sabrina Ghayour – Cookbook Giveaway
• takemori on Food Gifts Cookbook and Gift Box Giveaway
• sarahteertzah on Flavorama Cookbook Giveaway
• sarahteertzah on Every Last Bite Cookbook Giveaway
• Support Page
• Getting Started
• Member Benefits
• Indexed Books
• Popular Books
• Online Recipes
• Gift Memberships
• Email Preferences
• Get our Newsletter
• | Terms of Use
• | Report an Error

Already a Member? Sign In

New here become a member.

And you have a search engine for ALL your recipes !

• Your cookbooks become searchable
• Your magazines become searchable
• Save online recipes in one place
• Chat with other cookbook lovers
• Add personal recipes
• Email or Username
• Keep me Signed In

Add Bookmark

The best new restaurants and bars in Sydney

F rom slick Peruvian diners in Sydney CBD to revamped pubs from a gun hospitality team to new neighbourhood pasta bars, it seems there is a new Sydney opening every week. Here, we’ve picked the most noteworthy new Sydney restaurants and bar openings to have on your radar.

Whether you’re keen to know about the hotly anticipated Sydney restaurant from a leading hospitality group or looking for an intimate omakase to experience, we have you covered with this new Sydney restaurant hit list. 

The White Horse

Crown Street’s crowning pub The White Horse re-opens this week as one of the hottest openings of 2024 , following a multimillion-dollar overhaul overseen by a fine collective of hospitality folk. Craig Hemmings (who’s been on the floors at Bilsons, Quay , Guillaume at Bennelong and Chin Chin) leads the charge as general manager, while Jed Gerrard ( Hearth and COMO The Treasury) is over from WA as chef-partner, joined by James Audas ( Bar Heather ) on vino and Michael Chiem (PS40) on the bar front. While the brief is a pub that the team would like to go to, you can expect it to be delicious and elegant thanks to the gun team, as much as it is an approachable local. Upstairs, the public bar will have snacky share plates, rounded out by a handful of zhushed-up counter classics. Downstairs, a modern Australian menu will have a heavy seasonal focus and may include Jerusalem artichoke, goat’s cheese and saltbush; Abrolhos Island scallops with kohlrabi, dill and wasabi leaf; and lamb short loin with pistachio, cucumber and mint. The wine list will see half antipodean producers joined by new- and old-world wines from across the globe, with 30 bottles on the list sitting below $80. 

The White Horse is slated to open Wednesday 17 April. thewhitehorse.com.au

Fabbrica Pasta Bar

Fabbrica Darlinghurst

After abruptly closing its Balmain outpost and pulling all plans to open inside Annandale’s The Federal late last year, Fabbrica Pasta Bar has finally announced its latest plans: a brand new restaurant in the inner city. 

The soon-to-open Fabbrica Pasta Bar is set to take over the old A Tavola space on Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. It will boast 80 seats split across two levels, including the former venue’s long communal table on the ground floor. The bustling Darlinghurst strip recently saw the opening of The Waratah just across the road to much fanfare, and no doubt the casual Italian joint will receive a similar welcome.

Run by the Love Tilly Group — and with Scott McComas-Williams and the venue’s newly appointed head chef Damiano Balducci at the culinary helm — Fabbrica Darlinghurst will follow the brand’s fun-loving format. Think classic and innovative pasta dishes; a playful wine list; and a revamped interior awash with Fabbrica’s signature blue and white hues to boot. An Italian ode to the pub schnitzel, cotoletta alla Milanese, will also return alongside a few new and exclusive dishes, such as Nebbiolo-braised beef short ribs.

Fabbrica Pasta Bar in Darlinghurst is set to open on Monday 15 April. www.ciaofabbrica.com

Morena is opening in Martin Place within the 150-year-old GPO building. Returning to Sydney from Melbourne, executive chef Alejandro Saravia is expanding on his remit at Farmer’s Daughters to explore his Peruvian heritage while also spanning out to wider Latin America, from Brazil to Bolivia and beyond. Work your way through a devoted ceviche menu section, with goldband snapper ceviche with leche de tigre (a marinade of lime, coriander and chilli), sweet potato and chulpi (Ecuadorian toasted corn); king prawn ceviche with green plantain crisps and sofrito; or yellowfin tuna ceviche with soy dashi, daikon and wasabi leaves, each one packing a punch. Other seafood highlights include Fremantle octopus with merkén (smoked chilli) butter and onion; and Abrolhos Island scallops with parmesan cream, lime, aji amarillo butter. Carnivores can get around Kaloola suckling pig served with mojo sauce; or a rich Gundagai lamb picanha (traditionally a Brazilian beef cut from the rump) with a cachaça (a sugar cane spirit) marinade.

Morena is set to open on Monday 15 April. morenarestaurant.com.au

Good Luck Restaurant Lounge

In the CBD, Merivale is finally christening its new Bridge Street digs with the opening of Good Luck Restaurant Lounge. The subterranean restaurant is spearheaded by chef Mike Eggert (Totti’s), taking the concept he refined over three years alongside Justin Hemmes and developing it further.

“Think Totti’s but then add soy, dashi, vinegar with fresh herbs, citrus and chilli,” says Eggert. Italian Japanese techniques merge to create a menu that promises fun over formality. There are two wine rooms, private and semi-private dining rooms, a bar and three large fish tanks with live seafood, totally revitalising the space that Fratelli Fresh once occupied.

Good Luck Restaurant Lounge is slated to open on Wednesday 24 April. Bookings are now open via merivale.com/venues/good-luck

Kin Dining & Bar

Marrickville has welcomed Kin Dining & Bar, which puts Nikkei cuisine front and centre. For the uninitiated, Nikkei is the food culture that emerged from Japanese migration to Peru, brought to global attention in recent decades by high-flying restaurant chain, Nobu. Start with beef tataki replete with teriyaki glaze, mushroom broth, salsa verde and wasabi mayo; or kingfish ceviche with yuzu wasabi ponzu, jalapeño salsa and pomegranate; before moving on to Murray cod with a truffle glaze and miso-spiked beurre blanc; or or corn “ribs” with miso butter, togarashi and finely grated macadamia. The 75-seat restaurant is also strictly adults-only, a move that’s already stoked both controversy and admiration.

kindiningandbar.com.au

Postino Osteria

Italian chef Alessandro Pavoni will take over the old One Penny Red site in Summer Hill opening Postino Osteria. The hospitality legends behind Sydney’sacclaimed Ormeggio at The Spit andA’mare promise to deliver a classic Italian neighbourhood experience, led by chef Alessandro Pavoni and his team. Set to open in mid-2024 and housed in a heritage-listed post office, Postino takes it’s name from the Italian for postman and a play on the word “posto”, which translates to place, or in this case a “tiny place”. Backed by Pavoni and his business partner Bill Drakopoulos, the casual restaurant and bar will serve a menu of snacks and specials, as well as traditional Italian recipes, offering a more affordable offering than Pavoni’s other venues. Pavoni and his wife Anna are regarded as one of Australia’s leading hospitality power couples, with Anna managing back-of-house operations while Pavoni runs the kitchen. In 2021, the couple opened A’mare at Crown Sydney, earning widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Best New Restaurant at the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards. Ormeggio at The Spit has long been regarded as one of Sydney’s leading Italian fine-diners, after first opening in 2009. In 2020, it underwent a major refurbishment and moved to a seafood-only menu, including a slow-cooked seafood Bolognese ragú.

Postino Osteria is set to open in Summer Hill, Sydney in mid-2024

Bessie’s Restaurant and Bar Alma

Bar Copains’ Nathan Sasi and Morgan McGlone are picking up another spot in Surry Hills, with the duo set to debut a two-pronged new venue later this year. Taking over the suitably relevant former Chefs’ Warehouse building, the pair will transform it into a bar and restaurant, dubbed Alma’s and Bessie’s respectively. The double-hitter venue isn’t anticipated to open until the end of 2024, but Sasi and McGlone have already recruited a head chef, with globetrotting chef Remy Davis taking up the role following stints in San Sebastián and London. A wider Mediterranean brief is set to underpin menu, while no-frills, classic cocktails will be served at the bar. The men have both taken inspiration from their grandmothers for the venue’s names, joining the ranks of Margaret, Bar Louise, Mimi, Ursula’s and the nearby Jane.

From the team behind beloved Surry Hills boltholes Arthur and Jane comes a new neighbourhood spot located in a different suburb, in Gymea. It’s not only the location that sets the team’s third restaurant apart, with Fior eschewing its sibling venues’ monikers and adopting a suitably Italian title.

Fior will deliver an “Australian riff on Italian cuisine” in the Sutherland Shire, integrating Arthur and Jane’s commitment to local ingredients and suppliers across its rustic Italian menu. Chef and co-owner Tristan Rosier and head chef Will Lawson will present an ever-changing menu of fairly priced, share-style dishes that are hyper-seasonal and predominantly use Australian ingredients (except for what is “simply better from Italy” as Rosier puts it, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and anchovies).

“The menu will be full of the things that people love eating, and we want people to have fun, feel at home, and be on a first-name basis with our staff,” said Rosier in a statement.

When Fior opens in late April, it will have all the markings of a successful neighbourhood Italian joint: antipasti plates and freshly made pasta; a large open kitchen showcasing oyster shucking and charcuterie slicing; and “The Shire’s best aperitivo hour”. For the TikTok crowd, there’ll be a roaming gelato trolley peddling house-made gelato and sorbetto served tableside.

Fior is set to open at the end of April at Shop 2, 752-756 Kingsway, Gymea NSW. fiorrestaurant.com.au

Sydney Common

Hotel dining within the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park has gotten a glow up, with chef Martin Benn conceptually overseeing Sydney Common, working with chef Jamie Robertson. Wood-fired grills get a workout, and given Robertson’s experience in the kitchen at Ester, delicate yet bold charred flavours will be a focus. Seafood fans will strike a chord with the likes of grilled Yamba king prawns; whole roasted flounder; or John Dory with pil-pil (a Basque-style salted cod sauce) inspired butter. Carnivores can get around wagyu scotch steaks; or 800-gram dry-aged grass-fed rib-eye, served with a smoked fat vinaigrette and anchovy butter. Then a calling card of excellent local producers – Baker Bleu bread, LP’s Quality Meats charcuterie, CopperTree Farm butter and Aquna Murray cod – further bolsters the menu; while a 260-bin wine list and bone-chillingly cold Martinis lure in guests to peruse the shorter bar menu.

sydneycommon.com.au

The maestros behind Italian-Japanese fine-diner LuMi and Surry Hills’ Lode Pies have added another style of baking to their résumé, opening

a wood-fired pizzeria in Manly. Avoja is slinging Neapolitan-style pizze, with northern beaches local Federico Zanellato leading the charge, joined by Matteo Ernandes, who was previously head pizza chef at Bondi’s Da Orazio and Matteo Double Bay. Expect blistered-crust pizze topped with Emilio’s Butcher sausages, sliced potato, smoked provolone and rosemary; or puréed broccoli with umami anchovies, chilli and burrata. There are also snacks of fritto misto (fried calamari, school prawns, whitebait and zucchini); Fremantle octopus with chickpeas; and old-school meatballs; plus a devoted children’s menu; and a wine list

that trots around Italy.

avoja.com.au

Bella Brutta Takeaway

In more pizza news, Newtown’s Bella Bruta has opened a dedicated takeaway outpost around the corner from its main location. Delivering the staples that have firmed up the King Street pizzeria as one of the best in the country, you can expect smoked mortadella with slices of firm green olives; cavolo nero with parmesan, fior di latte, chilli and garlic; and of course classic Margheritas. You can also grab a selection of LP’s Quality Meats including saucisson, pepperoni and salami to assemble a DIY charcuterie platter.

bellabrutta.com.au

Sydney’s omakase adoration continues with the newly opened Matkim, an eight-seat Korean omakase in Circular Quay’s Sydney Place precinct. The restaurant’s name comes from the Korean “mat-kim” meaning entrust, and “cha-rim” meaning chef’s table; inviting guests to hand their expectations to executive chef Jacob Lee’s vision. Lee’s menu pulls inspiration from his roots in South Korea’s Jeolla region, as well as his grandmother’s teachings. The open kitchen allows guests a front-row seat as the chefs meticulously cook and serve dishes such as WA marron with crab doenjang (soybean) foam.

matkim.com.au

Casa Esquina

Balmain is lighting up with a new fire cooking-focused restaurant, Casa Esquina, that has taken over the former Efendy site. Argentine flavours are the focus, with smoke and char imbuing much of the menu. The kitchen is powered by an open-flame parrilla grill where there likes of tira de Asado (slow-cooked shortribs), 1kg black Angus t-bones, 60-day aged rib-eye, Gundagai lamb tomahawks, blackened mahi mahi and whole roasted baby pumpkin. Outdoors you’ll find a barbecue spit that you’ll smell well before you see it, serving up Argentine street food for Balmain locals to takeaway in the week. Then on Sundays, slow cooks of whole beasts including lamb and suckling pig are the carnivourous centrepiece. Alfresco dining is also a drawcard, with a courtyard punctuated by two 80-year-old camphor laurel trees and newly planted cacti, while interiors are inspired by the tones of the Andes in Patagonia and a touch of the Australian outback with earthy shades of rust, sage and white. Casa Esquina is the third venue from the team behind Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird and the CBD laneway-dwelling Esteban.

casaesquina.au

The Dry Dock

Balmain is proud to welcome back The Dry Dock, following a full-scale renovation, making a solid argument for the waterside suburb to reclaim its Sydney pub capital title. Formally known as The Dry Dock Public House & Dining Room, the 330-capacity venue hits a variety of moods. These start with the classic (dog-friendly) public bar and extending to the lounge bar with wood-burning fireplace and, of course, the dining room. Here, Euro fare and a devoted oyster bar reimagine pub schtick for the 2024 diner. From a Josper charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, order a Barnsley lamb chop with salsa verde; or rare-breed crumbed pork cutlet with charred lemon and beurre noisette. Classic pub standards also get a run with a cheeseburger and steak frites on the menu; while more gussied-up starters – including duck liver parfait, salted cod croquettes, and steak tartare – will have afternoon beer garden snacks covered. Local and craft breweries dominate the beer taps while sommelier Christiane Poulos (formerly of Rockpool and Bennelong ) devised the wine list to go further afield, showcasing international and local drops alike.

thedrydock.com.au

Nearby in Rozelle, Chez Blue brings French finesse and an ex-Bistro Moncur chef to the table. The 90-seat bistro and cocktail bar comes from Solotel (Aria, Chiswick and North Bondi Fish) with head chef Mark Williamson taking cues from Parisian brasseries. Expect a mash-up of tuna tartare and tuna Niçoise, served with a potato galette, egg and green beans; croque monsieur with a rich Comté sauce; a chicken roulade made with tender thigh meat and a mushroom duxelle; and a hefty rib-eye served with béarnaise sauce. Chic desserts are served from a tableside trolley including a Paris-Brest and opera cake; while a French-led wine list is joined by a cocktail list that includes a croissant-washed gin Martini.

chezblue.com.au

Soul Dining

In Wynyard, Soul Dining has relocated from Surry Hills. The modern Korean diner may have a new location but its signature bites remain, including tuna carpaccio with a gochujang-tomato sauce, caperberries, crisp Jerusalem artichoke chips and dots of wasabi aïoli; moreish squares of rice wine-fermented rice bread; and kingfish in a white kimchi water.

souldining.com.au

A new restaurant from Apollo Group

A new restaurant is set to open on a bustling strip of Potts Point later in 2024. It comes from the team behind neighbouring restaurants The Apollo and Cho Cho San, with The Apollo Group also behind restaurants Yoko and Greca in Brisbane and The Apollo in Tokyo, Japan. After the group’s expansion interstate and overseas, it is coming back to its original stomping ground with the new, yet unnamed, venue which is set to take over the former Bourke Street Bakery site, directly opposite the group’s namesake and first-ever venture, The Apollo, on Macleay Street.

Details are minimal at this stage, but we do know that the new restaurant is set to feature an all-day European menu. In a move away from the group’s largely Japanese and Greek offerings, the no-name venue will serve pizza alongside other Euro plates. Paddington-based interior architect George Livissianis is looking after the design, continuing his long-standing affiliation with The Apollo Group.

More to come.

In the CBD, Morrison’s has undergone a glow up. While the signature oysters will remain, the venue hopes to become even better known for its hand-selected in-house aged beef. Group culinary director David Clarkeoversees the ageing program where premium cuts are aged for six to 12 weeks. Slick new interiors include plush green leather seating, textured ecru walls and elegant wooden finishes. A signature oyster cabinet brings an added theatrical flourish as chefs shuck Moonlight Flat, East 33, Appellation, and Coffin Bay Pacific Oysters to order.

morrisons.sydney

And on the north shore, Cammeray has welcomed Folly’s, taking over the former Epoque Belgian Beer Cafe site on Miller Street to transform it into a neighbourhood bar and bistro. Antonio “Ace” Espiritu (ex-Icebergs Dining Room and Bar) will focus on interweaving Australian spirits into the menu, with Gospel Whiskey in the skirt steak’s rich peppercorn sauce; Four Pillars’ fresh yuzu gin atop oysters; and raw Southern Highlands vodka in rigatoni alla vodka. This will be joined by an extensive chilled red wine list, solid Australian spirit offering and cocktails.

follys.com.au

For more of the latest restaurant news, pick up the latest Gourmet Traveller magazine or subscribe here .

The post The best new restaurants and bars in Sydney appeared first on Gourmet Traveller .

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

7 Gourmet Experiences to Have in Sydney Australia

Sydney is one of the best cities in Australia in which to indulge in gourmet experiences. With its dynamic and ever-growing restaurant scene that boasts diverse, global, and award-winning food, you won’t be without options for amazing food in Sydney.

Are you ready to eat, because we’re ready to share with you 7 fantastic spots for a gourmet experience in Sydney. If you’re a foodie and want to indulge in all the gourmet dining you can while in Sydney , these ideas below will take you out for breakfast, lunch, dinner in some of the top spots in Sydney.

>> You may be interested in 7 Wineries to Visit in the Yarra Valley .

If you do plan to visit one of these amazing restaurants during your stay in Sydney, we highly recommend making reservations far in advance, even up to a month before your trip, to ensure you can get a spot and won’t be disappointed.

» Planning a trip to Sydney? Take a look at our Sydney travel guide . You’ll also want to read about Sydney’s most scenic spots and its gorgeous rooftop bars .

Table of Contents

Grounds of Alexandria

Start your eating adventure at one of Sydney’s most Instagrammed cafes, located in an inner-city suburb south of the CBD. The Grounds of Alexandria occupies the grounds of a former industrial precinct in Alexandria offers a country escape in the middle of an urban setting, complete with a sustainable garden, coffee roastery, artisan bakery and even a small animal farm.

It’s a place popular with all sorts of crowds, from families who enjoy their stay letting the kids roam outside and look at animals, to hipsters and locals who adore its one-stop-shop for breakfast and cocktails and craft beer bar, to many international visitors attracted by its strong social media presentation.

For an enjoyable early start, you’ll be rewarded with seasonal dishes prepared with house-grown vegetables, fruit and herbs. The café’s breakfast essentials are avocado on toast, buttermilk pancakes, a burger on a brioche bun and a healthy bowl of organic black rice and kale.

You can complement your meal with a choice of house-roasted blends of coffee at the bar, or if you prefer to lounge in the garden, you’ll be served with smoothies , retro craft sodas, wine or beer.

Location: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015

Indulge in Brunch at Saint Peter

Located on Paddington’s Oxford Street, the simple elegance of Saint Peter confirms the claim that less is more. Its intimate and sophisticated space allows for food, specifically fish, to be the real star.

Famous for its sustainably sourced, Australian seafood dishes, this place requires a reservation as all the local and international foodies flock there for a unique weekend brunch experience.

Its creative brunch menu changes daily and revolves around whatever is available at the given moment, so you’ll be able to sample oysters, smoked eel, barbecued octopus, as well as a regular offer of mackerel, trout, prawns and spanner crab.

Wash it all down with all-Australian wines, or if you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, go for the teas from the Berry tea Shop or coffee from Sydney’s Artificer roaster.

Location: 362 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia

Have a Fantastic Lunch at Arte Bianca

If there’s one dish that any cosmopolitan city must offer, it is certainly the mighty pizza and that’s exactly what you can have for lunch at Arte Bianca . This Sicilian-inspired pasta and pizzeria place does it so well, it could be named one of Sydney’s best.

As simple as it may sound, producing a perfect pizza is not that easy. Many get lost trying to strike the balance between a doughy, thick-based version and the thin, traditional style that focuses more on flavour. This is exactly where Arte Bianca’s owners excel, combining 40 years of experience, Sicilian heritage and the joined forces of its skilled chefs.

In addition to heavenly pizzas, you can also order prosciutto, seafood and mushroom risotto, and complement it house-made limoncello and a creamy tiramisu.

Address: 51 Bay Street Double Bay See Trip Advisor Reviews

Quay Restaurant

A dinner at Quay Restaurant should be on the top of your list of gourmet experiences to have in Sydney. It’s definitely a special occasion kind of place, with a view to match. Quay is a world-class culinary experience, so be prepared to be wowed.

Splurge and order the 6- or 8-course degustation menus with matching sommelier wine pairings. It’ll run you about $400, but it’s worth it. You’ll also get to try the world-famous White Coral dessert.

This restaurant consistently gets 3 chefs hats in the Good Food Guide and regularly appears in lists of the worlds best restaurants. Chef Peter Gilmore continues to demonstrate he is a master of creating exceptional dishes. Plus, the view takes your breath away.

It’s imperative that you make a reservation far in advance.

Address: Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks Website

Bennelong Restaurant

Located inside the Sydney Opera House, this restaurant is the place to go for a fine dining experience that you can’t have any where else in the world. The venue is just stunning, with its high wooden ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor and bridge.

If you’ve already been to Quay Restaurant, I would say you could skip Bennelong, as they have the same head chef, Peter Gilmore. But if you can’t get in there, come here.

Bennelong has a three-course à la carte menu (~$170) in all three dining levels of Bennelong from Wednesday dinner to Sunday lunch, that showcases the flavor, diversity and quality of Australian produce, in one of Australia’s most iconic buildings.

Address: Bennelong Point Sydney Opera House Website

For a more low-key dining experience, away from the touristy waterfront, Ester is a fantastic choice. It’s located in an unassuming location in Chippendale, far from tourist central, so even if you are a tourist, you can feel like a local for an evening.

The service is exceptional. The food is phenomenal. The wine list is interesting. What more can you ask for. You have to try the fermented potato bread with kefir cream and dashi jelly, the blood sausage sanga, and the moreton bay bug. They have a very good set menu too that makes a really great dinner.

They’re open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 46 -52 Meagher St Chippendale Website

This isn’t the place you go for a casual, reasonably priced dinner. It’s a haven for creative and unique dishes, with an interesting wine list, and a price that’ll scare you away, unless you understand that it’s a special occasion restaurant, and one of only a few that are awarded the prestigious 3 hats in the Good Food Guide.

They collaborate with small-scale farmers, fisherman and producers to create an 11-course degustation menu that is influenced by the season, at $195 per person. Despite its high cost, it is worth it for the gourmet food experience that it is.

Prepare yourself for the sea bass with sour beer and lemon Myrtle and the housemade mead vinegar custard with raspberries and strawberry consommé.

Address: 83 Percival Rd, Stanmore Website

READ NEXT: 11 Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney with Spectacular Views

Wherever your food adventure takes you, Sydney restaurant scene will not disappoint your expectations. Have you tried any of these great Sydney food experiences? We’d like to hear about it. Leave us a comment.

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

• Fast Recipes
• Snacks and sides
• Chefs’ Recipes
• Recipe Collections
• Restaurant Reviews
• Restaurant Guide
• Restaurant Awards
• Destinations
• Accommodation
• Travel News
• Home & Style
• Gift Guides
• Drinks News
• Drinks Recipes
• Competition
• Homes To Love
• Home Beautiful
• Better Homes and Gardens
• Hard to Find
• Your Home and Garden
• Shop Your Home & Garden
• Now to Love
• Now to Love NZ
• That's Life
• Women's Weekly
• Women's Weekly Food
• NZ Woman's Weekly Food
• Gourmet Traveller
• Bounty Parents
• marie claire
• Beauty Heaven
• Beauty Crew

Five must-visit Michelin-star restaurants in Italy, according to top chef Peter Gilmore

It takes one to know one, which is why when Peter Gilmore tells you a restaurant is good, you can trust it will be exceptional. The executive chef behind two of Australia’s most iconic restaurants — Quay and Bennelong — knows exactly what it takes to stand out from the crowd and continually delight diners. So following a recent trip to Italy, where he mentored the Oceania regional finalist Robin Wagner in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition, we simply had to know: which Michelin-star restaurants in Italy are on his fine-dining hitlist? But before we reveal his top five Italian Michelin-star restaurants, an important word of advice from the master: pace yourself.

“The reality is you’re always going to have limited time when you’re travelling,” says Gilmore. “But don’t ever try to do two in the same day… If you can have a few days between these really special experiences, it’s best. And then just eat really simple food in between. Eat local and humble.”

While the temptation to cram in as many Michelin-star restaurant bookings as possible can be overwhelming, Gilmore says it can actually dull the experience. “I would rather pick three or four of the very best restaurants than go to 10 of the nearly best restaurants. Choose the ones that really interest you from your research and maybe stick to four in a two-week period. Don’t try to fit too many in.”

“A lot of these restaurants are a bit of a journey. You have to drive or catch trains. They are destination restaurants, and you’ve really got to put a bit of effort into getting to them,” says Gilmore.

But, he promises, that effort will be worthwhile. “You will really feel that reward from your pilgrimage.”

Osteria Francescana

Chef: Massimo Bottura Location: Moderna Michelin Stars: ★★★

“In my opinion, Massimo really started the modern Italian food movement and he is still the master of innovative cuisine. All of his dishes have an emotional story attached to them. Whether it be about the environment, or an experience, or a memory. He’s a very passionate individual and it comes across in the food. It varies from serious to whimsical but there is always an emotional intent in his dishes – and a beautiful balance of flavours.”

Chef: Riccardo Camanini Location: Lake Garda Michelin stars: ★

“Riccardo is such a lovely man, he runs the restaurant with his brother and it is very much a family restaurant – at a super high level. I had the most beautiful lunch there and it’s really the type of restaurant you want to go to during the day so you can appreciate the view. It’s right on the lake – it used to be a boat house. The restaurant inside is quite simple and humble but the setting is exquisite. His food is so delicious and creative. He has a real focus on pasta – his most famous dish is a pasta cooked in a pig’s bladder so the pasta never actually goes into water. You just feel so special being there.”

Piazza Duomo

Chef: Enrico Crippa Location: Alba Michelin stars: ★★★

“Piazza Duomo is in the main square of Alba. It’s just a couple of small rooms painted pink with a kitchen out the back so it’s all about what’s being served on the plate and what you’re drinking. Enrico is probably the chef closest to my philosophy of cooking. He’s really into his vegetable garden and grows the most beautiful vegetables. Alba is famous for Barolo and white truffles but he’s just got a way with vegetables – he’s so delicate with them and incorporates vegetables into all of his dishes. He’s very creative, using lots of extractions and juices and reductions. The flavours are incredibly well balanced but intense and show off his craft in cooking.”

Ristorante Reale

Chef: Niko Romito Location: Castel di Sangro Michelin stars: ★★★

“This is in the Abruzzo region of Italy so it’s a fair drive to get there. From Rome, it’s about four hours. It’s quite a hike but if you can stay there – there are rooms – they do the most amazing breakfast. It has the most impressive dining room, set inside a 16th-century monastery. It was falling down and they rebuilt it to become the restaurant. There are no more than 10 tables – maximum 30 people – and the luxury of space is incredible. Niko, the chef, is obsessed with vegetables. You can choose from a totally vegetable-focused menu or you can have a mix. He’s very singular in his obsession with trying to extract as much flavour from a single vegetable as possible and present it in different textures and cooked in different ways.”

Le Calandre

Chef: Max Alajmo Location: Padua Michelin stars: ★★★

“Le Calandre is in Padua, which is more of a regional town. The family started their restaurant years ago and now Max has taken it over. He’s a really creative chef and always pushing the boundaries. He makes the most extraordinary risotto. He’s similar to Massimo Bottura in terms of being very creative and consistent. The family has a pretty big empire now with restaurants all over Italy. But they still focus on the namesake restaurant and are often there.”

Related content

Emilia-Romagna: A gonzo guide to Italy’s gastronomic epicentre

There’s no place like Rome: A guide to the Italian capital

A guide to the must-visit wine bars of Italy, region by region

How to travel solo in Florence, Italy

Joanna is an award-winning travel writer and lifestyle journalist, with more than 20 years of experience across print, digital and broadcast media. The daughter of a pilot (Dad) and a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and food technology teacher (Mum), she was born to be a gourmet traveller. In 2019, she made it official, becoming the editor of Gourmet Traveller and leading the team as they repositioned the title as a luxury lifestyle brand. Before moving to Sydney, Joanna led the entertainment and lifestyle vertical at New Zealand's largest media organisation NZME, which publishes the New Zealand Herald newspaper. She is also an experienced broadcast journalist, spending five years at Television New Zealand, where she covered everything from red carpet live crosses to murder trials. Her career highlight remains interviewing Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders, who were dismayed to learn their Ab Fab characters had inspired most of her life choices. As Saunders exclaimed: “They’re not supposed to be role models!”

Related stories

Three ways to have a luxurious all-American road trip

Eight best Phuket resorts for a blissful island escape

Native ad body.

Best travel deals and exclusive holiday sales to know about this month

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

The best new restaurants in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List's restaurant winners for 2024.

Chishuru, London, UK

Nigerian-born Adejoké “Joké” Bakare made history this year when she became the first Black woman in the UK to win a Michelin star . Her restaurant, Chishuru, only opened in its current stage in 2023 – moving from the buzzy South London neighbourhood where Bakare started out after winning a local competition in 2019 to a new, bigger spot. This new iteration of the restaurant is set-menu-only (£95 per person at supper; £50 per person at lunch). That menu takes diners on a whip-smart journey through modern West African cuisine and might include pepper soup with cured mackerel or mutton cutlet with a coffee and yaji dressing. Make a reservation now, and don’t look back. Sarah James

Address: Chishuru, 3 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8AX Website: chishuru.com

Kiln, San Francisco, USA

You can’t put Kiln in a box. The food you’ll sample throughout the two-and-a-half-hour, 18- to 20-course tasting menu is a truly global affair: a little bit Scandinavian meets Japanese meets Californian with a touch of French finesse, courtesy of the tableside pours of luscious buttery sauce on your dry-aged mackerel. There’s no meal quite like those at Kiln because there’s no chef quite like John Wesley. Yes, it’s very much a fine-dining restaurant with white tablecloths and Michelin-starred ambitions, and yet loud hip-hop blares through the speakers while tattoo-armed cooks walk each course to your table. Come as you are, and get ready for a ride. Omar Mamoon

Address: Kiln, 149 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States Website: kilnsf.com

Andreu Genestra, Mallorca, Spain

In April 2011, Andreu Genestra opened his first sustainable restaurant in Capdepera, a remote corner of his beloved Mallorca . More than a decade later (and with a few Michelin stars under his belt), the chef has unveiled the second iteration of Restaurante Andreu Genestra in the luxe Zoëtry Mallorca hotel, located in the larger municipality of Llucmajor. The ingredients for the “Mediterranean” concept are the definition of local, sourced from the on-site biodynamic vegetable garden, vineyards, beehives, and sea of olive trees, as well as local Mallorcan farmers and growers. David Moralejo

Address: Restaurante Andreu Genestra, Camí de Sa Torre, 8, 7, 07609 Llucmajor, Illes Balears, Spain Website: andreugenestra.com

Datil, Paris, France

Take the sought-after roving chef Manon Fleury, a predominantly woman-led team, a plant-focused culinary ethos, and an earthy and bright interior, and you have Datil – the talented young chef’s first restaurant, located in the north Marais. Fleury has always given locally sourced produce the starring role in her cooking, treating meat and fish as condiments. But here, dishes are more than just the sum of their sustainable parts; they come out of the semi-open kitchen-like artistic compositions meant for reflection. The menu shifts seasonally, but standouts have included rutabaga and pink radishes layered with garlic cream, almond, harissa, and thinly sliced scallops, as well as a celery and mushroom consommé-congee mashup sprinkled with a few comestible flowers. Lindsey Tramuta

Address: Datil, 13 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris, France Website: datil-restaurant.fr

Canalha, Lisbon, Portugal

After departing from a Michelin-starred restaurant Feitoria, and partnering with food group Paradigma, chef João Rodrigues returned to Lisbon to establish a casual restaurant that honors his hometown’s heritage. Canalha is a quintessential “neighbourhood restaurant” – increasingly rare in a city gentrified by overtourism. Everything here exudes a sense of nostalgia: the yellow tram gliding past on the street, the extensive counter for meal service, the sturdy dark wooden tables adorned with marble tops, and a menu brimming with culinary delights, such as line-caught squid with sheep butter sauce, open-face omelettes prawns and onions, and traditional Portuguese bitoque (steak crowned with a fried egg and signature pan sauce). But Canalha is also a haven for exceptional local produce and charcuterie. An imposing green charcoal oven nestled in the kitchen serves as a shrine where Rodrigues and his team grill to perfection fresh red scarlet prawns, clams, and fish sourced from Portugal’s bountiful coast. Rafael Tonon

Address: Canalha, R. da Junqueira 207, 1300-338 Lisboa, Portugal Website: instagram.com

Maizajo, Mexico City, Mexico

Maizajo’s conception began eight years ago when chef Santiago Muñoz began focusing on the recovery of maíz criollo, which for years had been losing the battle against the industrialisation of tortillas. After opening a tortillería in Mexico City ’s Roma neighbourhood, he moved to Condesa to open this three-in-one restaurant. Downstairs, fresh tortillas are sold daily, made with 100 per cent nixtamalised corn, either by hand or with special equipment, and always highlighting different regional varieties. Upstairs, a completely Mexican menu features street food with a boost, including wedding tamal and glazed tongue with salsa verde, and longaniza (pork sausage) tacos paired with either fried shrimp or rib eye. Paula Móvil

Address: Maizajo, Fernando Montes de Oca 113, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Website: maizajo.com

Le Pristine, Tokyo, Japan

A vast open black doorframe hinting at the gates of a Shinto shrine marks the threshold of Le Pristine Tokyo, Michelin-sprinkled Dutch chef Sergio Herman’s first foray into Asia. The restaurant is located in Hotel Toranomon Hills, whose softly minimalist Nordic-meets-Japanese interiors by Space Copenhagen hide behind a new twisted-façade skyscraper. The street-level venue is home to both a café and restaurant, the latter of which offers an escapist gourmet journey through modern European cuisine with a fresh Japanese twist. Dishes include marinated mussels, dashi, yuzu, and verbena; hamachi (a type of yellowtail), hairy crab, pistachio, mikan (Japanese mandarin), and black radish; and Sergio’s signature seafood orecchiette. Food is not the only winning ingredient, however: Diners also soak in the intimacy of the elegant lines and crafted textures of the plant-scattered decor, with the mushroom-like Como SC53 Portable Table by Space for &Tradition tabletop lamps, Rotgazen wall-clinging melted disco balls, and Fredericia Furniture chairs playing into the theatre of the central open-plan kitchen. Danielle Demetriou

Laura Fowler

Charlie Hobbs

Olivia Morelli

Connor Sturges

Address: Le Pristine Restaurant Tokyo, 2 Chome-6-4 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan Website: lepristinetokyo.com

Trescha, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tomás Treschanski took a gamble when he opened Trescha in March 2023, with just one other fine-dining restaurant in Buenos Aires for company. But now that he has a Michelin star under his belt – and the bonus track of the Young Chef prize – it was a risk worth taking. After honing his culinary skills at 108 (Copenhagen), Frantzén (Stockholm), and Azurmendi (just outside of Bilbao), 25-year-old young gun Treschanski was sufficiently versed to create an experimental 14-course tasting menu on returning home to Argentina . Cooking up architecturally captivating dishes, he breathes new life into world flavours: Think chawanmushi with aged bacon dashi and uni with its garum, paired with a 1999 Gewürztraminer – one of 740 gems from the chef’s treasured cellar. With just 10 seats up for grabs at the curved kitchen counter, Trescha has fast become the reservation to bag in Buenos Aires. Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Address: Trescha Restaurant, Murillo 725, C1414 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina Website: trescharestaurant.com

Naar, Darwa, India

Chef Prateek Sadhu’s ambitions as a culinary innovator are defined by two words: faeter (Kashmiri for “crazy”) and naar (“fire”). It’s fitting, then, that one of India’s most celebrated chefs announced his return with the aptly named Naar restaurant. Nestled amid the pine forests of Himachal Pradesh, this first-of-its-kind destination dining experience is a culinary progression across the Himalayas , from the north to the east of India. The 16-seater restaurant has six menus throughout the year that follow the distinct seasons in the mountains, courtesy of dishes that transform traditional hill food into extraordinary surprises – think trout sandwiches with locally caught fish that is cured, dried, and treated at the in-house lab; a chinar leaf-shaped buckwheat biscuit that pays homage to Sadhu’s favourite tree in Kashmir; a miniature bowl of Ladakhi buckwheat pasta (or chutagi ) with tripe; lamb neck smoked with juniper leaves; and a smoked version of a Himachali steamed bread called aiklu. Naar is a labour of love and a showcase of the hills – its ingredients, its people and their culture, and a chef’s long journey back home. Diya Kohli

Website: restaurantnaar.com

The Guild, Dubai, UAE

Few restaurant openings this past year have been as highly anticipated as The Guild, prolific Dubai restaurateur Tom Arnel’s first foray into fine dining. Fronted by heavy grey velvet curtains and a small jungle of more than 300 plants, The Guild is one restaurant, but many things at once: Inside, there’s a patisserie, brasserie, Champagne bar, seafood restaurant, wood-fire kitchen, cocktail bar, and chocolatier. The laid-back nursery space is perfect for a cosy date night (tip: Order the Brie de Meaux truffle sandwich), while the more upscale Rockpool is where you’ll find the bulk of The Guild’s seafood. The latter features a live shucking bar, the day’s catch displayed on ice, and glass-fronted aquariums stacked to the ceiling filled with live king crabs and crayfish. Over at the Salon (which Arnel describes as his favourite spot), white-clothed tables sit underneath grand crystal chandeliers and overlook two open kitchens. Here, the starter of crispy prawns – slathered in surprisingly light batter and served with red chimichurri dip and lime salt – is incredibly tasty, while the Wagyu beef tartare, with shallots and chopped cornichons, is the right mix of rich and tangy. The Guild will soon add a piano bar and cigar lounge to its lineup, designed for those who want to keep the night going – which we envision they will. The Guild is a truly enchanting space, one that you’ll no doubt want to return to time and time again. Sophie Prideaux

Address: The Guild, Icd Brookfield Place - Trade Centre - DIFC - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Website: theguilddubai.com

Osa, Madrid, Spain

Osa may be located on the outskirts of Madrid ’s centre, but it’s close enough to justify at least one visit from the city to enjoy chefs Sara Peral and Jorge Muñoz’s creations: Think homemade cured meats, wild pig’s head with rooster and porchetta, cod pil pil, and smoked eel with roe over rye bread and butter. Theirs is a one-of-a-kind experience inside a renovated two-story house, with an open terrace and a dining room built to welcome 20 lucky diners. In every bite, expect the omnipotent presence of French technique with the aesthetic of Japanese minimalism. Paula Móvil

Address: Osa, C. de la Ribera del Manzanares, 123, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain Website: osarestaurante.com

Fish Shop, Ballater, Scotland

Despite its name, Fish Shop is not a classic British chippy but a smart, sustainability-focused seafood restaurant with its very own fishmonger. The double-use venue is the sister property of Scotland’s slickest hotel , the Fife Arms, which is located just 25 minutes away. Russell Sage Studio (who also designed the Fife Arms interiors) chose tasteful nautical accents to complement the food. The menu is local and seasonal but might include Cape Wrath oysters in Champagne tempura or Shetland mussels with East Coast cured nduja. Whatever you order, accompany it with a round of Negronis (local gin and vermouth with Campari, pimped up with samphire), followed by glasses of Riesling or Picpoul. Sarah James

Address: Fish Shop, 3 Netherley Place, Ballater AB35 5QE Website: fishshopballater.co.uk

Koan, Copenhagen, Denmark

At windswept Langelinieskuret, Kristian Baumann (formerly of Noma and 108) has transformed a former harbour warehouse into a must-visit on Copenhagen ’s strong fine-dining scene. Born and adopted in South Korea and raised in Denmark, Baumann reconnects with his roots at Koan, seamlessly bridging a Nordic culinary upbringing with Korean impressions like kimchi, kkwabaegi (Korean doughnuts), and carefully selected ceramics. Koan’s high-ceilinged dining room with an open kitchen and sleek, light wooden designer interiors beautifully mirrors Baumann’s minimalist and meticulous dishes. A standout is Norwegian langoustine with lardo, green strawberries, and chilli, served with a sesame sauce flavoured with Korean rice wine. Aside from standard and “prestige” wine pairings (the latter showcasing rare labels), Koan offers a pairing of Korean sool (fermented rice wine) produced in Copenhagen by startup Yunguna Brewery. Only 70 days after opening last year, the restaurant received two Michelin stars directly – a testament to the ambitions here. Lars Roest-Madsen

Address: Koan, Langeliniekaj 5, 2100 København, Denmark Website: koancph.dk

Soul Kitchen, Dubai, UAE

Following years of turmoil in their native Lebanon, Beirut creative collective Factory People transplanted their thoughtfully curated restaurant, listening room, and communal hub Soul Kitchen to Dubai’s Business Bay. The food – Levantine/Latin hybrid that celebrates waves of Arab migration to Central and South America – is, indeed, soulful: Think ceviche tabbouleh, hummus chimichurri, shawarma empanadas, and Wagyu kafta in pillowy arepas paired with Araki bellinis and sumac-laced peach margaritas. But musically minded locals have also forged a community around Monday jazz sessions, Latin Sundays, iftar supper clubs, and party brunches with global musicians and DJs taking the stage. The lush, plant-filled space also doubles as an arts venue: Rumi Dalle’s Feathers of a Migration is suspended from the ceiling, and walls are adorned with textiles curated by carpet house Iwan Maktabi. Sarah Kahn

Address: Soul Kitchen Dubai, Soul Kitchen Dubai - Marasi Dr - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Website: soulkitchendxb.com

Ilis, New York City, USA

The large nondescript door at 150 Green Street in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint prepares you little for what’s to follow. Behind it lies a sprawling space with wood-beamed ceilings and low-slung white furniture that has shed all vestiges of its former life as a factory warehouse. This is Ilis, Noma co-founder Mads Refslund’s ambitious New York dining debut alongside Will Douillet, formerly of Chicago’s Alinea. The name is a portmanteau of Il and Is , or “fire” and “ice” in Danish, which illustrates how you choose your dishes to be served: fired up or chilled. An industrial open kitchen – with four stations, two each dedicated to “fire” and “ice” – anchors the space, and diners watch on as a flurry of chefs works in near-reverential silence. Those same chefs later double up as servers; here, there’s no traditional distinction between front and back of house – just “one house,” as Refslund likes to say. On the menu, expect ingredient-forward dishes like raw tuna with nasturtium and salted plum and brown trout, cooked in its own roe butter and served with charred cabbage. A dining highlight here is the roving trolley that’s laden with chilled appetisers and a surprising amuse-bouche – a peppery tomato clam broth served in a large, slightly ridiculous clamshell fashioned into a flask. As you tip its contents down your throat, the act feels both primal and playful – it’s a decidedly Noma touch, right in Brooklyn. Arati Menon

Address: Ilis, 150 Green Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States Website: ilisnyc.com

Papa's, Mumbai, India

​​Eleven Madison Park alum Hussain Shahzad’s eclectic skills are on full display at this fine-dining concept, a 12-seat countertop that overlooks an open kitchen in the space above Veronica’s, a bustling sandwich shop. The vibe is a delightful hodgepodge: Delicate glass lamps share space with a chamber for dry-aging duck, and the chef’s playlist of ABBA and Prince pairs nicely with the easygoing service. The modern Indian menu makes clever use of the nation’s many home-grown ingredients: Clarified Bloody Mary cocktails arrive alongside petite pizza boxes of Monaco biscuits (India’s Ritz cracker) topped with Belper Knolle cheese; hibachi-grilled rabbit is served in a red-ant marinade; and a soup of sun-dried yak cheese is amped up by habanero chiles. The name Papa’s is a nod to Shahzad’s late mentor, chef Floyd Cardoz – whom he does proud. Julian Manning

Address: Papa's, 3R3G+JMX Veronica's, Waroda Road, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India Website: papasbombay.com

Locavore NXT, Bali, Indonesia

After closing Locavore, a hot-ticket and hyperlocal eatery in Bali’s Ubud late last year, Dutch Indonesian chef duo Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah moved on to open the concept’s aptly named next iteration. Pitched up in the rice fields just outside Ubud, concrete-clad Locavore NXT takes the chefs’ wildly ambitious methods to a new extreme with 20(ish)-course-tasting menus that draw on ingredients grown in the rooftop food forest, subterranean mushroom vault, and koji fermentation lab – and ones sourced from surrounding farmers, fishermen, and foragers. Seasonal menus could include imaginative creations such as honi pineapple with lardo and flower-flecked pudding from rice koji with bee pollen. For a full immersion in Locavore NXT’s closed-loop ethos, guests can overnight in one of the restaurant’s adjoining cabins and participate in a chef-guided tour and staff breakfast the next day. Chris Schalkx

Address: Locavore NXT, Jl. A.A. Gede Rai Gang Pura Panti Bija, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia Website: locavorenxt.com

Pot Au Phở, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

At Pot Au Phở, Vietnamese banker turned chef Peter Cuong Franklin sets new standards for Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup, his 10-course tasting menu deconstructing phở and then reassembling the iconic bone broth. Inspired by French and Japanese fare, Cuong also plays with molecular cuisine and jellied consommé, even paying tribute to French chef Paul Bocuse’s legendary black truffle VGE soup. Perhaps the most cherished dish is Mom’s mì Quảng, a traditional prawn and pork turmeric noodle soup prepared by his mother, Nguyễn Thị Như Thừa, at her Đà Lạt rice noodle shop; he was sent to the US as a child refugee, and they reconnected 30 years later. Housed in the same building as Cuong’s Michelin-starred Anan in the thick of the wet market on District 1’s That Dam Street, the soup counter is designed for just 14 guests. Order the Phojito, mixed with fresh herbs and spices like cinnamon and star anise. Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Website: instagram.com/potauphobyanan

Air, Singapore

At this sprawling space – an erstwhile clubhouse for civil servants – in Singapore ’s leafy Dempsey enclave, chef Matthew Orlando (who used to pilot Copenhagen’s influential Amass) is continuing his mission to make circular cooking as natural as, well, breathing air. You’ll know this isn’t your typical restaurant from the moment you enter, up a sweeping walkway and past a thriving tropical garden commanded by Orlando’s business partner, Will Goldfarb of Bali’s Room4Dessert. In the dining room, funky tables hewn from the leftover cores of balau trees and chairs with arms twirled out of recycled Styrofoam play off exposed concrete pillars. Orlando’s tasty zero-waste approach to Southeast Asian ingredients includes dishes like a whole coral fish transformed into a rillette with lavash made from the puréed bones of the fish. Don’t miss the surprisingly fudgy reincarnated chocolate dessert whipped up with the by-products of common food processes – none of which are chocolate or cocoa beans. Upstairs, there’s a pickling and fermentation room, a cooking school, and a research lab where anyone can dabble in food experiments. Audrey Phoon

Address: Air, 25B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249918 Website: instagram.com/air_cccc

Oseille, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In late 2023, chef Thomas Troisgros – the fourth generation of the renowned French culinary dynasty – opened Toto as something like a Parisian neo-bistro, but with a menu inspired by the chef’s travels around the world. Nestled within a townhouse in the vibrant centre of Ipanema, the casual restaurant was a quick hit. Troisgros recognised the potential for an elevated dining experience, however, and envisioned Oseille in the vacant upper part of the same building. With the help of a three-member team, the chef fashioned a 16-seat counter around a well-equipped kitchen, where he now exclusively serves signature tasting menus (five or seven courses) that change from time to time – but they’re always anchored in local and seasonal ingredients, combining his French heritage with Asian influences, all topped with a Brazilian accent. The level of hospitality makes diners feel as if they’re being welcomed into the chef’s home – visitors can even choose their preferred background music. Rafael Tonon

Address: Oseille, R. Joana Angélica, 155 - Loja B - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22420-030, Brazil Website: instagram.com

Le Foote, Sydney, Australia

Sydney hospitality maestros Swillhouse have savvy locals tackling the tourist-drenched cobblestones of The Rocks for their latest swing-and-hit restaurant, Le Foote. Part Parisian wine bar, part Mediterranean grill, the restaurant is a sandstone labyrinth of nooks, crannies, and choose-your-own-adventure spaces in a sprawling former pub. The alfresco courtyard is just the place for fluffy fish sandwiches and carafes of orange wine. Upstairs, settle into the moody candle-lit bar and order two-sip martinis to a soundtrack of funky jazz. The main dining room is draped in dramatic Greco-Roman style, with giant Etruscan canvas murals, white tablecloths, and smart waiters in crisp shirts. Most of the Mediterranean-by-way-of-Australia menu is done on the Josper grill, and hits include fleshy barramundi in charred hazelnut butter, marbled tomahawk steaks, juicy tomato picante prawns, and a gooey cheese pie. Suddenly, Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood feels fresh again. Chloe Sachdev

Address: Le Foote, 101 George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia Website: swillhouse.com

Nikkei, Cape Town, South Africa

On perennially cool Bree Street, Nikkei brings its namesake cuisine to Cape Town. Executive chef Justin Barker displays his range with a menu that marries South American spices and ingredients with bright seafood – think shrimp crudo with ancho chilli oil and sesame tuna with guacamole and a lime-jalapeño ponzu – and a robust cocktail menu that showcases both sake and pisco. The modern space, decorated with a riot of tropical plants, feels just right as the backdrop for Barker’s vibrant food. Look up, and you’ll see oblong chandeliers shaped like chakanas, a symbol that has been used by Andean societies for over 4,000 years, which fittingly signifies a “bridge” or “a crossing over.” Harriet Akinyi

Address: Nikkei, 87 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Website: nikkei.co.za

Barro, Ávila, Spain

Located in Ávila, about a 90-minute drive away from Madrid ’s city centre, Barro is a contemporary defence of the rural world through the use of regional ingredients. This wise approach earned the restaurant its first Michelin star, making Carlos Casillas the youngest chef to achieve one in Spain. Once inside his restaurant – where a minimalistic approach reigns in the decor – go for the Alberche tasting menu, composed of 15 dishes such as a suckling pig with kimchi brava sauce; a 150-day-aged rib eye with a hollandaise sauce (made with the meat’s own fat); and a rabbit lasagna accompanied by grilled kidney, green beans, and a consommé with fermented tomato water. Paula Móvil

Address: Barro, C. de San Segundo, 6, 05001 Ávila, Spain Website: barrorestaurante.es

99 Restaurante, Santiago, Chile

It’s taken Chilean chef Kurt Schmidt three years to reopen his casual fine-dining 99 Restaurante, but a bespoke new space and finely tuned menu means it’s been worth the wait. Tucked away in buzzy gastro-hub CV Galería in upscale Vitacura, the spot offers a calming analogue experience that fuses open-fire cooking, flickering candlelight, and a vinyl soundtrack. With 12 guests dining in tandem, the chef and his two-strong team prep in the open kitchen before Schmidt shares details about the nine courses. The menu expresses Chile’s diverse and lengthy terroir: On this occasion, the spotlight was on a single Chilean region, Huasco, and its bounty of ocean-caught and mountain-gathered ingredients such as loco (abalone), mussels, papaya, and kid goat – wrapped in vine leaves – all sourced from small producers and artfully paired with local vintages. Sorrel Moseley Williams

Address: 99 Restaurante, Alonso de Córdova 4355, 7510077 Santiago, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, Chile Website: 99restaurante.com

Trattoria del Ciumbia, Milan, Italy

Sèm chì! We are here! Ciumbia is a very Milanese exclamation, akin to wow in the local dialect. Indeed, the food at this restaurant in the Brera district is a triumph of hyperlocal dishes, the kind any child of Milano would have had at their grandparents’ when they were little: cotoletta, veal Marsala scaloppine, Russian salad, Quinto quarto, but also delicious vegetarian dishes like asparagus flan. Here is a classic trattoria – just cooler and filled with a pleasant and different clientele (the restaurant is majority-owned by Leonardo Del Vecchio of the Luxottica family) – and the food makes for a decidedly lighter meal compared to the original recipes of old. The interiors by Dimore Studio are splendid, evoking Milanese architecture from the 1960s and 1970s in its solid elements and dark tones. And it’s centrally located in a neighbourhood where crowds of tourists sit at the outdoor tables of cafés and restaurants . But Ciumbia is a touch different. You have to know it to find it since you wouldn’t be able to tell how special it is from the outside like it so often happens in Milan. And when you do, you’ll realise you’re in exactly the right place, where you need to be. N.B. There’s also a private club. Maddalena Fossati

Address: Trattoria del Ciumbia, Via Fiori Chiari, 32, 20121 Milano MI, Italy Website: trattoriadelciumbia.com

Saporium, Florence, Italy

Amid mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and lush greenery in a 1950s-style dining room, a gourmet meal at Saporium feels like a night at the theatre. In the open kitchen, chef Ariel Hagen, a homegrown wunderkind, finishes his dishes with a set of perfect gestures one could watch forever – but only until the food is set on the table to amaze with its scents, textures, and flavours, whether from land or sea – even the strictly vegetarian fare leaps off the plate, leaving audiences-slash-diners with the idea that haute cuisine without animal protein is spectacular and well-deserving of an encore. Every ingredient is from Tuscany , organic and seasonal, and often comes straight from the farms and gardens of one of the most luxurious resorts in the region and all of Italy : Borgo Santo Pietro. Sara Magro

Address: Saporium Firenze, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 63/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Website: saporium.com

Kozo, Kigali, Rwanda

The latest iteration of Kōzo – a self-proclaimed “dining journey” known for its fusion of Afro-Asian cuisine, originally launched in Accra – is the brainchild of Thai-Dutch executive chef Sakorn Somboon. Tucked into the hillsides of Kigali’s Kimihurura neighbourhood, the restaurant offers a sparkling skyline view that sets the stage for a culinary experience as diverse as the cultures it represents. The monochromatic space, adorned with modern African art and bright pops of colour alongside natural elements, is an open-concept design that flows seamlessly from the main dining area to the bar and terraces. The menu theme changes every three months and is designed to be shared. The chef described the next menu concept – Sea Breeze – as citrusy, sparkling, umami-rich, and focused on locally sourced meat inspired by his recent trip home to Southeast Asia. Among standouts are the Akabanga beef spring rolls and rock shrimp with spicy mayo to start and the wok tiger prawns (imported every week from Kenya ) cooked in a chilli-garlic sauce with ginger and fresh basil, served with green beans. The slow-cooked lamb in a cardamom curry with a plantain mash is divine, and the sizzling beef served in a steaming cast-iron pan is a show in itself. Sip bartender Tresor Twishime’s Forest Negroni – a twist on the classic with clove smoke and locally distilled Imizi botanical rum. Alicia-Rae Light

Address: Kōzo Kigali Restaurant, 17 KN 14 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda Website: kozogh.com

Maty's, Miami, USA

Maty’s is a happy place. It glows with golden warmth despite its capacious warehouse-style dining room, which has polished concrete underfoot and exposed pipes above. That’s due not only to front-of-house activity but also to the sights, sounds, and smells of the open kitchen in the rear. A seat at the bar – complete with a pisco-dashed martini and an order of the ingenious crudo special of scallops and grapes – is the perfect vantage point for taking in all that chef Valerie Chang has orchestrated here. Standouts range from humble seasonal pickles and chicken Milanese to oysters kissed with leche de tigre and charred corn in a shower of pecorino. Charlie Hobbs

Address: Maty's, 3255 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States Website: matysmiami.com

Yess, Los Angeles, USA

Dining at the contemporary Japanese Yess Restaurant is a spiritual experience. Located in Los Angeles ’s colourful Arts District in a former bank, the space is large, tall-walled, and minimalist in design and decor. And despite the room’s massive size, dinner is an intimate affair. Diners sit side by side at a long cypress counter as they face chef Junya Yamasaki and his team – dressed in all-white garb like some sort of culinary cult – work their magic in the kitchen, slicing sashimi in silence or gently grilling skewers of freshly foraged mushrooms, twisting and turning until just cooked. The meal is a meditation on restraint, where less is more and ingredients take centre stage on the plate. Somehow, you’ll leave Yess feeling like a healthier human. Omar Mamoon

Address: Yess, 2001 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States Website: instagram.com/yess.restaurant

More winners from Hot List 2024

See all Hot List 2024 winners

The best new hotels in the world

The best new cruises in the world

The Best New Restaurants in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List's restaurant winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Chef Valerie Chang serves modern Peruvian dishes at Maty's.

Seafood, bright vegetables, and pisco-tinged cocktails are the M.O. at Maty's.

Maty's — Miami

Maty’s in Miami is a happy place. It glows with golden warmth despite its capacious warehouse-style dining room, which has polished concrete underfoot and exposed pipes above. That’s due not only to front-of-house activity but also to the sights, sounds, and smells of the open kitchen in the rear. A seat at the bar—complete with a pisco-dashed martini and an order of the ingenious crudo special of scallops and grapes—is the perfect vantage point for taking in all that chef Valerie Chang has orchestrated here. Standouts range from humble seasonal pickles and chicken milanesa to oysters kissed with leche de tigre and charred corn in a shower of pecorino. —Charlie Hobbs

Yess — Los Angeles

Dining at the contemporary Japanese Yess Restaurant is a spiritual experience. Located in Los Angeles ’s colorful Arts District in a former bank, the space is large, tall-walled, and minimalist in design and decor. And despite the room’s massive size, dinner is an intimate affair. Diners sit side by side at a long cypress counter as they face chef Junya Yamasaki and his team—dressed in all-white garb like some sort of culinary cult—work their magic in the kitchen, slicing sashimi in silence or gently grilling skewers of freshly foraged mushrooms, twisting and turning until just cooked. The meal is a meditation on restraint, where less is more and ingredients take center stage on the plate. Somehow you’ll leave Yess feeling like a healthier human. —Omar Mamoon

Chishuru takes guests through a set menu of West African cuisine, from celebrity chef Adejoké Bakare.

Chishuru — London

Nigerian-born Adejoké “Joké” Bakare made history this year when she became the first Black woman in the UK to win a Michelin star. Her restaurant, Chishuru, only opened in its current stage in 2023—moving from the buzzy South London neighborhood where Bakare started out after winning a local competition in 2019 to a new, bigger spot. This new iteration of the restaurant is set menu only ($95 per person at supper; $50 per person at lunch). That menu takes diners on a whip-smart journey through modern West African cuisine and might include pepper soup with cured mackerel or mutton cutlet with a coffee and yaji dressing. Make a reservation now, and don’t look back. —Sarah James

Kiln — San Francisco

You can’t put San Francisco 's Kiln in a box. The food you’ll sample throughout the two-and-a-half-hour, 18- to 20-course tasting menu is a truly global affair: a little bit Scandinavian meets Japanese meets Californian with a touch of French finesse, courtesy of the tableside pours of luscious buttery sauce on your dry-aged mackerel. There’s no meal quite like those at Kiln because there’s no chef quite like John Wesley. Yes, it’s very much a fine-dining restaurant with white tablecloths and Michelin-starred ambitions, and yet loud hip-hop blares through the speakers while tattoo-armed cooks walk each course to your table. Come as you are, and get ready for a ride. —Omar Mamoon

Plant-focused Datil serves locally sourced dishes out of a semi-open kitchen.

Manon Fleury and her predominantly woman-led team have created something special at Datil.

Datil — Paris

Take the sought-after roving chef Manon Fleury, a predominantly woman-led team, a plant-focused culinary ethos, and an earthy and bright interior, and you have Datil—the talented young chef’s first restaurant, located in Paris 's north Marais. Fleury has always given locally sourced produce the starring role in her cooking, treating meat and fish as condiments. But here, dishes are more than just the sum of their sustainable parts; they come out of the semi-open kitchen like artistic compositions meant for reflection. The menu shifts seasonally but standouts have included rutabaga and pink radishes layered with garlic cream, almond, harissa, and thinly sliced scallops, as well as a celery and mushroom consommé-congee mashup, sprinkled with a few comestible flowers. —Lindsey Tramuta

Trescha — Buenos Aires

Tomás Treschanski took a gamble when he opened Trescha in March 2023, with just one other fine-dining restaurant in Buenos Aires for company. But now that he has a Michelin star under his belt—and the bonus track of the Young Chef prize—it was a risk worth taking. After honing his culinary skills at 108 (Copenhagen), Frantzén (Stockholm), and Azurmendi (just outside of Bilbao), 25-year-old young gun Treschanski was sufficiently versed to create an experimental 14-course tasting menu on returning home to Argentina. Cooking up architecturally captivating dishes, he breathes new life into world flavors: Think chawanmushi with aged bacon dashi and uni with its garum, paired with a 1999 Gewürztraminer—one of 740 gems from the chef’s treasured cellar. With just 10 seats up for grabs at the curved kitchen counter, Trescha has fast become the reservation to bag in Buenos Aires. —Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Maizajo — Mexico City

Maizajo’s conception began eight years ago when chef Santiago Muñoz began focusing on the recovery of maíz criollo, which for years had been losing the battle against the industrialization of tortillas. After opening a tortillería in Mexico City ’s Roma neighborhood, he moved to Condesa to open this three-in-one restaurant. Downstairs, fresh tortillas are sold daily, made with 100% nixtamalized corn, either by hand or with special equipment, and always highlighting different regional varieties.Upstairs, a completely Mexican menu features street food with a boost, including wedding tamal and glazed tongue with salsa verde, and longaniza (pork sausage) tacos paired with either fried shrimp or rib eye. —Paula Móvil

Dutch chef Sergio Herman makes his Asia debut blending European and Japanese flavors at Le Pristine.

Le Pristine — Tokyo

A vast open black doorframe hinting at the gates of a Shinto shrine marks the threshold of Le Pristine Tokyo , Michelin-sprinkled Dutch chef Sergio Herman’s first foray into Asia. The restaurant is located in Hotel Toranomon Hills, whose softly minimalist Nordic-meets-Japanese interiors by Space Copenhagen hide behind a new twisted-façade skyscraper. The street-level venue is home to both a café and restaurant, the latter of which offers an escapist gourmet journey through modern European cuisine with a fresh Japanese twist. Dishes include marinated mussels, dashi, yuzu, and verbena; hamachi (a type of yellowtail), hairy crab, pistachio, mikan (Japanese mandarin), and black radish; and Sergio’s signature seafood orecchiette. Food is not the only winning ingredient, however: Diners also soak in the intimacy of the elegant lines and crafted textures of the plant-scattered decor, with the mushroom-like Como SC53 Portable Table by Space for &Tradition tabletop lamps, Rotgazen wall-clinging melted disco balls, and Fredericia Furniture chairs playing into the theater of the central open-plan kitchen. —Danielle Demetriou

Andreu Genestra — Mallorca, Spain

In April 2011, Andreu Genestra opened his first sustainable restaurant in Capdepera, a remote corner of his beloved Mallorca . More than a decade later (and with a few Michelin stars under his belt), the chef has unveiled the second iteration of Restaurante Andreu Genestra in the luxe Zoëtry Mallorca hotel, located in the larger municipality of Llucmajor. The ingredients for the “Mediterranean” concept are the definition of local, sourced from the on-site biodynamic vegetable garden, vineyards, beehives, and sea of olive trees, as well as local Mallorcan farmers and growers. —David Moralejo

Canalha — Lisbon

After departing from a Michelin-starred restaurant Feitoria, and partnering with food group Paradigma, chef João Rodrigues returned to Lisbon to establish a casual restaurant that honors his hometown’s heritage. Canalha is a quintessential “neighborhood restaurant”—increasingly rare in a city gentrified by overtourism. Everything here exudes a sense of nostalgia: the yellow tram gliding past on the street, the extensive counter for meal service, the sturdy dark wooden tables adorned with marble tops, and a menu brimming with culinary delights, such as line-caught squid with sheep butter sauce, open-face omelets prawns and onions, and traditional Portuguese bitoque (steak crowned with a fried egg and signature pan sauce). But Canalha is also a haven for exceptional local produce and charcuterie. An imposing green charcoal oven nestled in the kitchen serves as a shrine where Rodrigues and his team grill to perfection fresh red-scarlet prawns, clams, and fish sourced from Portugal’s bountiful coast. —Rafael Tonon

The Devonshire — London

Hyped restaurants in London are nothing new. But The Devonshire, just off Piccadilly Circus, has reached buzzed-about levels we’ve not seen in a while. At the helm of all this fanfare is Oisin Rogers, an old-school landlord who has been working in London pubs for 30 years. Ashley Palmer-Watts (a Heston Blumenthal alum) heads up the kitchen with a menu that spotlights the wood-burning grill and oven—think duck-fat chips, suet puddings, and scallops with bacon and malt vinegar. In the legitimate British pub downstairs, the team slings out pint after pint of perfectly creamy Guinness, the most on-trend bar order in London right now. Reservations open three weeks in advance and get booked up in minutes—there’s no hotter table to book right now. —Sarah James

At Naar, in Himachal Pradesh, endemic ingredients are cured and dried on site.

Chef Prateek Sadhu's Naar is a culinary journey through the Himalayas.

Naar — Darwa, India

Chef Prateek Sadhu’s ambitions as a culinary innovator are defined by two words: faeter (Kashmiri for “crazy”) and naar (“fire”). It’s fitting, then, that one of India’s most celebrated chefs announced his return with the aptly named Naar restaurant. Nestled amid the pine forests of Himachal Pradesh, this first-of-its-kind destination dining experience is a culinary progression across the Himalayas, from the north to the east of India. The 16-seater restaurant has six menus throughout the year that follow the distinct seasons in the mountains, courtesy of dishes that transform traditional hill food into extraordinary surprises—think trout sandwiches with locally caught fish that is cured, dried, and treated at the in-house lab; a chinar leaf-shaped buckwheat biscuit that pays homage to Sadhu’s favorite tree in Kashmir; a miniature bowl of Ladakhi buckwheat pasta (or chutagi ) with tripe; lamb neck smoked with juniper leaves; and a smoked version of a Himachali steamed bread called aiklu. Naar is a labor of love and a showcase of the hills—its ingredients, its people and their culture, and a chef’s long journey back home. —Diya Kohli

The Guild — Dubai

Few restaurant openings this past year have been as highly anticipated as The Guild, prolific Dubai restaurateur Tom Arnel’s first foray into fine dining. Fronted by heavy gray velvet curtains and a small jungle of more than 300 plants, The Guild is one restaurant, but many things at once: Inside, there’s a patisserie, brasserie, Champagne bar, seafood restaurant, wood-fire kitchen, cocktail bar, and chocolatier. The laid-back Nurseries space is perfect for a cozy date night (tip: Order the Brie de Meaux truffle sandwich), while the more upscale Rockpool is where you’ll find the bulk of The Guild’s seafood. The latter features a live shucking bar, the day’s catch displayed on ice, and glass-fronted aquariums stacked to the ceiling filled with live king crabs and crayfish. Over at the Salon (which Arnel describes as his favorite spot), white-clothed tables sit underneath grand crystal chandeliers and overlook two open kitchens. Here, the starter of crispy prawns—slathered in surprisingly light batter and served with red chimichurri dip and lime salt—is incredibly tasty, while the Wagyu beef tartare, with shallots and chopped cornichons, is the right mix of rich and tangy. The Guild will soon add a piano bar and cigar lounge to its lineup, designed for those who want to keep the night going—which we envision they will. The Guild is a truly enchanting space, one that you’ll no doubt want to return to time and time again. —Sophie Prideaux

Osa — Madrid

Osa may be located on the outskirts of Madrid’s center, but it’s close enough to justify at least one visit from the city to enjoy chefs Sara Peral and Jorge Muñoz’s creations: Think homemade cured meats, wild pig’s head with rooster and porchetta, cod pil pil, and smoked eel with roe over rye bread and butter. Theirs is a one-of-a-kind experience inside a renovated two-story house, with an open terrace and a dining room built to welcome 20 lucky diners. In every bite, expect the omnipotent presence of French technique with the aesthetic of Japanese minimalism. —Paula Móvil

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

At Fish Shop in Ballater, the sustainability-focused seafood spot serves seasonal fare with elevated twists.

Fish Shop — Ballater, Scotland

Despite its name, Fish Shop is not a classic British chippy but a smart, sustainability-focused seafood restaurant with its very own fishmonger. The double-use venue is the sister property of Scotland’s slickest hotel, the Fife Arms, which is located just 25 minutes away. Russell Sage Studio (who also designed the Fife Arms interiors) chose tasteful nautical accents to complement the food. The menu is local and seasonal but might include Cape Wrath oysters in Champagne tempura or Shetland mussels with East Coast cured nduja. Whatever you order, accompany it with a round of Negronis (local gin and vermouth with Campari, pimped up with samphire), followed by glasses of Riesling or Picpoul. —Sarah James

Koan — Copenhagen

At windswept Langelinieskuret, Kristian Baumann (formerly of Noma and 108) has transformed a former harbor warehouse into a must-visit on Copenhagen’s strong fine-dining scene. Born and adopted in South Korea and raised in Denmark, Baumann reconnects with his roots at Koan, seamlessly bridging a Nordic culinary upbringing with Korean impressions like kimchi, kkwabaegi (Korean doughnuts), and carefully selected ceramics. Koan’s high-ceilinged dining room with an open kitchen and sleek light wooden designer interiors beautifully mirrors Baumann’s minimalist and meticulous dishes. A standout is Norwegian langoustine with lardo, green strawberries, and chili, served with a sesame sauce flavored with Korean rice wine. Aside from standard and “prestige” wine pairings (the latter showcasing rare labels), Koan offers a pairing of Korean sool (fermented rice wine) produced in Copenhagen by startup Yunguna Brewery. Only 70 days after opening last year, the restaurant received two Michelin stars directly—a testament to the ambitions here. —Lars Roest-Madsen

Soul Kitchen is a Beirut transplant serving a hybrid of Levantine and Latin flavors.

Dishes trace Arab migration to the Americas—think grilled octopus with burnt onion labneh.

Soul Kitchen — Dubai

Following years of turmoil in their native Lebanon, Beirut creative collective Factory People transplanted their thoughtfully curated restaurant, listening room, and communal hub Soul Kitchen to Dubai’s Business Bay. The food—Levantine/Latin hybrid that celebrates waves of Arab migration to Central and South America—is, indeed, soulful: Think ceviche tabbouleh, hummus chimichurri, shawarma empanadas, and Wagyu kafta in pillowy arepas paired with Araki bellinis and sumac-laced peach margaritas. But musically minded locals have also forged a community around Monday jazz sessions, Latin Sundays, iftar supper clubs, and party brunches with global musicians and DJs taking the stage. The lush, plant-filled space also doubles as an arts venue: Rumi Dalle’s Feathers of a Migration is suspended from the ceiling, and walls are adorned with textiles curated by carpet house Iwan Maktabi. —Sarah Khan

Ilis — New York

The large nondescript door at 150 Green Street in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint prepares you little for what’s to follow. Behind it lies a sprawling space with wood-beamed ceilings and low-slung white furniture that has shed all vestiges of its former life as a factory warehouse. This is Ilis, Noma cofounder Mads Refslund’s ambitious New York dining debut alongside Will Douillet, formerly of Chicago’s Alinea. The name is a portmanteau of Il and Is , or “fire” and “ice” in Danish, which illustrates how you choose your dishes to be served: fired up or chilled. An industrial open kitchen—with four stations, two each dedicated to “fire” and “ice”—anchors the space, and diners watch on as a flurry of chefs works in near-reverential silence. Those same chefs later double up as servers; here, there’s no traditional distinction between front and back of house—just “one house,” as Refslund likes to say. On the menu, expect ingredient-forward dishes like raw tuna with nasturtium and salted plum and brown trout, cooked in its own roe butter and served with charred cabbage. A dining highlight here is the roving trolley that’s laden with chilled appetizers and a surprising amuse-bouche—a peppery tomato clam broth served in a large, slightly ridiculous clamshell fashioned into a flask. As you tip its contents down your throat, the act feels both primal and playful—it’s a decidedly Noma touch, right in Brooklyn. —Arati Menon

Mumbai's new spot, Papa's, comes from ​​Eleven Madison Park alum, Hussain Shahzad.

Papa's serves up clever dishes with home-grown ingredients.

Papa's — Mumbai

​​Eleven Madison Park alum Hussain Shahzad’s eclectic skills are on full display at this fine-dining concept, a 12-seat countertop that overlooks an open kitchen in the space above Veronica’s, a bustling sandwich shop. The vibe is a delightful hodgepodge: Delicate glass lamps share space with a chamber for dry-aging duck, and the chef’s playlist of ABBA and Prince pairs nicely with the easygoing service. The modern Indian menu makes clever use of the nation’s many home-grown ingredients: Clarified Bloody Mary cocktails arrive alongside petite pizza boxes of Monaco biscuits (India’s Ritz cracker) topped with Belper Knolle cheese; hibachi-grilled rabbit is served in a red-ant marinade; and a soup of sun-dried yak cheese is amped up by habanero chiles. The name Papa’s is a nod to Shahzad’s late mentor, chef Floyd Cardoz—whom he does proud. —Julian Manning

Locavore NXT — Bali

After closing Locavore, a hot-ticket and hyperlocal eatery in Bali’s Ubud late last year, Dutch Indonesian chef duo Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah moved on to open the concept’s aptly named next iteration. Pitched up in the rice fields just outside Ubud, concrete-clad Locavore NXT takes the chefs’ wildly ambitious methods to a new extreme with 20(ish)-course tasting menus that draw on ingredients grown in the rooftop food forest, subterranean mushroom vault, and koji fermentation lab—and ones sourced from surrounding farmers, fishermen, and foragers. Seasonal menus could include imaginative creations such as honi pineapple with lardo and flower-flecked pudding from rice koji with bee pollen. For a full immersion in Locavore NXT’s closed-loop ethos, guests can overnight in one of the restaurant’s adjoining cabins and participate in a chef-guided tour and staff breakfast the next day. —Chris Schalkx

Pot Au Phở — Ho Chi Minh City

At Pot Au Phở, Vietnamese banker turned chef Peter Cuong Franklin sets new standards for Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup, his 10-course tasting menu deconstructing phở and then reassembling the iconic bone broth. Inspired by French and Japanese fare, Cuong also plays with molecular cuisine and jellied consommé, even paying tribute to French chef Paul Bocuse’s legendary black truffle VGE soup. Perhaps the most cherished dish is Mom’s mì Quảng, a traditional prawn and pork turmeric noodle soup prepared by his mother, Nguyễn Thị Như Thừa, at her Đà Lạt rice noodle shop; he was sent to the US as a child refugee, and they reconnected 30 years later. Housed in the same building as Cuong’s Michelin-starred Anan in the thick of the wet market on District 1’s That Dam street, the soup counter is designed for just 14 guests. Order the Phojito, mixed with fresh herbs and spices like cinnamon and star anise — Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Lush gardens, recycled furniture, and circular cooking are especially satisfying at Air.

A zero-waste approach means Southeast flora and fauna come alive in new ways.

Air — Singapore

At this sprawling space—an erstwhile clubhouse for civil servants—in Singapore’s leafy Dempsey enclave, chef Matthew Orlando (who used to pilot Copenhagen’s influential Amass) is continuing his mission to make circular cooking as natural as, well, breathing air. You’ll know this isn’t your typical restaurant from the moment you enter, up a sweeping walkway and past a thriving tropical garden commanded by Orlando’s business partner, Will Goldfarb of Bali’s Room4Dessert. In the dining room, funky tables hewn from the leftover cores of balau trees and chairs with arms twirled out of recycled Styrofoam play off exposed concrete pillars. Orlando’s tasty zero-waste approach to Southeast Asian ingredients includes dishes like a whole coral fish transformed into a rillette with lavash made from the puréed bones of the fish. Don’t miss the surprisingly fudgy Re-Incarnated Chocolate dessert whipped up with the by-products of common food processes—none of which are chocolate or cocoa beans. Upstairs, there’s a pickling and fermentation room, a cooking school, and a research lab where anyone can dabble in food experiments. —Audrey Phoon

Oseille — Rio de Janeiro

In late 2023, chef Thomas Troisgros—the fourth generation of the renowned French culinary dynasty—opened Toto as something like a Parisian neo-bistro, but with a menu inspired by the chef’s travels around the world. Nestled within a townhouse in the vibrant center of Ipanema, the casual restaurant was a quick hit. Troisgros recognized the potential for an elevated dining experience, however, and envisioned Oseille in the vacant upper part of the same building. With the help of a three-member team, the chef fashioned a 16-seat counter around a well-equipped kitchen, where he now exclusively serves signature tasting menus (five or seven courses) that change from time to time—but they’re always anchored in local and seasonal ingredients, combining his French heritage with Asian influences, all topped with a Brazilian accent. The level of hospitality makes diners feel as if they’re being welcomed into the chef’s home—visitors can even choose their preferred background music. —Rafael Tonon

Le Foote is making one of Sydney's oldest neighborhoods feel fresh again.

Consider Le Foote your gateway to the Med, right in Sydney.

Le Foote — Sydney

Sydney hospitality maestros Swillhouse have savvy locals tackling the tourist-drenched cobblestones of The Rocks for their latest swing-and-hit restaurant, Le Foote. Part Parisian wine bar, part Mediterranean grill, the restaurant is a sandstone labyrinth of nooks, crannies, and choose-your-own-adventure spaces in a sprawling former pub. The alfresco courtyard is just the place for fluffy fish sandwiches and carafes of orange wine. Upstairs, settle into the moody candle-lit bar and order two-sip martinis to a soundtrack of funky jazz. The main dining room is draped in dramatic Greco-Roman style, with giant Etruscan canvas murals, white tablecloths, and smart waiters in crisp shirts. Most of the Mediterranean-by-way-of-Australia menu is done on the Josper grill, and hits include fleshy barramundi in charred hazelnut butter, marbled tomahawk steaks, juicy tomato picante prawns, and a gooey cheese pie. Suddenly, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood feels fresh again. —Chloe Sachdev

Nikkei — Cape Town

On perennially cool Bree Street, Nikkei brings its namesake cuisine to Cape Town. Executive chef Justin Barker displays his range with a menu that marries South American spices and ingredients with bright seafood—think shrimp crudo with ancho chili oil and sesame tuna with guacamole and a lime-jalapeño ponzu—and a robust cocktail menu that showcases both sake and pisco. The modern space, decorated with a riot of tropical plants, feels just right as the backdrop for Barker’s vibrant food. Look up and you’ll see oblong chandeliers shaped like chakanas, a symbol that has been used by Andean societies for over 4,000 years, which fittingly signifies a “bridge” or “a crossing over.” —Harriet Akinyi

Just outside of Madrid, Barro bridges the city and country with elaborate treatments for regional ingredients.

Barro — Ávila, Spain

Located in Ávila, about a 90-minute drive away from Madrid’s city center, Barro is a contemporary defense of the rural world through the use of regional ingredients. This wise approach earned the restaurant its first Michelin star, making Carlos Casillas the youngest chef to achieve one in Spain. Once inside his restaurant—where a minimalistic approach reigns in the decor—go for the Alberche tasting menu, composed of 15 dishes such as a suckling pig with kimchi brava sauce; a 150-day-aged rib eye with a hollandaise sauce (made with the meat’s own fat); and a rabbit lasagna accompanied by grilled kidney, green beans, and a consommé with fermented tomato water. —Paula Móvil

99 Restaurante — Santiago

It’s taken Chilean chef Kurt Schmidt three years to reopen his casual fine-dining 99 Restaurant, but a bespoke new space and finely tuned menu means it’s been worth the wait. Tucked away in buzzy gastro-hub CV Galería in upscale Vitacura, the spot offers a calming analog experience that fuses open-fire cooking, flickering candlelight, and a vinyl soundtrack. With 12 guests dining in tandem, the chef and his two-strong team prep in the open kitchen before Schmidt shares details about the nine courses. The menu expresses Chile’s diverse and lengthy terroir: On this occasion, the spotlight was on a single Chilean region, Huasco, and its bounty of ocean-caught and mountain-gathered ingredients such as loco (abalone), mussels, papaya, and kid goat—wrapped in vine leaves—all sourced from small producers and artfully paired with local vintages. —Sorrel Moseley Williams

Ciumbia — Milan

Sèm chì! We are here! Ciumbia is a very Milanese exclamation, akin to wow in the local dialect. And indeed, the food at this restaurant in the Brera district is a triumph of hyperlocal dishes, the kind any child of Milano would have had at their grandparents’ when they were little: cotoletta, veal Marsala scaloppine, Russian salad, quinto quarto, but also delicious vegetarian dishes like asparagus flan. Here is a classic trattoria—just cooler and filled with a pleasant and different clientele (the restaurant is majority-owned by Leonardo Del Vecchio of the Luxottica family)—and the food makes for a decidedly lighter meal compared to the original recipes of old. The interiors by Dimore Studio are splendid, evoking Milanese architecture from the 1960s and 1970s in its solid elements and dark tones. And it’s centrally located in a neighborhood where crowds of tourists sit at the outdoor tables of cafés and restaurants. But Ciumbia is a touch different. You have to know it to find it, since you wouldn’t be able to tell how special it is from the outside, like it so often happens in Milan. And when you do: You’ll realize you’re in exactly the right place, where you need to be. N.B. There’s also a private club. —Maddalena Fossati

Saporium in Florence turns dinner into a full-on experience with an open kitchen and a 1950s-style dining room.

Saporium — Florence

Amid mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and lush greenery in a 1950s-style dining room, a gourmet meal at Saporium feels like a night at the theater. In the open kitchen, chef Ariel Hagen, a homegrown wunderkind, finishes his dishes with a set of perfect gestures one could watch forever—but only until the food is set on the table to amaze with its scents, textures, and flavors, whether from land or sea—even the strictly vegetarian fare leaps off the plate, leaving audiences-slash-diners with the idea that haute cuisine without animal protein is spectacular and well-deserving of an encore. Every ingredient is from Tuscany, organic and seasonal, and often comes straight from the farms and gardens of one of the most luxurious resorts in the region and all of Italy: Borgo Santo Pietro. —Sara Magro

Kozo — Kigali, Rwanda

The latest iteration of Kōzo—a self-proclaimed “dining journey” known for its fusion of Afro-Asian cuisine, originally launched in Accra—is the brainchild of Thai -Dutch executive chef Sakorn Somboon. Tucked into the hillsides of Kigali’s Kimihurura neighborhood, the restaurant offers a sparkling skyline view that sets the stage for a culinary experience as diverse as the cultures it represents. The monochromatic space, adorned with modern African art and bright pops of color alongside natural elements, is an open-concept design that flows seamlessly from the main dining area to the bar and terraces. The menu theme changes every three months and is designed to be shared. The chef described the next menu concept—Sea Breeze—as citrusy, sparkling, umami-rich, and focused on locally sourced meat inspired by his recent trip home to Southeast Asia. Among standouts are the Akabanga beef spring rolls and rock shrimp with spicy mayo to start; and the wok tiger prawns (imported every week from Kenya) cooked in a chili-garlic sauce with ginger and fresh basil, served with green beans. The slow-cooked lamb in a cardamom curry with a plantain mash is divine, and the sizzling beef served in a steaming cast-iron pan is a show in itself. Sip bartender Tresor Twishime’s Forest Negroni—a twist on the classic with clove smoke and locally distilled Imizi botanical rum. — Alicia-Rae Light

Coqodaq — New York

As if dining at NoMad's beloved COTE Korean Steakhouse wasn't enough of an experience, the team behind it has opened Coqodaq one block over on 22nd Street. The team describes Coqodaq as “a fried chicken cathedral," and such drama is not facetious. Eating with your fingers is the name of the game here, so it makes sense that a lavish hand-washing station welcomes guests at the entryway—less expected is the population of luxury products, including a soap embossed with the bold font of the Loewe logo. From here, you're free to feast to your heart's content. The signature fried chicken bucket ($38 per person, with drumsticks, wings, and thighs) is accompanied by a delicate roasted chicken cosommé, bright ban-chan, and a seasonal frozen yogurt to finish. If you feel the need to splurge, there's really only one way to do so: the golden nugget, topped either with ocean trout roe $16 per nugget) or Golden Daurenki caviar ($28 per nugget). The atmosphere prevents its guests from slipping into any level of a food coma siesta, as the oontz oontz of hot club music reverberates off the vaulted ceilings. Not to mention, Coqodaq fries their food in cultured oil and uses a gluten-free flour blend that includes rice floor. Digestive issues, for once, are not a concern here. — Charlie Hobbs

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.