There’s nothing better than relaxing with delicious cuisine, drink in hand, gazing out across the water. And there’s no better place to do it than Sydney! So, we’ve pulled a list together of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants so you can enjoy the best of everything our fine city has to offer.
Whether you’re meeting up with friends for a long-overdue lunch or celebrating an anniversary with a special significant other, you don’t want terrible food or a crummy table tucked in the corner of a venue.
Instead, you want world-class water views and delicious bites to go alongside them! So, without further ado, here’s our pick of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants. Get ready for a long, hot summer dining alongside the water, and impress your nearest and dearest with the best that Sydney has to offer.
1. Ripples, Chowder Bay
Ripples Chowder Bay is located smack-band on top of an old miner’s depot from World War I. There are several Ripples venues but this one is by far one of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants. This particular heritage-listed spot offers fine dining and unbeatable views across the harbour to the eastern suburbs and beyond.
Must-haves are the Duck Liver Pâté and the Lobster Spaghetti. The best part? The location feels remote yet is only a stone’s throw away from the city, just past Mosman. Did we mention it has an extensive wine list?
2. Mimi’s, Coogee Beach
Mimi’s is a relatively new addition to the Merivale venue, Coogee Pavilion, sitting in the middle floor of the building. The venue is undoubtedly “Insta-worthy”, with picture-perfect views of the beach and pastel-coloured interiors – the perfect backdrop for a classy long lunch.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu has all your favourite classics with a modern spin, like roasted chicken with anchovy sauce. Yet the menu is also full of luxurious tasty treats like black caviar with a hit of vodka, sea urchins, pipis, and more. The venue is also home to an impressive cocktail list with spirits imported from around the globe.
3. Bather’s Pavilion, Balmoral
Bather’s Pavilion is tucked right up alongside Balmoral Beach, with unobstructed water views. With a range of dining spots for different occasions, Bather’s is ideal for almost any dining event. Celebrate a romantic anniversary at the resturant, with epic views and an extensive three-course menu. Meet up with friends at bistro, where you can enjoy more variety without committing to a huge feast. Or, visit Betel Lead at Bather’s, where you can enjoy Asian-inspired fusion dishes. There really is something for everyone here.
4. Catalina, Rose Bay
We couldn’t talk about Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants without mentioning Catalina. As soon as you step inside Catalina, you can see why it is a Sydney institution and has been home to a range of A-list celebrities in the past. It offers magical panoramic waterfront views across Rose Bay inside or out, paired with an unforgettable menu.
The service at Catalina is truly second-to-none, and the menu is the same. With a range of Mediterranean dishes with an Australian twist, you certainly won’t be disappointed here – it’s the perfect place to celebrate a birthday or just enjoy a relaxing long lunch.
5. The Butler, Potts Point
If you’re looking for unbeatable views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in an intimate setting, The Butler is the ideal place to go. The great thing about this fabulous Sydney waterfront restaurant is that it is perfect to visit for lunch or dinner. Sip a champagne and enjoy the view over lunch, or watch the city light twinkling in the distance over dinner.
The Butler’s share-style menu is perfect for large groups, and offers a delicious banquet menu – not to mention a delicious cocktail list.
What do you think is Sydney’s best waterfront restaurant? We love exploring the latest and greatest Sydney venues, but we always have more to learn. Share your favourite waterfront restaurant with us. Or, to explore more of what Sydney has to offer, browse more local insights here.
