For one of the coolest restaurants in Sydney in an iconic locale, you can’t go past the Opera House’s Bennelong. Head Chef, Peter Gilmore takes guests on a culinary voyage through the most quintessential Australian cuisine. Opt for an a la carte menu, pre or post-theatre dining experience, or simply relax at the bar. All dining options include exquisite food and curated wine as well as picturesque views over Sydney Harbour.

When you talk about restaurant ambience, every other establishment is striving towards the buzzing atmosphere of Restaurant Hubert. The intimate booth seating, warm candle lighting, soothing music and French-themed decor combine to create a trendy restaurant in Sydney that feels completely detached from the outside world. This is exactly the sort of successful eatery one would expect from Swillhouse group (the bar boys behind the Baxter Inn, Shady Pines and Frankie’s).

It’s only right that one of Sydney’s best chefs heads one of Sydney’s best restaurant’s. Known for cooking some of the best contemporary Italian Sydney has ever tasted with 10 William St, Dan Pepperell has single handily helped shape Sydney’s dining scene once again with Alberto’s Lounge. The unique restaurant brings all the passion for contemporary Italian cuisine and transforms the style into a fine dining experience you will never forget.

You’ve probably seen the Netflix episode of Chef’s Table and you’ve probably experienced the wonder of wood-fired pizza, but at Firedoor, you can experience an entire menu powered by the wood fire. Head Chef Lennox Hastie uses only the best products, in which the majority is sourced locally. Hastie takes the idea of what makes a restaurant cool and takes it to the next level, utilising the coals of different woods to enhance the natural characteristics of the ingredients.

Fred’s is designed by Merivale to feel just like home. But the seasonal menu, sustainable produce and innovative open kitchen are beyond anything you’d be working with at home. Head chef Danielle Alvarez has a philosophy of old-world cooking with a fun atmosphere and a changing daily menu to give your tastebuds a whirlwind experience that satisfies every palate. As far as cool places to eat in Sydney, you’d be hard-pressed to top this experience.

Take a trip to the lively country of Argentina without a plane ride by simply visiting this cool restaurant in Sydney. Porteno is the flavour-filled creation of chefs Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz. Experience Sydney’s best and most authentic Argentinian Parilla (barbecue) and Asado (pit of fire) with a menu designed the traditional way – for sharing.

Continental Delicatessen promises to be one of the most fun restaurants in Sydney, with stiff drinks, cold cuts and canned goods – but not the kind of non-perishable food items you might expect. Their fresh produce includes tinned Mediterranean-inspired delicacies such as anchovies from the Bay of Biscay and French sardines to create a deli and bistro that is straight out of a European laneway.

Didn’t think Stanmore was the place for a glamorous degustation celebrating contemporary Australian cuisine? Sixpenny proves cool restaurants in Sydney are scattered all over the place. Named after the sixpence restaurants that operated in the late 1800s in Australia, this fun little restaurant features a mouth-watering seasonal menu with locally and ethically sourced produce as well as a wine list with styles that complement the menu.

The dream of finding an Italian family whose nonna and nonno cook the most amazing traditional Italian feeds passed down from generations may seem only achievable in your sleep. But Pino’s Vino e Cucina brings this dream to life. They want you to feel completely at home in their cosy timber restaurant filled with intoxicating aromas, soft music and the friendliest staff. Did we mention it’s one of the best restaurants in Sydney?

When it comes to fun restaurants, Sydney has a huge amount of options to choose from. However, it’s hard to look past Mr Wong. Think of every type of dim sum filling you could imagine, accompanied by all your favourite Asian delicacies at a top-notch location and you’ve got another of Merivale’s restaurants in Sydney, Mr Wong. From duck spring rolls to crispy eggplant to wok-fried Hong Kong rice noodles, you can travel the around the entire region of Southern China in an evening.

Under the experienced eye of owner/head chef Luke Powell, the Southern Pride Smoker direct from Tennessee works magic with the highest quality meats. Smoking and curing these meats creates works of art that are waiting to dance on your tastebuds. LP’s Quality Meats is one of the top trendy restaurants in Sydney, offering simple yet delicious share dishes as well an extensive drinks menu.

Set in the restored Old Rum Store in Chippendale, this rustic dining experience should be next on your checklist of places to eat in Sydney. Olio will bring your taste buds to life and prove to you that Sicilian is the new Italian. Every dish uses olive oil from celebrated head chef Lino Sauro’s family farm in Sicily. Combine it with seasonal seafood, wild fennel, raisins, saffron and couscous and we challenge you to find a more unique dining experience in Sydney.

Feel like you’re dining alongside Thor and Odin in the sophisticated medieval establishment, Mjolner. The succulent rotisserie meats, signature sides and cocktails and range of over 400 whiskeys will in fact have you feeling like a god. Hideaway in the underground, Scandinavian-designed restaurant in Sydney for an evening of opulence and fine dining never to be forgotten.

Experience a sensory extravaganza at Rekōdo, where the harmonious blend of music, delectable food, and refreshing drinks will leave you wanting more. You can find this gem on Level 1 at Barangaroo House, courtesy of the talented Matt Maron. This place is all about creating an immersive atmosphere, where Japanese-inspired dishes and cocktails take centre stage while DJs spin their magic with vinyl sets.

You may be thinking as we reach further down the list of cool restaurants in Sydney that by now they may be losing some pizzazz. Fear not, as Ester easily offers some of the most novel gastronomic treats Sydney has to offer. With buffalo curd pie, sugarloaf cabbage, twice-cooked quail and sourdough ice cream just a few features of the menu, you really have to visit Ester to appreciate it’s uniqueness.

You’ll never forget the location of the Italian-inspired walk-in eatery, 10 William Street. And trust us when we say that is a very good thing. Treat all your senses with the exotic aromas wafting through the casual European decor that houses the most delectable pasta, salads and cured meats. 10 William Street is one of the best restaurants in Sydney, if only because the meals are accompanied by an extensive wine list.

You’ve likely heard of the magnificent views of the Bondi dining staple, Icebergs. But have you heard about the hot and cold seafood platters and other specialties on the seasonally inspired menu? Have you experienced the luxury and enchantment of sitting on the balcony watching the sunset over Australia’s most iconic beach while sipping on an Aperol Spritz? If not we recommend you rectify this frankly fatal error and head to one of the best restaurants in Sydney immediately!