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.

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). Add innovative chef Daniel Pepperell to the kitchen and you have a French experience incapable of disappointment.

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. Must-try dishes include the gnocchi cacio e pepe, focaccia and olive oil, macadamia panna cotta and of course the house-made gelato.

At Firedoor, you can experience an entire menu powered by 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. Firedoor remains in the upper echelons as one of the best restaurants in Sydney thanks to a menu that is created daily.

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 topping this experience.

Take a trip to the lively country of Argentina without the 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.

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. Plus you can even find their famed cocktails in tins: the Mar-tinny and Can-hatten are batched and canned onsite and offer a new way to enjoy a cocktail.

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?

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, all with unparalleled service in an intimate jazz setting. This is one of the most unique dining experiences in Sydney!

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. This dining experience is tucked away in their quiet lane in the suburb of Chippendale.

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.

Bea is the flagship restaurant at Barangaroo House, and for good reason. With waterfront views, an exquisite Australian menu designed by Cory Campbell, fine wine, and Art Deco-inspired design, Bea promises the ultimate experience of cool restaurants in Sydney. With its ever-changing menu that features contemporary cuisine, Bea is probably the funkiest restaurant Sydney has to offer.

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’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!