Sydney’s Top Restaurants With a Water View

Whether in it, on it… or looking at it, the love affair Sydneysiders have with water is undeniable. In a city such as this - surrounded by the harbour and the ocean - there are plenty of eateries with enviable vantage points from which to appreciate it.

Just because you’re dining with a dazzling water view, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a heart-stopping bill at the end of the meal. We’ve put together a list of options catering to every budget. So whether sea or harbour-fronting, the visual appeal of these restaurants will satisfy your eyes, as well as your appetite.

Noma, Barangaroo

WHY:
The Sydney waterfront pop-up of the original Noma restaurant in Copenhagen - an eatery that has been named the world’s best restaurant four times in the last six years. Enough said.

For serious foodies, Noma is the pinnacle of gastronomy and its chef, Rene Redzepi, is a culinary god, so it wasn’t surprising tickets to the Barangaroo pop-up sold out in four minutes flat, despite the $485 price tag.

Only 5,500 diners will get to experience the specially created degustation menu until Noma finishes its run on April 3.

MUST-TRY:
Critics have been raving about each of the 12 dishes - all utilising local, Australian produce - which comprise the degustation menu. However, one definite favourite is the Western Australian deep-sea snow crab and cured egg yolk fermented in kangaroo jus and burnt butter.

Altitude, Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks

WHY:
36-levels above the Rocks on Sydney Harbour and boasting panoramic views of the gleaming sails of the Opera House and right across the bustling Bridge to the sparkling lights of the northern suburbs, Altitude has one of the best views in town.

Romantic and impressive, its floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the city at its finest. Yes, it’s pricey, but this is fine dining as its best - complete with knowledgeable sommelier, palate cleansers and of course a jaw-dropping vista. The 18-person private dining room make this venue a great option for special-occasion celebrating and is guaranteed to impress even the most jaded of restaurant-goers.

MUST-TRY:
The menu changes seasonally and you can’t really go wrong, but current standouts include the toothfish served with orange, artichoke and blue mountain radish, and the restaurant’s signature dessert of chocolate with cherry and cocoa.

BLACK by ezard, The Star, Pyrmont

WHY:
Set within The Star’s precinct in Pyrmont and with uninterrupted views of the sparkling Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, BLACK is the Sydney outlet for Melbourne-based two hat lauded chef, Teage Ezard.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer amazing views of the marina, alongside the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge. Inside, decor is achingly cool, with muted lighting, elegant leather seating and - as the name suggests - a colour palette that errs on the darker side.
The restaurant also boasts one of Sydney’s largest wine cellars, housing more than 1,200 international varieties, so no matter what you eat, there’ll be a suitable wine pairing.

MUST-TRY:
Given that this is the city’s ultimate steakhouse, where grilled premium cuts of Australian grain and grass-fed beef are the speciality, you really can’t go past the 400g rib eye dry-aged grass-fed Angus.

The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf, Pier 4, Walsh Bay

WHY:
With floor-to-ceiling million-dollar water views across the harbour looking onto the bridge and towards the twinkling, neon-lit North Shore skyline, The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf could easily be forgiven for relying on their backdrop alone, but it doesn’t. Here, both quality, seasonal produce and expertly mixed cocktails are the order of the day.

The laid-back space has a warehouse-like interior, complete with high ceilings, panoramic windows and a large covered balcony with day beds. And despite being located in the Sydney Theatre Company‘s building, you definitely don’t need a ticket to enjoy a meal or drinks here. An all-rounder, this venue is great for a casual lunch, a quick afternoon coffee or dinner in the evening.

MUST-TRY:
Delectable and filling - you can’t go past the linguine with swordfish, roast cherry tomato and chilli.

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Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay

WHY:
A surefire winner for any sunny day - and luckily in Sydney there’s plenty of those - the deck at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is jam-packed with merry beachgoers every weekend all having a long, liquid lunch with friends. Positioned overlooking the beach and surrounding ocean, the terrace and recently refurbished beer garden provide killer views over the sailboats and nearby city skyline.

MUST-TRY:
Seafood! The softshell crab sliders from the classic menu is a regular go-to. If you want to splash out, then the deluxe seafood platter - comprising of prawns, oysters, crabs, bugs, octopus, lobster and tuna - is a must

Ripples Chowder Bay, Mosman

WHY:
Tables on a breezy, open deck offering spectacular water views extending as far as the eye can see, with Watsons Bay and Nielsen Park on one side and the northern headlands on the other. Featuring a modern Australian menu with European influences, the food is simple, seasonable and delectable. And if that isn’t enough, it’s also handily located on the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral foreshore walk making it the ideal long lunch pitstop.

MUST-TRY:
The ocean trout with quinoa, kale and pomegranate or for something more hearty the beer-battered fish and chips with herb mayonnaise.

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Opera Bar, Sydney Opera House

WHY:
An oldie, but definitely still a goodie. While there are admittedly more than a tourist or two at this iconic eating and drinking hot spot, it retains its popularity for a good reason. You see, the Opera Bar is the embodiment of the age old adage: location, location, location!

Positioned directly under the Opera House and perched overlooking the waters edge, this place offers unparalleled vistas from all angles - whether you’re there for a sunny Sunday afternoon of beer (accompanied by a chilled-out four-piece band) or for a quick pre-theatre snack and sundowner.

MUST-TRY:
Dining is casual, so order a few share plates. Picks include the lemongrass-cured ocean trout with spanner crab and croutons and the yummy quesadilla pizza with spicy lamb, avocado and sour cream.