Most Iconic Restaurants in Sydney to Stand the Test of Time

Sydney thrives on its vibrant dining scene, where old meets new and tradition blends with innovation. In a place known for its ever-evolving food culture and famous landmarks, some Sydney restaurants have become true icons over time, beloved by locals and visitors.

These world-class institutions offer experiences and flavours that linger long after the meal is over, some boasting breathtaking views, others adored for their warm and welcoming nostalgia.

From harbour-side gems to inner-city treasures, discover the most iconic restaurants in Sydney that have stood the test of time, proving that great taste never goes out of style.

Sean's

With paintings adorning the walls and fresh roses from their farm on each table, Sean's Panorama has been all charm since 1993. Homely in vibe due to the intimate dining room and home-style cooking, Sean's is an icon of North Bondi, even getting the tick of approval from international chef Nigella Lawson.

While the menu changes daily, you can expect outstanding quality from seasonal and fresh produce, curated by award-winning Head Chef Sean Moran. Think chestnut gnocchi, kingfish carpaccio, barramundi and roast chicken. The desserts here are always sublime, so save room! 

270 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach 

Cafe Sydney

Arguably the most spectacular view in town, Cafe Sydney is the sought-after dining destination overlooking Sydney Harbour, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge a brilliant distraction.

Sitting pretty in Circular Quay, the cafe is open for lunch and dinner, starting with a selection of small bites of oysters, beef carpaccio and a twice-cooked goat cheese souffle, and ending with mouthwatering seafood, proteins and vegetables best for sharing.

Sourcing the best local produce to create a constantly evolving menu of contemporary dishes, meals are complimented with a curated wine list by an experienced sommelier, freshly baked quality pastries given a modern twist, and a view you won't soon forget.

 Level 5, Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney

Bills

Bills - opened by Australian restaurateur Bill Granger - began its Sydney residence in Darlinghurst in 1993 and has remained a popular and laidback brunch spot ever since. It has grown throughout the decades, opening venues in Surry Hills, Double Bay and Bondi Beach, even taking strides internationally in Seoul, Tokyo and London.

Known for its sunny and easygoing approach in line with the Australian way of life, the ricotta hotcakes are perhaps more iconic than the venue itself. A brunch favourite for those in the know, these pillowy soft beauties are served with banana and honeycomb butter.

But the goodness doesn't stop there - come lunchtime, indulge in a crispy chicken burger or steak and fries paired with a crisp, refined wine list. Trust us, once you've experienced Bills, you'll count down until your next visit.

Darlinghurst, Double Bay, Surry Hills & Bondi Beach

Spice Temple

Spice Temple has been around for 15 years and is a sensory experience from start to finish, showcasing the highest-quality Chinese cuisine. The dining room is striking: picture silk curtains, rich red carpets, black furnishings and an attention-grabbing menu.

The shared banquet-style dishes range from pickles, salads and dumplings to hot pots, stir-fries and braised meats, one must-try dish is the handmade egg noodles with bacon and a finger-licking good XO sauce. The dishes are hot, but the zodiac-themed cocktails will cool you down. 

10 Bligh Street, Sydney 

Sealevel 

A Shire stalwart for almost twenty years, Sealevel's fame extends well beyond the confines of the seaside suburb it calls home. A seafood platter at Sealevel is synonymous with milestones with flocks of people descending to celebrate anything from engagements to anniversaries.

Focusing on seafood, the modern Australian a la carte or set menu with French and Italian influence changes every two weeks, providing guests with something new every visit. 

The dreamy location has large windows framing the stunning shot of crashing waves at North Cronulla Beach, so get ready to snap some selfies. 

 2 Kingsway, Cronulla

Icebergs

A Bondi classic, few oceanfront views are more iconic than this, overlooking the ocean pool that is arguably Australia’s most Instagrammed body of water. Perfectly placed to take advantage of Bondi’s delicious sea air, the Icebergs Dining Room is equally impressive, offering an evolving menu based on regional Italian cuisine.

Seasonal cured meats are available alongside antipasti and pasta. The Icebergs tasting menu is a safe option if missing out isn’t going to work for you.

1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach

Buon Ricordo

Buon Ricordo (Italian for good memory) combines to-die-for Italian dishes with next-level interiors, with art lining the walls from floor to ceiling in its Paddington abode. From the street, you'd be forgiven for thinking you have stumbled out of Sydney and into the Italian countryside, with a striking pink facade that would not be out of place in Tuscany.

In the almost four decades that Buon Ricordo has been operating, no dish has been as loved as the Fettuccine al Tartufovo: fresh pasta served with cream and parmesan, topped with a truffle fried egg and tossed at the table.

108 Boundary Street, Paddington

Bennelong

Celebrated Australian chef, Peter Gilmore (from the three-hatted stunner, Quay) is at the helm of Bennelong, one of Sydney’s most picturesque fine dining experiences. The epic location sets this establishment apart, sitting within the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House taking full advantage of its multi-level layout to ensure every patron takes in a full view. 

Much like its famous landmark surroundings, the menu is aptly Australian, championing local produce and wine. Whether you opt for the Chef's Tasting Menu, the three-course à la carte or an indulgent pre-theatre meal, this will be a meal to remember. 

Bennelong Point, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Catalina

Boasting some of the most incredible views in Sydney, Catalina sits right on the water and will have your heart from the get-go. And, once your entrees are served, they'll have your stomach too.

A meal here is always special, with each element carefully chosen to enhance the quality of the market fresh seafood. Whilst the Catalina team aim to craft simple dishes executed to perfection, they also don't shy away from global flavour combinations like pan-roasted Murray Cod with Madras-style curry.

Celebrating thirty years in 2024, there's a reason Catalina continues to be a Sydney favourite. 

Lyne Park, Rose Bay 

Pellegrino 2000

Pellegrino 2000 is one of the hottest places to be seen, becoming a Surry Hills icon not through time, but thanks to a visit from Taylor Swift during the popstars recent tour Down Under.

One of the best Italian restaurants to open in recent years, the team pairs fresh new twists with old-school classics, led by Daniel Pepperell and Michael Clift, the acclaimed duo behind Bistrot 916. From the beautiful interiors to the sumptuous menu of hearty Italian goodness, this one is worth adding to your iconic restaurant hit list.

80 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

Saint Peter

A must-visit for lovers of all things fish, ocean-centric fine diner Saint Peter is more approachable than most with an inspiring menu that changes as the catch does.

From its initial opening - almost a decade ago - owner/chef Josh Niland and his team drew positive attention when letting the produce speak for itself, with an open kitchen providing endless entertainment within the original 22-seat dining space. 

Since then, Saint Peter has found a new home around the corner within the Grand National Hotel, where the menu continues to draw a crowd, from a fish charcuterie to a dry-aged Big Eye tuna Wellington.

362 Oxford Street, Paddington

Chat Thai

A Sydney institution, Chat Thai is a much-loved, family-owned eatery serving zingy, tasty meals inspired by Thailand's street food stalls and markets. Established in 1989 in Haymarket and with multiple locations throughout Sydney, a meal here never disappoints.

The menu of smaller and larger plates is packed with flavour and plenty of vegetarian options make this a top pick for group dinners, so expect a buzzing restaurant each evening.  

Don't miss the fresh spring rolls, the Massaman curry of slowly braised beef with potato and the coconut ice cream with sweet sticky rice and candied palm seeds to end on a sweet note.

Manly, Randwick, Haymarket

Franca Brasserie

An emerging icon in the making, Franca Brasserie has been a welcome addition to Potts Point for those seeking classic French cuisine in a modern and welcoming space. Having recently celebrated its 5th birthday, we are sure this gorgeous establishment will stick around.

The bright, ornate interiors and bold flavours effortlessly transport diners to the heart of Paris. If you have the time, the signature set menu is worth a look. From pan-fried gnocchi and spanner crab ravioli to the Franca burger and chocolate and caramel brûlée, you will be hard-pressed to select just one dish for each course. Ideally, we would take one of everything with a side of Dom Perignon. 

Shop 2/81 MacLeay Street, Potts Point 

Now that you know the most iconic restaurants in Sydney, perhaps you need to plan a pre-dinner tipple. Check out our guides to the best romantic spots and wine bars in town.