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  • Sydney
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  • Where to Dine: The Best Restaurants in The Rocks to Book for your Next Dinner Date

Where to Dine: The Best Restaurants in The Rocks to Book for your Next Dinner Date

From fine dining to cosy bistro bites, these are The Rocks' best restaurants that suit all tastes, budgets and vibes.

Luna Lu (Image Credit: Jude Cohen)

Looking for the best restaurants in The Rocks, Sydney's most iconic tourist precinct? With a mix of fine dining restaurants, historic pubs, sleek cocktail bars, and alfresco eateries, boasting stunning views of the beautiful Sydney Harbour, there's something for everyone.

Our carefully curated list of the best restaurants along The Rocks' famous cobblestone streets will guide you to exceptional haunts, perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. We've scoured The Rocks to find the very best restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal with a view, so you can sit back and relax as you take in the spectacular sights.

Harbourfront Seafood Sydney The Rocks

Located in the historic Campbell's Stores at The Rocks, Sydney, Harbourfront Seafood Sydney The Rocks offers diners a picturesque waterfront dining experience with stunning views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. 

Their exceptional winter menu has just dropped so there's no better time to indulge. Enjoy everything from reinvented classics (the 150 Lashes battered fish and chips with crushed peas and ‘chip shop’ curry sauce is phenomenal) as well as hearty new additions like the organic chicken breast, complete with squash and truffle mushroom pearl barley risotto, hazelnut crumb and jus. Uniquely Australian ingredients also make a regular appearance throughout from the Riverine MSA MBS2+ 1.1kg t-bone steak to the finger lime-dressed chargrilled baby octopus. Seafood lover? Opt for the freshest and best platter you'll ever taste.

Campbell's Stores Bay 1-3, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks

Luna Lu (Image Credit: Jude Cohen)

Luna Lu

Looking for one of the best restaurants in Circular Quay? Look no further than Luna Lu, the premium contemporary Asian restaurant in Campbell's Cove. With a menu inspired by London's high-end diners, Luna Lu offers delectable dishes like marble striploin and eastern rock lobster with Chinese noodles and their signature XO sauce. You can also indulge in a refined degustation menu or a banquet for bigger groups. But what truly sets Luna Lu apart is its stunning views of the harbour. So why settle for just a great meal when you can enjoy it with one of the best views in Sydney?

Bays 4 and 5, 7-27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks

Quay

Quay

Located in one of the most stunning spots in the city, Quay is a local legend, dishing out top-tier cuisine against a backdrop that's more Sydney postcard than restaurant view. Executive Chef Peter Gilmore’s nature-inspired menu has received numerous awards and recognition, and it is indeed well-deserved. Need further proof? A quick glance at the artistically presented dishes on Instagram will show you the restaurant’s beauty and creativity. So, for a dining experience where the only thing more impressive than the views is the menu, Quay is your doubtless, foodie-approved answer.

Overseas Passenger Terminal, Upper, The Rocks

Ploos

Ploos

Ploos, strategically perched on the fringes of Sydney Harbour, is a culinary gem where Chef Peter Conistis artfully intertwines Greek and Aussie influences. The menu is a symphony of flavours, and features standout dishes such as the Nissiotiki Salad and Abrolhos octopus, thoughtfully complemented by taramosalata and a lamb tomahawk. To make the most out of your visit, be sure to round out your meal with their delectable traditional loukoumades with a cocktail in hand. Breathe in the view and enjoy scrumptious Greek food in one of the best restaurants in The Rocks.

Bay 7, 7/27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks

Bay Nine Omakase

Bay Nine Omakase

Bay Nine Omakase is one of the best restaurants in The Rocks, led by head chef Chef Yul Kim. With only 10 counter-seats available, this exclusive dining experience offers a unique omakase menu that evolves daily based on the freshest produce available at the market. The restaurant prides itself on quality produce, organisation, and a great rapport with guests. If you miss out on the omakase experience, you can still enjoy a six-course set lunch menu or an eight-course dinner at one of the restaurant's few tables.

Campbell’s Stores, Bay 9, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks

Tayim

Tayim

For those looking for a Middle Eastern culinary adventure in The Rocks, Tayim is a must-visit. Located in the charming Harbour Rocks Hotel, Tayim offers modern Middle Eastern cuisine amidst stunning sandstone interiors. The restaurant's exotic and unique vibe adds to the dining experience, and fans of Israeli cuisine will delight in Tayim's creative collection of showstoppers. Whether you're a guest at the hotel or a local looking for the best restaurants in The Rocks, Tayim's mouthwatering menu is sure to impress.

34 Harrington Street, Nurses Walk, The Rocks

Mode Kitchen & Bar

Mode Kitchen and Bar

In the heart of The Rocks, culinary enthusiasts will find Mode Kitchen and Bar, a slick dining spot boasting contemporary Australian cuisine. Nestled within the Four Seasons hotel atrium, its 1920s-inspired setting exudes sophistication with plush elements like velvet and marble. The star of the show is undoubtedly the impressive wood-fired grill, infusing every dish with a distinctive flavour. Mode Kitchen and Bar effortlessly secures its place among the best restaurants in The Rocks, drawing diners from across Sydney for a taste of modern Australian gastronomy in a luxurious yet unpretentious atmosphere. It's a must-visit for those seeking a refined culinary experience.

Four Seasons Hotel- 199 George Street, Sydney

Saké

Saké Restaurant

In the heart of The Rocks, Saké Restaurant is a local gem for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan. With traditional Japanese cuisine and an extensive sake list, it's a must-visit for savvy foodies. From express lunches to tempting bento box deals and exclusive private dining rooms, Saké caters to every palate and group size. Among The Rocks' best restaurants, Saké stands out, offering a genuine Japanese experience without the need for a long-haul flight. It's Sydney's slice of Japan, right in the neighbourhood.

12 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Altitude Restaurant

Altitude Restaurant

Among the best restaurants in The Rocks, the Altitude Restaurant reigns supreme for discerning palates and skyline lovers alike. This chic spot on the 36th floor of Shangri-La Hotel is a lofty culinary escape with a view that's worth every sip and bite. When you come in, you're instantly treated to the panoramic harbour views that are as impressive as their sophisticated, flavour-packed dishes. What's more, Altitude's wine list is long and illustrious, making it an ideal spot for wine connoisseurs. Before or after your meal, swing by Blu Bar on 36 for some top-notch cocktails.

Shangri-La Hotel, 36, 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney

Pony Dining The Rocks

Pony Dining The Rocks

For a no-nonsense feast in The Rocks, locals swear by Pony Dining. This unpretentious gem serves up wood-fired meats, locally sourced seafood, and small plates that let the ingredients shine. Tucked in the cobblestoned Kendall Lane, it's your spot for a quick drink or a hearty meal. Pony's outdoor bar boasts a boutique wine list and a whiskey selection that'll make your head spin (in a good way). Amidst the best restaurants in The Rocks, Pony Dining stands out for its simple yet elegant vibe, making it the go-to for those seeking a straightforward, satisfying culinary experience.

Cnr Argyle Street and Kendall Lane, The Rocks

6HEAD

Nestled in the heart of The Rocks, 6HEAD stands out as one of Sydney's premier waterfront dining venues. Housed in the beautifully preserved 1839 heritage building, Campbell's Stores, this restaurant offers a unique "stop in time" experience with breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Known for its focus on quality, grain-fed meat, and fresh seafood, 6HEAD is among the best restaurants in The Rocks. Whether it's a romantic evening, a corporate lunch, or a Wagyu steak craving, 6HEAD's menus have something for everyone. With a carefully curated wine list and an intimate waterfront setting, you're bound to have an indulgent time here.

Bay 10 & 11, Campbell’s Stores, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks

Le Foote (@lefoote)

Le Foote

Le Foote, nestled in The Rocks, is a new local darling, all thanks to the legendary restaurateurs at Swillhouse. This Euro wine bar and grill, housed in a historic 1838 building, offers a multi-dimensional dining experience. From the sultry jazz-infused upstairs bar to the European allure of the alfresco courtyard, each visit uncovers a new layer of delight. Head Chef Stefano Marano's mastery over the grill is evident, showcasing flavours that captivate discerning palates. Le Foote seamlessly blends culinary finesse with a joyous, immersive atmosphere, solidifying its place among The Rocks' best restaurants to date.

101 George Street, The Rocks

Whalebridge

Nestled between the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, Whalebridge is a deliciously French Bistro & Bar, gracing The Rocks with its unique charm. Poised perfectly along the water’s edge, it offers a casual yet delightful dining experience with a view that's arguably the best in the world. Whether it's pre or post-theatre snacks, a casual lunch, or dinner, Whalebridge is a go-to spot. The broad selection of cocktails and wines, including French drops mixed with local hits, ensures there's something for everyone. For a meal that marries the joy of food with the pleasure of friends, Whalebridge tops the list of best restaurants in The Rocks.

8 & 10 East, Circular Quay

Loved our round-up of the best restaurants in The Rocks? While you are in the city, be sure to check out the best bars in The Rocks and our favourite eateries in Circular Quay.

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