Rating: 8.7
Sydney is blessed with a fantastic selection of fine dining restaurants. Many of them are located within the CBD area. If you are looking for some inspiration as to where to enjoy an upscale meal in the city, check out these recommendations for the best restaurants in the Sydney CBD.
Fine dining doesn’t come much better than at the Glass Brasserie.
Located in the Hilton Hotel Sydney, the chef-hatted restaurant seamlessly merges elegant décor with world class service and an exceptional menu of bespoke culinary delights, to provide a dining experience that few can match.
Operating out of a recently renovated $1.5m kitchen, head chef Luke Mangan has created a classy and contemporary Australian menu that combines the best in seasonal produce and international flavours.
Dishes like Vietnamese braised short rib, Morton Bay Bugs and Blue Eye Trevalia will transport your tastebuds to new levels of delight. Whilst their extensive wine list is equally as impressive.
Address: Level 2, 488 George Street, Sydney 2000
A meal at Aria, while the evening colours of sunset stunningly reflect over the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, is one of Sydney’s most quintessential experiences.
Opened in 1999, Celebrity chef Matt Moran champions his Modern Australian haute cuisine in a spectacular glass-walled dining room that offers spectacular views of these iconic landmarks.
Offering an exceptional range of gastronomic delights their dinner menu includes the likes of roast eugowra quail, glazed maremma duck and slow cooked pork jowl.
Their mango, elderflower, white chocolate & coconut dessert is to die for, whilst their wine list, which features internationally renowned labels from around the world, is one of the most awarded in Australia.
Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Enjoying a fantastic location on the rooftop of Customs House, Cafe Sydney presents sensational harbour views in which to enjoy a truly delicious meal.
Boasting an outdoor terrace, gorgeous cocktail lounge and modern, refined interior the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. While the food and service is first rate too.
Exquisite versions of pork belly, swordfish and Humpty Doo barramundi all feature on the menu, beautifully plated with superb attention to detail.
For light bites, their cocktail bar offers oysters that are freshly shucked, which you can enjoy whilst sipping on a range of delightful beverages like a Lemon Scroppino, Mexican Standoff, or the intriguing sounding Kryptonite.
Address: 5 Sydney Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000
If it is sophistication you are looking for in your fine dining restaurant then Restaurant Hubert should be right up your street.
Taking the form of three bars, a spacious central dining room, a couple of more intimate private dining rooms and an art-house cinema called the Theatre Royale, which hosts private events, everything about the restaurants is designed to ensure a good time is had by all.
Offering a classical French menu that is served in a beautiful space, with exquisite vintage décor, dishes like duck parfait with maple-syrup jelly, escargots with XO sauce and steak tartare are cooked to perfection.
While its drinks list features some of the best cognacs, champagnes and wine France has ever produced.
Address: 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
High on any list of must-do Sydney food experiences is the Rockpool Bar & Grill.
Formerly part owned by Neil Perry, this stunning restaurant is located within the magnificent City Mutual Building, a 1936 American style art deco skyscraper designed by Emil Sodersteen.
Featuring an elegant, green-marbled, art deco interior, the restaurant can easily lay claim to being one of Australia’s most stunning dining rooms.
Its food offering, with a menu of over 30 starters and main dishes is sensational too. Primarily a steakhouse, the restaurant serves up everything from pheasant and partridge to wagyu beef and wood-fired rotisserie chicken. They also offer a wide range of delicious seafood too.
The wine list is a who’s who of world famous labels, including the much revered 1945 Romanee-Conti which sells for an unbelievable $89,510 a bottle!
Address: 66 Hunter Street, Sydney, 2000
Hutton Road, No 25, Unit 1, 2261 The Entrance, Australia
Rating: 8.7
Beachfront holiday home with 5-star features and facilities, Beachfront Luxury has everything you need for a relaxing coastal vacation on the Central Coast. This charming beachfront villa is located in Entrance, just a short drive from attractions such as Entrance Ocean Baths, Magenta Shores Golf Course, Pelican Plaza, and Picnic Point Reserve.
Step inside the villa to find 4 beautifully-appointed bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen with a microwave and a dishwasher, and a seating area fitted with a large TV. Extra towels and bed linen can be provided for a surcharge. Spend your days on the sunny balcony and enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Keep in mind there are no dining options at this property. Guests can prepare meals in the kitchen and order food from nearby restaurants like Mates Takeaway and Cue and Crew.
Guests have access to free private parking. You can also enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, and swimming in the ocean.
Rating: 8.7
Seascape is a luxury accommodation located in the infamously beautiful Palm Beach in northern Sydney. This stunning property is perfectly located roughly 200 metres away from the world-famous Whale Beach, 900 metres away from Palm Beach (the town’s namesake) and 3 kilometres away from Portuguese Beach.
This gorgeous house contains four bedrooms, all of which are furnished to the highest possible standard, bedroom one and two both have double beds within them, the third bedroom is made up of two single beds, and the fourth and last bedroom contains bunk beds. In total, up to eight people can stay within this house comfortably. The master bedroom has an ensuite and a gorgeous patio that guests are sure to enjoy when they wake up.
Palm Beach is a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood, it’s true, but there are several local places where guests at Seascape can find something to eat. Located 600 metres away from Seascape, Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel is a nice establishment to eat at. Whale Beach Deli is also an excellent option for anyone looking for a quick bite to eat and is located a mere kilometre away.
Seascape has all the luxury amenities you’d need to enjoy your time at the accommodation. Firstly, Wi-Fi is available in all areas and is free of charge. The kitchen is fully equipped with a dishwasher, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop. Airconditioning and heating are available within the accommodation for extra comfort, there is a private pool, a barbecue, a patio, and a balcony, as well as a fireplace which is just perfect for the winter.
Rating: 8.7
Located in the picturesque Hunter Valley, is the Hunter Valley Cooperage B&B which offers contemporary luxury accommodation. It’s a perfect base for wine lovers who wish to explore the area’s world-famous wineries. Audrey Wilkinson Winery and Hunter Valley Gardens are just a short drive away.
This charming bed and breakfast property boast 5 spacious and nicely decorated rooms. Each room comes with an en-suite bathroom, wardrobe, and a coffee machine. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchen.
Guests can enjoy a fully cooked breakfast each morning on the outdoor terrace with magnificent views of Shiraz vines. You will find all the usual suspects including ricotta pancakes, eggs benedict, honeycomb butter, bircher muesli, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. The friendly staff is always more than happy to recommend nearby restaurants worth visiting for lunch and dinner.
This boutique bed and breakfast property boasts a beautiful garden where you can unwind with a drink and enjoy views of the vineyard. Looking for things to do in the area? About 120 wineries, 30 restaurants, spas, a world-class garden, and a zoo are easily reachable by car.
Rating: 8.7
Ulladulla Guest House offers a unique experience within a hidden paradise filled with lush greenery and contemporary features. Situated a short 100 metres away from the town centre and fishing harbour of Ulladulla, guests at this facility will never become bored or feel isolated. Ulladulla is located three hours away from Sydney and two hours away from Canberra.
Each guest room within the Ulladulla Guest House features designer furniture and beautiful pieces of artwork, a private en-suite bathroom, flat screen tv’s and air conditioning. Many rooms offer a balcony with a garden or pool view which is perfect for the added serenity it provides. If a guest is lucky enough to stay in an executive room, they have private access to a marble bathroom and spa bath.
Popular eateries within the area include Cupitt’s Winery and Restaurant a short drive away, and Elizans Rock Grill and Wine Bar, which offers snacks and drinks from a wide range of wines and other alcohols and is conveniently located on-site. The Treehouse Café and Tony’s Italian Ristorante also both come highly recommended from tourists and locals.
Amenities within these guest houses are more than adequate for a holiday. There is a fitness centre, spa facilities, massage chairs, a jacuzzi, a saltwater pool, CCTV, a snack bar, and a communal seating area located within the facility to provide an unforgettable experience to guests.
Rating: 8.7
Situated only minutes away from Berriedale Bay, MONA Pavilions is a five-star hotel with a collection of free-standing private villas. Guests can easily access nearby restaurants, such as the Granada Tavern. Not only that, but Mona Pavilions is a mere 15-minute drive from Hobart Central Business District.
The Hobart resort has a collection of designer villas, each named after an Australian artist or architect. Each accommodation has bright and airy rooms, along with contemporary décor and furniture. Moreover, the pavilions have a full-scale kitchen, sumptuous spa, and a washer and dryer. Bathrooms have heating under the floor – perfect for cool winter days.
The Mona Pavilions has no shortage of dining options. Guests can enjoy the Source Restaurant and Faro Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat. There are also three places to grab a glass of aged wine or a handcrafted cocktail – Cellar Door, Moorilla Wine Bar, and Void Bar.
Visitors can use the hotel’s sauna to relax and recharge, as well as the state-of-the-art fitness centre. MONA Pavilions hosts frequent concerts on Mona Lawns, and most of the artists are local to Tasmania. Guests can also relish the uniqueness of James Turrell’s Sunrise and Sunset Sequences at Museum Plaza, Mona.
Rating: 8.7
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s premier entertainment precinct, Felix the Great’s apartments offer a 5-star hotel experience perfectly suited to both business and family travellers. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Casino and the famed South Bank dining district are all within a short walk, while Melbourne’s excellent public transport network is ready to take you to a host of other attractions in and around the CBD.
Felix the Great’s apartments come with either two or three luxurious bedrooms. All apartments include full kitchen facilities, living and dining areas. If you prefer to do your cooking outside, there’s a balcony with barbecue, and comfortable outdoor seating. Heating and air conditioning is available, along with all the usual amenities you would expect from a luxury apartment hotel.
The self-contained rooms make dining in a pleasure, and a great excuse to cook with fresh ingredients from Melbourne’s many markets and specialty food outlets. For those who prefer to go out the options are endless. The close proximity to South Bank brings some of Australia’s best restaurants within walking distance, including Rosetta Ristorante and Rockpool Bar & Grill.
As well as spacious apartments, Felix the Great has common areas which guests are free to use, including a games room, picnic area and swimming pool. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, while an onsite minimarket is available to meet guests’ needs. Private parking is available on request.
Rating: 8.7
On the gorgeous Sunshine Coast, holiday makers can enjoy luxury hotel accommodation by the ocean at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences. The hotel overlooks Surfers Paradise Beach and is less than 10-minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southport Golf Club and the Gold Coast Turf Club.
The stylish guestrooms feature light tones and modern décor. They have floor to ceiling windows with a private balcony and stunning views of the surrounding area. A good night’s sleep is assured with the signature Hilton Serenity beds and guests have access to in-room-dining, Wi-Fi and an LCD TV.
The fitness centre can be accessed 24-hours a day and features state-of-the-art exercise equipment and a nearby indoor pool. Outside, there are multiple rooftop pools with dedicated seating areas for guests to relax and enjoy the sun. The staff at Eforea Spa are also on hand to provide rejuvenating face and body treatments.
At Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats diners can taste delicious share-stye meals, bespoke cocktails and gourmet all-day dishes. In the morning, Catch Restaurant serves a wide variety of scrumptious breakfast foods as part of their delightful buffet breakfast. During summer, The Deck Bar provides pool-side refreshments and light meals.
Rating: 8.7
With stunning ocean views and a stylish design, Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel is the perfect luxurious coastal getaway. The luxury hotel is perched on the side of a hill, overlooking the bright blue waters of Whale Beach. Within a five-minute drive there are multiple nature reserves, the Whale Beach Rockpool and Pittwater inlet. With classic, sophisticated styling, the rooms at Jonah’s are reminiscent of the Hamptons. The neutral palate creates a relaxed atmosphere, and all rooms feature a walk out balcony on which guests can marvel at the natural beauty of the ocean. The large bathrooms have both a high-pressure walk-in shower and spa bath. Guests have access to complimentary Wi-Fi and movies, USB charger outlets, a Vittoria coffee machine, and automated curtains. To provide a premium wellness service, Jonah’s has partnered with Purity Pacific to deliver on-site beauty and therapy services. The attentive staff at reception can assist with booking a wide range of luxe experiences including personalised in-room yoga sessions, a cruise up the Pittwater on 45ft private motorboat or luxury sailing yacht, and private meditation sessions. Jonah’s is home to a multi-award winning restaurant. The seasonal menu uses the finest local produce to create fine-dining Contemporary Australian cuisine.