Dining by the water

Fast facts

• Sydney Harbour is a living waterway with restaurants dotting the foreshore
• Beachside or poolside, the dining scene here has chefs passionate about food.

Why go there

Sydney Harbour and beaches are Sydney's soul, magnets for good times and great food. From the humblest gelato stand or pie shop to some of the world's freshest and innovative fine dining. Unlike other cities, in Sydney, restaurants offering both water views and good food are the rule rather than the exception.

Waterside highlights

• Catch a ferry to Manly for fish and chips on the beach, or succulent seafood at Garfish, overlooking Manly Wharf.
• Take the wine and cheese experience on Fort Denison, where experts guide you through 12 courses of gourmet indulgence in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
• Watch working boats ply the waters past Walsh Bay, while sharing tapas at Firefly or relaxed dining at The Wharf Restaurant.
• Check out the world of dining along the heritage-listed Woolloomooloo Wharf at Otto, Manta and Aki's.
• Head for the unique homely-yet-chic vibe of Sean's Panaroma at Bondi or join the beautiful people as they enjoy rustic Tuscan fare on the balcony at North Bondi Italian Food.
• Other venues sprinkled around the harbour – Aqua Dining at North Sydney pool or nearby Sails at Lavender Bay or the stylish Catalina at Rose Bay. At Darling Harbour, there's Zaaffran serving creative Indian and Chinta Ria's creative Malaysian.
• Sydney's oldest neighbourhood, The Rocks, has a quirky mix of historic pubs and restaurants. Check out harbourkitchen&bar at the Park Hyatt, opposite Sydney Opera House and award-winning Quay.
• At Pyrmont you can sample aromatic Moorish cuisine served in tapas style.
• Ripples at Chowder Bay near Balmoral is in a beautiful Sydney location, surrounded by harbour and bushland and with a great casual menu.

Don't miss

• Seeing the sun go down over Bondi, ably assisted by Campari-stained cocktails and crab with polenta, chilli and lemon at the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.
• A long, leisurely lunch at Bathers' Pavilion Restaurant on Balmoral Beach.
• The breathtaking grandeur of dining in the Opera House itself on Guillaume Brahimi's utterly accomplished French food at Bennelong.
• The ultimate Sydney and water outing – a seaplane from Rose Bay to the delightful Cottage Point Inn or Berowra Waters Inn, set in a sparkling riverside location north of Sydney.