Sydney’s 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the CBD
From fine-dining institutions to bold new openings, these are the best restaurants in Sydney’s CBD right now.
2 min
Sydney’s dining scene is more exciting than ever, with a mix of world-class chefs, inventive menus, and breathtaking locations. Whether you’re after a multi-course tasting experience or a sleek spot for a power lunch, these 10 restaurants define the best of Sydney’s CBD.
1. Quay – Modern Australian
📍 Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
A Sydney institution, Quay continues to set the benchmark for fine dining with its innovative tasting menus, stunning harbour views, and Peter Gilmore’s signature creations, such as the White Coral dessert.
2. Oncore by Clare Smyth – Contemporary European
📍 Crown Sydney, Barangaroo
The first Australian outpost of three-Michelin-starred Clare Smyth, Oncore delivers refined yet approachable dishes with an emphasis on sustainability, all set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
3. Bennelong – Modern Australian
📍 Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay
Housed in the iconic Opera House, Bennelong offers a sophisticated take on Australian cuisine. Its menu highlights the best local produce in an architecturally stunning setting.
4. Hubert – French Bistro
📍 15 Bligh Street, Sydney
A subterranean slice of Paris in the heart of the CBD, Hubert charms with candlelit tables, a lively jazz soundtrack, and decadent French classics like duck à l’orange and steak frites.
5. Aria – Modern Australian
📍 1 Macquarie Street, Circular Quay
With Matt Moran at the helm, Aria is a longtime favourite for pre-theatre dining and special occasions, serving elegant, seasonal dishes with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge.
6. A’Mare – Italian Fine Dining
📍 Crown Sydney, Barangaroo
For old-school Italian glamour, A’Mare is the place to be. Expect tableside mozzarella service, hand-rolled pasta, and a lavish setting reminiscent of an Italian grand hotel.
7. Firedoor – Woodfire Cooking
📍 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills (CBD fringe)
Chef and owner Lennox Hastie’s Firedoor is a must-visit for meat lovers. Here, everything—yes, everything—is cooked over fire, from aged rib-eye steaks to ember-roasted vegetables.
8. Rockpool Bar & Grill – Classic Steakhouse
📍 66 Hunter Street, Sydney
A high-end power dining staple, Rockpool serves some of the country’s best dry-aged steaks, impeccable seafood, and a deep wine list curated for connoisseurs.
9. Kiln – Contemporary Australian
📍 Ace Hotel, 47 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney
One of Sydney’s most talked-about newer openings, Kiln blends inventive Aussie flavours with a relaxed rooftop atmosphere. It offers standout dishes like fermented potato bread and charcoal-roasted seafood.
10. Shell House Dining Room & Terrace – European-Inspired Brasserie
📍 37 Margaret Street, Sydney
With its grand heritage interiors and sun-drenched rooftop terrace, Shell House offers a polished yet lively dining experience. The menu is focused on fresh, coastal flavours.
The sports-car maker delivered 279,449 cars last year, down from 310,718 in 2024.
Chinese carmaker GAC will expand its Australian electric vehicle line-up with the city-focused AION UT hatchback.
Chinese carmaker GAC will expand its Australian electric vehicle line-up with the city-focused AION UT hatchback.
< 1 minGAC Australia has confirmed the AION UT, an all-electric compact hatchback, as the fourth model to join its local range, with the vehicle set to go on sale mid-year.
The AION UT will be the second fully electric model released in Australia under GAC’s AION sub-brand, following the launch of the AION V medium SUV.
The company says the new hatch has been developed specifically with urban driving in mind, combining compact exterior dimensions with competitive interior space.
Designed at GAC’s Milan Design Centre, the AION UT features a fastback silhouette, two-tone floating roof and pixel-style lighting elements intended to give the car a distinctive, tech-forward appearance.
GAC also points to what it describes as the world’s first “eyebrow-style” headlamp design as a visual signature for the model.
Despite its compact positioning, the AION UT rides on a 2,750mm wheelbase, which GAC says allows for interior space that rivals larger vehicles in the same segment.
Full technical specifications, equipment levels and pricing for the Australian market have not yet been announced.
The confirmation of the AION UT comes as competition in Australia’s electric vehicle market continues to intensify, particularly at the more affordable end of the spectrum.
While early EV adoption was dominated by premium models and SUVs, manufacturers are increasingly turning their attention to smaller, city-oriented cars aimed at price-conscious buyers and urban commuters.
GAC entered the Australian market late last year with a mix of petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric models, including the AION V, M8 PHEV and EMZOOM.
The company has indicated it plans to introduce more than 10 models locally over the next five years as part of its long-term Australian strategy.
From gorilla encounters in Uganda to a reimagined Okavango retreat, Abercrombie & Kent elevates its African journeys with two spectacular lodge transformations.
A 30-metre masterpiece unveiled in Monaco brings Lamborghini’s supercar drama to the high seas, powered by 7,600 horsepower and unmistakable Italian design.
