Sydney is a paradise for the best lunches, but if you haven’t explored the city’s hidden gems you may not know what you are missing out on.
If you are a food lover searching for the best lunch in Sydney or searching for places that offer a variety of meals that fit into your budget, then I have some amazing spots you should check out.
It doesn’t matter if you are searching for a food spot for a nice lunch, or you just want to experience Sydney’s vibrant food culture, this list definitely has something for you.
This list includes an array of places to eat in Sydney with waterfront dining with stunning views and bustling cafes, some of which are located in plain sight, and others are hidden on the city street corners.
I have it all mapped out for you, to give you an easy way of locating amazing lunch venues that have diverse culinary scenes, and delicacies that will satisfy you physically and emotionally.
This guide will help you discover the best lunch spots in Sydney, it is a guide to the best 21 must-visit locations you must explore for yourself.
we’re talking about places with very talented chefs that serve very creative dishes, beachside exotic kinds of lunch, sit-outs, and lowkey lunch spots, like the Sydney restaurants you will find in the CBD.
We will also be looking at places that serve fresh seafood lunch, modern Italian dishes, and Lebanese cuisine. These spots offer both delicious and affordable meals, along with a memorable experience.
Okay, now let’s start planning your food adventure with our Sydney guide, let us look at a curated list of incredible lunch avenues and locations, perfected with fresh, local ingredients, and iconic Australian flavors.
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Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney
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Let’s Dive Into The Best Lunches in Sydney
Sean’s Panaroma
Sean’s Panaroma is an amazing lunch spot you can find in Bondi Beach, they are famous for their seasonal dishes and also they have a very stunning ocean view if you like that kind of beauty.
Sean restaurant is a nice and cozy spot where you can enjoy a relaxed meal that is carefully made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
On their menu, you will have perfectly cooked fish and vegetable dishes that were made with the intention of capturing the flavors of the season.
The ocean view and the soundwaves will give you a soothing atmosphere to enjoy a nice lunch. This place has a very nice review for how it has been pleasing to both locals and visitors.
If you like to have a casual lunch with a cool view environment, then you have to try Sean’s Panaroma at Bondi Beach, they offer quite an experience.
Credit: Vincenzo Amato
Pilu at Freshwater
Pilu is located above Freshwater Beach and this place is a great lunch spot that brings that Italian vibe of Sardinia to Sydney. If you are a fan of Italian dishes or you just want to experience what you have been hearing about Italian food spots, then this restaurant will treat you with a satisfactory experience.
Pilu is very elegant and they specialize in Italian dishes like the suckling pig and of course handmade pasta for all you Italian food lovers.
Another amazing thing about Pilu is that their meal is prepared with fresh, local ingredients, so you do not have to worry about anything less than excellent for your taste buds.
The view here is amazing and breathtaking, and this makes this place one of the best lunch spots in Sydney.
If you want to relax, have a romantic meal, or if you are looking for a lunch location to just chill with friends, then Pilu is the place that will give you a good experience.
They offer a blend of authentic flavors with stunning scenery.
Credit: Jacqui Turk
Mimi’s
Mimi’s is a seafood spot you can find at Coogee Beach, and this place gives you that cozy luxurious dining experience.
Their menu contains seafood and amazing dishes like grilled Wagyu flatiron and barbecued black abalone skewers, perfect for seafood enthusiasts looking for a luxury-focused lunch environment.
Mimi restaurant spared no expense in making sure they have a very beautiful elegant design and also a panoramic beach view.
This is perfect for if you want to have a special occasion, hold an event with your casual or corporate friends, or even just have leisurely lunches.
Mimi is a great lunch spot in Sydney that focuses on top-notch cuisine paired with breathtaking surroundings, to give you a dining experience that you will remember.
Credit: The Australian
Shell House Dining Room
Shell House Dining Room is a nice dining room located In the heart of Sydney CBD, this is a food restaurant that perfectly combines style, history, and flavor all in one.
If you can imagine enjoying a nice delicacy in such an exotic venue then you surely have to visit Shell House.
The building may be a little hidden as it is set in a restored 1930s clock tower, but its uniqueness is what makes it stand out in Sydney CBD.
At Shell House, they have a chic restaurant where their menu is inspired by Mediterranean and French cuisine, a delight that you might not find in most places and food dining spots.
If you like dishes like tender lamb and exquisite French salads, you should try Shell House. This place is the place to be for a leisure lunch or even a business lunch meeting.
At Shell, you get the vibe of a blend of history and contemporary dining where you can enjoy a taste of sophistication and a thrilling meal.
Credit: Shell House Dining Room
Nour
Nour in Surry Hills offers Lebanese cuisine with a modern touch of uniqueness. If you have ever tasted a well-prepared meal from a typical Lebanese chef or you only heard about it, then get ready, because Nour is not going to disappoint.
Their pro-Lebanese chefs serve only the best cuisines and dishes like the slow-cooked lamb shoulder and smoky baba ghanoush.
Their menu focuses on showcasing bold flavors and creative dishes that bring the Australian-Lebanese food culture to reality.
They have such a relaxed and open-airy dining space, with a terrace-styled inviting environment.
If you enjoy creative and satisfying lunch spots with a blend of traditional recipes served in a contemporary style, then you have to visit Nour in Surry Hills Suburb in Sydney Australia.
Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald
Longshore
Longshore is another exciting spot for seafood lovers in Sydney, It is located at Chippendale and the locals absolutely love this seafood spot.
Longshore is a must-visit lunch spot that specializes in experimental tasting menus.
Their dishes include the freshest local catches. They serve only the newest catches which means that you only get a fresh taste of seafood every time.
Their seafood dishes come with bold flavors and the chefs in Longshore have quite an innovative way of presenting their meals, just to give you a dining experience to remember.
The environment has a coastal-inspired decoration and gives a lowkey vibe, nothing too extravagant, perfect for a relaxed lunch experience.
This is a great place to sit with your friends if you want to have that laidback lunch experience in one of the best lunch spots in Sydney for seafood dishes.
Credit: TimeOut
The Apollo
The Apollo is different in its own unique way. This is a thrilling restaurant in Potts Point that brings the warmth of Greece to Sydney.
The locals know Apollo for its Mediterranean-inspired menu that engages traditional cooking methods of using wood and charcoal for grilling.
Apollo restaurant offers slow-cooked lamb shoulder and grilled octopus, and if you are into this type of meal then you must try visiting Apollo because their grilled octopus is not to be missed.
This is a perfect place to have lunch with your family, as Apollo has an environment and menu that supports meal sharing between family and friends. The cozy environments mixed with their authentic flavor make it a delight to have lunch at Apollo.
Credit: Delicious
Mr. Wong
Mr Wong is one of the hidden gems in Sydney for exquisite lunches, this amazing place is hidden in a stylish alley near Circular Quay.
This is a modern Cantonese restaurant that brings the Cantonese food culture to Sydney in a unique fashion and with a modern twist.
Dumplings has never tasted so good as it does at Mr Wong, this is a perfect restaurant for dumpling enthusiasts living or visiting Sydney CBD.
They have over 60 dishes on their menu including dim sum, crispy duck, and noodles.
Mr. Wong is the exact spot you want to go and get a feast that will satisfy your thirst buds with its trendy interior design and wooden beams.
Both locals and visitors come to Mr Wong to have that wild Cantonese meal experience, this is quite a popular choice for lunch in Sydney CBD.
Credit: Merivale
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar is located near Bondi’s famous ocean pool, This a bar and dining spot which means that you get to also enjoy chilling drinks after your meal.
They offer an Italian-inspired cuisine with a seafood-focused menu. If you love oysters and pasta then Icebergs Dining Room & Bar is a place I know you will enjoy.
Their talented chefs take the time to prepare fresh oysters and delicate portions of pasta that only the best hands can prepare.
Although there are other Italian dining houses out there, Icebergs Dinner stands out for its emphasis on crafting the perfect Italian cuisine.
Along with a luxurious coastal setting, this place also has such awesome view as this place is stationed overlooking the famous Bondi ocean pool, an additional quality that makes it one of the best lunch spots in Sydney.
Credit: Tripadvisor
Automata
Automata is also located in Chippendale, and they are a dining restaurant that offers a unique and creative dining experience.
Their talented and crazy chefs are known for how they constantly change the testing menu to give their visitors something fresh every time.
So if you are that adventurous kind like me and you are looking for a place where you can not predict what you get next, then Automata definitely has something new for you.
This restaurant uses the best seasonal ingredients in such an innovative way that entices your sense of food adventure.
The environment has an industrial chic decor to go well with their menu, as the design comes with a more modern cutting-edge elegance, perfect for corporate lunch in Sydney.
Credit: Concrete Playground
Ester
Ester is one of those incredible wood-fired restaurants in Sydney that locals and visitors really love. Their wood-fired cooking system is set up in such a way that it brings out the bold smoky flavors in their dishes giving them an even tasty aroma.
Their menu features dishes like roasted cauliflower with almond sauce and charred king prawns that are perfectly balanced with authentic flavors.
Ester has a chic-like decoration with a minimalist and intimate styled atmosphere making it great for a romantic dining experience or just a relaxed lunch break. They put more focus on simplicity and quality to give a memorable dining experience.
Credit: TimeOut
Cho Cho San
Cho Cho San is a restaurant that offers a modern twist on Japanese izakaya dining, this is a good spot to have a good lunch if you like Japanese cuisine, or if you are adventurous and want to introduce your taste buds to new experiences.
Their signature meal includes inventive shared plates like pork katsu sliders and miso-glazed eggplant, perfectly crafted by talented chefs.
Cho Cho San is a great place in Potts Point that is perfect for lunch with friends and special experiences with loved ones looking for an adventure.
The place has a sleek decor, and the minimalist design makes it even more appealing to have a nice Lunch In Sydney.
Credit: TimeOut
The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds Of Alexandria is a remarkable restaurant in Alexandria Australia. Some will call this place a whimsical escape in Sydney City, but either way, this is a nice restaurant for a good lunch.
The Grounds is a place renowned for its lush, garden-like setting, perfect for those who enjoy Instagram-worthy dishes, or looking for cool spots to take pictures while having their lunch.
They offer colorful smoothie bowls and hearty burgers, but that is not all, their menu is customized to have something special for almost anyone.
The unique decoration and colorful styling make this place stand out as one of the most fun-filled lunch spots in Sydney that you can visit with friends and loved ones.
Credit: Sydney
Bennelong
Bennelong Is a stunning World Class Restaurant located, under the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House, you could say this is a hidden gem but the popularity of its location solves the problem of visibility.
Locals and visitors that come around the iconic Opera House will often enjoy the pleasure of having an amazing lunch session in Bannelong place.
They have quite a decent menu also, their signature dishes include the glazed quail and Sydney rock oysters.
You can enjoy these signature dishes along with beautiful and stunning harbor views that always make the eating experience worth it.
Bennelong is a restaurant that offers exquisite cuisine no doubt, and its location makes it a must-visit destination for both visitors and locals looking and exploring the best place for lunch Sydney CBD scene offers.
Credit: Sydney Opera House
Saint Peter
Saint Peter is an intimate food spot in Paddington that offers very amazing seafood options.
If you would like a sustainable seafood dining that offers nothing less than creative dishes showcasing the whole fish then you have to visit Saint Peter’s.
The menu includes fish charcuterie, kingfish sashimi, and many more amazing seafood options.
The chefs here are amazing, they make sure that every dish reflects their dedication to quality and innovation.
This place is amazing for a romantic lunch in Sydney due to its intimate setting, chic decor, and focus on fresh ingredients which makes this restaurant a standout food spot.
Credit: TimeOut
The Butler
The Butler is a restaurant in Potts Point where you can get exquisite French-inspired dishes and also enjoy the stunning views of Sydney’s skyline.
Their menu has some incredible meal options like the duck confit and citrus-cured salmon, and the best part is that they serve you in a lush, plant-filled dining space.
It is such a beautiful place that is perfect to have a relaxing lunch with your friends and loved ones.
Their environment also supports occasions and celebrations, and you get flavorful cuisines and an elegant atmosphere.
The Butler is truly a gem for the best lunch spots in Sydney.
Credit: Yasmin Mund
Bills
If you are in the mood for just a simple but flavorful and comfortable dish that will soothe your taste then Bills is a Sydney restaurant that will give you the best of all that.
Their menu and signature dishes include ricotta hotcakes and crispy chicken sandwiches.
The Bills offer a cool mix of sweet and savory options.
They have a laid-back vibe, and their staff are really friendly with their service, ready to recommend great lunch options.
This is a very good place to have a casual lunch in Sydney, and they consistently prioritize quality over quantity.
Credit: Bills
Fratelli Paradiso
Fratelli Paradiso is a great place for rustic Italian comfort food. They focus on handmade Italian pasta.
Their menu includes Dishes like pappardelle with ragu and people love their decadent tiramisu.
Those signature dishes keep people returning to Fratelli’s due to the awesome quality, and craftsmanship of the chef there.
They have quite a cozy environment, but the walk-ins are what makes this restaurant have a bustling atmosphere.
Credit: OpenTable
Bar Totti’s
Bar Totti’s is another Italian restaurant that focuses heavily on simple delicious Italian meals.
If you will enjoy having your lunch in a casual, open-air setting then Totti is a place to visit.
They serve freshly baked bread, creamy burrata, and cured meats, among other amazing highlights on their menu.
Located in Sydney CBD, they are a perfect spot for relaxing with friends while enjoying that modern Italian urban restaurant vibe that will charm you every time.
Credit: Broadsheet
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is located right in front of the waterfall in Watsons Bay and this amazing location sets you to enjoy stunning harbor views while having an amazing seafood plata.
Their menu is full of different seafood delights, and it’s almost as if they have something for everyone.
Among their food options, they serve fish tacos and fresh seafood platters.
Made of bold flavors and soothing to enjoy while spending time in Watson’s relaxing beachside environment.
This boutique restaurant is really a sight to see and a beautiful place to have an incredible lunch in Sydney with its unbeatable scenery.
Credit: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
The Boathouse Palm Beach
The Boathouse Palm Beach is located in Palm Beach, and this perfect beachfront cafe is renowned for serving the freshest and most colorful plates of meals.
If you would like to have an Instagram-worthy lunch experience, then you have to visit The Boathouse.
Their menu includes avocado toast, and hearty salads, among other great food options that you will love.
Their vibrant atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy having lunch at The Boathouse, they have such an amazing beachy vibe.
They focus on fresh food ingredients locally sourced and prepped by talented creative chefs who are masters of tasty and colorful flavored delicacies.
Perfect for a laid-back dining experience while enjoying the ocean view.
Credit: Lily Road Band
Tips for Enjoying Sydney’s Lunch Scene
If you want to enjoy lunch in Sydney you have to be more intentional about what really suits you and your budget.
Although people still do have random lunches in random places, but for a true lunch experience, “Planning is key”.
Many popular lunch spots and restaurants require reservations, and this is how they keep things organized, to enable them to meet up with excellent standards.
So pre-planning and booking early will be your safest bet to get that amazing delicacy you deserve.
The other thing that you must keep in mind is to arrive early.
Early arrival goes hand-in-hand with making an early reservation, especially if the place you want to have lunch is not close by.
It is also important to show up early if you plan to have lunch in crowded places.
WhyGo Can Help You Plan the Perfect Foodie Adventure
Sydney’s lunch scene comes with so many incredible options, from beachfront cafes to elegant city bistros and hidden gems located on street sides.
It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of fresh seafood, hearty Italian food, or contemporary global cuisine, we have prepared these 21 venues very carefully to give you nothing less than an unforgettable culinary experience.
So feel free to keep it as a guide for your next lunch crawl.
At WhyGo we can help you plan out a customized food adventure if you are interested in something like that.
So, let us guide you to the best lunch spots in Sydney, based on your individual preference, so that you can enjoy every bite without the stress of planning.
Struggling with where to start? Book your lunch trip with WhyGo today.
