Best Waterfront Dining in Sydney

Ormeggio at The Spit, one of Australia’s most progressive Italian restaurants his a  buzzy Italian seafood restaurant with a beautiful cocktail and gelato bar centre stage. Chef Alessandro, Victor and team have completely reinvented themselves. Expect high quality sustainable seafood, great cocktails, some very fun desserts and those same knockout water views.  Choose from the a la carte menu, or the Ormeggio Signature set menu. Their more casual restaurant Chiosco adjoins Ormeggio.

Photography: Courtesy of Ormeggio at The Spit

Overlooking Middle Harbour at Balmoral Beach on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Bathers' Pavilion is the place to take visitors in Sydney. Even locals will be quietly chuffed by the elegant dining room, which exudes beachside elegance with a 1920s art deco soul. Expect a refined Mediterranean-inspired menu, with seafood the star of the menu. Savour the meal and the service, then linger for the view, the rare wines and the digestives. The adjoining Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a more casual atmosphere. Betel Leaf, upstairs on the Terrace serves modern Thai food with dine in and takeaway choices.

China Doll resides at the historic Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo and attracts diners with its fantastic views, elegant styling and generously portioned Modern Asian dishes. Having trouble choosing from all the exquisite dishes? Go with the banquet to sample a range. China Doll is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, people-watching and original, Asian-inspired cocktails.

Ventuno is a contemporary Italian eatery set on Sydney's Harbour in the historical Walsh Bay art precinct. Located amongst Sydney's historical old town quarter a stone’s throw from Sydney's Harbour Bridge and The Sydney Opera House, it is a destination for waterfront dining. Whether it be pre or post theatre, an intimate meal or large celebration, Ventuno has a dining offering and setting to suit your needs.

Situated in a prime position on Woolloomooloo Wharf, Manta boasts beautiful views across the Marina to the Botanic Gardens and the city skyline. Manta Restaurant has long been an iconic seafood dining experience offering patrons a sophisticated ambience and a dose of Sydney Harbour glamour.

Open for lunch Wednesday-Sunday and dinner Wednesday-Saturday

Perched on the edge of the water in Sydney's Rose Bay, the Catalina dining room offers unobstructed harbour views coupled with exceptional food. Dishes on the seafood-inspired Modern Australian menu are beautifully cooked and presented and visitors can join the well-heeled crowd watching sea planes take off and land on the water. Catalina's kitchen remains open from midday till late. Resident pelicans visit every afternoon hoping for remnants of the premium quality fish. 

Situated in the spectacular surrounds of the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, OTTO has an undeniable reputation as one of Sydney’s most respected dining institutions. The food at OTTO is delicious and unashamedly simple – modern Italian with roots firmly placed in the classics. Head Chef Richard Ptacnik’s menu is fresh, seasonal and produce-driven; sourcing the finest ingredients and letting them speak for themselves. When you dine at OTTO, you are truly living la dolce vita.

Pilu at Freshwater is an award winning Italian restaurant set against the beautiful backdrop of Freshwater beach. The light and airy space, framed by big bay windows, allows patrons to enjoy the seaside views whilst tucking into the thrilling taste of Sardinia. The restaurant aesthetic has a laid-back beach vibe doused in baby blue hues, crisp white finishes, and rustic wooden floorboards. With views looking directly out onto the ocean, it is easy to be swept away by the majesty of the natural realm.

Lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday

Cottage Point Inn offers a prime waterfront dining location on the Hawkesbury River, where diners can land right in front of the restaurant by seaplane direct from Rose Bay. The restaurant is renowned for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and innovative Modern Australian menu. Enjoy your meal on the deck while the water laps gently by, or opt for a seat in the sensitively-restored heritage dining room.

Renowned Sydney architect, Sidney Koh, has successfully transformed what was once the Submarine Miners' Depot into one of Sydney's leading restaurants. The open harbour and sandy shores set a captivating backdrop for an Australian-inspired menu in this 100-seater restaurant, ideal for an al fresco dining experience; lunch or dinner. Its opening marked a momentous occasion, as it was the first time in over 100 years that the general public could enter this historic space, once reserved for secret military operations to defend Sydney Harbour. 

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is Australia's premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting's ‘Mt Everest' -the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Choose to dine in The Restaurant or on the more casual deck which opens out on to the marina. (Only for members or if you live outside of 5 K's - a perfect choice for interstate and overseas visitors). NB: If dining in the restaurant only and you live within the five kms radius, you need to be signed into the clubhouse by a member

Grand river views and fresh seafood are the highlights of this popular restaurant at the Sydney Rowing Club on the waterfront at Abbotsford. With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, Watergrill dining room takes in a wide, boat-studded sweep of the Parramatta River. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch in the restaurant or a relaxing drink in the waterfront bar areas.

Located right on the water's edge of McMahon Point, Sails on Lavender Bay offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Bridge, creating a perfect backdrop to impress clients and guests. With an inspiring Modern Australian menu focused on fresh seafood, a tempting wine list and carefully crafted cocktail menu, Sails on Lavender Bay comes highly recommended.