Sydney restaurants located within a 5 minute walk of Circular Quay | Ratings, Reviews & Maps

The InterContinental Sydney was an outstanding experience. The hotel’s location in the CBD is unbeatable, and the views are simply spectacular from the roof bar and level 31 pool. Being so close to the harbour made our stay feel genuinely special and memorable. The hotel itself was immaculate. Every space, from our room to the common areas, was exceptionally clean and well maintained. The attention to detail and housekeeping was excellent. What really set this experience apart, however, was the staff. At breakfast they were exceptionally helpful and everyone was genuinely welcoming. In particular, I would like to commend Kathy who always greeted us with a smile at breakfast which started the day in a happy note.
Steven Luke - 3 months ago

This is a gorgeous, safe, clean hotel in the best part of the waterfront area of Sydney. We were very well taken care of by everyone we met. The luggage team is always working quickly to take care of the constant flow of guests arriving and leaving. Ria, our check -in host, was polite, professional, and efficient. She gave us ideas of what to do in our time in town. We were thrilled when our room was ready early, as this is an extremely busy hotel. Everyone we met was friendly and professional. We enjoyed time at Aster, the rooftop bar, where the views are amazing. We were also gifted a lovely bottle of Proseco with chocolate by "the team". No one would take individual credit when we asked who to thank. We think InterContinental hotels are elegant and special. Breakfast at the Conservatory is fantastic; I've never seen food for the masses presented so thoughtfully and beautifully. Truly, their cold Pantry is something to behold. I could go on, but if you're reading this, know that this property will meet your needs and then some!
Kim Oquist - 3 months ago

Absolutely wonderful long weekend. We went to celebrate our 20th anniversary and attend the Pulp concert. Perfectly located if you are going to a concert at opera house, or just want a weekend in the city. Beautiful building, smelt incredible - wish I could buy that scent. Cocktails and snacks on 31st floor bar with such stunning views- over the city - something you have to do at least once in your life. Staff really went the extra mile for us and made our stay so special. Highly recommend! We’ll be back!
Megan McNaughton - 2 months ago

Our stay at InterContinental Sydney was absolutely exceptional. The location truly cannot be beat — right in the heart of the city with incredible walkability to everything you’d want to see and do. We were able to explore the area almost entirely on foot, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The hotel grounds are beautiful, with ample restaurants and bars on site, making it easy to relax and dine without ever having to leave. The rooftop restaurant, Aster, offers absolutely impeccable views and is a must-visit for sunset cocktails or dinner. Our room views were breathtaking — overlooking the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanic Garden. Waking up to that panorama was unforgettable. Arrival and departure were seamless, with easy car pick-up and drop-off access, which made everything stress-free. An incredible stay from start to finish — we would absolutely return.
Sherry Maserati - 3 months ago

Stayed here on floor 21, over the Mardi Gras and Bad Bunny weekend. This hotel is just beautiful! Very clean, spacious, and a fantastic location, right near circular Quay! I couldn't hear neighbouring rooms, the room stayed dark, and the bed was extremely comfy. Ordered room service which was very reasonably priced, and it was delicious. The pool was great, with a great view. Staff we spoke to were all friendly. Is definitely come back here again when in Sydney!
Sam B - 3 months ago

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This restaurant is truly an institution, the kind of place everyone should experience at least once. It has earned its reputation not through hype, but through consistency, quality, and an unmistakable sense of occasion. The menu showcases modern Australian cuisine at its best: seasonal, thoughtfully sourced ingredients presented with confidence and restraint. Each dish feels refined yet approachable, balancing creativity with flavours that are familiar and comforting. There’s a clear respect for local produce, and the execution is polished without ever feeling pretentious. Its location is just as impressive as the food. Set in a prime spot, the restaurant makes the most of its surroundings, whether that’s sweeping views, vibrant city energy, or a beautifully designed space that immediately sets the tone. It’s the kind of place where you want to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the experience. Service is professional and attentive, striking the perfect balance between warm hospitality and quiet efficiency. From start to finish, everything feels seamless. A true landmark dining destination timeless, dependable, and still exciting. If you want to understand why this restaurant is considered a must-visit, one meal here will make it clear.
Karen Liang - 3 months ago

My wife received a voucher for her birthday, and from the moment we stepped out of the elevator, we were absolutely amazed. We had no idea this restaurant even existed, and what a discovery it turned out to be. We were seated on the balcony with breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, and our beautiful city skyline — a truly special setting. Every dish was exceptional. We started with the Pacific oysters, followed by the New Zealand salmon and snapper tartare, both incredibly fresh and full of flavour. The Barramundi was perfectly cooked, and the Beef Tenderloin with baked potatoes was tender and delicious. To top it all off, we enjoyed a beautiful Limestone Coast, SA Wangolina Sauvignon Blanc, which complemented the meal perfectly. An unforgettable lunch experience in a stunning location — we’ll definitely be back.
Daniel Sgroi - 3 months ago

Came to Cafe Sydney on an impromptu visit - we were meant to go somewhere else but over the holidays it was closed and my friend thought this would be casual place to visit. It’s definitely not a casual vibe place but I’m so glad we came. I have not been to cafe Sydney in years and it was as spectacular as I remember with a Beautiful vista overlooking the harbour bridge and water. As we had no reservation we had one of the random tables inside but service was still great, a lovely vibe and absolutely delicious food. We opted to share a few things - the pork chop, the salmon in curry sauce, some garlic naan and rosemary chat potatoes. Honestly everything was delicious and would recommend! Total bill came to 180 (we each had a drink) and I thought this very reasonable esp considering the location, service and the quality of food. Would definitely recommend and would return - although ideally with a table on the patio overlooking the water!
Anna - 5 months ago

Came here for dinner one night with the family, great experience! Unlike some of the other reviewers it seems we got quite lucky with the view, we were placed right in the middle on the terrace facing directly towards the harbour which was great, our waitress was absolutely incredible, she remembered a few things and her customer service skill was top notch, polite, friendly, smiling, and attentive. She recommended the table some incredible drinks of which I had a few, she picked up on my tastes and recommended a few more similar drinks which I absolutely also loved. Top notch service from the lady with blonde hair. (Didn’t grab a name). The food was also great, went for one of the only beef options on the menu, I think from memory it was a lot of seafood but the beef was cooked perfectly and had the best sauce, entirety of the table also wen for desert which was also lovely, would definitely come back and we also ran into our friends there too who share our opinions. Hopefully the other reviewers can come back and experience what we did! Only thing to add is that I wish the portion sizes for the food were larger but what we got was expected of a place like this and similar venues.
Coolest Cat in the West - 5 months ago

Amazing views at Cafe Sydney. Despite its name, Cafe Sydney is actually a high end restaurant perched on top of Custom House with sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour (except when a massive cruise ship blocks the view). The food is pricey and imaginative, but overall taste and balance of sauces and ingredients are well below the view which is a strong 5/5. I had the NZ snapper - very innovative seaweed dust coating, but I was left unimpressed as components did not quite complement one another. The crème brûlée with fresh raspberries was however delicious 5/5.
JJ Chen - 4 months ago

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The food looked great and tasted even better. Everything was nicely presented, and you could tell a lot of care went into each dish. The flavors were spot on, and it just felt like a really well made, satisfying meal. And the mashed potatoes? Honestly, the best I’ve ever had. Super creamy, smooth, and perfectly seasoned I could’ve eaten a whole bowl of just that.
Tara (petitechefdiary) - 3 months ago

The food was absolutely finger-licking good — full of flavour and beautifully prepared. Every dish tasted amazing, and honestly, I wished the portions were slightly bigger because it was that good. The atmosphere, however, felt a bit crowded and noisy, which doesn’t quite match the expectations of a fine dining experience. A more relaxed and refined ambience would really elevate the overall experience. Service was generally good, but it would be great if staff could be more attentive with refilling water for guests without being asked. Overall, a very enjoyable meal with outstanding food.
AUD - 3 months ago

World-class service and amazing desserts, but the mains missed the mark. I have mixed feelings about Aria. Parts of the meal were exceptional, but others didn't quite hit the mark for this price point. The Good: The Yellowfin Tuna was incredible, and the burnt butter mash is a must-try. The desserts (chocolate and mango soufflé) were also standouts. A huge highlight was the service; the staff are amazing and genuinely seem to love working there. They even brought out a cupcake and candle for my birthday, which was a lovely touch. The Not-So-Good: The fillet steak was disappointing, tougher than expected and quite rough toward the outside. The pasta was forgettable, and the cocktails lacked depth and felt a bit watered down. Verdict: 5-star hospitality and atmosphere, but I expected more consistency from the mains and the bar.
Elegant Cactus - 4 months ago

I celebrated my birthday at this elegant restaurant, just like many other guests who choose this place for their special occasions and anniversaries. The food was excellent – the duck was fantastic, and the tuna starter was truly outstanding. Unfortunately, the coffee was disappointing. It was very weak, regardless of whether it was an espresso or a regular black coffee. To improve the quality of the coffee served here, real attention should be given to the entire brewing process and the technology behind how the coffee is prepared in this place.
Barbara Zielińska - 3 months ago

We are traveling from Taiwan for family vacation. Glad able to book here to celebrate CNY. We had 5-course dinner with Oysters. The food is superb: Australia Wagu / Lamb are beyond this earth. I like to specially thank our sommelier Mimi: premium&prestige wine pairings are fascinating and full of knowledge. I ended up buying one bottle of Izway Australia shiraz. We will definitely visit again next time here in Sydney.
Sid Yun - 3 months ago

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STOP! If you are trying to find the best coffee in the rocks/circular Quay area, aren't you lucky you found this place. I work in the area, I have tried several cafes and now I do not go anywhere else. The coffee is perfect from morning to afternoon, I know because I'm a twice a day kind of guy. It's the perfect strength bean too, the flavour is rich you feel the caffeine but not so much to have anxiety and jitters. The staff are incredible too, always with a smile, and looking to brighten your day with their infectious good mood. The biggest mistake I made was tasting their food, now I want to try everything they have... It is delicious! Whether it's a sweet treat, a savoury snack, or a sandwich for lunch, they've got you taken care of. I couldn't recommend highly enough!
Wyatt Culbert - 4 months ago

Their drinks and cakes were amazing. However, the staff did not look patient when we spent some time deciding what to order. It is better to sit in front of the restaurant than the back for more air ventilation.
Charlie C - 3 months ago

Was strolling along near the cruise ship terminals and stumbled on this gem. I came in 30 minutes after opening and they were still stocking up on their goodies. Everything I got was delicious. The salmon quiche egg texture was perfect. The cruffin had a nice custard with a crunch to it. The ham and cheese croissant was heavenly. I would have ordered everything on display if I could.
vu nguyen - 7 months ago

We were looking for coffee while walking around The Rocks and were tempted by the fairly good rating on Google Maps. Unfortunately, apart from the attractive tourist location and friendly service, I can’t really find any other positives about this café-patisserie. The coffee we had here was one of the worst tasting ones we tried in Australia.
Kris - 2 months ago

A lovely French cafe with a charming backyard that feels just like a cozy home garden. The coffee is excellent, and the pastries are freshly made in-house and absolutely delicious.
ali aziziasl - 6 months ago

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Malay is hands down one of the most luxurious Malaysian dining experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this place is all about quality and attention to detail. Every dish we tried—from the rich, aromatic curries to the perfectly grilled skewers—was bursting with flavor and showcased the care and skill that went into preparing it. The presentation was just as impressive as the taste, making each course feel like a special experience in itself. Service was consistently attentive and polished without feeling overbearing, which added to the overall elegance of the meal. The staff clearly knew the menu inside out and were happy to offer recommendations, which made the experience feel personalized. Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but given the quality of the ingredients, the craftsmanship of the dishes, and the overall atmosphere, it felt justified. This is the kind of place you go to when you want to treat someone extra special or celebrate a memorable occasion. Overall, Malay isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that elevates Malaysian cuisine to a whole new level. Highly recommended!
John (The Purpose Coach) - 5 months ago

The dishes we ordered were flavoursome and delicious. You need rice to soak up the sauces and maybe damp some of the spiciness if you’re not into chilli. Pleasantly surprised by the lion dance - fine at the beginning but way too loud and long later on 😅
ser sim - 3 months ago

40 years later, I review this icon. Now in its third home, many of the hits hit as consistently as The Don with a stump and a cricket ball. The eggplant and beef malaya curry are dead set winners. Had the fish been cooked for about half the time it was, it too would have rocketed this score to 5*. The breads and rices were ok, but not stellar. An excellent wine list is priced for us to learn moderation. All in all a very safe pair of hands in this part of town.
Kitchen Insider - 5 months ago

We were big fans of the King St location, so we wanted to try their new address on George St. The food is still great, especially the szechuan eggplant & the beef rendang. The service was faultless. We had a good view of the terrace area & George St. So glad they have found a new home.
Julie Knott - 5 months ago

Food to die for and the service to match. Everything we had here has been great. Pictures show the Beef Rendang, Black Pepper Beef, Chicken Satay Skewers, Roti with Duck Curry Sauce and Jasmine Rice. I would recommend all of the above.
Joe Fletcher - 4 months ago

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Located at 91 George Street, The Rocks, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺 This is an extremely popular spot to come while visiting the Rocks. Especially on the weekends. They have an amazing range of cakes 🍰 to pick from, along with other delicious dishes. I had a French Toast and hot chocolate and they were both amazing. A bit pricey but I think it’s to be expected considering the location. It’s in a prime spot. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. Nothing too much trouble. The toilets are located up the stairs so this is not very accessible for people with mobility issues but there are toilets located nearby. There is seating inside and outside but as it’s so popular these can fill up quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this amazing cafe and look forward to returning. Thumbs up!! 👍👍👍
Nerine Cummins - 8 months ago

Brunch place at the heart of the rocks and the rocks market. Great location. It's a casual place for quick brunch or sandwich bite. Food was OK. Very much place for tourists and unnecessarily pricy. Staff are responsive and good for kids and groups. Indoor and outdoor seatings. Accessible indoor seating with flat street entry.
Max Kay - 6 months ago

Among the many cares I am trying out, this was particularly tasty. A great combo we discovered was getting the Croque Madame for salty savory bite and then getting the Berry Waffle for a sweet dessert with lattes. Very delicious. Service was excellent as well. Quick to seat and take orders. Everything came out relatively quickly. Loved the place. Would definitely repeat!.
Will Koo - 8 months ago

Perfectly toasted, beautifully plated, and absolutely indulgent. The warm caramelized topping paired with silky custard and a scoop of ice cream made it such a comforting treat. I also ordered the classic Angus burger — juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Everything was satisfying from start to finish. Definitely coming back!”
Cok Admawati - 3 months ago

Ordered the affogato and iced matcha. Got iced latte instead. Iced latte is just pleasant. The mousse cake was too sweet. Location’s great, seatings r perfect but the quality could have been better.
Thu Ho - 7 months ago

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We were tired and hungry and this filled a hole! Table was cleaned after we sat down and a lively vibe on a Friday early evening. Definitely a young persons venue. I had a Caesar salad with grilled chicken which I really enjoyed. Husband had fish and chips. The fish was in low proportion to the battery as in 3 strips
Lindsey Reece-Smith - 3 months ago

Was surprised actually on the quality of the food! Great beer on tap, probably almost a dozen. Pizza special while we were there too.
Mike Fritzler - 3 months ago

Stop here for a beer and a meal, great location down at Circular Quay the beer was great and the food was good enough but the service was lacking which was disappointing. Nice enough pub though and a good spot for a drink.
Chris McMillan - 4 months ago

Good spot for a late meal and drinks. It was bustling when there were nothing else much open. We had a pizza which was fantastic!
DNA K - 3 months ago

It's alright. You cannot order drinks from the QR code, only food. It really makes no sense to me, because you could lose the table you are sitting at if you get up to get drinks with your friends. A staff member I asked about ordering drinks from the QR code literally said "I don't know I just started working here 2 days ago". I was taken back by the comment, how do you not know..? Otherwise the service was fine. I think better places are in the area though. Overall average.
Vinny F - 11 months ago

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Stayed for drinks. Great atmosphere, nice music, excellent and attentive service and a fantastic view. Cruise ship was in the way, which we knew about and departed to reveal an amazing view of the Opera House. Well worth a stop for afternoon drinks with a great vibe. Booking recommended on busy occasions.
SnackPanther78 - 3 months ago

We recently held our company event at Cruise Bar in Circular Quay. The location was absolutely stunning, with amazing harbour views that really added to the Christmas and year-end celebration. The atmosphere was lively, and the venue itself was stylish and enjoyable. However, the overall service and catering fell short of expectations. The drinks selection was very limited, and the finger-food portions were quite small, with not much variety. Many of us ended up going out for dinner afterwards because the food wasn’t sufficient for an event of this size. Service was also inconsistent. Some servers seemed inexperienced or part-time, and the bar staff were often distracted on their phones, resulting in slow responses. For such a premium location, I expected a higher level of professionalism and attention. Cruise Bar is undeniably beautiful and well-located, but the food and service quality need improvement to match the venue’s reputation.
JIM LEE - 5 months ago

Cruise Bar and restaurant is a harbour front gem in the heart of the city and Sydney’s Circular Quay. Perched above the shimmering waters of Sydney Harbour at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, this is the perfect spot for a couple of drinks and outstanding food. If you’re sitting outside on their lounges you get uninterrupted views of the harbour and Opera House if those cruise ships are out to sea. If you stay into the evening, it’s great for sunset drinks with friends. From the moment you arrive, Cruise makes its first impression with high tables and live music playing inside and you get the panoramic views inside too. Choose to drink and dine indoors or lounge outside and wherever you choose, you will be impressed. The menu at Cruise celebrates local produce and bold Australian flavours, drawing inspiration from Australia’s diverse landscapes and sea life. We loved the pan seared barramundi with macadamia cream, and the cold seafood platter with stunning oysters, prawns, scallop and lobster. The food was perfect for the stomach and the setting. What pairs better with harbour views than a creative cocktail? They incorporate native Australian botanicals such as Lilly Flower. We tried Whether it be a beer or wine, cocktail or mocktail, you name it they make it. This “French Fashion” (or their version of an old fashioned) was insanely good - beurre-noisette whiskey, liquor de noix, walnut bitters and shortbread. Clarity, clear and beautiful infused smooth flavours! Book ahead for dinner and weekends because naturally, the views and vibe draw big crowds. Come early for sunset — there’s nothing quite like sipping a spritz by the harbour. Soak up our beautiful city! Whether you’re a Sydneysider showing visitors around, or a local simply chasing great food, unique cocktails, and killer views, Cruise Bar & Restaurant captures the essence of Sydney life.
Sarah charles (Thewhereto) - 4 months ago

We visited Cruise bar and restaurant on a balmy Sunday evening and loved the outlook ambience and attentive service we received. When we booked we had kind of expect to be seated upstairs but this area was closed. Our only complaint about the downstairs low lying tables that those eating pasta found them hard to eat that type of meal from without making a mess. Food wise what did disappoint unfortunately was the temperature of the food that was served… both pastas and my steak were luke warm at best when they arrived to us. The only dish that arrived warm seems to be the chicken parma… which had us thinking all the other dishes must have been waiting on the pass for an absolute age before being sent along with the parma. Definitely a disappointment temperature wise but still good flavours and we still enjoyed our time at Cruise overall.
Espy Eats - 5 months ago

The cruise! (I thought it was the massive Princess Cruise that's spotted around the Harbour Bridge when I first heard it lol) You understand why it's called The Cruise only if you visit! Their terrace area has this spectacular view to the iconic Sydney Opera House, as if you were on a cruise ship 🚢 ! Have a sit and chat over glasses of wine and other colourful drink on the Cruise. Feel the waves of the rolling ocean on its deck. The Cruise takes you through the spectacular sunset over the Opera House's white shells. A fabulous bar/resto. I'd absolutely come again for another glass of orange wine 😊🍊🥂
Justin Everywhere - 5 months ago

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