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

The food is always so tasty here. Service is superb. It has become a favourite of mine, the view as a massive bonus. Cocktails are ok, they don’t suit my tastebuds as much but definitely worth going for the experience.
Ess - 3 weeks ago

Went here for a date night before going to the Opera house. We had an outdoor table directly looking out to the Harbor Bridge - the view was perfect. Being plant based, there was a separate vegan menu for us with 3 starter entrees, 3 main meal and 3 desert options. We tried all 3 starters which were all incredible, the main meals too and we tried both the vegan flourless chocolate cake and vegan organs cake for desert which were amazing! The servers were friendly and the vibe was good. Highly recommend Cafe Sydney.
Jay Rock - a month ago

Visited for my birthday and left quite disappointed. We were seated and asked for sparkling water, but no one came back for nearly 20 minutes. I tried to get someone’s attention, but nothing — meanwhile, a table that arrived after us was already being served. It was frustrating, especially on a special night and I was really needing some water and a glass of wine to start. After my partner spoke to the staff, a server came over, apologized, and took care of us. He was friendly, and once things got moving, the food and wine were actually really good! The scallops were delicious and they even added a small “happy birthday” message to my dessert, which I appreciated. Still, it didn’t sit right that we were rushed to pay while other guests were still eating despite being served late and it was not even the peak 7-9pm dining hour but a 8:30pm-10:30pm slot. For the price point, I expected much better service.
Madinay Chhuon - 3 weeks ago

"Just had an incredible dinner at Cafe Sydney! The oysters were fresh and perfectly paired with a tangy sauce. The naan was warm and crispy, perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauces. The cutlets were crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the steak was cooked to perfection. Service was top-notch too! Highly recommend this spot for a night out in Sydney. 5/5 stars!"
magic Mike - 2 weeks ago

For front row view of the Sydney Harbour over delicious fancy dining, this is the right spot. It sits at the top floor of the Customs House in Circular Quay. We came here for dinner and really happy with everything we picked: Tuna Carpaccio, Gruyere Souffle, Beef Tenderloin, Roast Duck Breast. Extensive wine list offering decent selection of wine by the glass. Of course a visit wouldn’t be official without the mandatory photo in front of the glittering Opera House.
ET - a month ago

Read all Reviews

The entire experience was exceptional, beginning with the stunning view, followed by the attentive staff, and culminating in the exquisite cuisine. From start to finish, it was truly remarkable. I indulged in the 5-course tasting menu, and every dish was outstanding. While the food may take some time to arrive, it is certainly worth the wait.
Bella Shalsabilla - 2 weeks ago

A last minute trip via ferry to Circular Quay yesterday Friday 3d October 2025. We toured the Opera House & then per chance we looked up & noticed the ‘Aria’ restaurant with its glass facade overlooking the harbour & the iconic Harbour Bridge. We didn’t have a reservation but were fortunate to be early enough to secure seating. What an excellent experience we had. The staff were simply a joy & made our lunch experience memorable We chose two courses each, the ‘aged duck’ & the ‘Chris Bolton wild caught fish’ with a side of royal blue mashed potato. For dessert we had ‘matcha coconut & citrus’ & ‘milk chocolate, honey & hazelnut.’ This truly delighted my taste buds. We paired the meal with a delicious Pino Gri. I can truly say that we haven’t tasted food this good for a very long time. So many tantalising flavours, I mean food that really had flavour, the fish actually had taste !…not drowned in sauce that hide the true taste was such a joy. Will we return ?…. We live on the Central Coast NSW but visit family in Sydney regularly, so the answer is ….most certainly & we will be happy to share our excellent experience with friends & family also. Thank you to the chef & staff for a lovely time. Gail & Ron Reed.
Gail Fitzgerald Reed - a month ago

My partner and I dined at Aria last night to celebrate our anniversary, and it was truly an exceptional experience from start to finish. The cuisine was exquisite, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. The views were stunning, creating the perfect backdrop for a special evening. Most notably, the service was exemplary! The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely engaging. Though we have had many experiences with fine dining, Aria stood out in a way few others have. The staff struck the perfect balance of professionalism and personality, effortlessly matching our energy and sharing light-hearted banter throughout the evening. Their attentiveness was remarkable, with one server even gifting us a beer in honour of our celebration, a thoughtful gesture that didn’t go unnoticed! Regrettably, I didn’t catch his name. Every team member we interacted with showed the same level of dedication. My drink recommendation was perfectly tailored to my palate, enhancing the overall dining experience. The portions were generous, the food delectable, and the entire evening memorable in every way. A 10/10 experience. I highly recommend Aria and look forward to returning soon.
Mary Truc Uyen Nguyen - a month ago

The view and atmosphere at Aria are absolutely beautiful. The entrées, however, were a bit underwhelming. The crab dish lost its natural sweetness because the sauce underneath was too sour, which made the flavours feel unbalanced. The mushroom soup was rich, but also a little too salty for my taste. The mains were excellent — I really enjoyed the fish, spatchcock, and wagyu beef. All three were cooked perfectly with great seasoning. The dessert was also lovely. One downside was the service. I went on a Saturday night, and it was extremely busy — water wasn’t refilled promptly, plates stayed on the table for a while, and the wait between courses was quite long. It took about 4.5 hours to finish our 8-course meal.
Y Y - a month ago

We visited the restaurant for our family member’s pre-wedding dinner. The food was good but nothing to rave home about. The service was good but not amazing or incredibly memorable. The ambiance was good for a fine dining, romantic atmosphere. Would I have selected to go Aria myself? Probably not. Overall we had a great evening as it was all about the family. I feel we could have had just a good time at any restaurant.
Glo Abroad - 2 months ago

Read all Reviews

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 - 3 weeks ago

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hands down one of my favourite spots in Sydney! La Renaissance Patisserie never disappoints — their pastries are pure art. Flaky, buttery, delicate perfection. I’ve tried many patisseries, but this place seriously stands out — every bite feels like a celebration. Their coffee is just as amazing too — smooth, rich, and the perfect pairing with their sweet creations. But what really made my recent visit so special was the incredible service — and that’s thanks to Lee, the new manager (I believe!). I’ve visited a few times before, but something really felt different this time. Lee has a gift for making customers feel not just welcomed, but genuinely valued. His energy, his attentiveness, the way he interacted — it was warm, engaging, and effortless. You can tell he truly cares about every person who walks through the door. It’s rare to find someone who lifts the whole vibe of a place, but Lee absolutely does. I left not just full of amazing pastry, but honestly grateful for such a thoughtful and joyful experience. The overall atmosphere is lovely too — elegant yet cozy, with a relaxed Parisian vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon. Thank you Lee and the whole team for such a memorable experience. You’ve taken an already beautiful cafe to the next level. I’ll definitely be back — again and again!💛
grootie - 6 months ago

La Renaissance Patisserie is one of my absolute favorite spots in Sydney when it comes to cakes. Every slice I’ve tried has been a work of art—beautifully presented and full of refined flavor. The textures are always perfect, from the light and fluffy sponges to the rich, creamy mousses. One of my all-time favorites is the Monet cake. It’s delicate, fruity, and not overly sweet, with a perfect balance of flavors like white chocolate, lychee, and raspberry. You can really taste the quality and craftsmanship in every bite. The cafe itself is lovely too, especially the outdoor courtyard—it feels like a little escape to Paris. Highly recommended for cake lovers and anyone looking for a special treat!
Toffee - 6 months ago

Awesome buttery croissant, and delicious pastries..fresh, flaky, and full of flavour. The garden seating is a hidden gem, made even better by the warm and welcoming service from Lee (barista), and Lincy? and Yuri? in the garden. Only odd moment was being told off at the front counter that canelés are Italian when I asked if available—which they're not—but it didn’t take away from an otherwise fantastic experience!
Ell V - 3 months ago

The shop has outdoor seatings at the front and back. I’ve ordered cakes from this patisserie a few times now, and they never disappoint. Their cakes are not only beautifully presented but also taste amazing—light, rich, and full of flavor. It’s no surprise they’re well known and loved by many. Each visit has been a great experience with friendly service and a lovely display of pastries and sweets. It's definitely one of my go-to places for special occasions or just a sweet treat. Street parking is expensive.
A Y - 8 months ago

Read all Reviews

My favourite Malaysian restaurant. Great food full of flavour, well presented & always consistent. The new location is excellent with a wonderful fitout that is bright & spacious with good acoustics.
Kevin Drew - 3 months ago

We had the set menu for two, which included seven dishes. Everything was delicious, and we even swap one of the dishes. But honestly, it was way too much food. We were absolutely stuffed!
yi huang - 3 weeks ago

New location is nice & acoustics are much better. Food was great and we love that there are vegan options available so everyone in our family can dine here regardless of our different dietary requirements. Service was overall good although 2 drinks were forgotten but not a big deal. Prawns for starter were particularly delicious. Coconut sago was huge & delicious - great that it’s vegan friendly. Flavours of the dishes are strong which I personally like. We will be back!
Jane Henderson - 7 months ago

This is my favourite restaurant in Sydney!! Everything is delicious and cocktails are unreal 10/10. My favourite dishes are kapitan prawns, salt and pepper scampi (call ahead to order as it's not on the menu!) or cauliflower, rendang beef and the eggplant is a MUST. The new location is such a vibe and perfect for lunch or dinner after work in the CBD.
Wendy Y - a month ago

We recently celebrated our 18th anniversary at The Malaya, and it was a truly memorable evening. The food was absolutely delicious—vibrant, flavourful, and served in generous portions. Every dish felt like it was prepared with great care and attention, and we left feeling completely satisfied. The service was warm and attentive without being intrusive, adding to the overall sense of celebration. It’s clear the staff are proud of what they do, and rightly so. One small downside was the lighting in the section of the restaurant near the kitchen. The tables in that area were noticeably dim, which detracted slightly from the otherwise refined atmosphere. A simple fix could be adding small, elegant table lights—similar to the rechargeable ones we later saw in The Rocks. They would enhance the dining experience without changing the restaurant’s aesthetic. Overall, The Malaya delivered a wonderful anniversary celebration. We wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Andrew Coupe - 6 months ago

Read all Reviews

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 - a month 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 - 2 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 - a month ago

Belgian Chocolate Café offers a great selection of beautifully presented desserts and smooth, comforting drinks. The chocolate dome was rich and indulgent, and the cheesecakes were creamy and delicious. The outdoor seating creates a pleasant atmosphere to relax and enjoy the sweets. Service was friendly, though the wait time for desserts was a bit longer than expected. Overall, a lovely spot for chocolate lovers, and worth visiting when you’re in the area.
Toffee - 3 months ago

Great food. Fresh and beautifully presented. The outside seating was ok. No view. Sidewalk type but the interiors were tastefully done.
anjali menon - 3 months ago

Read all Reviews

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 - 5 months ago

It's alright. I ordered the beef burger, which was priced at what you would expect for circular quay. The burger tasted alright. However, it could be a bit warmer and would be nicer if the bun was slightly more toasted. Chips were alright, but again, they were a bit cold and could have been cooked a bit cold. Won't be back in a hurry, I'd recommend you go somewhere else if in the area as there are definitely much better options.
Daniel Wallis - 5 months ago

We had pizzas and some beers, and it was great. The pizzas were delicious and the atmosphere was amazing! Service was not the beest, but still polite.
Ana Clara - a month ago

Surprisingly good food! Was especially surprised that a salad served by a pub wasn’t really sad as is usually the case.
J J - 2 months ago

Cheese platter was good and drinks are correct. Service was really bad. We sat outside and asked several times to turn the heaters on and they were all out of gas. No table service and QR code doesn’t allow to order drinks, only food. We asked for water and they said we had to go inside and get it ourselves when there was no one else but us outside. We had to ask several times to please clear empty plates. Waitress looked angry and wasn’t friendly.
Rebecca Casassas - 6 months ago

Read all Reviews

Discovered this spot through a local couple friend, and it instantly became a favourite! With stunning views of both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the location is simply unbeatable. We indulged in juicy steaks, excellent burgers, and beautifully cooked barramundi . Big shoutout to the chef! Its end of July here, winter is at its coldest night and heaters were thoughtfully placed around our large table, keeping things cosy and comfortable for our group. A perfect spot for outdoor dining and catching up with friends. Highly recommended for a relaxed yet impressive Circular Quay experience!
ThuyBich NGO - 4 months ago

I had the best time at Melba’s Rooftop at Cruise Bar Sydney for their Sunday high tea with a twist. The views of the Sydney Opera House are incredible, and the food was such a great mix of sweet and savoury — the wattleseed scones with lime coulis and lemon myrtle cream, lobster rolls with caviar, barramundi taco bites and Tim Tam verrine were highlights. We did the bottomless cocktails option and loved how creative and refreshing they were — the Wildflower and Mexican Bloom were my favourites. Such a fun and relaxed way to spend a Sunday. Would definitely come back before it wraps up in September.
Christina Fevre - 2 months ago

Went to Cruise Bar’s & Restaurant upstairs with four of my girlfriends and honestly, we had the BEST time! The service was next-level – our waitress couldn’t have been more attentive. I ordered the steak and it came out a little rarer than I like. When I asked if they could just throw it back on the grill for a couple of minutes, they went above and beyond – brought me a whole new meal! And the second steak? Absolute perfection. 👌 The drinks were spot on, the vibe was amazing, and with that Opera House view… it’s pretty hard to beat. Already planning my next visit with my husband!
Imoan Kiarie - 3 months ago

I would like to thank the hospitality team on Sunday 26th Oct that served us and also to the chefs. The food was amazing and it was so peaceful to come on a Sunday evening, take in the views and enjoy a drink and a meal. Well done Cruise Bar and the music in the background wasn't loud. Perfect. Thank you
Ashur “Ash” - a month ago

Booking was fine. Table allocation was a little silly but eventually ok.i don't quite get when at a venue of that quality why the expectation is for all food and drink to be purchased through a QR scam as opposed to some old fashioned service but the quality of the food and drinks was good.
alysle - 3 months ago

Read all Reviews

Great atmosphere!! A perfect place for drink and food especially on a friday night.Location is perfect and the service is good. Price for the food is reasonable too.
Surma Subedi - 7 years ago

Great and convienant place to meet up with people for drinks or a quick bit to eat. Close to Circular Quay, the opera house, the rocks and the train. Food is ok and reasonably priced. Great to sit outside in the sun, and enjoy a nice cold beer. Friendly and well trained staff.
Allister Muir - 8 years ago

Great atmosphere and great location. Tasty food and even tastier drinks. Staff are efficient and friendly.
Booboo Kittiefukk - 8 years ago

Amazing place where you enjoy 360°view of Sydney, excellent taste, a really fine dining.
thanh mai Lai - 6 years ago

Read all Reviews