The Best Outdoor Dining Spots In Sydney Right Now
Lizzie Scorer
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
Sydney/Eora undoubtedly has its fair share of outdoor dining spots. So, when the days start feeling a little bit longer (thank you, daylight savings), we’re all about lapping up that sunshine in style and knocking back cold ones until the night switches on.
Whether that be in a European-inspired laneway, a rooftop patio, a waterfront restaurant, or a leafy open-air courtyard, just bring on the antipasto and al fresco vibes.
These are the best outdoor dining spots in Sydney right now.
Know what you want? Skip to
- The Best Outdoor Dining Spots In Sydney CBD
- The Best Waterfront Outdoor Dining Spots In Sydney
- The Best Streetside Dining Spots In Sydney
- More Of The Best Outdoor Dining Spots In Sydney
The Best Outdoor Dining Spots In Sydney CBD
Opera Bar
Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse Level, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Opera Bar | Instagram
You can't beat Opera Bar's location—it’s right in front of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. At any time of day, you’ll be soaking up the sunshine, watching ferries glide in and out of the terminal, and even scoping some cheeky scenes of Luna Park.
Real estate aside, here it’s all about freshness and seasonality, from Opera Bar’s spritzes and crisp vino to its all-encompassing seafood menu.
There’s an all-day menu with snacks, pizza, burgers and mains, and epic sashimi and antipasto platters for when you're with a group.
Insider Intel
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Applejack Hospitality has recently taken the reins of Opera Bar, bringing a fresh take to the iconic Sydney venue.
Solaré
3 The Promenade, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Solaré | Instagram
Solaré takes outdoor dining to new levels, offering a scenic culinary voyage along Sydney Harbour aboard a multi-level superyacht. The 150-foot beauty boasts a modern restaurant, terrace bar and breezy beach club across three levels—a world first in the yachting industry.
She operates Thursdays to Sundays with two sailings per day, offering lunch, dinner and cocktail accompaniments. There are various VIP packages worth splashing on too, especially if you want the most scenic seat on the boat.
Insider Intel
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The Solaré Sundae is a serious hype bite we have our eyes on: fior de latte ice cream crowned with Umai Heritage caviar.
Shell House Dining Room & Terrace
37 Margaret Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Shell House | Supplied
The historic Shell House at Wynyard is a multi-storey establishment boasting epic bars, a rooftop, and a stunning restaurant. Leaning into the stunning building's interwar commercial palazzo-style architecture with over 1,600 sqm of space and, notably, a huge sunny terrace, Shell House is the perfect spot to wine and dine from the share-style, mostly Italian-inspired menu.
Insider Intel
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Head to Menzies Bar, Clocktower Bar or Sky Bar in Shell House during Golden Hours from 4pm to 6pm daily for happy hour drinks before dinner on the terrace.
Whalebridge
8 & 10 Circular Quay West, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Whalebridge | Instagram
Perched right on the harbour, Whalebridge is where you’ll want to set up for oysters, French fare and unbeatable views. A lot of the seating is outside, making it perfect for sunny afternoons when you feel like being a tourist in your own city or you’re trying to impress out-of-towners.
The food follows a fuss-free ethos, serving up playful French dishes and plenty of seafood—an intersection of Paris and the Pacific Ocean, if you will.
Insider Intel
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Order the moules à la provençale for an indulgent meal of mussels in a herby tomato and garlic sauce with baguette, or the grilled whole lobster if you're really looking to stun.
The Best Waterfront Outdoor Dining Spots
Felons Brewing Co. Manly
East Esplanade, Manly
Image credit: Felons Manly | Instagram
Sydney’s Northern Beaches sure know how to soak up the sun, so when Felons Brewing Co. made its way down from its Brissy base, Manly had big expectations for its Wharf Bar flip.
Going above and beyond, the pier-positioned powerhouse is one of Sydney’s best outdoor dining spots, offering prime harbour views, seafood plates and plenty of umbrella shade for those of us who prefer their outdoor dining sans sunburn.
Insider Intel
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This is also one of Sydney’s best venues for live music—head there on a weekend to soak up the sun backgrounded by beats.
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Watsons Bay Hotel
10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
Image credit: Watsons Bay Hotel | Instagram
The next best thing to setting sail on the harbour itself is setting yourself up at Watsons Bay Hotel at sunset and slinging back crisp glasses of rosé. Not much beats the blue and white parasols of this iconic venue, which bears a whole lot of morning mimosas, seafood platters and smashable breakfasts with a view.
Insider Intel
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The Beach Club should be your place of calling, perfect for lazy lunches, afternoon cocktails, and after-dark parties.
The Boathouse
Various Locations
Image credit: The Boathouse Group | Instagram
If there's one hospitality group that rules the outdoor dining scene in Sydney, it's gotta be The Boathouse Group. With venues dotted around the harbour, stretching from Rose Bay all the way to Shelly Beach, The Boathouse venues are made for easy, breezy weekend lunches over summer.
Insider Intel
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Our pick? The Boathouse Patonga. Surrounded by national parkland and with stunning boutique accommodation, this spot feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Catch The Boathouse ferry over, drive down or stop in while on a scenic hike—no matter how you get here, trust us, you won't want to leave.
Pippis Cronulla
2 Tonkin Street, Cronulla
Image credit: Pippis Cronulla | Instagram
Further down in South Sydney, Pippis Cronulla makes a splash with its breezy deck seating, day-to-night menus and boat views on Calico Marina. Owned and operated by brothers Ramzey (The Grounds) and Adam Choker (BarLume, Flower Child), the venue is ideal for hanging outdoors—be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Insider Intel
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Pippis is a super family-friendly restaurant—there's a dedicated kids menu available all day, and fenced-in, covered play equipment on-site.
A'Mare
Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Image credit: a'Mare | Instagram
With a primo harbourside location at the base of Crown Sydney, a'Mare is a luxurious Italian restaurant with a covered outdoor terrace that's pure perfection for watching the Barangaroo busy-ness pass by.
Order up a selection of citrus-slicked crudo, a trofie pasta with pesto made tableside, and maybe a dash of caviar, and you can aaaaalmost smell the Adriatic.
Insider Intel
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If you’re a fan of a’Mare, you’ll also love owners Alessandro and Anna Pavoni’s more north outdoor dining spots Ormeggio at the Spit and Cibaria in Manly.
Manly Pavilion
West Esplanade, Manly
Image credit: Manly Pavilion | Instagram
Heritage-listed Manly Pavilion is a top-tier spot for outdoor dining in Sydney. Overlooking crystal clear waters at Manly Wharf, the outdoor terrace is the most sought-after area on a sunny arvo. Lovable coastal menus and harbour views are the crown jewels of this place.
And in our books, there’s nothing a few spritzes at The Espy (Manly Pavilions' al fresco sibling) can’t fix, especially on a sweltering summer day in Sydney.
Insider Intel
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The Pav’s signature marg has the ability to lift moods like no other cocktail can—made with pineapple and jalapeño infused Olmeca Altos tequila, triple sec and lime (plus it gets slashed to half price at happy hour from 4pm to 6pm daily).
North Bondi Fish
120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi
Image credit: North Bondi Fish
If making the most of your final hours of freedom is your Sunday game plan, North Bondi Fish is a safe bet to satisfy, especially when enjoyed from their covered terrace.
Steps from the sand and surf, this seafood spot is super laid-back, with a menu that covers everything from a daily selection of sashimi and simple grilled fillets to a signature fish curry or the fish tacos that many claim are Sydney's best.
More Of The Best Waterfront Dining Spots In Sydney
The Best Streetside Dining Spots In Sydney
Bar Copains
67 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Bar Copains | Instagram
A wine bar with al fresco seating—are we in Europe? Nabbing a footpath table at Bar Copains is the ultimate Sydney right of passage.
There’s truly nothing better than sipping vino in the leafy backstreets of Surry Hills. Except, maybe, a couple of French-leaning share plates to pair with—of which, Bar Copains has plenty. From AP sourdough, olives, cheese and parfait, you’ll have plenty to munch on while enjoying the fresh air.
Insider Intel
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The wait staff are also excellent and ready to dish out vino recommendations—you’ll feel like you’re truly wining and dining here.
Tio’s Cerveceria
4/14 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Tio's Cerveceria | Instagram
Where else would you wanna be than sinking a margarita curbside at Tio’s? The Mucho Group-led bar hits the spot when the sun comes out to play, boasting outdoor picnic table seating that’s perfect for people watching, rounds of Uno with mates and, of course, those sexy monthly margarita specials.
If you’re feeling peckish past the free flavoured popcorn, order a feed from Butter straight to your table via the QR codes.
Insider Intel
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Head there on Sunday for $35 Mega Margs fit for four tequila-loving amigos.
Rasā House
639B New South Head Road, Rose Bay
Image credit: Rasā House | Dexter Kim
Something out of a design magazine, Rasā House is a stunning Rose Bay base for kicking back al fresco style. Led by first-generation restaurateur and creative Vinay Matta—whose parents own Jewel on the Bay and Spice Room—the restaurant heroes South and South East Asian flavours in a share-style menu.
There’s an extensive wine list to work your way through, vinyl spinning on Saturdays and a small kerbside seating area overlooking the marina.
Insider Intel
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Rasā has two meanings: ‘aroma’ in Indonesian and ‘the essence of life’ in Hindi.
More Of The Best Outdoor Dining Spots In Sydney
Lottie
Rooftop/8 Baptist Street, Redfern
Image credit: Lottie | Instagram
Lottie has that perfect mix of indoor-outdoor dining. You’re spoilt with the sunny terrazzo terrace but with the safety of glass ceilings, making it the perfect backup for Sydney’s not-so-sunny days too.
The Redfern restaurant’s menu riffs on classic Mexican bites with a delish drinks list to match, lined with sparkly cocktails, mezcal and punchy margaritas.
Insider Intel
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If you stay at The EVE (the hotel where Lottie’s perched), you can order a feast from Lottie by the rooftop pool.
Elliott’s
79 Elliott Street, Balmain
Image credit: Elliott's | Instagram
This modern Aussie bistro is built for basking in the sun (or shade if that’s more your vibe). With both covered and uncovered seating areas, Elliott’s does a real good job of hosting an outdoor soiree for all.
Big ups go to the retractable roof, offering a year-round al fresco situation, as well as the crisp drinks, inventive plates and weekend vinyl DJ lineup worth wandering over to Balmain for.
Insider Intel
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The Croissant Cheeseburger is a hit and a half—replacing your standard burger bun with a flaky croissant shell.
Rafi
99 Mount Street, North Sydney
Image credit: Rafi | Instagram
A 300-person drinking and dining behemoth from the Applejack crew in North Sydney, Rafi is decked out with sunny terraces, a cocktail bar, a restaurant, a private dining room, a chef's table experience, and a central glasshouse structure called The Arbour.
Outside on the terrace, the vibe is more Euro summer thanks to the bright striped fabric banquettes, custom tiled tables, colourful umbrellas, festoon lighting, lush greenery, and daydream-worthy lounges. As for the menu, think fresh, seasonal dishes that everyone will love.
Insider Intel
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Check out Rafi URBNSURF at Sydney Olympic Park for wave park refreshers and surfy treats.
The Newport
2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Image credit: The Newport | Instagram
The Newport is a pretty flawless venue when it comes to its outdoor multi-dining spread, overlooking pretty Pittwater. There are several outdoor dining options to get around here, all equally amazing and delicious.
The garden is fitted out with fire pits in winter, tables with views over the water and cabanas for the squad. Your only mission is to decide on what your vibe is.
Arms Bar is your go-to for an al fresco happy hour. There’s also a Kiosk Cafe with breakfast goods and smoothies, Vinnie’s Pizza is pretty much the beating heart of the entire joint, and The Shack whips up greasy burgers, fish and chips, and salt and pepper calamari.
Insider Intel
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Check out The Newport’s lineup of events for an extra banging time.
Totti’s
283 Bondi Road, Bondi
Image credit: Totti's Bondi | Website
Scoffing down mortadella, salami, prosciutto, creamy burrata and woodfired bread in a casual Italian-style courtyard just makes a whole lot of sense to us. So it’s no surprise that Totti’s takes the cake when it comes to bearing an outdoor space that’s too good to pass up.
Totti’s shines in many departments, from the antipasto spreads and the charcoal fish to the organic wines and spritzes. The courtyard sports extended patio vibes and is filled with olive trees, director’s chairs, and dappled sunlight.
Insider Intel
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If you come with a bigger crew than ten people, you’ll dine on a set menu filled with delicious picky bits to toss around the table.
SoCal
1 Young Street, Neutral Bay
Image credit: SoCal | Website
It doesn’t get any closer to an actual trip to California than Neutral Bay’s sunny haven SoCal. Bright, buzzing and bang-on with the decor, the rooftop terrace here is a vortex of good times.
On the menu is fresh and modern Southern Californian share-style street food, packed with Latin American spices alongside low ‘n’ slow-smoked meats, house-made sauces and freshly indulgent sides.
Order up as many tasty tacos as you can handle, fried smoked wings, tuna tostada, ceviche, a serving of tater tots and wash everything down with SoCal’s famed Tommy’s margarita.
Insider Intel
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The lush garden and retractable roof mean the al fresco vibes are amped at all times.
MISC.
Little Coogee, Parramatta Park, Byrnes Avenue, Parramatta
Image credit: MISC. | Website
Parramatta Park is gorgeous on its own, but dining amid it all has become a Western Sydney favourite. MISC. operates as a cafe by day and restaurant by night, bringing a miscellaneous mix of bold dishes together in its leafy park setting.
Whether we’re chowing down on pistachio hotcakes or savouring saganaki and lamb shoulder, the menu always hits the spot.
Insider Intel
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MISC. has some bloody awesome weekly dining deals from $35 pasta nights on Wednesdays and half-price sangria on Thursdays to bottomless weekend brunches—check out what’s on online.
Still hungry? Check out
- The Best Bottomless Brunches And Lunches In Sydney
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- The Best Restaurants In The Inner West
Main image credit: Felons Brewing Co. Manly | Website
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