Sydney restaurants, cafes, and bars will be allowed to reopen once NSW hits its 70% double vaccination target, which means the long wait for dining out again is almost over. After months of takeaway dinners and at-home recipes keeping us connected to our favourite bars and restaurants, the real deal is so close—and we cannot wait.
With the impending easing of restrictions, a good chunk of the city’s population will be just as eager as you (and us) to head out for a Sunday lunch, a Saturday brunch, or a hump day dinner date. So, we highly recommend you book your first time out (and then your second, third, etc.) because it’s safe to say Sydney eateries will be busy as hell once we’re let out to play.
That’s why we’ve started rounding up some of Sydney’s best restaurants already taking bookings for you and your double vaxxed mates. Just remember that these dates are tentatively based on vaccination projections (estimated around Monday 18 October) and that you’ll need your double-jab vaccine certificate to enter any hospitality venue.
As always guys—this is by no means a definitive list, and we encourage you to check in on your local faves' socials and try somewhere new too. If you would like to be included in this list or know of a restaurant taking bookings, please get in touch with our editor here.
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In The Sydney CBD And Surrounds
Aria
Sporting one of the most enviable locations in Sydney and a fine-dining menu from new executive chef Tom Gorringe to match, Aria is taking bookings again from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Arthur
This stunning set menu spot on leafy Bourke Street in Surry Hills is perfect for date night. Arthur is now taking bookings for Monday 18 October onwards. Book here.
Bopp & Tone
Long lunches are back—and Bopp & Tone is too. They're taking bookings from Wednesday 20 October. Book here.
Cantina OK!
While we wish this award-winning hole-in-the-wall mezcal bar was taking bookings—they aren't. The walk-ins only vibe remains, however, they have announced they'll be reopening in October, in accordance with lockdown restrictions easing. Top of our list post lockdown? Absolutely. Stay tuned here.
De Vine Food & Wine
Missing the antipasti flavours of arancini, anchovies and ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers? De Vine Food & Wine is now taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October. Book here.
Forrester’s
The revamped Forrie has reopened bookings from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Gowings Bar & Grill
Gowings at QT Sydney is now taking bookings for the week commencing Monday 18 October. Book here.
Monopole
Legendary hospitality duo chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt’s European-inspired CBD wine bar is now taking bookings from Wednesday 20 October. Book here.
The Meat & Wine Co
This beloved steak house is officially taking bookings from Monday 18 October. All locations are included—Barangaroo, Circular Quay, and Parramatta. Heads up for Bella Vista too, The Meat & Wine Co will be opening up a new outpost there before the end of the year. Book here.
Mr Wong
Whole Chinese roasted duck, garlic butter prawns, crispy fried Balmain bugs and a dedicated lunchtime dim sum menu–chef Dan Hong’s Mr Wong is now taking bookings from Monday 11 October. Book here.
Nakano Darling
This vibing Darling Square izakaya is now taking bookings for the week commencing Monday 18 October. Book here.
NOLA Smokehouse & Bar
Although you can’t currently travel to New Orleans, from Friday 22 October, you can head into Barangaroo’s NOLA Smokehouse & Bar for a damn fine Southern-style roasted cut of meat and a nip of American whisky. Book here.
Shaffa
This Middle Eastern gem in the heart of Surry Hills will reopen from Friday 22 October for dinner from Tuesday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on the weekends. Bottomless drinks packages will be available too. Book here.
Tio's
If there's one thing we've really, truly missed in lockdown, it's Tio's and their perfect margaritas served in coupe glasses dusted in just the right amount of salt. Tio's has announced it is planning to reopen from Wednesday 20 October, with $10 margaritas and their famous $5 happy hour on the cards every day. Head here for more info about Tio's COVID safety plans and here to book.
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In Sydney's Eastern Suburbs
China Diner
Contemporary Cantonese restaurant China Diner is officially taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October. Book here for Bondi, Double Bay or the Tramsheds.
Chiswick
Ready to serve up delicious farm-to-plate sharing feasts out back in the seasonal produce-filled kitchen garden, Chiswick is taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October. Book here.
Coogee Wine Room
The Coogee Bay Road bar and restaurant is taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October, ready to serve up Mediterranean-inspired share plates and a few glasses from its 400+ strong wine list. Book here.
Drake Eatery
If you’ve been craving cocktails near the beach, Bondi’s Drake Eatery will be back for lunch Thursday – Sunday and dinner every night of the week. They’re taking bookings from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Franca Brasserie
This Mediterranean spot in Potts Point has opened bookings from Sunday 18 October. Perfect for long lunches and dinners inspired by European summer—make a booking here.
Henrietta
There’s nothing quite like accompanying some of the best Middle Eastern-inspired charcoal chicken in Sydney with a few frozen cocktails. Crown Street’s Henrietta is back and taking bookings from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Icebergs
Celebrate the easing of restrictions in style at the one and only Bondi Icebergs. They are taking bookings from Friday 15 October. Book here.
North Bondi Fish
With one of the best up-close views of Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, you’ll want to make sure you book yourself a seat for a post-swim cocktail and a fish taco at North Bondi Fish–available from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Nour
Crown Street’s Nour puts a modern fine-dining spin on classic Lebanese flavours. The beloved Surry Hills dining spot is offering bookings again from Tuesday 19 October. Book here.
The Apollo
One of Sydney's very best Greek fine diners is due to reopen Monday 18 October. Book here.
The Butler
If views of the sparkly city skyline and good vibes are on the agenda— you'll be happy to know The Butler is taking bookings from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Totti's
How much did the Eastern Suburbs miss Totti's?! This beloved Merivale gem is taking bookings from Monday 11 October. Book here.
Yellow
Boasting one of Sydney’s most impressive fine dining plant-based menus alongside an eclectic range of natural, biodynamic wines, Potts Point’s Yellow is again taking bookings from Wednesday 20 October inside its converted 1950s art gallery home. Book here.
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In Sydney's Inner West
Café Paci
Friendly neighbourhood vibes, ox tongue and sauerkraut rye tacos, duck rillettes and classic steak frites—Newtown’s Café Paci is officially back and taking bookings from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Emma’s Snack Bar
Homous, garlic dip and kafta for days–when full (which is always), Emma’s Snack Bar is one of the most vibing joints in Sydney’s Inner West. The Enmore favourite is now taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October. Book here.
Hartsyard
The all-Australian, fresh produce-focussed café menu from head chef and co-owner Jarrod Walsh is officially available in-house, with Hartsyard taking bookings again from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Little Lagos
Enmore Road’s Little Lagos restaurant is the Inner West’s undisputed home of Nigeria’s diverse cuisine, and they’re officially taking bookings from Wednesday 13 October. Book here.
One Penny Red
Snacks at the bar, small plates, large plates, sharing menus or just a glass of wine, it’s hard to go wrong when stopping by the historic post-office-converted Summer Hill restaurant. One Penny Red is now taking bookings for dinner from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Sixpenny
Tucked away in a corner terrace, Stanmore’s Sixpenny is quietly one of the country’s best restaurants. Get around their incredible tasting menu with bookings available again from Friday 22 October. Book here.
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In Western Sydney
Lilymu
Parramatta’s favourite pan-Asian eatery is back to serve fresh and bold flavours once again, taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October. Book here.
Ruse Bar & Brasserie
Keen for some indoor-outdoor Parramatta Square dining, a barrel-aged Negroni and mud crab on toast? Ruse Bar & Brasserie are now taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October. Book here.
CicciaBella
Hand-made pasta, fresh seafood, Italian wines and the impossible choice between tiramisu or banoffee pie (hint, order both). CicciaBella is taking bookings again for Parramatta from Wednesday 20 October and Bondi from Monday 18 October.
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In North Sydney And The Northern Beaches
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie
Bert’s coastal European menu is back and calling you for fresh plates of oysters, crab, whole fish or lobster. You can make a booking from Wednesday 13 October. Book here.
Little Red Robin
This Lane Cove Italian restaurant and wine bar is taking bookings from Thursday 21 October. Book here.
Ormeggio At The Spit
Fine dining Italian overlooking the picturesque views of Middle Harbour and Pearl Bay–need we say more? Ormeggio At The Spit is now taking bookings from Friday 22 October. Book here.
Pilu At Freshwater
What is it with northside restaurants and spectacular views? If you’re looking for a fresh Italian lunch accompanied by sea breeze and beachside visuals—book at Pilu At Freshwater from Monday 18 October. Book here.
SoCal
This vibing spot will be taking bookings from Monday 18 October. Book here.
Now, catch up on all the other Sydney food news you missed last week.
Image credit: Monopole, Henrietta, Cafe Paci, Nikki To, Pilu