When I shared my previous Sydney restaurant recommendations in 2024 in my mandarin blog, it quickly became one of my most-read posts.
This time when I visited Sydney for 2025 Mardi Gras, I did even more research — saving dozens of cafés and restaurants on Google Maps and I am proud to share with you these restaurants I think are worth a visit.
Tips for Dining in Sydney
Before diving into the list, here are a few things to know:
- Most Sydney restaurants charge a 1–2% card fee. You’ll usually find a small sign near the reader.
- Only a few venues (like Ace Hotel Sydney) are completely cashless; everywhere else accepts both cash and cards.
- Compared to Sydney, Melbourne is more card-only.
- Weekend surcharge: +10% on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Public holidays: +15%.
- Service fee: Some restaurants add 10% for groups of 8–10 people.
Tip: Always check your bill before paying — surcharges are usually printed at the bottom.
Macelleria Newtown — Affordable Dry-Aged Steakhouse
Address: 73–75 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Neighborhood: 5-minute walk from Newtown Station
If I had to name my favorite restaurant in Sydney, Macelleria wins easily.
We loved it so much that we went twice in one trip. For around AUD 100 for two, including mocktails, we enjoyed perfectly cooked steak and generous sides — top-notch quality without the fine-dining price tag.
The meat is grass-fed and finished, dry-aged for 6–8 weeks (42–56 days). Many steakhouses in Taiwan only provide those age for 20–30 days, so this was impressive.
What to Try
- Chicken skewers (AUD 5 each): Juicy, grilled to perfection.
- Mashed potatoes (AUD 9): Smooth, buttery, and much larger than typical sides.
- Bone-in Angus rib-eye (AUD 49): Medium-rare, deeply flavorful — salt and pepper are all it needs.
- Mocktails (AUD 10 each): Mojito and lemon blends, alcohol-free and refreshing.
We also returned for their T-bone steak (AUD 44.9), lamb cutlets (AUD 8), chicken sausage (AUD 5.9), and sweet potato fries (AUD 9) — hot, crisp, and addictive.
The chicken remained tender, while the lamb was flavorful with just a hint of gamey taste.
Atmosphere is casual and relaxed — rarely crowded, with friendly staff.
The location is convenient for dessert lovers: only five minutes away is the awarded, locally loved Cow and the Moon gelato shop.
They also serve this peanut dessert and cheesecakes that looks yummy.
Read next: [Best Gelato Shops in Sydney 2025: Gelato Messina, Anita & More]
get an Australia eSIM on Klook
The Meat & Wine Co (Sydney CBD)
Address: 219–223 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Type: Upscale steakhouse chain, ideal for business lunch
I first tried The Meat & Wine Co on a previous visit and had to return.
This time, we went straight from the airport — my first meal back in Sydney.
S. Pellegrino is not mandatory that comes with extra change.
This is a locals’ choice of soda, many other people got this so I ordered it.
The CBD branch offers Business Lunch Specials (2025.10 pricing):
- 1 course: AUD 39
- 2 courses: AUD 48
- 3 courses: AUD 54
Unlike other branches (Barangaroo and Circular Quay), this location serves lunch sets daily until 4 PM.
Reservations are easy to make on their official website. Upon checking, I realized This offer is only available until 28th October 2025. Will check again for what they offer.
What We Ordered
- Bruschetta with avocado spread
- Grilled calamari
- Rump steak with flat fries
- Crème brûlée and Sticky Date Pudding
The rump steak was lean but flavorful, while the flat-cut fries were crisp outside and fluffy inside — the best we had in Sydney this time.
Desserts were excellent: the Sticky Date Pudding came warm with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, and custard sauce.
Total for two: AUD 108 (was slightly cheaper when we visited in March 2025)
Tipping is optional in Australia.
Ambience: African-inspired décor, open kitchen flames, and a mix of office diners.
For a weekday treat or a classy lunch, this is a sure win.
Skyfeast — Sydney Tower Buffet with 360-Degree View
Location: Level 82, Sydney Tower
Type: Buffet restaurant with panoramic views
If you want to dine with a view, Skyfeast at Sydney Tower is a must.
The restaurant slowly rotates, offering a 360-degree panorama while you enjoy local seafood and salads. I’ve been here in 2001 when I first visited Australia in a tour group and this is my second visit. It went through a renovation in 2020.
We visited on a sunny day — perfect for photos. I know it sounds touristic but no, it’s not a scam! I came with my partner, who was visiting Sydney for the first time, and the food was delicious, fresh and comes with a great view. It’s also more convenient if you want to try some local seafood without visiting the fish market.
Full review in mandarin, check for pictures:
[2025 Sydney Tower Skyfeast Review: 360° Views and Local Seafood Buffet]
Book through Klook Sydney Tower Skyfeast Buffet Tickets or get an Australia eSIM for convenient connectivity.
Betty’s Burgers (Coogee Beach)
Address: Coogee Pavilion, Coogee NSW
Also available at: QVB, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay
Founded in 2014, Betty’s Burgers is Australia’s answer to Shake Shack — casual, stylish, and delicious. I used to live in Sydney in 2012~2013 so this was my first time eating Betty’s burger. Wish I could have known them earlier!
We went to the Coogee Beach branch and enjoyed its bright coastal vibe.
What to Try
- Classic Beef Burger – AUD 12.9
- Crispy Chicken Burger – AUD 13.9
- Fries – AUD 6
- Beer – AUD 9
Total: AUD 41.8 for two
Compact but flavorful burgers, juicy chicken, and soft buttery buns.
Fries were average but the burgers were worth it.
We planned to eat here again before leaving but ran out of time.
The outdoor seating overlooks the beach, adding to the charm.
Fins & Ribs Manly — Local Favorite for Fish & Chips
Address: 33 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095
Highlight: Great value and Happy Hour deals
This place caught my eye on Google Maps with excellent reviews and tempting photos.
We arrived around 5 PM and caught the Happy Hour discount, saving about AUD 7.5. Click to read the menu online.
We shared a plate of New Zealand Hoki fish and chips — perfectly crisp outside and tender inside — plus a 4 Pines Manly Schooner, a local craft beer (425 ml).
The salad was fresh with balanced dressing, and the portion was generous.
Most guests sat outdoors enjoying the ocean view, though the interior was nicely designed.
Next door is a cookie shop called Butterboy, popular but Google reviews left by Taiwanese said it was very sweet, so we skipped it.
The Gozleme Stall at The Rocks Market
Location: The Rocks Weekend Market, Sydney
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you are in Sydney over the weekend, do not miss The Rocks Market — full of international street food and crafts beneath the Harbour Bridge.
Among the stalls, a Turkish vendor hand-rolling dough for Gozleme immediately drew my attention.
We ordered the spinach, cheese, and beef Gozleme (AUD 17) — crispy, flavorful, and not greasy, similar to a cross between scallion pancake and pizza.
Tables and trash bins are available, and the Opera House view is nearby.
Budget note: Most takeaway Asian meals in Sydney cost around AUD 15, so under AUD 20 is considered affordable.
Check the Map below for Sydney CBD Hotels!
LOAM at Ace Hotel Sydney (Surry Hills)
Address: 47/53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000
Hotel: Ace Hotel Sydney (opened 2022)
We stayed at the Ace Hotel Sydney on our final night before a late-night flight and had dinner at LOAM, the in-house restaurant.
The hotel occupies a former brick factory and is the brand’s first in the Southern Hemisphere.
The ground floor houses a restaurant, café, and bar open to the public. Tap beer (Bondi XPA) is AUD 8.
What We Ordered
- Peach and pesto starter with pita
- Salad with avocado
- Burger and fries
The appetizer was excellent, but the burger and fries were average (Betty’s remains my favorite).
Still, it was a convenient, relaxed meal before heading to the airport.
Total: Around AUD 75 for two.
Read next: Ace Hotel Sydney Review 2025 — Design, Vinyl Players and Stylish Stay in Surry Hills
Five Guys Sydney (George Street)
Address: 383 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
I used to eat at Five Guys when I studied in Vancouver, so I was curious to try the Sydney branch.
It is tucked inside a laneway off George Street — look for the small red flag.
We ordered one double-patty burger, small fries, and a drink — about AUD 30+ total.
The taste was fine but heavier than I remembered, and unlike other branches, there were no free peanuts.
The fries were typical Five Guys style (overflowing from the cup), but if you want a good burger in Australia, Betty’s Burgers is the better option.
Final Thoughts — Why Sydney Is a Food Lover’s Dream
If you love steak, seafood, or coastal dining, Sydney is paradise.
Beef quality is excellent, portions are generous, and even casual restaurants deliver great value.
Thanks for reading and I have many other articles about Sydney on my Mandarin site, if you don’t mind reading it via google translate, please click here for these Sydney travel articles!
During this trip, we also explored many cafés and gelato shops, which I cover in a separate post:
- Ace Hotel Sydney Review 2025 — Design, Vinyl Players and Stylish Stay in Surry Hills
- Best Gelato Shops in Sydney 2025: Gelato Messina, Anita & More
2 comments
What a super helpful guide for a future trip! I haven’t made it to Sydney yet, but I’m saving this post for when I do. The practical tips at the beginning are fantastic—I had no idea about the 10% weekend surcharge, which is so important for budgeting. The Gozleme Stall at The Rocks Market sounds like an amazing local find, too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Agnes for your message! Yes the practice of weekend surcharge is different, but tips aren’t mandatory!