Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and its eateries are primed to make the most of its natural assets: that sparkling harbour, pretty beaches, leafy streets and sunny weather, the way to go for alfresco dining.
- 6 min read
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Where: Watsons Bay
Great for: Beach club vibes.
Striped sun umbrellas, high-top tables, live music, stellar views all the way to Sydney’s most memorable landmarks… Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel delivers on pretty much every front. Head to the bar to order frozen margheritas or a glass or rose accompanied by fish burgers, seafood platters and a good old chicken parm. The best part? You can arrive via ferry at Watsons Bay terminal.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay - Credit: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Doyle’s on the Beach
Where: Watsons Bay
Great for: An indulgent long lunch beside the water.
Seafood is elevated – quite literally, in tiered plates – at Doyles on the Beach, right next door. You’ll not only enjoy a front-row seat to sparkling Sydney Harbour views, but perfected dishes that come courtesy of a century of serving Sydneysiders.
Doyles on the Beach, Watsons Bay
The Old Fitzroy Hotel
Where: Woolloomooloo
Great for: Elevated pub fare at a Dowling Street stalwart.
Beloved by locals, The Old Fitzroy Hotel is a pub, brasserie and theatre all rolled into one (in fact, The Old Fitz is the only remaining theatre pub in Australia, operating for over 150 years). Expect a classic old English pub feel and charming regulars, alongside a French menu overseen by the Odd Culture Group – you can’t go wrong ordering the wagyu cheeseburger, steak au poivre and frites, or smoked trout rillettes. Nab a seat in the alfresco area on a sunny day.
The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Wooloomooloo - Credit: Odd Culture
Bathers' Pavilion
Where: Mosman
Great for: A meal overlooking Middle Harbour, pre- or post-swim at Balmoral Beach.
Whether you opt for the two-hatted Bathers’ Restaurant led by executive chef Aaron Warf, the relaxed Bathers’ Bistro or modern Thai at Betel Leaf @ Bathers', all three venues at this Northern Beaches institution offer water views over pretty Balmoral Beach. Order a plate of prawn linguini and an Aperol Spritz, and spend the afternoon alternating between the sand, the sun and the terrace, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been whisked off to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Bathers' Pavilion, Mosman - Credit: Nikki To
The Winery
Where: Surry Hills
Great for: Those who love a good glass (or bottle) of red, white or rose amid character-filled gardens.
It's all in the name. OK, not all in the name, as this sweet Surry Hills spot is much more than its deep list of delicious drops. The Winery's outdoor terrace offers a great green space in the middle of one of the most popular sections of Sydney's urban jungle. Think art installations, fairy lights and mismatched furniture hidden behind hedges or beside water features, alongside a European-inspired menu that emphasises quality over quantity.
The Winery, Surry Hills - Credit: The Winery
Coogee Pavilion
Where: Coogee
Great for: Rubbing shoulders with the cool kids while overlooking the waves of Coogee Beach.
The multi-storey Coogee Pavilion caters to pretty much every taste. There’s fine dining with Mediterranean soul at Mimi’s, tapas at Una Mas, seafood and pizza on the ground floor, and cocktails and light bites on the rooftop patio, where views of the Coogee Beach coastline across the street just might be the main event.
Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
The Oaks
Where: Neutral Bay
Great for: An unbeatable beer garden.
The appeal of The Oaks lies in its ginormous oak tree, spanning over the courtyard and draped in twinkling fairy lights. Eighty-year-old-oak-tree appeal aside, at The Oaks there are four spaces for different occasions: The Oaks, a bar and grill (with an in-house butcher and a focus on steaks); Alala’s, a cocktail-focused bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking the courtyard; Taffy’s sports bar; and a bottle shop.
Beer garden at The Oaks, Mosman - Credit: The Oaks
Three Blue Ducks
Where: Rosebery
Great for: Sharing great food with family and friends with a rustic, urban backdrop.
What started as a local favourite dishing up farm-to-table plates in Bronte, the OG location sadly closed its doors in 2021. But there is no need for FOMO: you can dine on Three Blue Ducks’ renowned sustainability-focused menu at the industrial-chic Rosebery outpost (and Byron Bay, if you ever find yourself on the NSW North Coast). Housed in the heritage-listed Koskela warehouse, there are multiple dining spaces, including a front deck and courtyard. Breakfast mainstays include eggs benedict, corn fritters and buttermilk waffles, and at lunch and dinner, the food is designed to share.
Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery
Jardin St James
Where: CBD
Great for: A slice of Parisian paradise in the middle of the city.
Located in the forecourt of Sydney's oldest church, Jardin St James offers a hidden oasis in the heart of Sydney's central business district. Inspired by French cafe culture and cuisine – think croissants, galettes, baguettes and crepes – the venue combines that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ with the great coffee that Sydney is known for. Order a Niçoise salad or beef tartare, breath in the fresh air, and be sure to leave room for a pastry for dessert.
Jardin St James, Sydney - Credit: Jardin St James
The Henson
Where: Marrickville
Great for: Those with kids in tow.
The playground tucked into the large, leafy beer garden at The Henson is where you’ll find the kids of the Inner West, while parents relax with a beer. It's this spacious area – complete with colourful murals, citrus trees and hanging plants – and easy-going atmosphere that appeals to families and locals of all ages alike, along with its multicultural menu (expect dishes like the flame grilled, 10-spice ‘Dirty Bird’ chicken with sambal alongside items such as steak frites and porchetta) and soft serve station.
The Henson, Marrickville - Credit: Alana Dimou
Catalina
Where: Rose Bay
Great for: Sumptuous seafood with a sweeping view of the harbour.
Situated along the curving edge of Rose Bay, Catalina serves up a striking waterfront fine dining experience. Executive chef Mark Axisa and head chef Alan O’Keeffe pioneer a bright menu of modern and classic dishes, with seafood as the star. Savour the signature yellow fin tuna and scallop crudo or Black River caviar churros with a fine drop from the wine list, frequently voted Australia’s best. All while watching ferries and seaplanes pass by.
Catalina Rose Bay, Rose Bay
The Grounds of Alexandria
Where: Alexandria
Great for: An Instagrammable brunch date.
No list about outdoor dining in Sydney would be complete without mentioning The Grounds. Located in a former pie factory in the inner city suburb of Alexandria, this Sydney institution houses a cafe, bakery, coffee roastery and animal shed. The enchanting garden should be your first photo stop: the arbour laced with bougainvillaea and fairy lights is the ultimate setting for a date or a catch up with friends.
The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
Gallon
Where: Pyrmont
Great for: A small bar experience without the price tag.
A cosy wine bar in Pyrmont, Gallon is run by husband-and-wife team Julian and Jarina Leitl, which explains the warm, unpretentious atmosphere. The leafy courtyard ‘The Stables’ – which was actually home to horses back in 1870 – is the main drawcard during the warmer months (although the candlelit, sandstone brick-walled interior is just as inviting). Choose from pizzas, salads or an array of bar snacks to accompany your glass of pinot – every dish uses local produce and is made from scratch in-house.
Gallon, Pyrmont - Credit: Gallon
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
Where: Newtown
Great for: Euro-bar vibes and funky canned cocktails.
Tucked away on Newtown’s Australia Street, Continental Deli Bar Bistro combines the charm of a European-style bistro with the relaxed atmosphere of the Inner West. The blackboard menu encompasses tinned seafood, cheese and cured meats, and heartier options like steak tartare, roast lamb and seafood ceviche. Although the sandwiches are the main event, with the Super Deli – jam-packed with sopressa, coppa and mortadella – and the Meatball Sub the go-to-order of those in the know. Grab a canned cocktail – the signature Mar-tinny is a must – and cross your fingers you can snag one of the outdoor tables.
Continental Deli, Newtown - Credit: Continental Deli
The Newport
Location: Newport
Great for: An epic Sunday session with live music and chilled vibes.
The Newport is big – in size, character and views. Oh, and it also has an immense food scene: there’s The Shack for burgers and fish and chips; The Kiosk for breaky and picnic fare; and Vinnie’s Pizza for the kind of pies you crave after a few drinks. This beacon of fun overlooking Pittwater also comes with multiple places to hang out. The massive (and we mean massive) outdoor deck is big enough to get lost on, with picnic tables and high-tops.
The Newport, Newport
