Where to find the best steak in Sydney

Margaret

Where: Double Bay

Neil Perry's flagship diner in Double Bay, named in honour of his late mother Margaret, was recently ranked the second-best steak restaurant in the world by The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants. The accolade comes as no surprise, given Perry's reputation for sourcing only the best-of-the-best of Australian produce, working with premium suppliers like Blackmore Wagyu and CopperTree Farms.

Margaret, Double Bay - Credit: Petrina Tinslay

Firedoor

Where: Surry Hills 

As the name suggests, everything at Firedoor is cooked over a wood flame. Chef and owner Lennox Hastie believes in the power of great ingredients cooked simply, so you can expect an incredible dry-aged steak seared to perfection. With an open kitchen, you even get to watch the chefs at work. 

Firedoor, Surry Hills - Credit: Nikki To

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Where: CBD 

A Sydney institution, also by celebrated chef Neil Perry, Rockpool Bar & Grill was ranked number 12 in the world in The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants in 2024 – proof that the team remains at the top of their game even after 15 years. The menu features meat from exceptional producers like David Blackmore, Cape Grim or Coppertree Farms, which is dry aged in house, then prepared in Perry’s signature style: simple yet refined.

Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney, Sydney CBD - Credit: Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney

Bistecca

Where: CBD 

There’s only one main course on the menu at Bistecca – steak. More specifically, bistecca alla fiorentina, which is a t-bone cooked in the traditional Tuscan way over coals and served medium rare. Sides change seasonally and the wine list is exclusively Italian, plus the restaurant has a unique ‘no phones’ policy, so there’s nothing to distract you from your perfect plate. 

Bistecca, Sydney CBD - Credit: Bistecca

Porteño

Where: Surry Hills 

Argentinians are some of the biggest meat eaters in the world (behind Australia and the USA), so they know a good steak. The elegant Porteño is inspired by the kitchens of Argentina, with top-quality steaks cooked over an authentic parilla barbecue at the side of the dining room. The whole menu is meat-heavy, so you can pair it with woodfired bone marrow, wagyu carpaccio and charcoal-grilled blood sausage. 

Porteno, Surry Hills - Credit: Porteno

Restaurant Hubert

Where: CBD 

Stepping down into Restaurant Hubert is like entering a chic bistro in post-war Paris. The menu is similarly authentic, with arguably the best côte de boeuf in the city – a one-kilogram wagyu rib-eye on the bone served rare with bernaise sauce. It’s also one of the few city restaurants open until midnight, so you can satisfy your steak craving at all hours. 

Restaurant Hubert, Sydney City

S’more

Where: Castlecrag 

S’more is all about indulgence with a menu full of lobster, caviar, oysters and truffles – and, of course, a few exquisite cuts of NSW beef. Cooked on a Japanese hibachi grill, steaks come with accompaniments like ginger shallot relish or soy glaze. The sides have an Asian twist as well, so you can add claypot fried rice, soy honey butter corn and wok-fried brussel sprouts to the table. 

S'More, Castlecrag - Credit: Steven Woodburn

The Gidley

Where: CBD 

Another venue with a one-steak focus, The Gidley is all about the rib eye. Choose on the bone char-grilled over ironbark, English cut prime rib roast or a boneless chop bourbon and cherry wood smoked. If you’re feeling fancy, spinalis is the cap of the rib eye and described as the most succulent cut of steak in the world. 

The Gidley, Sydney CBD - Credit: Dominic Stevenson

BLACK Bar & Grill

Where: Pyrmont 

This luxurious steakhouse is a favourite among the high rollers at The Star and also draws a loyal crowd of meat lovers. Classic cuts are lightly smoked to infuse them with the delicate flavour of cherry wood ash before being seared at a high heat over ironbark wood. When money is no object, splash out on the next level David Blackmore one-kilo wagyu rib eye, which won’t get you much change from $800. 

Black Bar and Grill at The Star Sydney, Pyrmont

Bopp & Tone

Where: CBD 

Opulent and elegant, you can pretend you’re Don Draper from Mad Men every time you dine at Bopp & Tone. A charcoal oven and 900-kilogram wood grill in the kitchen turn out perfect steaks topped with salsa verde, chimichurri, fermented chilli or black garlic butter. Wash it down with one of more than 300 wines or a Draperesque martini. 

Bopp and Tone, Sydney CBD - Credit: Bopp and Tone

20 Chapel

Where: Marrickville

20 Chapel is a pop-up, 64-seat neighbourhood bistro in Marrickville, celebrating wood-fired cooking and farm-fresh produce. At the helm is Corey Costelloe, former culinary director of Rockpool Bar & Grill, who has partnered with longtime friend David Allison – chef-owner of Stix Farm on the Hawkesbury River – and former Rockpool maître d' Anthony Qalilawa. Drawing on the team’s impressive backgrounds, the menu showcases premium steaks alongside seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs (all straight from Allison's 100-acre organic farm).

20 Chapel - Credit: Christopher Pearce | 20 Chapel

The Cut Bar & Grill

Where: The Rocks

Reopened in its original Argyle Street location, The Cut Bar & Grill brings the glamour of a New York steakhouse to the heart of The Rocks, tucked away in the basement of a former bond store with original timber and sandstone. The signature dish is slow-cooked prime rib, which is sliced tableside and available in two sizes (300g and 450g), with the rest of the menu featuring woodfire-grilled meats, fresh seafood and reimagined classics. 

The Cut Bar and Grill, The Rocks - Credit: The Cut Bar and Grill

The Grill at The International

Where: CBD

The Grill is the headline act at The International, a three-part hospitality hub at 25 Martin Place also home to The Wine Bar and Panorama Bar. Known for expertly cooked proteins and seafood, it was recently ranked number 14 in the world’s best steak restaurants – so ordering a steak is a must. Pair your plate with a drop from head sommelier Thomas Groeneveld’s extensive wine list, all served in a setting of white-tablecloth elegance.

The Grill at The International, CBD - Credit: The International