A little over a year ago, Barangaroo was considered a foreshore wasteland, mainly occupied by boats. Since its multimillion-dollar renovation, the Barangaroo precinct is synonymous with dining and lifestyle. From Crown Sydney’s upscale offerings to the neighbourhood bars, a vibrant Mexican diner, and plenty of walks with water views, it’s shaping up to be a favourite in Sydney.
So, here are the best places to eat and drink in Sydney’s buzziest waterfront precinct.
Nobu
Let’s start with the creme of the crop, Nobu, a world-renowned Japanese restaurant, serving pricey, but quality dishes. Hailed by acclaimed chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, this restaurant echoes his other locations in the U.S, Europe, Mexico, and many others, except, Sydney’s Nobu is lucky to be surrounded by the elegance and opulence of Crown Sydney. The menu fuses Japanese tradition with Australian produce, providing a tantalising gastronomic adventure with waterfront views.
a’Mare
Hailing from Alessandro Pavoni, the Italian mastermind behind one of Sydney’s institutions Ormeggio at the Spit, a’Mare, is taking us back to the days of paramount service and good food. The atmosphere and interior are inspired by the palazzi of old school Italy— Venice, Milan, Rome and Lake Garda. Although the real show stopper here is the food. It’s a relatively extensive menu, but a few standouts include the ‘elephant ear’ which is a 1kg veal cutlet—best shared with friends. Take a seat outside and enjoy the view or inside to feel the buzz of the restaurant, and still enjoy views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The proportions are quite generous, perfect for sharing family-style.
Cirrus
Sydney has no shortage of great seafood restaurants, but Cirrus is always a surefire bet. Cirrus caters to the corporate world but welcomes anyone looking for good seafood, with a touch of finesse. Hailing from restaurant dream team chef Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt (Monopole, Bentley and Yellow), Cirrus lives up to expectations by serving seasonal produce, and most importantly, fresh seafood. The seafood platter is a hit and comes in two tiers. There’s also the Cirrus fish and chips with malt vinegar mayonnaise. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Corso Brio
Hidden behind a large wooden door in Bel and Brio is this 120-seat elegant European-style dining room. Armed with a world-class wine list and modern Italian menu, Corso Brio serves beautifully plated fine dining dishes. Expect beef carpaccio, New Zealand scampi, and a wealth of handmade pasta from risotto to tagliatelle. The crafted interior draws its inspiration from the grand ballrooms of Europe. High ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers and rich timber finishes are standout design features throughout. It’s also worth booking a table next door, at Bel and Brio for more Italian food and wine.
Barangaroo House
This three-level hive is a hotspot during the day and night. Each level offers a different vibe. The ground is chill, level 1 is for dining, and the top-level is for drinking. Start at House Bar for a relaxed outdoor setting with drinks and light pub fare. The next level up is home to Bea, where you will find delicious simple dishes, focusing on land and sea. Finally, sink into Smoke Bar for a night of live music or DJ sets, and a cocktail menu paying homage to the rooftop bars of New York and Los Angeles.
Love Fish
Barangaroo wouldn’t be complete without a fish and chip joint. While you can find fancy fish dishes in the area, Love Fish offers a more relaxed approach to fish and chips. Love Fish is passionate about sustainability which is why they use biodegradable packaging and locally sourced seafood. As for the taste, their fish nails the batter to fillet ratio, and the chips are crunchy. They also have a crumbed fish burger on the menu that’s always a hit, and the calamari rings are a crowd-pleaser any day of the week.
Sama Sama
This Asian fusion restaurant offers a casual setting and refined, southeast Asian street food. Think chicken satay covered in peanut sauce and topped with sweet pieces of pineapple, bone marrow mi goreng, crunchy prawn toast, and mud crab dumplings. The kingfish is a must-try and you can’t go past the ginger barramundi, swimming in lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chilli garlic. It comes with a side of rice to soak up all the delicious flavour. The drinks list takes cues from Asian ingredients, including a bloody lychee spritz, spiced honey nectar, and a reasonable wine list.
Untied
Settle into this tropical rooftop bar, with a soul brunch on Saturdays, and vegan brunch on Sundays. There’s an extensive list of food from snacks such as polenta fries, to mains including burgers and beef cheeks. As for dessert, expect donut fries, which sound as heavenly as they are. The cocktails are tropical, complete with umbrella accompaniments and fruit garnishes. You will always find an event going on here, from bottomless brunches to live music.
Anason
This Award-winning restaurant and bar are inspired by the seaside meyhanes of Istanbul. Enjoy the waterfront views, while contemplating which dishes to order, from the contemporary Turkish menu. The food here is designed to expand your tastes, so prepare to travel with your tastebuds. True to its Turkish roots, the drinks menu is just as good as the food. Sample traditional Turkish Raki, sip your way through the wine regions of Turkey or celebrate life with signature cocktails.
Tequila Daisy
If you’re looking for a good night, good food, and a Mexican flair, look no further than the joyous Tequila Daisy in Barangaroo. The menu boasts grilled chicken, wagyu beef brisket, pulled pork, fried fish and roasted carrot tacos. You will find empanadas, kingfish tostada, grilled octopus, watermelon salad, and ocean trout ceviche for mains. Don’t forget to try the Tequila Daisy cocktail, and the frozen margarita.
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