Best waterfront restaurants on Sydney Harbour

Good food of course. Luckily, the Sydney Harbour is not short of some of the most delicious restaurants all conveniently positioned on the water making them the perfect end (or start) to a day at sea. The combination of a private charter followed by a long lunch or dinner at one of these spots is a popular choice for not only corporate work teams or groups but Birthdays, Hen’s Dos, anniversaries and more. Below we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite restaurants with a view and the closest wharf.

China Doll (Cowper Bay Wharf)

• Cuisine : Modern Asian 
• Perfect for : First date or anniversary 
• BYO available : No 
• View: City Skyline & Sydney Harbour 

For those keen to splash out look no further than Cowper Bay Wharf’s China Doll. Featuring a two person banquet this spot is perfect for anniversaries, special birthdays or perhaps even proposals… China Doll does romance well. With a primarily Asian fusion menu and impressive cocktail list you can’t give this one a miss.

View China Doll’s Menu here. 

Otto Ristorante (Cowper Bay Wharf)

• Cuisine : Italian 
• Perfect for : Entertaining visitors
• BYO available : Yes, for groups > 13
• View: City skyline & Sydney Harbour 

Positioned on Woollomooloo’s Cowper Bay Wharf, Otto is popular for it’s spectacular location overlooking both the iconic city skyline and harbour. It’s the perfect choice for entertaining visitors or celebrating special occasions with style and elegance. Another great bonus, Otto offers BYO for groups of 13 or more enjoying the set menu option, including their famous (and giant) Tiramisu. Otto is a crowd pleaser with it’s delectable Italian menu that even offers something for the vegan of the group, what a win!

View Otto Ristorante’s menu here. 

Bathers Pavilion (Balmoral)

• Cuisine : Modern European
• Perfect for : A family meal or special occasion 
• BYO available : No
• View: Sydney Middle Harbour & the Grotto Point Lighthouse

For a slightly more laid back dining venue we can recommend the iconic Bathers Pavilion at Balmoral Beach. Featuring some mouth watering seafood dishes you will definitely be back to try them all in this super cool and relaxed restaurant on Sydney’s North shore. The roaring fire place means this beautiful spot can be enjoyed all year round.

View Bathers Pavillion’s menu here.

Ripples (Milsons Point & Chowder Bay)

• Cuisine : Italian inspired 
• Perfect for : Family outing 
• BYO available : Yes 
• View: Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House 

With unrivalled views of the Harbour plus a family friendly Italian menu look no further than Ripples. Entrees include favourites such as calamari, oysters and prawns while other options such as the Busiate Pasta will satisfy the more adventurous diners. Ripples is also friendly on the pocket with the option to BYO.

View Ripples Milson Point’s menu here. 

Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay (Sydney Fish Market’s Wharf)

• Cuisine : Seafood 
• Perfect for : Anyone who loves seafood 
• BYO available : No 
• View: Sydney Harbour & Anzac Bridge 

Best known for their snapper pie, the Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay also offers several other delicious dishes for the seafood lover, such as rock lobster, mud crab and oysters. Positioned just down from Glebe, this venue offers a unique harbour view that is still close enough to the city and inner west.

View Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay’s Menu here. 

Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel (Watson’s Bay)

• Cuisine : Diverse global dishes
• Perfect for : Catch up with friends 
• BYO available : Unknown 
• View: Sydney Harbour & Sydney Skyline from a distance 

This list simply isn’t complete without a mention of Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel. This spacious pub sits right on the water meaning kids and adults alike can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to the beach and dining. The menu features all the normal pub staples done exceptionally well, it would be rude not to wash them down with a froze or one of the many cocktail jugs available.

View Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel’s menu here.

Bondi Icebergs (Rose Bay or Double Bay wharves)

• Cuisine : Modern Italian cuisine
• Perfect for : Picture perfect photos with friends
• BYO available : No 
• View: Icebergs Pool & Bondi Beach 

Arguably the most Instagrammed spot in Sydney had to feature on this list because the view is simply amazing, there’s a reason why locals and tourists flock to this institution for their social media snaps and this is it. But not only does it produce a great ‘gram’ the food is pretty darn good, we recommend saving your appetite for a juicy steak.

View Bondi Icebergs’ menu here.

Catalina Rose Bay (Rose Bay Wharf)

• Cuisine : Upmarket Seafood & Modern Australian 
• Perfect for : Entertaining clients 
• BYO available : No 
• View: Sydney Harbour & Sydney Skyline from a distance 

This award winning restaurant is located on the harbour nestled next to Rose Bay wharf. You can’t miss the recognisable white building and flagpole that stands proudly in this stunning spot catching the last of the day’s sun rays. Like most of the waterfront spots on this list the menu includes specialty seafood as well as some more contemporary Australian dishes.

View Catalina Rose Bay’s menu here.

Aqua Dining (Milsons Point)

• Cuisine : Contemporary Italian
• Perfect for : Corporate function
• BYO available : Yes
• View: North Sydney Olympic Pool, Luna Park, Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Harbour

With panoramic views of the Harbour Aqua Dining just makes your restaurant dining choice even harder. The Italian menu features dishes such as smoked eggplant custard with heirloom tomato and white miso crisp, fresh oysters, pork belly and Moretan bay bugs. There are even multiple choices for the vegetarians in the group.

View Aqua Dining’s menu here.

Manly Wharf Bar (Manly Wharf)

• Cuisine : Casual pub grub and seafood
• Perfect for : Sunday session with your mates
• BYO available : No
• View: North Sydney Harbour & Dobroyd Head 

It’s easy to get carried away by the live music and sunset views at Manly Wharf bar which is why it’s no surprise this joint is so popular. This large and expansive venue with multiple indoor and outdoor areas is close enough to the Manly wharf to stumble home while the menu features plenty of crowd pleasers sure to soak up one to many beers or vinos.

View Manly wharf bar’s menu here. 

To organize your next celebration, date night or whatever the occasion – contact the team today!