Love stories aren’t only told through rings and vows – they’re retold every year in candlelit dinners, shared glances across the table, and quiet toasts to years well spent.
Whether you’re marking your first paper anniversary or celebrating a lifetime of memories with a gold milestone, your wedding anniversary is more than a date on the calendar – it’s a chapter worth honouring.
Sydney, with its glittering harbour, iconic skyline, and world-renowned culinary scene, offers the perfect canvas for these special moments. From intimate waterfront dining rooms to architecturally striking fine dining institutions, the city is home to a wealth of restaurants where romance lingers in the air, and every course becomes part of your story. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or dreaming about the future, the right setting can elevate the occasion into something unforgettable.
And it’s not just about the food – it’s about the atmosphere. It’s the hush that falls when the sommelier pours the first glass of Champagne. The sparkle of candlelight bouncing off crystal glasses. The hush of waves lapping nearby. The warmth of a space that seems to recognise it’s hosting a moment you’ll both remember for years to come.
Whether you’re surprising your partner with an unexpected night out or upholding a beloved tradition, Sydney’s finest restaurants offer more than just menus – they offer memories. To help you plan something exceptional, we’ve curated a list of standout venues that promise style, elegance, and intimacy in equal measure.
So book early, dress with intention, and let Sydney be the backdrop to your celebration – because love, especially the kind that grows year after year, deserves to be celebrated with care, beauty, and a view worth remembering.
🥂 Tips for Planning the Meaningful Anniversary Dinner
- Reserve in Advanced – Especially for milestone anniversaries or weekend bookings. The most sought-after venues book quickly.
- Set the mood – Choose a restaurant that reflects your story as a couple – whether that’s harbourfront glamour or a moody city hideaway.
- Create an experience – Elevate dinner with a scenic walk, a rooftop cocktail, or a night at a boutique hotel.
- Make it personal – Some restaurants will add a special touch if you mention it’s your anniversary – like a custom dessert or celebratory bubbles.
- Start a tradition – Revisit the same beloved spot each year, and consider pairing the occasion with a timeless gift.
→ Explore Waldemar’s anniversary jewellery collection.
- Add a surprise element – Whether it’s a handwritten note, a favourite bottle of wine, or an unexpected gift, surprises infuse the evening with deeper meaning. A bespoke piece of jewellery, for example, can become a treasured tradition of its own.
- Capture the moment – Don’t forget to document your celebration. A photo together at sunset or a snapshot of the dessert plate adds a memory to look back on – and makes the occasion feel just a little more timeless.
Quay
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The Rocks – Iconic, milestone-worthy
Best for: Iconic harbour views, upscale private events, weddings, and corporate functions
Address : Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney 2000
Contact : 02 9251 5600
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Saturday – Sunday (12:00pm – 1:30pm)
- Dinner Hours : Wednesday – Sunday (5:30pm – 8:45pm)
Price : $$$$
Quay is one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants, perched above Sydney Harbour at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. With sweeping views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this multi-award-winning destination offers a dining experience that’s as breathtaking as the location itself.
Executive Chef Peter Gilmore crafts a tasting menu that is both imaginative and deeply rooted in native Australian ingredients. Highlights often include his famous “White Coral” dessert and intricate seafood dishes like Murry cod with sea cucumber crackling or smoked eel cream with XO tapioca. Each course is presented like an artwork – intricate, seasonal, and utterly memorable.
The dining room is modern and minimal, designed to hero the harbour views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, private event, or once-in-a-lifetime dinner, Quay delivers luxury with precision and soul. With impeccable service, rare wines and curated pairings, it’s a fitting venue for life’s most important occasions.
Bennelong
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Opera House – Sophisticated and timeless
Best for : Iconic dining experiences, special occasions, and pre-theatre meals with panoramic harbour views
Address : Sydney Opera House Bennelong Point Sydney, NSW 2000
Contact : 02 9240 8000
Opening Hours : Monday – Thursday (5:30pm – 8:45pm); Friday – Sunday (12pm – 2pm, 5:30pm – 8:45 pm)
Price : $$$$
Bennelong offers a uniquely Australian dining experience inside one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks – the Sydney Opera House. The architecture alone makes it iconic, but it’s the food, service, and setting that elevate it into something truly special.
Under the direction of Executive Chef Peter Gilmore, Bennelong celebrates Australia’s best seasonal produce through refined yet approachable menus. Guests can enjoy à la carte options or a three-course pre-theatre experience. Signature dishes such as the ‘suckling pig sausage roll’ and the theatrical pavlova – shaped like the Opera House sails – showcase the creative flair that has made Bennelong a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
With soaring cathedral-like interiors, sweeping harbour views, and attentive service, Bennelong is ideal for intimate dates, milestone occasions, or simply indulging in exceptional cuisine in a truly breathtaking location.
LuMi Dining
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Pyrmont – Waterfront and intimate
Best for : Modern fine dining, Scenic waterfront views , Celebratory dinners
Address : 56 Pirrama Road Pyrmont, NSW 2009
Contact : 02 9571 1999
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Saturday & Sunday (12:00pm – 1:30pm)
- Dinner Hours : Thursday – Sunday (5:30pm – 8:30pm)
Price : $$$–$$$$
Nestled on the edge of Pyrmont Bay, LuMi Dining offers a refined yet relaxed experience that fuses modern Italian cuisine with Japanese elegance. Its intimate, light-filled space overlooks the water, setting the tone for a serene and immersive dining journey.
Executive Chef Federico Zanellato presents a seasonal tasting menu where simplicity meets innovation. Think delicate dishes like scampi with koji butter and seaweed, or Wagyu paired with fermented daikon – each plate a masterclass in technique and restraint. The signature tasting menu can be paired with Italian or premium wine flights, thoughtfully curated to complement the nuances of each dish.
With just a handful of tables, pendant lighting, and floor-to-ceiling glass, the atmosphere is quietly luxurious – perfect for a romantic evening, anniversary celebration or leisurely long lunch by the water. LuMi delivers artistry and precision, without the formality, right in the heart of Sydney’s harbour fringe.
Aria
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Circular Quay – Elegant and scenic
Best for : Elegant fine dining, panoramic harbour views, special occasions
Address : 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Contact : 02 9240 2255
Opening Hours :
- Monday – Wednesday (5pm – 9:30pm)
- Thursday – Saturday (12pm – 2:30pm; 5:00pm – 9:30pm)
- Sunday (12:00pm – 2:30pm; 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Price : $$$$
With uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Aria offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and quintessentially Australian. Located at Circular Quay, it’s favourite for special occasions, fine dining connoisseurs, and out-of-town guests seeking something unforgettable.
Helmed by acclaimed chef Matt Moran, Aria’s seasonal menus celebrate the best of local produce with finesse and creativity. From delicately plated entrees to perfectly balanced mains, every dish is an expression of modern Australian cuisine. Signature dishes like the Glacier 51 toothfish with shiitake and black garlic are a true standout – rich, refined and packed with flavour.
The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city’s iconic harbour. With professional service, an award-winning wine list, and an ambience that’s both polished and serene, Aria is a destination where food and setting work in perfect harmony.
Sixpenny
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Stanmore – Refined and tranquil
Best for : Intimate fine dining, seasonal degustation menus, and a serene suburban setting
Address : 83 Percival Road, Stanmore, NSW 2048
Contact : 02 9572 6666
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Saturday & Sunday (from 12:00pm)
- Dinner Hours : Wednesday – Friday (from 6:00pm); Saturday (from 6:30pm)
Price : $$$$
Sixpenny is a hidden gem nestled in Sydney’s inner west, offering one of the city’s most personal and intimate fine dining experiences. Quietly legendary among food lovers, this small neighbourhood restaurant delivers a degustation that’s both quietly confident and deeply moving – every detail is intentional, every dish tells a story.
Led by Chef Daniel Puskas, Sixpenny’s tasting menu champions local produce in its purest, most elegant form. Expect quietly revelatory dishes like smoked potato ice cream, or dry-aged duck with native greens – deceptively simple on the plate, yet layered in technique and thought. Each bite feels as though it’s been crafted just for you.
The ambiance is calm and contemplative, with soft lighting, pared-back interiors, and only a handful of tables – making it the perfect setting for reflection, romance, or reconnecting. There’s no skyline view or flashy theatrics here – just world-class cooking, deeply rooted in place and purpose.
Oncore by Clare Smyth
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Barangaroo – Fine dining perfection
Best for : Elevated fine dining, panoramic harbour views, and signature dishes by a world-renowned chef
Address : Level 26, Crown Sydney, 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Contact : 02 8871 7171
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Friday – Saturday (12:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Dinner Hours : Tuesday – Thursday (5:30pm – 10:30pm)
- Friday – Saturday (5:30pm – 11pm)
Price : $$$$
Rising high above Sydney Harbour on the 26th floor of Crown Sydney, Oncore by Clare Smyth brings the precision, poetry, and prestige of three-Michelin-starred cuisine to one of the city’s most luxurious dining rooms. With sweeping views of the skyline, this is a destination where every detail feels world-class – and every dish tells a story.
Clare Smyth, the first and only female chef to hold three Michelin stars in the UK, has crafted a menu that balances technical excellence with heartfelt simplicity. Hero dishes like the ‘Potato and Roe’, inspired by her upbringing in Northern Ireland, are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning. Expect a flawless progression of flavours, supported by impeccable service and a wine list curated with global depth and rare finds.
The atmosphere is refined but never cold – with plush textures, quiet glamour, and panoramic glass that transforms every sunset into theatre. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving culinary brilliance, Oncore is an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
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Bondi – Glamorous with ocean views
Best for : Romantic anniversaries, sunset cocktails, and oceanfront celebrations
Address : One Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
Contact : 02 9365 9000
Opening Hours :
- Tuesday – Friday (All-Day Dining from 12:00pm)
- Saturday (Lunch from 12:00pm; Dinner from 6:30pm)
- Sunday (All-DAy Dining from 12:00pm)
Price : $$$$
Few venues capture the essence of Sydney like Icebergs Dining Room & Bar. Perched above the iconic Bondi Icebergs pool, this restaurant offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, where the salt air and coastal energy meet refined Italian-inspired dining.
With interiors that feel equal parts Riviera and rockstar, Icebergs is effortlessly stylish – think white tablecloths, turquoise waters, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the perfect spot for long lunches, sunset cocktails, or impressing out-of-town guests with a dose of beachfront luxury.
The menu leans contemporary Italian with Australian soul. Expect elevated classics like spanner crab spaghettini, King George whiting in brown butter, or a perfectly executed tiramisù. The extensive wine list and aperitivo options invite lingering – and the views practically demand it.
Whether you’re toasting something special or just soaking in that Bondi glow, Icebergs makes every visit feel like a celebration.
Ormeggio at The Spit
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Mosman – Marina-side modern Italian
Best for : Contemporary Italian seafood, waterfront dining, and special occasions
Address : D’Albora Marina, The Spit, Spit Road Mosman 2088
Contact : 02 9969 4088
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Wednesday – Sunday (from 11:30am)
- Dinner Hours : Wednesday – Sunday (from 5:30pm)
Price: $$$$
With yachts bobbing on the water and sea breezes drifting through, Ormeggio at The Spit offers a relaxed yet polished take on contemporary Italian dining. Set at the edge of Middle Harbour, this award-winning restaurant combines fresh local seafood with modern Mediterranean flair – all against a picture – perfect marina backdrop.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni leads the charge with a seasonal menu focused on light, vibrant dishes that let produce speak for itself. Think crudo with citrus and olive oil, handmade pastas, and playful desserts that bring a sense of theatre to the table. For those looking to indulge, the signature degustazione is a beautiful way to experience the full arc of Ormeggio’s cuisine.
The vibe is laid-back luxury – breezy and welcoming by day, elegant and candlelit by night. Whether you’re arriving by car or cruising in by boat, Ormeggio is ideal for long lunches, milestone dinners, or a glass of wine as the sun sets over the bay.
Pilu at Freshwater
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Freshwater – Beachside Sardinian romance
Best for : Beachfront Sardinian fine dining, romantic occasions, and coastal celebrations
Address : On the beach, Moore Road, Freshwater, NSW 2096
Contact : 02 9938 3331
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Wednesday – Sunday (12pm – 3:30pm)
- Dinner Hours : Wednesday – Saturday (6pm – 10pm); Sunday (12pm – 9pm)
Price : $$$–$$$$
Set right on the sand at Freshwater Beach, Pilu at Freshwater captures the charm of coastal Sardinia with the elegance of modern Australian fine dining. With panoramic ocean views, sea breezes, and a white-weatherboard cottage setting, it’s a restaurant that feels worlds away – yet just a short drive from the city.
Chef Giovanni Pilu brings the flavours of his homeland to life through a refined menu that pays tribute to both tradition and innovation. Expect dishes like slow-roasted suckling pig or handmade fregola with seafood, all prepared with precision and heart. The wine list leans heavily into Sardinian and Italian varietals, making it the perfect place to explore lesser-known gems by the glass or bottle.
The atmosphere is romantic but relaxed, ideal for long lunches, seaside anniversaries or celebrating life’s best moments with a view that never gets old. Whether you’re inside the heritage cottage or out on the breezy veranda, Pilu makes every meal feel like a Mediterranean holiday.
The Gidley
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CBD – Moody, intimate steakhouse
Best for : Opulent steakhouse dining, vintage ambience, private poker nights
Address: Basement 161 King Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Contact : 02 9169 6898
Opening Hours : Monday – Saturday (12pm – 12am)
Price : $$$–$$$$
Descending into The Gidley feels like stepping into a different era – one of velvet booths, whisky carts, low lighting, and impeccable old-school service. This underground steakhouse in the heart of Sydney’s CBD is all about indulgence, theatre and timeless charm.
Famous for its rich interiors and even richer flavours, The Gidley serves up classic cuts of premium beef, cooked over charcoal or in their Montague broiler for maximum flavour. Pair your Rangers Valley rib-eye or prime rib roast with decadent sides like creamed spinach or dripping potatoes, and finish with a whisky-soaked dessert if you’re game. The wine list and cocktail menu are equally lush, featuring both bold reds and vintage-inspired classics.
It’s an experience made for lingering. The Gidley is as much about mood as it is about meat – with hidden rooms, a plush bar, and even the option for private poker dinners behind closed doors. Whether you’re celebrating in style or just in the mood for a little escapism, this is where Sydney dines like Gatsby.
Bistecca
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CBD – Secretive and sultry
Best for : Tuscan-style T-bone steak, intimate dining, and a phone-free experience
Address : 3 Dalley Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Contact : 02 8067 0450
Opening Hours : Monday – Sunday (12:00pm – 12:00am)
Price : $$$$
Tucked behind an unmarked door in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Bistecca is an underground sanctuary for lovers of great steak, fine wine, and low-lit romance. The Tuscan-style venue is all timber panelling, leather booths, and moody shadows – with a house rule that asks diners to part with their phones upon entry The result ? A rare kind of dining intimacy.
At the heart of the menu is the restaurant’s namesake: the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone cooked over charcoal and served with reverence. Guests are invited to choose their cut before it’s fire-grilled to perfection – no substitutions, no nonsense. It’s bold, generous, and deeply satisfying.
The cocktail bar alone is worth the visit, with classic Italian aperitifs and a whisky list to match. Bistecca isn’t just a steakhouse; it’s an experience – a little bit hidden, a little bit old-world, and entirely unforgettable.
Bentley Restaurant + Bar
Image credit: Screenshot from Bentley Restaurant + Bar
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CBD – Creative and cosmopolitan
Best for : Innovative fine dining, exceptional wine pairings, and contemporary ambiance
Address : 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Contact : 02 8214 0505
Opening Hours :
- Lunch Hours : Thursday & Friday (12:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Dinner Hours : Tuesday – Saturday (6:00pm – 12:00am)
Price: $$$
A cornerstone of Sydney’s modern dining scene, Bentley Restaurant + Bar blends cutting-edge cuisine with polished urban energy. Located in the CBD’s historic Radisson Blu building, Bentley impresses with its sleek, industrial interiors, world-class wine program, and boldly creative menus that keep locals and critics coming back.
Helmed by Chef Brent Savage and Sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, the restaurant is known for pushing boundaries. Expect dishes like roasted eggplant with miso and Davidson plum or aged duck with fennel and black garlic – plated with precision and unexpected flavour pairings that surprise and delight. The wine list is legendary, with over 1,000 labels curated to showcase both rare finds and rising stars.
It’s the kind of place that suits power lunches just as much as special occasion dinners – sophisticated but never stiff. Bentley delivers an exceptional balance of innovation, elegance, and excitement – and it’s earned every one of its accolades.
At the heart of every anniversary is a reminder of why you chose each other, and Sydney’s dining scene provides the perfect stage to honour that choice. From the first sip of wine to the last shared dessert, each detail becomes part of the story you’re still writing together. No matter which restaurant you choose, what matters most is pausing to celebrate the journey so far — and the many chapters still to come.

