Here’s a guide to the best places to eat near the Rocks Sydney.
Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re in Sydney and looking for the best places to satisfy your cravings near The Rocks, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, I’ve got you covered.
The following recommendations come from my much cooler friends Trang, Helen, Trent and Dazz – Sydney locals who know a thing or two about great food and drink spots (unlike me, who rarely goes into the city when I’m living in Sydney).
Let’s dive in!
Affordable Delights 💸
- Chat Thai: Craving some spicy Thai? Head over to Gateway Shopping Centre, L05/1 Macquarie Pl, Sydney. Open daily from 11:00am to 9:30pm. Google Maps | Website
- Gateway Sydney Food Court: Located in the same building as Chat Thai, this place offers a smorgasbord of cuisines. Open daily from 7am to 11:30pm (weekdays only). Google Maps | Website
- Mejico: Say “Hola!” to authentic Mexican food and margaritas at 105 Pitt St. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm. Google Maps | Website
- Quay Quarter Lanes at Loftus Ln, Circular Quay: A foodie’s paradise with options like:
- Marrickville Pork Roll: Traditional pork rolls that’ll make you go “yum!”
- Humble Bakery: Freshly baked goodness awaits.
- Malay Chinese Noodle Bar: Dive into a bowl of the most delicious laksa in Sydney. If you’ve been in Sydney for a while, they recently moved from Hunter Street to their new digs in Circular Quay. Open weekdays from 11am to 4:30pm. Google Maps | Website
- The Rocks Market: Vibrant open-air waterfront market, held each weekend, with stalls for local crafts & street food. Open weekends 10AM – 5PM. Google Maps | Website
- Za Pina Pizzeria: Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pizza or craving some pumpkin ravioli, this spot has got you covered. And with the sun shining, their outdoor seating is a must-try! Expect to spend around $25-30 pp, drinks included. Google Maps | Website (Shoutout to Claire for this late addition)
- Le Renaissance Patisserie and Cafe: Macaron lover? This is your place at 47 Argyle St. Open daily from 8am to 4:30pm. Google Maps | Website
Splurge-worthy Spots 💰💰
- Esteban: Spanish delights like tapas and paella at 1 Temperance Ln, Sydney. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Google Maps | Website
- Barangaroo: Barangaroo is a waterfront precinct with a vibrant dining scene, offering everything from fine dining to casual eats. It is also home to the Skydeck (located on the 83rd floor of the Crown Sydney hotel and casino), which offers stunning 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour. Here are some of the popular food spots:
- Woodcut: Modern Australian dishes with a local touch, located in Barangaroo. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Google Maps | Website
- Devon Cafe Barangaroo: A fine dining approach to casual café food. Take your pick from foie gras, scallops, truffle egg sando, truffle duck pasta, and more. Oh, and I’m told you simply must try the Truffle DD Special (Truffle soft serve, hot chips, fresh truffle) for $25. Google Maps | Website
- ToroToro Ramen Bar: Authentic ramen that’s slurp-worthy at Barangaroo. Open for lunch and dinner from Mon to Saturday. Google Maps | Website
- Pancakes on the Rocks: Got a sweet tooth? Dive into a stack of pancakes or waffles right in The Rocks. Open daily 7:30 AM–12 AM. Google Maps | Website
- The Glenmore Hotel: How about some yummy pub fare and cocktails, all with an amazing view of the harbour and the Opera House? This spot has one of the best rooftops in the city. Google Maps | Website
- Wahlburgers Opera Quays: Craving a juicy burger with a side of loaded fries? This American chain founded by brothers Mark & Donnie Wahlberg at Circular Quay has got you covered for a quick and casual meal. Google Maps | Website
- Hinchcliff House: Described as “four levels of dining and drinking experiences, set within a heritage wool store in the heart of Sydney. Each level has a unique atmosphere, offering & soul.” Google Maps | Website
More Pricey But Oh-So-Delish 💰💰💰
- 6HEAD Sydney: Dive into premium steak (hello Wagyu!) and fresh quality seafood delights located right in The Rocks. The selling point is having the Sydney Harbour view. Google Maps | Website
- Hubert: Experience classic French cuisine in the heart of the city. Ooh la la! Google Maps | Website
- Lana: Modern Italian dining with Asian flavours and the finest Australian produce. Situated inside Hinchliffe House. Google Maps | Website
- Grana: Great romantic atmosphere. Fantastic food busting with flavour. Word on the street is that their river cod is to die for! Google Maps | Website
- Oncore by Clare Smyth: According to one diner, “As you savour each dish, your senses are treated to a symphony of tastes that unfold like a carefully orchestrated ballet.” 3 Course À La Carte Menu $250 Per Person, 7 Course Tasting Menu $340 Per Person. Google Maps | Website
- Bennelong: Fine dining with a view, located in the iconic Sydney Opera House. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday. Google Maps | Website
A Little Further But Worth It 🚖
- Bistrot 916: A French bistro in Potts Point that’s both casual and splurge-worthy. Bon appétit! Google Maps | Website
- Elements Seafood Grillhouse: Dive into the freshest seafood at Pier 8/9 23 Hickson Road, Millers Point in Walsh Bay. Google Maps | Website
- Chinatown: A neighbourhood bursting with Asian flavours. From dim sum to Peking duck, there’s something for everyone! Google Maps
- Gram Cafe & Pancake, The Galeries: The fluffiest Japanese pancakes you’ll find in the city! Google Maps | Website
- Dopa by Devon, Darling Square: This restaurant serves Japanese dishes, including katsu, ramen and udon. It is located at Shop 11/1 Harbour St, Sydney. Google Maps | Website
Anf’s biased “cheap and cheerful” recommendation:
The best eats are outside the city if you’re up for a Transport NSW train or Uber adventure. Don’t just take my word for it, though – check out these vids from popular Youtubers!
So, there you have it! The ultimate guide to eating your way through The Rocks, Sydney (and beyond). Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots are sure to make your taste buds dance. Happy eating!
(Image generated by Leonardo.ai)
What are your best places to eat near the Rocks Sydney?
Got a fave spot that’s not on this list? Let me (and my readers) know in the comments! We’re always up for checking out new dining spots around town.
(This blog post was drafted with the support of AI – Bard and ChatGPT, and edited for awesomeness by Anfernee Chansamooth)
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