Sydney is packed with eateries, cafés and restaurants serving up some of the best bites in New South Wales. And while brekkie pairs off with a silky cup of coffee at cafés, and dinner features at high-end restaurants, lunch takes a back seat. When this meal exists to give you that mid-day boost and continue on with the day, shouldn’t the places where you eat be the best? So here’s an insider’s (foodie) tip to the best lunch spots Sydney has to offer!
China Doll
I couldn’t possibly start this list without mentioning the award-winning China Doll Sydney. This restaurant defines what dining should be with a menu impeccably designed to showcase flavours from China, Japan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
The scallop entrée makes for the perfect start to the meal and the dim sums transport you straight to the buzzing streets of Hong Kong. Make sure you check out their signature cocktails too. If you’re looking for an energetic restaurant to refuel you with bold Asian flavours, China Doll is the place for you!
Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
For a truly indulgent lunch in Sydney, I recommend experiencing one of the lunch cruises that depart from King Street Wharf. These floating restaurants serve up one of the best lunches I’ve had in Sydney. From three-course menus to a substantial buffet, there’s something for every tastebud.
Fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat and local vegetables shine in their menus along with a pairing of your favourite beer, wine or sparkling from the licensed bar onboard. Not only is the food amazing, but oh, the views from the lunch cruise in Sydney are spectacular! Cruising past the Harbour Bridge and Opera House with the sunlight hitting all the right angles and the waves gently going by – it’s an instagram-worthy frame.
Untied Rooftop Sydney
In the heart of Bangaroo, is a rooftop bar that exudes an urban bohemian aesthetic, setting the scene for a casual noon break. Untied is an indoor-outdoor bar with a vibrant interior and lots of greenery. The spirit of Australia sings through their Aussie-inspired dishes, like the BBQ share plates, bar snacks and even a raw bar with unlimited oysters.
From funky cocktails to premium beers and wines, their drinks menu is as vibrant as the bar’s decor. You should definitely try out their bottomless brunch on the weekends and indulge in a ‘Getting LIT At Untied’ cocktail that will have you leaving tipsy and happy!
NOUR
Now that we’ve covered Asian flavours and Australian, I think it’s time we paid attention to the warmth of Lebanese cuisine. And no one does it better than NOUR in Surry Hills. This one-hatted restaurant refines the concept of shared meals at home into contemporary dining. With beautifully plated mezze platters and hearty mains, your tastebuds take you on a journey from Down Under to the Middle East!
Succulent shawarma bites, labneh and wagyu cuts hold the essence of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, reimagined with Australian ingredients. It’s the perfect wholesome lunch experience.
Yulli’s
While most lunch places have their primary focus on meat-based dishes, Yulli’s Bar and Restaurant is proactive in making vegan food delicious for everyone. Surpassing the stereotype of vegan food being “just leaves”, Yulli’s Sydney has perfected the art of letting the produce shine by combining it with flavours that will make your taste buds tingle. They offer both vegan and gluten-free menus that are heavenly when paired with the best beers and wines available in New South Wales. From fresh salads to sticky and glazed broccoli, I can assure you, meat will not be missed!
Whether you’re just having a light salad or an afternoon mimosa (it’s four somewhere in the world), dine at one of these elegant spots because your lunch in Sydney deserves better than a protein bar!
