Sydney’s top spots for alfresco dining
Alfresco dining is here to stay in Sydney and we think it’s worth celebrating! As you likely heard, the NSW Government announced it will continue waiving outdoor dining fees until 2025. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of Sydney’s top outdoor dining destinations for summer, in case you’re writing any features or guides.
Re, South Eveleigh
Sip on sustainable spritzes in the industrial warehouse setting at the world’s first permanent no-waste bar. Re’s furnishing and tables are made from recycled bottles and plastic bags, and drinks follow suit using 99.9% wasted ingredients. The alfresco terrace is spacious and buzzing with activity each night.
Botanic House
Botanic House is currently hosting a pop-up outdoor bar ‘Gin in the Garden’ in collaboration with Tanqueray. Play board games on the lawn and sip on pre-mixed bottles and cocktails from Thursday – Sunday, 2 – 7pm until Sunday 5th March.
North Bondi Fish
Steps from the sand and surf of one of the world’s most famous beaches, North Bondi Fish is outdoor dining at its best. Listen to live music on the spacious balcony every Sunday from 4-7pm, and watch the sun go down with fresh seafood and a spritz in hand.
Shell House Terrace, CBD
Dine sky-high on level nine of the CBD’s heritage clocktower building on the L-shaped garden terrace at Shell House. Sand-coloured umbrellas and fruiting cumquat trees set the scene for a Mediterranean-style dinner and a digestif on the deck.
Terrace on the Domain, Botanic Gardens
On the edge of Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, Terrace on the Domain offers rustic Italian fare paired with fine drinks and cocktails. There’s alfresco dining in the Terrace Bar and they also offer grab-and-go options including picnic hampers to enjoy in the beautiful surrounds of the Domain.
a’Mare, Barangaroo
Translating to ‘by the sea’, a’Mare offers a piece of la dolce vita from its luxurious harbourside location in Barangaroo’s Crown Casino. Watch ferries come and go from the restaurant’s covered outdoor terrace while trofie al pesto is made tableside.
Sala, Pyrmont
Dine on the harbour at this Italian seafood restaurant in the historic waterfront space at Jones Bay Wharf. Embrace the coastal style of Sala’s terrace with direct waterfront access and enjoy fresh Australian seafood and a casual drink.
Topikós, Bondi Beach
For that perpetual Greek island holiday feeling, hit up Topikos in Bondi Beach. Go for a swim, then settle into Topikós summer cocktails and Greek mezze snacks, while people-watching from the promenade seating. Don’t miss live music and dancing every Sunday in Summer from 5pm.
Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park
Centennial Homestead is a picturesque setting for the ultimate garden party with family and four-legged friends. The undercover deck is perfect for a midweek brunch, or bring a picnic rug and order takeaway to enjoy on the luscious lawns.
Woodcut, Barangaroo
Experience this one-of-a-kind dining experience on the broad, shady terrace at Woodcut with water views of the Barangaroo foreshore. The menu runs on wood, coal, steam and ice, and food arrives at the table in its cooking vessels from the restaurant’s four open kitchens.
Da Orazio, Bondi Beach
Da Orazio brings its Italian beach club look and feel to the backstreets of Bondi. The energy permeates from the kitchen into the casual and coastal outdoor seating, perfect for a quick drink and some antipasti, or pizza and porchetta.
Queens Park Kitchen, Queen’s Park
Enjoy all-day brunch on the sunny deck overlooking the green playing fields of Queens Park. Kids can hang out in the playground next door and enjoy a picnic with milkshakes and burgers post-play.
