Best Sydney Summer Eats 2025: Restaurants, Bars, and Bites

Summer means longer days, outdoor tables, and fresh seasonal menus across Sydney’s restaurants and bars. We’ve been testing the newcomers and revisiting favourites to put together this guide to the best places to eat in Sydney this summer.

You’ll find newly opened spaces like Morrison’s renovated Conservatory and Cruise Bar’s harbour-level dining, plus seasonal experiences from rooftop mezcal sessions to Central Coast day trips that work well when you want a change from the usual spots.

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New spaces and summer menus

Summer sees new openings, fresh menus and extended hours across Sydney’s dining scene. These venues are either newly opened or have just launched seasonal menus, with many adding outdoor tables and later service to make the most of the longer days.

Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill – The Conservatory

Morrison’s has completed its renovation with The Conservatory, a more intimate dining room that showcases the restaurant’s premium in-house beef programme alongside an oyster bar featuring Wheeler Sydney Rocks and Coffin Bay Pacific oysters.

Signature dishes include an aged Berkshire pork chop with smoked mustard, a Kinross Station Barnsley lamb chop with harissa, duck ragu with housemade pappardelle, and grilled Aquna Murray cod with curry leaf.

Good to know: Semi-private dining for up to 20 guests. Weekly happy hour and oyster hour.

When: Monday – Sunday11:30am till Late
Where: 225 George Street Cnr of Grosvenor St Sydney

Cruise Bar & Restaurant Circular Quay

This waterfront bar and restaurant spans two levels at Circular Quay, with a new summer menu and cocktail list that makes the most of the harbour location.

Local seafood and share plates include Royal Miyagi oysters (lemon aspen vinaigrette), grilled Skull Island king prawns (confit tomato butter), pan‑seared Humpty Doo barramundi (bush tomato ragù, crispy saltbush), Grande Cruise Seafood Tower, plus small snacks like chicken parmy bites, Vegemite BBQ wings and a kangaroo burger.

The cocktail list features harbour-inspired drinks: Waterside Spritz (watermelon, Davidson plum, sparkling), Salty Shores (mandarin, mango sorbet, chilli tequila), The Honey (passionfruit, quandong honey), The Calypso (rum, marmalade, lemongrass).

When: Summer 2025.
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. Transport: Train/ferry to Circular Quay; short walk.
Booking: cruisebar.com.au/bar-restaurant

Melba’s Rooftop Circular Quay

The rooftop level of Cruise Bar & Restaurant offers open-air dining with city views and its own summer menu focused on lighter bites and bright cocktails.

The menu includes caviar brioche with crème fraîche, Royal Miyagi oysters (lemon aspen vinaigrette), prawn cocktail (lobster Marie Rose, salmon caviar), barramundi sliders (bush tomato relish, lemon myrtle mayo), cold seafood platter, charcuterie and cheese, and black truffle parmesan fries.

Cocktails are bright and fruit-forward: Perfect Pear (watermelon, pear cider, vodka), Melon y Jamón (rockmelon, quandong, jamón‑washed tequila), Rosella Tropic (passionfruit, rosella‑infused whisky), plus classics like Nellie’s Martini (rosemary twist).

When: Open from 6 November on select days over summer.
Where: Rooftop at Cruise Bar & Restaurant, Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Vin‑Cenzo’s Darlinghurst

The Goodies Hospitality has opened this Italian restaurant at the former Bar Vincent site, focusing on seasonal, shareable plates with classic Italian flavours and subtle European twists.

The menu features agnolotti, house sausage with lentils, and veal T-bone, plus classic desserts like lemon tart and cannolo. The wine list leans Italian, with bar classics including Negroni and sgroppino.

When: Lunch 12pm–3pm (Tue–Sat); dinner from 5:30pm (Tue–Sat); supper club until 2am (Fri & Sat).
Where: 174 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.

Pier One Sydney Harbour (Walsh Bay)

Pier One has three summer options, depending on what you’re after. The Everyday Creamery kiosk (from the Tokyo Lamington team) serves soft serve, matcha drinks and house sodas right on the pier – useful for cooling down between other activities.

Soft serve comes in vanilla, strawberry and combo, plus Neapolitan choc tops. The matcha drinks include strawberry matcha, hojicha brown sugar and matcha tonic. House sodas are raspberry rosewater, passion & orange blossom, and pink peppercorn.

Pier Bar focuses on seafood and share plates: prawns, seafood platters, Moreton Bay bug sliders, crudo and smaller bites that work for harbour-side drinking. Pier Dining covers solo meals through to group dinners, including the BIG MAC-ISH – Moreton Bay bug with Big Mac sauce, lettuce and pickles. You can order it alone or as a ‘happy meal’ with fries and Perrier-Jouet Champagne.

When: Daily 11am-11pm (Pier Bar), check for dining hours
Where: Pier One Sydney Harbour, Walsh Bay. Transport: 10-minute walk from Circular Quay; light rail to The Rocks

Beachside and Waterside Dining

If you’re looking for salt air and easy meals, these places are near the harbour or the beaches. We’ve noted simple ways to get there and suggestions for what to order when it’s hot.

Coogee Bay Hotel – Beach Bar & Dining (Coogee)

Executive Chef Justin Schott (formerly of Mimi’s) leads this new beachside restaurant and bar, creating fresh, generous plates designed for seaside dining.

The menu includes crab and mussel rigatoni (white wine, garlic), pan-roasted salmon with beetroot Russian salad and dill butter, salt-and-pepper tofu poke with pickled daikon and soba noodles, ceviche of the day, plus oysters, tostadas, salads, pizzas and burgers with vegetarian options.

Drinks include coastal spritzes and cocktails like Coconut & Yuzu Margarita and Pineapple Old Fashioned, with a wine list featuring Barossa shiraz, King Valley sangiovese, Provençal rosé and Champagne.

When: Open for walk‑ins and reservations.
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road Coogee Beach

The Dry Dock Balmain

This historic waterfront pub and bistro has launched a new spring menu under head chef Ben Sitton, focusing on light, seasonal dishes that work with the harbourside setting.

Dishes include zucchini flowers with citrus buffalo ricotta and Comté, king rainbow trout (fried chard, samphire, green olive, burnt-butter dressing), spaghetti alla chitarra with zucchini and Ossau-Iraty, Southern Rangers tenderloin with galette pomme de terre, market fish with lemon beurre blanc, and roast globe artichoke with parsnip purée, with sides like steamed broccolini and cauliflower gratin.

The Public House offers classic cocktails, 16 beers on tap, and wine by the glass.

When: Public house: Mon–Wed 11:30am–midnight; Thu–Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–10pm Dining room: Bookings recommended
Where: 22 Cameron Street, Balmain

Sydney’s Best Summer Drinks

Hinchcliff House – Aperitivo Hour

This month-long aperitivo event spans four venues at Hinchcliff House. – Bar Mammoni, Lana, Grana and Apollon – bringing Italian-style evening drinks to Young Street.

Signature drinks include the Prosciutto Negroni (gin fat-washed with Principe Prosciutto di San Daniele, finished with a salty snack garnish) and Melone Spritz.

Food includes a tableside prosciutto trolley with house-made focaccia and ssamjang butter, raviolo fritto with hot truffle honey, and Italian-style bao sandos.

When: Launches Monday, 17 November 2025, for one month.
Where: Hinchcliff House, Young Street, Sydney

Zephyr Sky Bar – Mezcaleria in the Sky

This rooftop summer takeover focuses on mezcal and tequila cocktails, taking advantage of the Darling Harbour views for sunset drinks.

Five Don Julio Rosado collaboration cocktails include:

• The Frosado (pink shaved ice; Crème de Pamplemousse, citrus, grapefruit)
• Fire and Tide (mezcal, jalapeño syrup, Tabasco, citrus)
• Blue Paloma (kumquat cordial, blueberry purée
• Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda)
• Midnight Rose (Green Chartreuse, citrus, rose syrup)
• Don Juliet (Massanez Crème de Violette, Peychaud’s bitters, citrus, blackberries).

Summer bites include Beef Barbacoa Sliders, Snapper Ceviche, Flathead Fiesta Tacos and Cheese Empanadas. Bookings are recommended for sunset; ask for shaded tables.

When: Mon–Thu 3pm–10pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 2pm–10pm
Where: Zephyr Sky Bar, Darling Harbour (rooftop at Hyatt Regency Sydney).

Q Station – Sunset Sessions at Q Station

Q Station’s Glasshouse in Manly has classic harbour views and their sunset picnics, live music, and themed grazing hampers that have become a Sydney summer tradition.

The menu includes seafood, charcuterie and veggie boards with wine, plus regular themed nights from Brazilian Carnival to New Year’s Chill.

We spent a weekend at Q Station a while back and it makes a great summer getaway.

Where: North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
When: Fortnightly Saturdays, summer season
Tickets: $27pp

One-Night-Only and Limited Series

These one-off events and short-run series book out quickly. Check dates and prices below, most require prepayment.

Felons Manly – “One Year of Beers” birthday bash

This first-anniversary celebration also launches Felons Manly’s new beer garden and family-friendly playground, designed around an interactive play ship.

Highlights: Live surfboard painting by local artists (Tylah Saunders, Amanda Tye, Jamie Browne, Fun Skull, Ben Brown) with a silent auction for the Lifeline Classic; free kids’ face painting (11am–3pm); DJs on the jetty from 3pm; giant Felons beer‑can birthday cake; CopperTree Farms meat tray raffle supporting local charities.

Food and drink: Full Felons Manly menu all day, including rotisserie grill dishes from the Jetty Bar and a dedicated kids’ menu.

When: Sunday, 16 November 2025, 11am–close.
Where: Felons Manly, East Esplanade, Manly Wharf. Transport: Ferry to Manly Wharf.

Worth Driving For: Easy Day Trips to the Central Coast

Amarilla (Terrigal)

This Spanish-style venue focuses on golden-hour drinks and tapas built for sharing, with simple plates, spritzes and relaxed music. Sunday Sangria Sessions draw a local crowd, so booking is wise on weekends.

Sunday Sangria Sessions draw a local crowd. Booking is wise on weekends.

Where: 2a The Haven, Terrigal
When: Thu 6pm–late; Fri–Sat 11:30am–2:30pm & 6pm–late; Sun 11:30am–2:30pm (closed Mon–Wed)

Margarita Daze (Umina)

This easy beachside stop serves tropical tunes alongside a lively cocktail list. The Szechuan squid is the headline dish – pair it with a margarita and watch the surf. It works well for casual groups.

Where: 345 Trafalgar Ave, Umina Beach
When: Sun 11:15am–8:30pm; Mon–Thu 11:30am–3pm & 5pm–8:30pm; Fri–Sat 11:30am–9:30pm
Booking: Recommended email [email protected]

Bar Toto (Ettalong)

This Euro-leaning aperitivo lounge has moody interiors and focuses on Italian antipasto and signature pizzas, with an extensive spritz and Negroni selection. It’s a sit-down spot rather than a late-night party bar.

Where: 83/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach
When: Thursday to Sunday from 3pm. Check the venue’s website before you go

The Boathouse Patonga

This Hamptons-style waterfront hotel sits on Patonga Creek, where the relaxed pace encourages long lunches that naturally extend into evening. The venue combines restaurant dining with boutique accommodation, making it ideal for spontaneous overnights or planned escapes.

The menu leans into pub classics and fresh seafood – think Wagyu beef burger ($26), prawn roll ($32), and snapper with shaved fennel and citrus salad ($40). They also serve picnic plates for sharing and have dedicated kids’ meals available.

Where: The Boathouse Hotel, Patonga
When: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (no reservations – walk-ins only)
Accommodation: On-site suites available for overnight stays

Food and Drink Festivals in Summer

From December to February, markets and precinct programmes run across the city. We’ve noted family‑friendly options and transport so you can make a day of it.

North Sydney Twilight Food Fair

This weekly Friday evening food fair brings the community together with food vendors, live entertainment and sunset views over Ted Mack Civic Park. Expect diverse food trucks and stalls, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a relaxed evening vibe perfect for after-work catch-ups or weekend dinners.

When: Fridays 4:30pm–8:30pm. November–December 2025: 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec (Christmas event). January–March 2026: 30 Jan, 13 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar.
Where: Ted Mack Civic Park, North Sydney.
Transport: Victoria Cross Metro (Miller Street North exit directly across the road); North Sydney Station; buses to Neutral Bay and North Sydney interchanges.

Eat Drink Nights at Wentworth Point

These twilight markets feature international street food, desserts and drinks at this waterfront community. The atmosphere builds as the sun sets, with families and friends gathering to explore diverse food stalls and enjoy the harbour-side setting. This market gets busy, so arrive early for the best food selection.

Flavours from around the world include sizzling hot dishes, authentic street food, freshly prepared desserts, artisan baked goods and creative non-alcoholic beverages, with plant-based and gluten-free options available.

When: 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday of every month, 5pm–9pm (running through spring and summer 2025/2026)
Where: Wentworth Point. Transport: Ferry to Wentworth Point; buses from Olympic Park and Strathfield.

See a list of our favourite markets in Sydney for more ideas

Summer is the perfect time for cherry picking

Cooking Classes and Hands-on Experiences

Learn by doing: seafood BBQs, pasta and gelato, oyster shucking and cheese making. We include session length and what’s typically covered to help you plan.

Summer Seafood Sashimi Express Class (Sydney Fish Market)

What it is: A 2-hour express class focusing on sashimi and Asian flavours — part of the “Summer of Seafood” series. Beginner-friendly, 2-hour duration. Work in shared groups of 4-6.

What you’ll cook: Yuzu sake kingfish; Asian coleslaw.

What’s included: Welcome drinks, expert demonstration, cooking at fully equipped stations, dining time, plus a copy of “A Fish for All Seasons” cookbook (RRP $59.95) and recipe booklet to take home.

Check class prices and dates

When: Regular classes throughout summer
Where: Sydney Seafood School, 25 Bank St, Pyrmont NSW (Sydney Fish Market)
Cost: $165pp l Group size: 10-40 guests

Summer Seafood BBQ Masterclass (Sydney Fish Market)

What it is: A 3-hour BBQ seafood class covering whole fish, prawns and summer salads. Beginner-friendly; work in shared groups of 4-6.

What you’ll cook: Whole barbecued Murray cod with salsa verde; king prawns with gochujang butter and fresh herbs; lentil herb salad; grilled cabbage with chilli garlic butter.

What’s included: Expert demonstration in tiered theatre, fully equipped cooking stations, dining time, Sydney Seafood School apron and recipe booklet to take home.

Check class prices and dates

When: Regular classes throughout summer
Where: Sydney Seafood School, 25 Bank St, Pyrmont NSW (Sydney Fish Market)
Cost: $180pp l Group size: 10-40 guests

Seafood BBQ Cooking Class in Centennial Park

What it is: A 3-hour outdoor seafood BBQ workshop in Centennial Park with BBQ School. Learn marinating techniques, rubs and accompaniments.

What you’ll cook: BBQ king prawns with tandoori and seasoned banana sambal; BBQ squid with citrus and fennel salad; BBQ hot-smoked Huon salmon with orange and honey; BBQ whole snapper with soy, ginger and crunchy Thai salad.

What’s included: All food, equipment, aprons and reference material provided. Light snacks to start, then enjoy your seafood feast with classmates.

Check class prices and dates

When: Regular classes (book soon — limited dates left)
Where: Fairland Pavilion, Grand Drive, Centennial Park NSW
Cost: $160pp (Afterpay available) Group size: 1-30 guests

Plan Your Summer

We hope you get to try some of our best Sydney Summer Eats and when your done check out some of these links for more fun this season.

Quick links to help you plan:

• Happy hours across Sydney
• Dining deals and specials
• Outdoor cinemas this summer
• Best beaches by public transport
• Top picnic spots in Sydney
• December events calendar

Main image: Pier Dining