Where to Eat After Your Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb

After spending 3.5 hours climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you’ll likely have worked up quite an appetite. Whether you’ve done the sunrise, daytime, or twilight climb, here are some tried-and-tested spots where you can refuel, all within a 10-minute walk of the BridgeClimb meeting point.

Note: Opening hours may vary during public holidays and special events. We recommend checking directly with venues for the most current information.

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Post-Sunrise Climb Breakfast & Brunch Spots

The early start for a sunrise climb (you’ll need to check in by 5:15 am!) means you’ll be ready for a proper breakfast by 8:30 am. These morning spots are all used to serving hungry climbers:

Shuk The Rocks

A Middle Eastern-inspired cafe bringing vibrant breakfast flavours to The Rocks. Known for their shakshuka, house-made bagels, and excellent coffee. The Israeli breakfast board is perfect for sharing after working up an appetite on the bridge.

No need to change out of your climbing gear – the casual atmosphere welcomes everyone. Weekends get busy, so book ahead if you’re in a group of 4 or more.

When: Monday-Sunday 7am-3pm (Kitchen closes 2:30pm)
Where: 69 George Street, The Rocks
Price range: A$25-45 per person
Accessibility: Street-level entry, some outdoor seating

MCA Cafe at Tallawoladah

I love this spot for a post-climb meal – they’ve recently moved to the ground floor of the MCA but even without the rooftop view its great. My top picks here are the ham and cheese toastie (they use proper gruyere cheese – yum!) and the roast chook BLT. If you’re after something lighter, try the spiced chickpea and ancient grains salad.

They do a nice selection of wines and cocktails too, perfect if you’re celebrating your climb achievement.

When: Daily 10am-4pm (last orders 3.30pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street The Rocks
Price range: A$15-35 per person
Accessibility: Ground floor location with step-free access

Pancakes at the Rocks

Known for their generous portions of fluffy pancakes with various toppings, this restaurant is a reliable choice for hungry climbers. While the basement location lacks views, the extensive breakfast menu and quick service make up for it. Booking recommended on weekends.

When: Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-5pm
Where: 4 Hickson Road, The Rock
Price range: Price range: AUD 12-25 per person
Accessibility: Basement location with stairs only, no lift access

La Renaissance Cafe Patisserie

Fancy a pastry hit? This heritage-listed French patisserie offers some of Sydney’s finest croissants and pastries. Their outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching while enjoying your post-climb treat. The almond croissants and pain au chocolat are particularly noteworthy.

When: Monday-Sunday 7am-5pm
Where: 47 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Price range: A$12-25 per person
Accessibility: Street-level entry, outdoor seating available

Lunch on the Go

Not everyone wants to sit down for a full meal after their climb. If you’re keen to keep exploring The Rocks or heading to your next adventure, these takeaway options let you fuel up without slowing down:

The Fine Food Store

Fancy a picnic under the bridge? The takeaway menu from the Fine Food Store in the Rocks has plenty to help satisfy even the hungriest of bridge climbers. They make a mean Salmon Bagel and also sell my all-time favourite coffee, Campos.

The Rocks Discovery Museum, which is also worth a visit while you are in the area. is just down the lane.

When: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 7.30am-4pm
Where: 17 Playfair Street, The Rocks
Price range: A$18-30 per person
Accessibility: Street-level entry, narrow doorway

Afternoon Drinks & Casual Dining

By mid-afternoon, especially after a daytime climb in warm weather, nothing beats a cold drink and some classic Aussie pub grub. These venues offer the perfect mix of casual atmosphere and local flavour:

Australian Heritage Hotel

If you fancy eating the coat of arms this is the place. Emu and Kangaroo both feature on the pizza menu along with crocodile for the really adventurous.

crocodile spring rolls at the Rocks — *These crocodile spring rolls were crispy and delicious*

Pizzas, pies and main courses are priced from $25. Vast range of Aussie beers on tap too.

When: Monday-Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-10pm
Where: 100 Cumberland Street
Price range: A$30-50 per person
Accessibility: Heritage building with some steps, main bar at street level. Plenty of outdoor seating.

The Rocks Cafe

A bustling local institution that’s perfect for your first taste of Australian cuisine. Their kangaroo fillet is the star attraction for visitors, though reviews suggest it can be hit-or-miss depending on the day. The menu also includes reliable classics like chicken schnitzel and fish and chips, plus a tempting selection of house-made desserts.

Expect a 20-25 minute wait during peak times, especially for the kangaroo dishes. The two-level setup means they can usually accommodate groups – the upstairs area is particularly good for larger parties.

Top tip: If you’re keen to try kangaroo, order it medium-rare for the best experience.

When: Daily 7am-9pm
Where: 99 George Street, The Rocks
Price range: A$30-60 per person
Accessibility: Ground floor dining with additional seating upstairs

Drinks with a View

If you’ve done a twilight climb, you’re in luck – some of Sydney’s best sunset views await at these rooftop and waterfront venues. Time your post-climb drink right, and you can watch the sun set behind the bridge you just climbed:

Squire’s Landing

A James Squire brewhouse with unmatched harbour views. The perfect spot to celebrate your climb with craft beer and modern pub fare. Their beer paddle tastings offer an excellent introduction to Australian craft brews.

The outdoor deck provides stunning photo opportunities of both the Bridge and Opera House.

When: Monday-Sunday 11:30am-late
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West
Price range: A$30-55 per person
Accessibility: Full lift access, accessible bathrooms

Glenmore Hotel

The Glenmore Hotel rooftop is one of my favourite spots in The Rocks, with stunning Opera House views and a retractable roof for Sydney’s changeable weather.

Their pub classics are reliable – try the steak sandwich – and they offer blankets in winter so you can still enjoy the terrace.

When: Monday-Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-10pm
Where: 96 Cumberland Street
Price range: A$25-45 per person
Accessibility: Rooftop accessed by stairs only, ground floor bar accessible

Opera Bar

If you’re happy to walk an extra five minutes, Opera Bar offers what I think is Sydney’s best harbour-front drinking spot. You’ll get amazing photos of both the Bridge you just climbed and the Opera House. The food is reliable and the atmosphere is always buzzing – just be prepared for tourist prices.

Smart casual dress is recommended (you might want to freshen up after your climb). Perfect for groups, with plenty of space and sharing plates available – though groups of 8+ should book ahead.

Tip: Gets very busy at sunset – aim to arrive by 4pm if you want a prime spot

When: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-12am
Where: Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House
Price range: A$25-50 per person
Accessibility: Lift access available, multiple levels with stairs

Special Occasion Dining

For those marking a special occasion – whether you’ve just proposed atop the bridge or you’re celebrating a milestone – these fine dining venues offer the perfect setting to extend your memorable experience:

Luna Lu

Modern Asian fusion in an elegant setting with harbour glimpses. The degustation menu showcases innovative combinations of Australian produce with Asian flavours. Known for their dramatic presentation and intimate atmosphere, it’s perfect for special celebrations or romantic post-climb dinners.

Smart dress required (no climbing gear or activewear) – consider bringing a change of clothes if you’re planning to dine here. Advance bookings essential, especially for their intimate two-person booths. Groups of 6+ should book at least a week ahead and may be seated in their private dining area.

Where: Campbells Storehouse, 181 George Street, The Rocks
When: Lunch Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-3pm, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday 5:30pm-10pm
Price range: A$90-180 per person
Accessibility: Street-level entry, lift to upper level

Sake

Japanese fine dining, the food here is good and the ambience perfect for a romantic meal. It is expensive, so check the menu first and make sure it fits your budget. The desserts are so pretty and my favourite part of the menu here.

When: Monday-Sunday 12pm-3pm, Dinner 5:30pm-10pm, (10.30pm weekends)
Where: 12 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Price range: A$80-150 per person
Accessibility: Street-level entry, lift access to restaurant

Midden

This new addition to The Rocks dining scene has quickly become one of my favourite special occasion spots.

The restaurant celebrates native Australian ingredients in a modern fine-dining setting. The views across to the Opera House are stunning, especially at sunset.

When: Dinner Wednesday-Saturday from 6pm, Lunch Friday-Sunday from 12pm
Where: Campbell’s Stores, 7-27 Circular Quay West
Price range: A$95-180 per person
Accessibility: Lift access available

Making the Most of Your Post-Climb Meal

Whether you’re after a quick coffee, a celebratory drink, or a special dinner, The Rocks area has plenty of options to suit every budget and taste. Here are my top tips for a smooth post-climb dining experience:

Most casual venues welcome climbers in their climbing gear, but fine dining spots require smart casual dress
Book ahead for groups of 4+ at breakfast spots and 6+ for dinner venues
Weekend breakfast spots and sunset venues get especially busy – arrive early or book ahead
If you’re planning a special celebration, let the venue know when booking – many offer extra touches for special occasions
For larger groups (10+), consider the Australian Heritage Hotel or Squire’s Landing, which handle crowds well

And if you can’t decide, you really can’t go wrong with a cold drink and those harbour views at any of our rooftop venues.

Want more Sydney food recommendations? Check out these related articles:

Have you booked your BridgeClimb yet? This is one experience I highly recommend you pre-book because popular sessions and holiday periods do sell out early.

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