This elevated vantage of Bondi’s sloshing surf is one of Australia’s great views – one a less conscientious restaurateur might easily lean on. Not Maurice Terzini, who’s been pushing his resplendent Italian diner to greater and greater heights since 2002.

This is the show-stopping star of Matt Moran’s culinary empire. The artfully-plated dishes warrant the lofty price-tags, but those generous harbour views do a lot to offset the sting. This is one of Sydney’s great try-before-you-die restaurants – a pillar of modern Australian dining.

A ritzy institution on the Customs House rooftop. The menu is a masterclass in modern Australian cuisine that spans surf, turf and vegan dishes. An appropriate focus on seafood works a treat, given the jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour. Book ahead for the window seats.

There’s nowhere else quite like chef-restaurateur Alessandro Pavoni’s waterside institution. While the trifecta of seafood, crisp Italian wines and house-made gelato mostly succeeds in capturing the essence of a coastal Italian diner, those Middle Harbour views from Ormeggio’s breezy dining room make for a quintessential Sydney experience.

The long-awaited Sydney outpost for the beloved Japanese dining empire landed in Barangaroo with its signature miso cod, spicy salmon tacos and melt-in-your-mouth nigiri. But the thing that will always set it apart from its global siblings is that unmistakable Sydney vista.

Located on a heritage-listed waterfront, Bathers’ Pavilion serves up French bistro-inspired dishes, with an appropriately big focus on seafood. When you’re dining this close to the water, the experience feels like a little splash of The French Riviera right here in Sydney.

Part of the appeal of a meal at Sean's is inarguably the breathtaking views out over Bondi Beach. But, if you can, tear your eyes away from the vista and towards your plate for a moment. Chef Sean Moran's beautiful dishes are laser-focused on what's Australian and in season.

Merivale’s lively Cantonese joint ticks all the boxes, with a live seafood tank, oyster bar and plenty of Australian-Chinese classics. A dim sum platter with some good wine and a backdrop of rolling waves sounds like a very good way to spend a weekend.

This diner has been attracting celebs since 1994, including Beyonce and Jay-Z, Madeline Albright and Bono. And we can’t blame them for stopping by. The Mediterranean flavours continue to shine, and the romantic views out over Rose Bay never get old.

Whale Beach’s own elegant fine diner and hotel lives inside a wartime-era coach house. The menu has an Italian edge, with wild-caught fish and a couple pastas starring. If that's not enough to lure you in, the dining room has priceless ocean views to match the superlative food.

From its large and leafy terrace, the outlook at this Potts Point oasis is truly of the breathtaking variety. Sip on an espresso Martini with some South American-inspired snacks and watch the sun dip behind the city skyline.

An ultra-luxe fine diner specialising in two of Japan’s great culinary traditions. The multi-course menus highlight premium produce, from lobster to Wagyu and abalone. But you can’t put a price on those stellar harbour views.

In the hands of Federico Zanellato, the fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines makes so much sense, it’s a wonder why more people aren’t doing it. Settle in for an ambitious degustation with matched wines, and the serene views of Pyrmont Bay will keep you occupied between courses.

This underrated fine diner has been going strong since the 1950s. It sits on the edge of Cowan Creek, one of several waterways feeding directly into the Hawkesbury River near Mooney Mooney. Expect elegant waterside dining at its best, with beautifully-plated European dishes and a progressive wine list.

Another Sydney institution on the Finger Wharf in Woollomooloo. Visit for exemplary pan-Asian dishes and one of the most quintessential al fresco dining experiences in the city.

Split between a beach club and a dining room proper, this twin-hitter is the perfect place to eat Med-inspired dishes and watch the waves roll in with a spritz in hand.