Open Air Dining: Sydney's Best Outdoor Dining

Overlooking Sydney Harbour, Catalina Restaurant in Rose Bay is the very best of waterfront fine dining Sydney has to offer. Under the shade and overlooking the water, Catalina offers modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood and their award-winning seasonal menu. Patrons rave in particular about the glacier 51 toothfish, pan-fried snapper and Sydney rock lobster risotto. Each meal is prepared with care and exquisite attention to detail, making Catalina a must-visit for your next outdoor fine dining experience! 

Who doesn’t enjoy some good food and delicious drinks on a rooftop? At Untied, the restaurant provides just that, a venue that blesses you with the Sydney skyline and live entertainment while you enjoy its best offerings. Food favourites include popcorn chicken, angus beef burger and the muchos planti. From the drinks selections, the frosé and wide range of fruity cocktails are particularly popular among those here for a laidback catch-up with friends, live music and a delicious meal.  

If you’re looking for a relaxed, sun-soaked and vibrant meal, visit Cafe Del Mar on Cockle Bay Wharf. Unwind on the numerous lounges with fantastic views of the harbour as you tuck into a Mediterranean meal as fresh and light as the ambience. Favourites here include the seafood platter, fresh focaccia and the Golden Moon dessert; a white-chocolate covered, chocolate sponge hand-painted and to be as beautiful as it is delicious. Watch the sunset as the evening rolls in with a glass of wine in this Mediterranean-inspired paradise. 

Is there anything more iconic than a modern pub meal, out on a rooftop in The Rocks, overlooking none other than the Sydney Opera House? The Glenmore Hotel boasts that exact experience, with delicious offerings, exceptional brews and lively entertainment. The prawn toast, tandoori roast barramundi and Sydney rock oysters are all popular offerings from this establishment, the ambiance bringing the combination of homegrown produce and international flavours to life.  

Italian food on the beachfront seems like something dreams are made of, and yet Pilu at Freshwater exists, a restaurant whose deck overlooks Freshwater Beach. Sheltered by windows for the more blustery day, yet able to be opened up to the salty air when the weather’s fine, you get the best of both worlds with this dining experience. Their signature dish, the Maialetto, is raved about- the suckling pig served with mirto braised cabbage and sheep yoghurt. 

When you’re looking for a light meal among the greenery and fresh air of a lush outdoor oasis, The Garden at The Collective at The Rocks is just the place. Nestled within the walls of the larger establishment, The Garden is open morning to night and is the perfect little sanctuary whether you’re after a coffee or some lunch. Patron favourites include the steak tartare, Sydney rock oysters, a selection of perfectly-cooked steaks and the rhubarb and apple trifle.  

Looking out over Darling Harbour, Blackbird Cafe is the perfect place for a relaxed drink and delicious meal while you soak in the lively atmosphere of Cockle Bay Wharf’s entertainment district. Known for their fantastic choice of signature cocktails, patrons also thoroughly enjoy the chargrilled kangaroo, fettuccine palermo and arancini balls. Their unique mix of modern Australian and Italian cuisine makes each bite mouthwatering, and each moment unforgettable.  

Out on the sun soaked terrace, stunning city views and mouthwatering flavours await you at The Butler, the contemporary Mexican restaurant that champions seafood and complex flavours. Surrounded by greenery, you can enjoy such favourites as the lamb barbacoa, confit duck carnitas or the ink tagliatelle served with clams and lobster. The Butler also offers banquets, decadent selections of premium flavours perfect for making the most of their perfect location with friends and family. Finally, the cocktail list offers something for everyone, showcasing fruity flavours and unique blends.