Bite into the Best Burgers in Sydney

Huddled down a dimly lit staircase, lies The Gidley, a dining secret situated right in the heart of Sydney's CBD. Filled with old-world charm, this is refined steak house and lounge is like taking a step back in time. It feels only fitting to order an old fashion before devouring some fresh oysters and that sizzling signature prime rib roast. The Gidley also offers private dining spaces for those special dining occasions.

Photography: Jiwon Kim

A vibrant bar and restaurant concept that's all about world-class meat, produce and craft beverages, Hunter & Barrel is located in the exciting Meriton Dining Precinct in Parramatta. Dishes are warm and hearty, such as slow roasted beef rib and pork belly cooked expertly over a signature coal grill. With barrel-aged cocktails, fat-washed spirits along with craft beers and boutique wines on tap, Hunter & Barrel is set to impress.

Lunch and dinner daily

Photography: Courtesy of Hunter & Barrel Parramatta

Rockpool Bar & Grill is a steakhouse like no other in Sydney. The soaring art deco interior of the City Mutual Building, coupled with the old-worldly attentiveness of the wait staff and the bar stacked with 6,500 Riedel glasses will impress even the most seasoned of fine diners. The main game is meat, but the menu veers into seafood and pasta with dazzling finesse.

The Mary's burger has ascended to such sacrosanct heights that the McDonalds flag is at half-mast. Ex-Tetsuya's chef Luke Powell and owners Jacob Smyth (ex-Bodega) and Kenny Graham (ex-Gardel's Bar) form an all-star cast that elevate beer and fried chicken to new heights. Located inside a beautifully rustic barn-style building with a mezzanine for dining, Mary's is packed every night of the week and the queues are only getting longer.

In the heart of Circular Quay, overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic revamped Campbell's Stores building is 6HEAD. This waterfront restaurant delivers premium steaks, sourced from the best farmers in Australia. Executive Chef Sean Hall, who has worked for the Jamie Oliver Group in the UK, has created a menu that focuses on six cuts of steak: rump, rib-eye, T-bone, eye fillet, scotch fillet and sirloin, all dry-aged on the premises.

Open daily for lunch and dinner

Photography: Courtesy of 6HEAD

Roast Republic in Clarence Street, right in the Sydney CBD is the place to go for hearty South American and Southern USA barbecued meats. Think low cooked Beef back ribs and brisket, Pork ribs, blackened chicken, Southern-fried crispy chicken, tortillas, Mississippi shrimp and grilled squid with homemade chimichurri. If you would like to try a few dishes, the share menus (minimum 4 diners) are ideal. Vegans and vegetarians are not forgotten, with their own menu featuring around 6 hearty choices. 

Photograph: Courtesy of Roast Republic

Sometimes, when you need to escape work, you have to do it quickly – Bar Luca is right in the heart of the CBD, but the atmosphere is worlds away from the 9-5. Come here for the tight wine list and local produce-driven dishes. But it needn't just be after hours that you get away, with breakfast and lunch all served as welcome relief city centre workers.

Meat & Wine Co brings its famous grilled flavours and high-quality steaks to the vibrant shores of Sydney's most exciting dining precinct Barangaroo. Chic in its design and keeping in fashion with the restaurant's other layouts there is a modern use of bold colours, African tribal influences and lively patterns. The restaurant is spacious and is the Meat & Wine Co's flagship restaurant. Complement the meal with an impressive and expansive wine list featuring a mix of Australian and international varieties. Ideal for corporate dining functions, long lunches and romantic dining, the backdrop of bustling Barangaroo completes the elegant and refined steakhouse dining experience. Parking: Exclusive rates for diners with Secure Parking. Please ask when making your reservation.

Little sister to the highly successful UME Burger in Surry Hills is the second venture UME Burger Barangaroo. Bringing a taste of modern Japanese cuisine in a casual and relaxed environment, UME Burger presents an exciting select menu to take your taste buds on a journey. The signature UME burger is a crowd favourite, while seafood fans will enjoy the Ebi burger constructed with prawn katsu, Japanese tartare sauce and cabbage. Check out the self-service soft serve station and the vintage soda vending machine. Ume Burger does not take bookings.

Photography: Daryl Kong