5 Best Spots in Sydney for a New Year's Day Recovery Brunch
Whether you’re recovering from a big night out or just craving a lazy brunch by the water, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants open on New Year’s Day across Sydney. From beachside breakfasts in Balmoral to bottomless brunches in Bondi, these venues promise the perfect start to 2026 - no matter how you celebrated the night before.
So, if you’re hunting for restaurants open New Year’s Day or looking for somewhere relaxed to keep the good times going, this list has you covered. Here are five Sydney favourites serving fresh food, good vibes and plenty of coffee (or champagne) on January 1.
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It's perfect for long lunches and elegant seaside dining at Balmoral Beach.You need to try the lobster linguine or kingfish crudo.Look out for art deco charm, ocean views and white-tablecloth coastal luxury.Read moreThere’s no better cure for the New Year’s Day blues than breakfast by the beach. Overlooking Balmoral Reserve and Edwards Beach, Bathers’ Bistro delivers fresh coastal energy with dishes by head chef Perry Hill, who champions seasonal produce. Think French toast, pancakes, and perfectly cooked eggs — or switch it up with a mimosa or two. It’s the ideal mix of comfort and class for those easing into the new year at one of the most iconic restaurants open for New Year celebrations.
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It's perfect for waterside lunches with casual café classics and coffee.You need to try the grain bowl or avo toast and a latte.Look out for relaxed harbour views and a bright, airy café vibe.Picture this: after your much-needed sleep-in, you make your way over to Cockle Bay Wharf for Blackbird Café. With front-row waterfront views, the water is sparkling and, the food is sure to cure your New Year’s Eve hangover. Open for lunch from 11am, feast your way through the likes of Fish & Chips, a sensational slow cooked Pulled Pork Burger, pizzas, pastas and, if there’s room for something sweet, be sure to spoon your way through their scrumptious Sticky Date Pudding.Read more -
It's perfect for long lunches in the garden where time doesn’t exist.You need to try the lamb shoulder, slow-cooked, shareable and seasonally on point.Look out for the edible garden views and Hamptons-style charm.Read more -
Read moreFor some peace, tranquillity and a much-needed feast, look to One Dining for your New Year’s Day recovery brunch. Elegantly positioned in Sydney’s heritage listed Chinese Garden of Friendship, One Dining is a teahouse and restaurant open for Yum Cha from 10:30am. The Yum Cha lunch set is priced at just $58 per person, here you’ll be able to nibble through traditional delights such as Crispy Prawn and Scallop Parcels, Pork Xiao Long Bao and their Signature Truffle Fried Rice whilst looking out onto the meticulously kept gardens and the serene pond.
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Keep the celebrations rolling well into 2025 with the help of one of our favourite brunch spots in Bondi, Rocker. Backed by Darren Robertson (former head chef at Tetsuya’s), Rocker offers a laidback, neighbourhood vibe, drawing inspiration from its coastal surroundings offering a refreshing and wholesome dining experience. This New Year’s Day, Rocker is hosting a specially curated bottomless brunch which includes a shot on arrival, bottomless drinks for an hour-and-a-half and, of course, plenty of delightful bites to keep you buzzing.Read more