3 Best Restaurants in Sydney City Center, Sydney

Drawing inspiration from New York's legendary steak houses, this CBD venue is brought to life by head chef Sam Galloway. The starters are focused on extravagant raw seafood, showcasing premium caviar, prawn cocktails, and oysters served three ways. A standout is the scallops casino with butter and toasted breadcrumbs. You can also enjoy table-side filleted fish with your choice of sauce and the restaurant’s signature dish, spaghetti and clams. But really, this spot is popular thanks to its focus on fine cuts of steak, cooked in a state-of-the-art Josper charcoal oven and paired with delightful wines from around the world.

This French restaurant oozes old-school glamour, with live jazz playing each night as diners tuck into traditional French fare, like soufflé and beef tartare. There are five rooms that make up this classy eatery, which include two bars serving classic cocktails, two dining rooms, and an old-school theater where classes and workshops are held.

The culinary focus of this chic basement eatery is regional China. There are dishes from far-flung Yunnan, Hunan, and Sichuan provinces, and as the names suggests, they all have a kick. The food is meant to be shared, and the menu features innovative dishes like tea-smoked duck and kung pao chicken, alongside a selection of dim sum and small plates. The elegant, contemporary interior provides a sophisticated yet relaxed dining atmosphere. Complementing the food, the extensive wine list and creative cocktails enhance the dining experience. It's a busy, trendy eatery (down a somewhat steep flight of stairs), so if you have to wait at the bar for a table, grab a cocktail and a spicy pork bun and take in the opium den ambience.