Sydney’s Best Ladies Lunch Spots

You don't have to be a lady who lunches to lunch with the ladies. Sydney's lunchtime dining scene offers plenty of options catering to a range of budgets, tastes and purposes. Whether it be for your monthly girls' catch up, a boozy post-exam celebration or a long luncheon with workmates, your midday munch need not be bland because choices are aplenty these days.

Sydney’s best places for a ladies lunch are here, so gather the girls and set a date for good food, wine and that long overdue catch up.

Chiswick

Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan co-own and operate this ‘neighbourhood’ restaurant located in Chiswick Gardens. With a seasonal menu that celebrates produce from the kitchen garden, the restaurant’s emphasis is on shared foods; tuck in over a wood-roasted chicken or Moran family lamb. Groups are welcome but bookings are highly recommended.

Lunch Tue-Sat 12 noon-2.30pm, Sun, 12 noon-3pm; 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra; 02 8388 8688; www.chiswickrestaurant.com.au

Orto Trading Co.

‘Orto’ in Italian means ‘vegetable garden’, and the simple, homely, rustic dishes pay homage to the connotation of a leafy veg patch. Try the Orto take on traditional British dishes like bangers and mash or a Ploughman’s with duck scotch egg, pickles, epicure cheddar, wagyu silverside and sourdough rolls.

Lunch Tue-Sun 11.30am-3pm; 38-52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills; 04 3121 2453; www.ortotradingco.com.au

The Victoria Room

Whatever time of day it’s always cocktail hour at the Victoria Room in Darlinghurst. The dimmed lights and ornate British-Raj style interior transport all who enter into a world of decadence and fantasy. Come for high tea and stay to join the night owls for champagne and cocktails.

Lunch Sat-Sun 12-noon-5pm; 235 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst; 02 9357 4488; www.thevictoriaroom.com

The Boat House

Fresh deli-style produce, a relaxed cafe vibe and the beautiful beachside location make this a perfect spot for a ladies’ lunch. Get there after breakfast to secure a picnic table on the timber deck and order the famous beer-battered fish and chips or a bucket of fresh tiger prawns.

Lunch Mon-Sun 12 noon-3pm; Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach; 02 9974 3868; www.theboathousepb.com.au

Bar Reggio

Regarded locally as an institution, this Italian restaurant in Darlinghurst has more than 20 years of delivering good quality, no-frills pizza and pasta dishes at affordable prices. There’s a vibrant, busy atmosphere and the option to BYO is a popular choice any day of the week.

Lunch Mon-Sat from 12 noon; 135 Crown Street, Darlinghurst; 02 9332 1129; www.barreggio.com.au

Le Kiosk

This long-standing restaurant, is located at Shelly Beach, is a popular place for weddings and functions, but if you can secure a place at lunch the beach hut-style dining area and beach views are worth the effort. Sharing a bottle of wine and Sydney rock oysters is a blissful way to enjoy a long lunch with friends.

Lunch Mon-Sun 12 noon-3pm; 1 Marine Parade, Shelly Beach, Manly; 02 9977 4122; www.lekiosk.com.au

The Village

Gastro-pub meets Italian restaurant, this wine bar-come-eatery is the latest to join the list of lunch favourites. The Village has a special ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ menu at the weekend, with antipasti share plates, pizza and a fair selection of wines.

Lunch Thu-Sun from 12 noon; 1 Kellett Way, Potts Point; 02 8084 6057; www.the-village.com.au

Pink Salt

Head chef Nathan Tillott, previously at Prime steakhouse, moved to Pink Salt in January this year. He takes pride in producing every dish in-house, including the churned-on-site butter in the bread rolls. Bask on the patio terrace over a long lunch and enjoy the laid-back afternoons and a gourmet degustation ($90 per head).

Lunch Tue-Sun 12 noon-3pm; 2/53 Cross Street, Double Bay; 02 9328 1664; www.pinksalt.com.au

Gazebo

This busy wine bar in Elizabeth Bay is also open for lunch at the weekend. Take a seat in the ‘suntrap’ courtyard and share some of their famous veal and chorizo rolls. For a bit of theatre, book a private ‘rose garden’ for groups of 20 or more ($50 per person).

Lunch Fri-Sun from 12 noon; 2 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay; 02 9357 5333; www.gazebowinegarden.com.au

The Winery

Sister to Gazebo, this playful Keystone establishment is rammed in the evenings, however, lunchtimes during the week or weekend are ideal for a small bite or more substantial main inside or out. Like Gazebo, the Winery offers a ‘Girls Picnic Lunch’ on Saturday and Sunday ($40).

Lunch Mon-Sun from 12 noon; 285a Crown Street, Surry Hills; 02 9331 0833; www.thewinerysurryhills.com.au