Sydney's 20 Most Popular Restaurants of 2022 So Far
These are the spots you went looking for so far this year, from stunning beachside restaurants to hidden Inner West eateries — and lots of omakase, of course.
There's always something to eat in Sydney, no matter what you're craving. Hankering for a burger? Extravagant multi-course omakase? Inventive eats in a Marrickville warehouse? Lamb shoulder and labneh by the ocean? Whichever fits, this city of ours has just what you're looking for.
And in 2022 so far, you have been looking. So, with the year at its halfway point, these are the results. Our most-viewed restaurants of the past six months provide a snapshot of your recent faves and a roadmap of places to visit (either for the first time or the sixth).
Use this list as a look back on some of your favourite eats from 2022 — and as a guide to planning the rest of your meals before 2023 hits.
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RestaurantBotswana Butchery Sydney
25 Martin Place, Sydney
This mainstay of New Zealand's hospitality scene has a huge 940-capacity restaurant with an open-air rooftop in Martin Place.
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RestaurantBesuto
3 Underwood St, Sydney
This tiny 12-seat Japanese restaurant in Sydney serves up 18-course omakase menus across three sittings per day.
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RestaurantEmperor's Puffs
96-100 Hay Street, Haymarket
Eat as many as you'd like without putting a dent in your wallet.
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RestaurantGrana
5-7 Young Street, Sydney
This all-day Italian restaurant inside a new four-storey Circular Quay venue bakes its own bread at its on-site mill.
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RestaurantAvi's Kantini
324 King Street, Newtown
The Bank's new Middle Eastern-inspired eatery features a $45 Feed Me menu.
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RestaurantMuMu
330 George Street, Sydney
Dan Hong's new all-day restaurant has arrived at George Street with Cambodian fried chicken and yuzu slushies until late.
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RestaurantFive Guys George Street
383 George Street, Sydney
The cult-favourite US burger chain has opened its first Sydney CBD store.
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RestaurantBay Nine Omakase
7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks
Leave the decisions to the chef at this waterfront omakase restaurant offering six, eight and 11-course menus.
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RestaurantBaba's Place
20 Sloane Street, Marrickville
A kaleidoscope of south-west Sydney food and culture inside a Marrickville warehouse.
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RestaurantSushi Jones Japanese Bistro
2–10 Fountain Street, Alexandria
An affordable, unassuming Japanese eatery that will let you bring you four-legged friend with you.
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RestaurantEsteban
1 Temperance Lane, Sydney
The Tequila Mockingbird team's two-storey Mexican restaurant is home to a massive collection of premium tequila and mezcal and a mariachi band.
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RestaurantShell House
37 Margaret Street, Sydney
Discover a cocktail bar in a clocktower, a ground-floor bistro and a sky-high drinking hole in this historic former hotel.
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RestaurantBabylon Rooftop & Garden Bar
Level 7, Westfield, Pitt Street, Sydney
A luxe kingdom of meze, cocktails, slow-cooked meats and 300 wines atop Westfield Sydney.
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RestaurantBathers' Pavilion
4 The Esplanade, Mosman
Balmoral's historic beachside spot has scored a makeover and a terrace champagne bar.
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CafeCelsius Coffee Co.
1/2 Holbrook Ave, Kirribilli
A harbourside cafe serving up rustic and Instagrammable breakfasts.
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RestaurantIkaria
70 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Roll into this eastern suburbs meze bar for Mediterranean share snacks, holiday-worthy cocktails and sparkling ocean views.
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RestaurantPoly
74-76 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
The Ester team's still-very-elegant take on a casual restaurant and wine bar.
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RestaurantAALIA
25 Martin Place, Sydney
Take a tour through the history of Middle Eastern cuisine at this 150-seat venue in the former MLC Centre.
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RestaurantUrsula's Paddington
92 Hargrave Street, Paddington
This bistro from former Rockpool chef Phil Wood pays homage to modern Australian cuisine and the storied past of its beautiful Paddington home.
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RestaurantMamasan
57-59 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach
A tempting fusion of Taiwanese street food and Japanese deliciousness.
