Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Sydney

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Sydney? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mezepotamia Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (59)

$41 to $100

Turkish

Redfern

About the restaurant

At Mezepotamia, we take you on a delicious journey through Turkey and the Middle East with a spread of vibrant mezzes, perfectly paired with wines and crafted cocktails. Our mezzes are packed with rich flavours and a nod to tradition, all served with a warm smile in the heart of Redfern. So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and join us for a laid-back, unforgettable experience!

Top review

Rachael

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service, delicious food and great cocktails

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Experience

Mezepotamia Feast

City Oltra

4.9

4.9 (46)

$40 and under

Pizzeria

Haymarket

About the restaurant

A semi permanent pizza bar underneath the tracks of Central Station. Hot pizza and cool drinks. Your friendly neighbourhood pizza bar. nice slices, wines, music and people. pop in or stay for a while…

Top review

Nat

Dined on Nov 26, 2024

Pizza was yum. Service was delightful, very helpful and great vibe. We sat outside so it made for some great people watching.

MATKIM

4.9

4.9 (22)

$101 and over

Korean

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

Matkim is short for “Mat kim” (Entrust) “Cha rim” (Table) which is Omakase in Korean

Matkim is a Korean BBQ Chef’s table like you have never experienced before.
The finest cuts of meat are daily sourced, prepared by the hands of our butchers, perfectly aged and served with the finest ingredients to match.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 4 days ago

great experience to explore diversity of the original korean flavour !

Kobo

4.8

4.8 (102)

$101 and over

Korean

Circular Quay

About the restaurant

Kobo is the workshop for Hatted Chef, Jacob Lee, a space for him to demonstrate his love for his homeland of Korea, re-engineering regional dishes onto a contemporary platform, incorporating Japanese and Australian influences for a dining experience like no other.

A solid marble chef’s table is front and centre, seating 8 guests at a time for an intimate chef's table (meaning “I leave it up to you.”), Chef Jacob breaks the menu down into “Episodes” with each episode featuring a core focus on a culinary moment of his life.

Kobo is located in Sydney's new Quay Quarter Lanes, a short walk from Circular Quay station, nestled just behind the historic Hinchcliffe House.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Exquisite food paired with exceptional soju and wines presented in a refined style and supported by interesting stories of the chef’s childhood that inspired his creations!

Takam

4.8

4.8 (28)

$41 to $100

Filipino

Darlinghurst

About the restaurant

Eat in or carry-out all day brunch and a casual dinner concept offering to the funky and vibrant Darlinghurst.

Takam’s philosophy is about #filipinofoodforward which showcases to their culture, nostalgia and passion for the traditional flavours and techniques of Filipino cuisine, but delivers in a elavated, harmonious and personalized manner. Takam are also inspired by the native Australian produce at Sydney’s doorstep, using native ingredients in their traditional cuisine and honouring both, will be at their forefront. A hybrid concept bought to life from lifelong friends, Francis Dela Cruz, Aileen Aguirre and Lesley Roque.

Top review

Arnel

Dined 2 days ago

If you're looking for a Filipino dining experience in Sydney that will make you feel at home, look no further than Takam! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm smiles and exceptional service that instantly sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. The food is nothing short of spectacular. Their Lumpia de Shanghai is a delightful starter-fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavours. The King Prawn Palabok is a masterpiece, with perfectly grilled prawns resting on a bed of rich, flavourful noodles topped with vibrant garnishes that elevate the dish to new heights. And for dessert, the Leche Flan is simply divine, with a silky texture and just the right amount of sweetness to end your meal on a perfect note. The ambiance is cozy yet stylish, creating the perfect setting for enjoying a feast that truly celebrates Filipino cuisine. Whether you're Filipino or new to the cuisine, you'll feel an immense sense of pride in every bite. Takam has truly brought the flavours of the Philippines to Sydney with heart and soul. Highly recommended— don't miss out on these dishes!

Rubric Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (18)

$40 and under

Australian

Alexandria

About the restaurant

William Angliss Institute is the specialist centre for the Foods, Tourism, Hospitality and Events industries and has long been recognised as the launching pad for Australia's leading chefs and hospitality professionals. Restaurant Rubric, located in Alexandria, is our student-run restaurant that offers unique, affordable and quality dining. When dining with us, you are directly supporting the students learning experience.

Top review

Jen

Dined on Nov 12, 2024

Loved how the chefs visited each table to explain their individual culinary creation to the diners.

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Experience

High Tea at Restaurant Rubric

4.6

4.6 (106)

$41 to $100

Australian

Darlinghurst

About the restaurant

The Waratah is a neighbourhood friendly bar, located in the heart of Darlinghurst.

Our ground floor features a friendly and easy-going public bar designed for walk-ins only. Upstairs is open for bookings, with a vibrant terrace bar complete with a stunning sun-draped rooftop and wrap-around veranda.

Our focus is on cocktails and great food. The Waratah is our love letter to all that makes Australia unique: small & independent producers, local growers, native produce and a diverse and singular landscape.

Welcome to The Waratah, let’s explore Australia together.

Top review

Jane

Dined 2 days ago

We loved steak night! Great value and amazing cocktails.

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Experience

GOLDEN HOUR

Experience

Christmas Feast: Lunch and Dinner

KOI Experiential

4.6

4.6 (86)

$101 and over

Modern Australian

Chippendale

About the restaurant

An imaginative tasting menu designed by Reynold is here, presenting an unmissable feast for the senses.

Top review

Heather

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Incredibly creative and delicious food! We were hoping to meet chef Reynold as we are huge fans and Instagram followers, but his incredible talent is expressed by his menu and team, thank you for an amazing experience.

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Experience

Experiential Dining Menu $165pp (SYDNEY)

Rising Sun Workshop

4.4

4.4 (446)

$40 and under

Asian

Newtown

About the restaurant

Our restaurant & workshop share space, but more important are the views we share - that if we can make it ourselves, we will. That traditions guide but do not rule. Rising Sun Workshop does not support factory farming, what we buy in we buy local, from roasters, smokers, brewers, growers, winemakers & distillers who share our philosophies - our mates.

We’re here for your crazy & not so crazy dietaries, not all things are possible but with a little notice they might be.

Top review

Lori

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

Another excellent lunch with friends in the spacious loft space. Nice variety of choices, and seven happy diners! The staff were helpful and attentive, as always.

The Grounds Coffee Factory

4.3

4.3 (106)

$40 and under

Australian

Eveleigh

About the restaurant

A story 10 years in the making, The Roastery is an experiential café unlike any other, a love letter to coffee and the memorable moments it creates. Housed within the historic Locomotive Workshops of South Eveleigh, The Roastery pays homage to its industrial past while providing an unforgettable experience for coffee lovers everywhere, letting you enjoy your brew amongst the very machinery that makes it possible.

Top review

Simon

Dined 1 day ago

I absolutely loved the atmosphere at The Grounds. The decor is stunning, and the ambience makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. They’ve put a lot of thought into creating a welcoming environment. The service stood out for me. It was the perfect mix of professionalism and friendliness, which made the whole experience even better. Everything about The Grounds—from the decor to the overall vibe—felt thoughtful and inviting. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a place to unwind and enjoy excellent service.

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