Barangaroo is one of Sydney’s most esteemed dining precincts given its proximity to all the corporate offices surrounding the harbourside area.
Some of the city’s most premium restaurants, including those inside of Crown Sydney, can be found here. This makes it a popular choice for those extended “business lunches” and client dinners. It’s also why I thought it’d be a good idea to curate my own selection of Barangaroo’s best restaurants.
Note that this list is not ranked.
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The Best Restaurants In Barangaroo
1. Oncore by Clare Smyth
Crown Sydney’s statement-making fine dining restaurant is perched high enough to offer immaculate city and harbour views. Accomplished chef Clare Smyth, best known for her eponymous three Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth in the UK, opened this one a few years ago. It’s enjoyed an existence in the upper echelon of Sydney’s dining scene ever since.
2. a’Mare
Chef Alessandro Pavoni, best known to Sydneysiders as the man behind Ormeggio at the Spit, opened this elaborate Italian dining experience in 2021. He’s since helped it become one of the most renowned Italian restaurants in Sydney, competing against CBD institutions with pops of theatrical tableside preparation, excellent caviar service, and exceptional desserts.
3. Woodcut
Ross and Sonny Lusted opened Woodcut at Crown Sydney in December 2020. Since then, it’s become one of the tower’s most prized money-makers, serving up a protein-heavy menu that focuses on top-shelf meat and seafood cooked to perfection. It’s a splashy, showy night out but there’s plenty on offer at Woodcut that’ll hit the spot.
4. Cirrus Dining
As one of the first restaurants to open at Barangaroo, Cirrus Dining was the area’s prime “special occasion dinner” before Crown Sydney opened. And while the mega venue has since been knocked down a few pegs, Cirrus still commands quite the crowd on Wulugul Walk. Fresh seafood dominates the menu, showcasing Australia’s finest catches and an upscale approach perfectly aligned with Bentley Group’s solid reputation for exceptional hospitality.
5. NOLA Smokehouse & Bar
There used to be more American BBQ spots in Sydney. Now, you’ve only really got two prominent options for your brisket cravings. The first is Surly’s in Surry. The second is the upscale NOLA Smokehouse & Bar, powered by the distinct flavour of top-tier produce cooked very low and very slow. An ode to New Orleans.
6. Nobu
Part of Nobu Matsuhisa’s global empire. The first Australian Nobu outpost opened in Crown Melbourne many years ago. I’m not quite sure why it took so long for Sydney to finally get an expression of this acclaimed high-end Japanese eatery, but I’m just glad it’s here. Quality sushi and great dishes like miso toothfish regularly draw diners to Nobu, making it the perfect play for a power lunch or an important client dinner.
7. UME Burger
Whenever people ask me where to get the best burger in Sydney, I either point them to the almighty BL Burgers or this Japanese-flavoured gem. Started by the late great Kerby Craig, UME Burger is the only kitchen of its kind, nailing the brief for burgers that’ll transport you straight to Tokyo.
8. Anason
Anason was one of the first restaurants to open up along Barangaroo’s Wulugul Walk. And I’d say it’s still my favourite; with an excellent, colourful spread of Turkish plates curated by the great Somer Sivrioglu who is best known for his work at Efendy. The bright, fresh flavours are designed to mirror the harbourside location.
9. Silks
Crown Sydney’s requisite Cantonese restaurant with an upscale yum cha menu during the day. Silks benefits from those massive glass windows, drinking in the best of Sydney while those incredibly rich dishes keep flowing from the kitchen.
10. Yoshii’s Omakase
Tucked inside Nobu is Yoshii’s Omakase. It’s considered a separate dining experience altogether, with a very limited capacity each night as the masterful Ryuichi Yoshii crafts some of the best sushi you’ll find in the country.
11. SOOT BBQ
With the popularity of Korean food picking up around the world, it’s about time Sydney’s varied KBBQ scene started to pick up considerably. Soot is a premium Korean barbecue restaurant that justifies the punchy price tags with top-tier produce sourced from Australia’s best producers.
12. Bottega Coco
I’d been to Bel & Brio a few times when it existed and was never completely satisfied with the expensive-looking Italian restaurant. This changed the moment Bottega Coco took up residence, transforming the space with a similarly luxurious interior, but food that aligns much better with the swanky aesthetic.
13. The Meat & Wine Co
Although it’s part of a chain, the Meat & Wine Co has done very well to expand without the inevitable dilution. The Barangaroo iteration is one of the brand’s best expressions, shaping as a classic New York steakhouse, and taking advantage of Australia’s prime produce marched from a kitchen that obviously knows its way around American grill classics.
14. Devon Cafe
For a long time, Devon Cafe was shouldering Sydney’s cafe scene and built itself up to the point where it now rivals Melbourne’s famously rich stock of brunch options. Since then, Devon has gone from an expansion back to a single-venue business, choosing the Barangaroo spot as the new flagship — but with the same penchant for experimentation and blending Asian flavours with classic Australian breakfasts. It’s the best place in Barangaroo for breakfast. No contest.
How Boss Hunting Chose The Best Restaurants In Barangaroo
Considering Barangaroo is now one of Sydney’s most premium dining precincts, it makes sense for us to have a list of the area’s best places to eat and drink. The Boss Hunting office is based in Sydney, so between myself and the team, I’d say we’re experts when it comes to eating around the city.
We’ve spent a lot of time in Barangaroo and at least one of us has eaten at each restaurant above. We’ve also discussed our collective experiences and considered price point, service, atmosphere, concept, as well as satisfaction. If we’d recommend it to our mates, it’s on this list. Similarly, if we wouldn’t really send a friend there, you won’t find it here.
For more on how we put together these lists, take a read of our editorial policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Barangaroo?
The best restaurant in Barangaroo is Oncore by Clare Smyth.
What restaurants are in Crown Sydney?
Crown Sydney’s major restaurants include a’Mare, Woodcut, Oncore by Clare Smyth, Epicurean, Silks, Nobu, and Yoshii’s Omakase.
