Our waiter, Jack, was excellent. Not hanging around, but there when we needed him, and attentive to our wine glasses and their repsective levels of wine - this is critical! ;-)Hard to beat the view, and it was gorgeous day with the sun beaming on the harbour (rare in winter '25). Fabulous, all around! read more

This is our favorite restaurant in Sydney! We loved the terrace dining and the views are gorgeous! The service was excellent. The food was divine! We were also given blankets to use while dining on a cooler winter night. The experience was very memorable and we cannot wait to return. Thank you for a lovely evening. The Larsons read more

Cafe Sydney has the best dining view of Sydney harbour by far....the Cafe Sydney team always deliver. Awesome always read more

Everything was exceptional Service Drinks Food View Can't wait to come back The prawn special was the best I've ever had ! read more

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Outstanding NYE Venue from beginning to end and all the way through. Everyone was lovely and helpful. Food was outstanding and the venue is beautiful! Highly recommend. read more

We had lunch at Cafe Sydney this past Wednesday after arriving on a 15-hour flight from the U.S. Food, service and ambiance were all outstanding. My wife has many food allergies, but the restaurant easily accommodated every one of them. In fact, we loved Cafe Sydney so much that we ate there again on Friday! read more

Fantastic evening with knowledgeable and highly attentive staff, great food and fantastic warm environment. Could not find any fault with the dining experience at Cafe Sydney read more

Really pretty views, and the service was good. The cocktails were good as well. The food was a little forgettable. I had the pork chop, which was a bit bland. My wife had the octopus, which was very underwhelming. The duck fat potatoes were quite good, and the burrata was good as well. We really enjoyed the garnishes for the burrata. Ambience was also very cute - good for a date night. Probably wouldn't go back for the food, but it was a nice experience, especially sitting on the deck. read more

We loved it. Very accommodating in relation to my child's cealiac/ gluten free and the lovely waiter had no problem pointing out which options were safe/ altering the menu around the allergies. She was beautiful and very understanding. I was worried about cross contamination but had a good experience just very expensive for our family to visit regularly. read more

COCKROACHES. I have to start with that because we saw no less than 5 while we were there which was less than an hour. And those were just the ones we saw. This was among the worst dining experiences I've ever had from start to finish. When we arrived, the host berated my wife for not checking her email (while on vacation - which they knew) so we hadnt confirmed the reservation. They made her confirm her email address after we were already at the restaurant.. Super weird but whatever. When we sat down, there was an identical table next to ours that was empty and we asked to switch but were told that table was taken. About 10 minutes later, a kid and his date sat down there and after ordering drinks, the kid bragged about getting away with ordering alcohol underage - so I guess you can feel comfortable coming here if you're 17! We ordered bread to start and were getting concerned that it wasn't coming. After they dropped off the food, we saw the bread was coming but we no longer wanted it because the main course was there. The server said he was confused because he thought we wanted the bread WITH dinner. What kind of restaurant serves bread with dinner? It's ok to mess up but that was such a ridiculous lie that my intelligence was insulted. Don't try to gaslight me to cover up your mistake. Thankfully, they comped the bread that we didn't eat (by the way, this is the first place we've been in Australia that charged for bread). The waiter convinced me to try the wagyu special. Yes, the term wagyu is overused, but this could not have been further from wagyu. Normally, imitation wagyu is still pretty good but this was actually disgusting. I took two bites and couldn't stomach any further. A hamburger has higher quality beef than this sirloin. The other reason I couldn't stomach it was the cockroaches. We were on a 5th floor patio and they were all. Over. The walls. Look, I get it. We're outside and bugs exist. But cockroaches that are multiple inches long cannot be tolerated and when they keep coming from the same place and you have to be asked multiple times to get rid of them, maybe you should investigate where they're coming from and try to get rid of them instead of just getting rid of the one?? But that's too much to ask of this service staff. Just the worst dining experience I can ever remember having, from the food to the service (and the consistently poor service from everyone we interacted with) to the ambiance. Go to McDonald's downstairs and you'll not only have a cleaner eating experience but it'll taste better and cost 10% of the price. read more

We had a visitor from the USA and was really impressed with the quality of food and of course the service of Cafe Sydney staff. We would like to acknowledge, Shiv, who served us kindly and looked after us really well during our dining experience. read more

Great ambience, delicious food and awesome wines. Great friendly and informed service.

Wonderful experience! So glad they had room for us during our stay in Sydney! Food was amazing as well as service and ambience.

Absolutely thrilled with our wedding anniversary dinner on the terrace last evening. Food heavenly and wait staff very knowledgeable, warm and smoothly efficient. Great to see this cultural icon still firing after more than a quarter of a century under Jan McKenzie's management. read more

Make reservation. Without it, you'll be going home without an awesome meal and of course, the spectacular view of the harbor!! I'd say that CS has pretty good food and decent dessert. However, the 5 star isn't really for the food but it's for the spectacular harbor view and the Opera House, if you can get an outside seating. Some of the best tables have had to be reserved for weeks in advance. Our reservation was made only a week ago, therefore it wasn't the best but it wasn't bad either. CS is an experience of a life time if you are a visitor of Sydney, Australia. Of course if you live in Sydney, you can come everyday. Since to get a good table with a good view is very important to eat here, I suggest you do plan ahead when you are in town and in the area. We had a great time here, so yes I do recommend CS, but i believe whether a party has a good time here or not, it all depends on where you sit and when you dine here. read more

So it was later in the evening(9:25pm) and not many places were open but we found them to be open until 11pm. We asked if we could order food and the bartender said yes if we ordered immediately. She was annoyed that we walked up for service. Mind you there wasn't a soul in the place! We got our order in and sat down . Upon sitting we realized she made my husbands drink wrong. He ordered a double Bullet on the rocks. She mixed it with coke- what a way to ruin a good bourbon! My husband took it back to her immediately without even taking a sip and said he didn't order his drink with coke. She was completely annoyed that she would have to remake it , because of her mistake! We received our dinner pretty quick as we only ordered two ceasar salads and a bread basket. The young woman that brought it to us was very pleasant. The salads were very large. So that was a pleasant surprise. Plenty of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and the chicken was actually a cooked chicken( as we had bones!) Didn't much care for the dressing , as it was very anchovy forward. Too fishy . Bread was amazing. Glad we were able to get some food, but wouldn't return for the poor service. read more

The best service I have ever received anywhere in the world! the food was excellent and beautiful views of the Sydney harbor and bridge. read more

A wonderful experience. Sat out on the covered terrace with exceptional view of the harbor. Service was great. My tandoori salmon was delicious. Not over priced for view and quality of food. read more

Never disappoints!! View is amazing and the food service and ambiance even better!!! We visit Sydney often from NY and Cafe Sydney is always on the trip agenda! read more

It's been a while since we've dined at Cafe Sydney and we were pleasantly surprised. I always thought CS was a tourist spot but it's proven to be a legitimate, quality dining. destination. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

This timed seating ridiculousness has to end. The pandemic is over so there's no excuse any more. Been told, politely, that if we wanted desert we would have to eat it in the lounge less then 2hrs into our meal is unacceptable. Food and ambience is still amazing, service is still good but the fact that there are a "lot of double bookings tonight" (their words) isn't the patrons problem. Patrons btw paying $200 to $300 per head. Maybe they need to speed up their service and stop mucking around with changing forks, moving glasses about and otherwise chasing their tails. So they lost 4 deserts and another $180 bottle of wine from us. Won't be back until this times seating stupidity is gone. read more

Another restaurant with another amazing view of the Sydney Harbor Bridge - located on top of a library in the Customs building, it's pretty easy to miss cause it's not marked very well from the outside. You literally have to rely on a sign right in front of the Customs building to know it's up there! You walk through the Customs building and library, and take the elevators up to the top! You are greeted with vibrant lights, a dimly lit atmosphere, and a high energy environment. Modern decor and a great ambiance, though it might be a little to loud for conversation. We were initially seated outside with our reservations, and on a good day, this would have been all dandy cause you get such an amazing view from out there BUT we got hit with high winds and the smoke from the fires in NSW, which made the experience cold and miserable - even with the heat lamps (that looked wobbly and unsafe in the wind), and the blankets provided to each guest. We requested a table inside and were so so lucky the restaurant was able to accommodate cause it made the experience so much better. Both our servers were fantastic, even the one in training. *Crab and Cauliflower Leek Soup with Seafood - the soup was surprisingly delicious for a cauliflower and leek. I liked how creamy it was and the crunch of the small chunks of cauliflower left on the bottom. The seafood definitely added to the taste - we got the squid but failed to find any crab. Maybe it's just crab stock? But good none-the-less, especially after being cold outside! 4/5 *Salmon Belly - This was like a tartare with salmon belly and roe. It was refreshing and good. No complaints. 4/5 *Grilled Octopus - Exactly as it sounds. No frills, delicious flavors. 4/5 *Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi - ok, so after having gnocchi in Hamilton Island, then the huge gnocchi here.. we were starting to wonder if gnocchi in Australia is just all super large! This one was doughy but filled with ricotta, which added another element to the pasta. Though I didn't get the 'bite' that I like in a gnocchi. I liked the flavors of the pumpkin but the friends weren't a fan of the dish. 4/5 *We had the local fish, the Barramundi - this was probably the favorite of the night. The flavors of all the elements went well together, the fish was white and flakey and cooked well. Our first time trying the Barramundi and we all liked it! 5/5 *Honey Chiboust - the dessert was really light. It was just ok 3/5 *Chocolate Ice Cream, Fried Banana and Peanut Butter Tart dessert - forgot the name but if you like chocolate and peanut butter, this one has all the elements. Crunchy, Cold, Fried Banana and a Chewy Tart. Delicious dessert! Get it! 5/5 Overall, a nice atmosphere for a night out on the town.. high energy and fantastic views and good food. We liked it! read more

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My two friends from San Diego US and I had a wonderful 2 and a half hours on the Terrace. From the start the service was welcoming, very polite, helpful and careful. The staff were attentive, and it was a real team approach all round. They were also very open and responsive to questions and requests, and in effect took us into their confidence personally. And the food was delicious, initially a little slow in coming, but there was ample apology. but really very much worth waiting for. The salad was unusual and delicately presented. The lamingtons we had for desert were delicious, attractive, and quite unusual. The greatest of agreable and warm-hearted professionalism and hospitality were the dominance notes, and my quite particular and very widely travelled friends were also most impressed and of course they loved the view. read more

We visited on July 29, and had a fabulous meal. The food was fabulous. Our server, Leami, was warm, welcoming and gracious. She recommende wines, and took pictures for us. She was equally gracious while serving at all tables. It was a wonderful experience. We sat outdoors, and although ti was a chilly evening, with a blanket and heater it was wonderful. The views of the Harbour Bridge from the outdoor balcony are quite wonderful. read more

We were blown away by the consist service from staff. They were accommodating and very genuine. The food was sensational and the view with blankets was perfect. We were extremely happy read more

Our second time dining at Cafe Sydney, first time for brunch, this time for dinner. The view here is absolutely gorgeous; a perfect view of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Cocktails are photogenic, but could still leave you a bit wanting. Food is phenomenal. Every dish ordered was to our expectations. The Moreton Bay Oysters were briny, just how we like them. The octopus was crispy, but more impressively, tender on the inside. The garlic naan was delicious, something that exceeded our expectations from an Australian restaurant. The lamb rack for two was delicious, perfect medium rare and the verde sauce cut through the fat very nicely. Last was the gnocchi; not your typically gnocchi. They used ricotta cheese and the final product is much larger, but lighter then what you normally see. All in all, we had an amazing sunset dinner. Part of the restaurant is open air so we had a cool breeze that was perfect for that day. Definitely a destination restaurant! read more

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My favorite restaurant in Sydney. Charming service, killer bridge views from the terrace, great food and drinks. Not inexpensive but not overpriced for what you get. Loud inside, I absolutely recommend eating on the terrace. Make reservations well in advance. read more

Just an awful experience. Prepaid for Valentines dinner (should have known) and left before eating. The venue is set up for chaos and speed. If you're looking for a nice dinner out, look elsewhere. read more

Café Sydney is a high end restaurant at the centre of Sydney's Circular Quay with an amazing view of the harbour and famous bridge. The spaces is attractive, with an open space and balcony looking over the bay from the Customs House building. Service was prompt, friendly and helpful. The menu is diverse, with a range of meat and seafood and a more constrained set of vegetarian dishes. The cuisines is modern style, with complex ingredients, smaller portions and delicate flavours. Prices are relatively expensive, with 30 Australian dollars for appetizers and 40 for main courses. Sadly, the actual food was only ok. I enjoyed my prawn appetizer, and thought my main course tenderloin was bland. This restaurant needs to stand on its view, as its food is only so-so. I really did enjoy the view. Recommended for a one-off tourism visit, but I would not return. read more

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Attend Tourist: Great view of the Sydney Harbour and Bridge, as long as there isn't a cruise ship docked!! The food is very pricey here but you can find a few cost efficient appetizers and spirts. (Well, cost efficient for this area) On average the drinks are $21 everywhere here Bonus tip: Make reservations. read more

Cafe Sydney - Cafes Near Me - Circular Quay, NSW

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For our first night in Sydney, we decided to make reservations at Cafe Sydney. We arrived for our 8PM reservation and were seated promptly in a desirable window seat over the harbor. The view was spectacular and the restaurant itself was very pretty. The first thing that bothered me happened nearly immediately. Our server came over to greet us (she was nice in general) and went to put my napkin in my lap. I was holding my DSLR camera in pieces at the time, so I had to fumble around so that she could essentially do this task. I also always find it quite embarrassing when servers do this; while it may be proper etiquette, I find it rude. Secondly, someone else came to take our drink orders, as the place was clearly packed and understaffed. He asked my mother first, then went across the table to my father, THEN to my brother, and then said, in a condescending tone, "Anything ELSE for you?" I'm well above Australia's legal drinking age. As a two year veteran of the service industry, I really don't care when someone cards me and understand that they're doing their job. But you don't need to belittle me. Not only that, but if you aren't sure how old everyone at the table is, why not just go in a circle and card as necessary? Anyway, I made a comment about this, and he proceeded to launch into a fairly unprofessional and equally condescending speech about the necessity of identifying people, which showed flat out that he didn't understand the issue. He then stated that he was a MANAGER, which was hilarious. Totally destroyed the good vibes. Our server came back to take our order, and then yet another individual came to deliver our drinks. He wasn't sure whose was whose, and also messed up how many of each there were. He seemed new and was also really nice, so it wasn't a huge deal, but only three of us ordered drinks. When you're paying ~40$ average for a plate of food, you want the little details to be correct. I split two entrees with my father - the John Dory special and the swordfish entree. The John Dory was served with tomatoes, two small quail eggs, potatoes, and capers. The swordfish was servers with olive cream, tomato jam, capers, and a lemon dressing. Both were EXCELLENT. They were both very tender. I preferred the swordfish, but only marginally. The swordfish was like butter, and the tomato confit was delicious. The quail eggs served with the John Dory were absolutely perfect. After we ate our entrees (please keep in mind, we were coming off small apps at another place, so we did not order apps here), we all looked at each other - everyone had finished their dishes, but we were all still hungry. At ~40$ a plate, I was surprised at this. I don't think I've scraped the plate clean all vacation thusfar, nevermind left a place hungry. Our total bill came to roughly 200$, and we went for ice cream immediately after. In conclusion, the food and the view are both good here, but for a pricey restaurant, I found the service to be lacking. read more

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Great view and great view. Loved their style of breakfast with many different options. Glad it was a buffet so I could try a lot of different things. Service was good, location right near the famous Opera House. Will come back again when in town. read more

Cafe Sydney - Little bit of a few things. - Cafes Near Me - Circular Quay, NSW

A Sydney classic! You really do pay for the view and the name. The food is good- very small servings for what you're paying if you aren't ordering appetizers and starters, which I would absolutely recommend. Service was great, booking and communication also great read more

Location: INSIDE Custom House. Side note: When you enter, in front of the info desk, look at the ground. You will see a miniature model of Sydney underneath. We thought it was pretty awesome (see picture although it may not show the awesomeness to it). This rating is strictly for the food. Don't get me wrong, the service was amazing but the food was just okay. We ordered the garlic naan, two beers, Humpty Doo Barramundi and the Black Angus beef Tenderloin. Garlic naan: It was one of the fanciest looking naan I've ever tried. It wasn't bad but I thought it tasted as though it was slightly burnt. Beers: Order two Asahi. Can't go wrong with these. Barramundi: The hubby said it was one of the best barramundi fish he has ever tried. I am not really a seafood/fish person unless it is absolutely fantastic. Yes, this sounds weird but there are some restaurants I would go to eat their fish even though I am not a fish/seafood type of person...this restaurant was not one..at least for me. I tried a bite and I didn't really enjoy it. So, if you are not a fish person, I would not recommend it. Angus Beef Tenderloin: It was cooked to perfection but I thought the meat was served a tad bit cold. Overall, the food was just okay..Not mind blowing. What you are really paying for is the view. Also, make reservations or you won't get a table with a view. IF I were to come back, I would probably come back for drinks and the view. read more

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Omg..Wow wow wow... What an unbelievable and awesome dining experience!! Stellar service, food, atmosphere and ambience.. the whole experience was absolutely phenomenal. Food was hands down delicious- from presentation, seasoning, and quality. To start ordered the goat cheese and spinach naan bread (yummy) for entrees the flat head fish which was the replacement fish since they ran out of the swordfish and the cornfed chicken with pancetta and sausage. As a side the mixed greens. Everything just beyond amazing!! The restaurant has stunning views of the Sydney Harbour and the bridge. I Did not want to leave in fact after finishing lunch i ended up getting another bottle of wine and a cheese fruit platter. Highly Recommend anyone visiting Sydney to stop by for a meal. Truly a 5+ star experience!! read more

Enjoyed a meal here on New Year's Eve. It was raining and thundering, so we sat at the upstairs window with a bottle of wine and just watched it pour. We had the prawns to start, which came in a creamy tomato sauce accompanied by some toasted bread. Very good, but quite small to share between two people. For my entree, I had the kangaroo. Delicious kangaroo and carrots, but the mashed potatoes weren't anything special, a bit bland and under seasoned. Dessert was a gigantic slice of carrot cake! This restaurant was perfect for spending a few hours out of the rain and the food for the most part was good. If I were to go again, I'd probably visit for lunch instead - I think this spot might be more suited to a casual lunch menu. read more

Cafe Sydney - Prawn appetizer - Cafes Near Me - Circular Quay, NSW

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You know, I was underwhelmed by my visit. The view is phenomenal, and that is really what you're paying for. The service was pretty good, and the food was good, but nothing really blew my mind. So if you know, going into it, that you are there for the view and ambiance, then you will not be disappointed. I think my downfall was I had people talking up just how amazing this place was before I went, which left me a little disappointed. Don't forget to check out the scale model of the city in the first floor lobby of the building! read more

We had lunch here today for our one year wedding anniversary. We were seated indoors with still quite a good view. Free being served some cocktails we were offered a better table which we appreciated, however declined as we were settled. Cocktails- wow. One of the most attractive cocktail lists I've seen in Sydney- and the product doesn't disappoint. Very delicious, well crafted flavors. Food- delicious, light and wonderfully balanced. Service was fantastic, however we did wait about 25 minutes before asking for the bill again. All in all- very, very good. read more

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This was absolutely THE best restaurant we enjoyed in Australia (Sydney or Brisbane). The ambience and view of the harbor at night was stunning. The food quality was great. We had fish and were very happy. The service was also great. If you are coming to Sydney this should be on your "must" list. read more

Aside from being a little too busy, this was an amazing place. Great if not incredible views and the food was just amazing and great wine list. Good experience all around. Sit outside if the weather permits. read more