Located right in the heart of the Sydney CBD, Wynyard is where it all happens in the city. From the station it’s just a short walk to the best shopping in the Sydney, a range of harbour side activities, and some of Sydney’s best bars and restaurants. Wynyard is the ultimate location for tourists looking to experience the heartbeat of the city, and for locals in search of a quality dining experience.
We’ve put together a list of 9 of the best restaurants located within a 5 minute walk of Wynyard station, where you can experience a wide range of foods taken from all of Australia’s multicultural influences, and designed by some of the best chefs in the business.
Jamie’s Italian
107 Pitt St, Sydney 2000
Jamie Oliver surely needs no introduction. From Oliver’s Italian take on the classic ‘Steak and Fries’ through to the ‘Epic Chocolate Brownie’; this menu is sure to please even the most discerning of palettes. The food isn’t overly complicated, yet packs all the flavour you could ask for. Prices are very reasonable given the notoriety of the restaurant; you’re looking at between $20 and $30 for a main, or you can settle down for a three course set menu for just $54 per person. The food is simple, rustic and delicious. Expect a queue most nights, especially on Friday and Saturday.
Lot.1 Sydney
18-20 York St, Sydney 2000
Adam Swanson’s newest restaurant is an all class take on Italian dining. Located in the John Solomon’s heritage listed building on York Street, the establishment is host to an espresso bar, restaurant, private function area and New York style basement bar. Each of the dishes available in the restaurant are a modern take on classic Italian favourites; from the distinctive appearance of squid ink gnocchetti through to the decadence of twice cooked beef short rib. A five course meal starts at $69 per person.
Indu Dining
350 George St, Sydney 2000
Indu is a celebration of Indian culture and flavour, all served with local hospitality – right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The menu is coastal inspired, and the food served is sourced only from the freshest, seasonal produce. The range of indulgent dishes on offer are sure to delight the tastebuds with carefully balanced spices and textures. Meals range between $20 and $40, or for $65 per person there’s a feast option which allows you to try a wide range of the dishes.
Méjico
105 Pitt St, Sydney 2000
Méjico offers some of the finest market-to-table Mexican food available in Australia. They pride themselves on the raw quality of the ingredients that make up their dishes, and their grounding philosophy is that food should be made ‘from the inside out’, dependent on seasonalities and the availability of local produce. Prices are reasonable for gourmet Mexican; you’re looking at $12 for slow roasted pork or grilled salmon tacos, through to $30 for a main Lamb dish.
Bentley
Corner Pitt & Hunter Streets, Sydney 2000
Established in 2006 by Chef Brent Savage, and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, Bentley Restaurant + Bar has become a permanent fixture in Sydney’s dining circles. Bentley’s aim is to create food that can both challenge and inspire, yet be enjoyed in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Betley specialises in modern Australian dining, and the accompanying wine list is eclectic and truly impressive. Situated close to the theatre, the $150/head eight course meal is the perfect way to set up a night of high class and art.
Restaurant Hubert
15 Bligh St, Sydney 2000
Restaurant Hubert is one that will capture your heart with the interiors alone – wood-paneling, candles dripping wax, scarlet drapes and even a theatre stage – it’s the perfect place to share an intimate meal with close friends and loved ones. The food is lush and wholesome, and while it may not be the cheapest restaurant in Sydney (realistically expect to spend around $75 per person), it’s certainly one of the most entertaining.
Mr. Wong
3 Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000
Sydney has long had a love for good Chinese food, and there are a lot of options within striking distance of Wynyard (especially with Chinatown so close). But one of the best bets is easily Mr. Wong. The Cantonese-style menu offers more than 60 dishes ranging from roasted duck and pork to delicious tofu for the vegetarians, whilst the dim sum collection available over lunch is unparalleled. Most mains will cost between $20 and $40, though the $85 char-grilled Wagyu steak is unbeatable.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
66 Hunter St, Sydney 2000
Rockpool has become one of the most trendy places for Sydney diners to drop in to – you’re almost left out of the conversation about local restaurants if you can’t talk about your Rockpool experience. The brainchild of Neil Perry himself, the specialty of this restaurant is its simplicity; the chefs do a remarkable job of taking simple ingredients and allowing them to speak for themselves on the plate. It’s almost minimalist in approach, yet it’s absolutely delightful. Mains generally range between $40 and $60, but that 1.1kg Eastern Rock Lobster and herb butter is going to look seriously tempting at $230.
Fratelli Fresh
11 Bridge Street, Sydney 2000
The menu at Fratelli Fresh is simple yet robust in flavour, and it certainly heroes Italian food. This is the kind of restaurant that you want to go to if you’re looking for a good lamb pizza, or a quality steak with rosemary-seasoned potatoes. Prices are very reasonable (between $20 and $40 for a main, or around $25 for a pizza), whilst the quality of the ingredients and generous portion sizes will make this restaurant one you won’t forget about in a hurry.