Sydney Harbour isn’t just about sparkling waters and iconic landmarks—it’s also a world-class dining destination. When planning your day cruise Sydney experience, why not complete your itinerary by pairing your luxury boat cruise with an incredible waterfront meal?
Whether it’s a pre-cruise lunch, a sunset dinner after your yacht adventure, or a relaxed brunch the next day, Sydney has an endless selection of restaurants offering both breathtaking views and sensational cuisine.
At Lifestyle Charters, we believe that the magic of a Sydney Harbour boat cruise extends beyond the water, that good food (and wine) is essential to the experience. And while we offer up the best menus available on Sydney Harbour thanks to the incredible team at Rukus Catering, sometimes the days’ itinerary simply needs both restaurant and private luxury yacht. We get it.
So, having personally dined and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the below restaurants over the past year, here is my pick for Sydney’s best harbourside dining, before or after a luxury harbour cruise.
Why Combine Cruising with Fine Dining?
Yes, enjoying a luxury boat charter on Sydney Harbour already feels like the ultimate indulgence, but imagine stepping off your yacht and strolling straight into a world-class restaurant where they’re ready and waiting with Aperols? I love this itinerary for three reasons:
- Make your experience last longer than just a few hours.
- Seamless itinerary involving the magic of Sydney’s cityscape and harbour
- Surprise and delight your guests with something fun, unexpected and unique
Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a romantic evening, or a corporate event, combining a fabulous dining experience with a Sydney Harbour boat cruise will become an unmissable and truly memorable day for all.
1. Sala, Jones Bay Wharf
Located on the Pyrmont waterfront, Sala is all about refined Italian dining with stunning harbour views. For the best Italian seafood experience in Sydney, a visit to Sala is a must. Expect handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and a wine list that celebrates both local and Italian producers.
Why WE LOVE IT:
Sophisticated yet welcoming, Sala makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the Amalfi Coast—without leaving Sydney.
- www.saladining.com.au
- Darling Island Wharf
2. Otto Ristorante – Woolloomooloo
For larger groups:
- ottoristorante.com.au/sydney/
- Private marina berth in Woolloomoolloo
3. Catalina – Rose Bay
Our tip:
- catalinarosebay.com.au
- Rose Bay Pontoon
4. Nobu – Barangaroo
5. Ripples – Chowder Bay
Nestled in one of the most picturesque spots on the harbour in Sydney’s lower north shore, Ripples at Chowder Bay offers relaxed dining with unbeatable views. It’s an excellent choice if your Sydney Harbour boat cruise takes you past Taronga Zoo or Middle Head. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, making it ideal for a leisurely lunch after your cruise.
Our tip:
- srghospitality.com.au/venue/ripples-chowder-bay/
- Chowder Bay
6. The Fenwick – Balmain East
Our tip:
- srghospitality.com.au/venue/the-fenwick/
- Yeend St Pontoon
7. Sydney Fish Markets (Coming Soon!)
The new Sydney Fish Markets redevelopment is going to be incredible—fresh seafood, harbourside dining, and loads of energy. We can’t wait to see the final product. But what excites us most is the wharf access for boat cruises like ours, giving us unprecedented access during charters to pick up the freshest of fish for our guests.
Our tip:
BYO your charter and we can make a stop at the Fish Markets and pick up some amazing fresh seafood for your and your guests. Or we can take care of the ordering for you. The stop adds a little excitement to the cruise.
Added fun: Book a unique Sydney Seafood School experience, learning to prepare and cook seafood like never before.
- www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/
- Sydney Fish Market
Want to Go Further? Try Middle Harbour or Manly
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take your luxury boat cruise beyond the main harbour? Middle Harbour and Manly are stunning and have some of the yummiest restaurants wharfside. Worth the trip!
Here is a list of our favourite restaurants in Middle Harbour and Manly, however please note our boats Enigma and Felix can take up to 12 guests to these areas of the harbour when leaving from the CBD.
Have more than 12 guests? That’s ok! We can keep the cruise to the Middle Harbour or Manly area, showcasing the rarely explored river systems of the area and beautiful bushland. It’s absolutely gorgeous!
Ormeggio at the Spit, D’Albora Marina, The Spit – highly-awarded fine dining restaurant sitting right above the water, and perfect for special occasions. Definitely go for the degustation – you won’t regret it.
Chisoco at the Spit, D’Albora Marina, The Spit – the more casual little sister restaurant of Ormeggio. Delicious, authentic italian dining experience right on the marina. Plus, they have an incredible take away menu if you ever fancy picking some BYO catering up from there.
St Siandra, The Spit – one of Sydney’s newest seaside restaurants, it has those permanent Mediterranean holiday vibes, great cocktails, great views across a little beach and Middle Harbour, and delicious food.
Bathers Pavillion in Balmoral – one of Sydney’s most favoured lunch spots by locals and visitors alike. It’s the best our modern Australian cuisine has to offer.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Day
A yacht charter Sydney isn’t just about being on the water—it’s about creating a whole experience. Pairing your Sydney Harbour boat cruise with one of these incredible restaurants is the ultimate way to live like a local (with a luxury twist!).
At Lifestyle Charters, we can help you plan everything:
✔ Your perfect day cruise Sydney
✔ Docking near the best dining spots
✔ Custom itineraries for groups or intimate escapes
