Get ready for a treat and stay cozy
Aria Restaurant
Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon–Wed 5:00 pm–9:30 pm; Thu–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm & 5:00 pm–9:30 pm; Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm & 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @ariarestaurant
Website: ariasydney.com
Why so COZY?
Perched at Circular Quay with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, Aria is one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining destinations. Co-owned by chef Matt Moran, it showcases modern Australian cuisine built around seasonal, locally sourced produce, presented through refined à la carte and multi-course tasting menus. The atmosphere is elegant yet warm, with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished service, and an extensive wine list that pairs seamlessly with the food. It’s ideal for special occasions or an unforgettable night out.
Bennelong
Address: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Lunch Fri–Sun (reservations 12:00 pm–2:00 pm); Dinner Sun–Thu (5:30 pm–8:45 pm) and Fri–Sat (5:30 pm–9:15 pm)
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @bennelong_sydney
Website:bennelong.com
Why so COZY?
A fine-dining restaurant inside the Sydney Opera House with stunning harbour views. Led by chef Peter Gilmore, Bennelong offers a menu driven by Australian identity and ingredients, with elegant dishes like red claw yabbies, mud crab congee, and lamb with native mint. The dining room curves with the sails, making the space feel both grand and intimate.
Cafe Sydney
Address: 5th Floor, Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000.
Hours: Mon–Sat 12:00 noon–late; Sun 12:00 noon–5:00 pm. (The kitchen generally closes by late evening on weekdays and Saturday; Sundays only lunch service.)
Price: $$$
Instagram: @cafesydney
Website: cafesydney.com
Why so COZY?
On the rooftop of Customs House, Cafe Sydney serves up views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge alongside modern Australian dishes. You’ll find Sydney rock oysters, whole fish for the table, and great cocktails. With a polished yet relaxed vibe and a broad outdoor terrace, it’s perfect for long lunches and romantic dinners alike.
AALIA
Address: Shop 7.07–7.08, 25 Martin Place (MLC Centre), Sydney NSW 2000.
Hours: Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm; Dinner Mon–Fri 5:30 pm–9:00 pm; Sat dinner 5:00 pm–9:30 pm (closed Sundays).
Price: $$$
Instagram: @aaliarestaurant
Website: aaliarestaurant.com
Why so COZY?
A two-hatted Middle Eastern restaurant in the CBD exploring lesser-known regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Dishes like lamb neck with freekeh, and oysters with zhug and black garlic feel adventurous yet comforting. The space blends sculptural architecture with warm tones and leather booths, making it feel intimate even when busy.
6HEAD
Address: Bay 10 & 11, Campbell’s Stores, 7–27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.
Hours: Mon 5:00 pm–9:30 pm; Tue–Thu 12:00 pm–9:30 pm; Fri–Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm; Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm. (Open for lunch Tuesday–Sunday, dinner every night; only Monday lunch closed.)
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @6headaus
Website: 6head.com.au
Why so COZY?
Inside a historic sandstone warehouse on the harbour, 6HEAD offers a premium steakhouse experience with sweeping views. Think Wagyu, seafood platters, and silky mashed potatoes served in a candlelit space with velvet booths and vintage charm. It’s polished but never stiff, ideal for date nights or special celebrations.
Mr Wong’s
Address: 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–3:00 pm & 5:30 pm–10:30 pm; Fri–Sat 12:00 pm–3:00 pm & 5:30 pm–11:30 pm; Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm & 5:30 pm–10:30 pm. (Dim sum lunch is served daily until mid-afternoon, and dinner service runs every night.)
Price: $$$
Instagram: @mr.wongsydney
Website: merivale.com
Why so COZY?
Inside a Cantonese-style dining room dressed in moody lighting and timber beams, Mr. Wong’s hums all day. Dim sum lunches are breezy and casual with bamboo baskets and bubbly. At night, the room is louder, dressed-up, and just the right amount of scene-y. Signature dishes like roast duck, honey-glazed pork, and XO pipis arrive in waves. It’s buzzy, polished, and always fun.
The Apollo (Potts Point)
Address: 44 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Hours: Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–late (dinner only); Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–late (lunch and dinner). (“Late” typically means kitchen closes around 10–11 pm.)
Price: $$
Instagram: @theapollosydney
Website: theapollo.com.au
Why so COZY?
Warm, easygoing, and good with a group, The Apollo is that go-to spot you always want in your back pocket. The food is generous and unfussy, saganaki dripping in honey, whole lamb shoulders made for sharing, and crisp Greek wines. The open room glows with soft lighting and friendly service, and the buzz picks up at night without losing its charm.
Margaret (Double Bay)
Address: 30-36 Bay St, Double Bay NSW 2028
Hours: Lunch Thu–Sun 12:00–15:00; Dinner Wed–Sun 18:00–21:00
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @margaretdoublebay
Website: themargaretfamily.com
Why so COZY?
Margaret feels coastal and elevated without trying too hard. Set near the water in Double Bay, it’s breezy by day and glowy at night. Matt Moran’s menu nods to Australia’s best produce, grilled Fremantle octopus, lush seafood pastas, and a standout snapper with seaweed butter. It’s elegant but relaxed, and the service is always on point.
Saint Peter (Paddington)
Address: 161 Underwood St, Paddington NSW 2021. (Former Oxford Street location closed mid-2024.)
Hours: Lunch Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm; Dinner Mon–Sun from 5:30 pm (Mon–Wed until ~9 pm, Thu–Sun until ~9:30 pm). (The restaurant is now open seven nights a week for dinner, and four days for lunch.)
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @saintpeterpaddo
Website: www.saintpeter.com.au
Why so COZY?
This seafood temple is quiet, focused, and full of little surprises. Everything on the plate tells a story, from cured Murray cod to sea urchin toast and delicate fish charcuterie. The space is minimalist and calm, while the flavors are bold. For seafood lovers who want to experience what Australia’s oceans can truly do, Saint Peter is a must.
Fred’s (Paddington)
Address: 380 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Hours: Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm; Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–11:00 pm. (Dinner service nightly; lunch available Friday through Sunday.)
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @fredspaddington
Website: merivale.com/venues/freds
Why so COZY?
Fred’s feels like a rustic farmhouse kitchen, flickering firelight, open hearths, and vintage glassware. It’s cozy without trying. The menu leans seasonal and soulful, with dishes like wood roasted chicken, buttery mash, and a perfect olive oil cake. Whether it’s a Friday date or a long Sunday lunch, Fred’s is the kind of place that lingers in your memory.
Mimi’s (Coogee Beach)
Address: 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034
Hours: Wed–Thu 12:00 pm–10:00 pm; Fri–Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am (midnight); Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm; Mon–Tue closed. (Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Dinner service runs later on Fri/Sat.)
Price: $$$$
Instagram: @mimis.sydney
Website: merivale.com/venues/mimis
Why so COZY?
Mimi’s is bright, beachy, and dressed for a celebration. Think Champagne, oysters, and a seafood menu that runs deep, lobster pasta, grilled scallops, and truffle slicked potato flatbread. The space is all curves and light, with just the right amount of glamour. For lunch that rolls into afternoon cocktails or dinner that turns into a night out, Mimi’s nails it.
Café Paci (Newtown)
Address: 131 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Hours: Mon–Fri 5:30 pm–10:00 pm (dinner only on weekdays); Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm (lunch) & 5:30 pm–10:00 pm (dinner); Sun closed. (In summary: open Monday–Saturday evenings, plus Saturday lunch.)
Price: $$$
Instagram: @cafepaci
Website: cafepaci.com.au
Why so COZY?
Café Paci is playful, a bit unexpected, and full of personality. The room is pared back, but the food is all fun, smoked potato ice cream, rye pasta with XO, or duck with cherry glaze. It’s the kind of place where nothing is predictable and everything works. The staff are warm, the playlist is good, and you always leave a little delighted.
Le Foote (The Rocks)
Address: 101 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Hours: Lunch Mon–Sun from 12:00 pm; Dinner Mon–Sun from 5:00 pm–late. (Open seven days, continuously from noon through the evening; the bistro operates essentially 12 pm until at least midnight daily.)
Price: $$
Instagram: @lefoote
Website: swillhouse.com/venues/le-foote
Why so COZY?
Le Foote is part wine bar, part Mediterranean bistro, all heart. The space feels like a film set with tiled walls, hanging lights, and back alley seating under the stars. The menu leans coastal, grilled prawns, charred broccoli, lamb skewers, and everything lands fast and flavorful. Drop in for a bottle and snacks or settle in for a big night. It works either way.
Restaurant Hubert (Sydney CBD)
Address: 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Lunch Mon–Sun from 12:00 pm; Dinner Mon–Sun from 5:00 pm–late. Hubert is normally open every day for both lunch and dinner, with live jazz in the evenings.
Price: $$$
Instagram: @restauranthubert
Website: swillhouse.com/venues/restaurant-hubert
Why so COZY?
Dining at Hubert’s feels like stepping into old world Paris, with live jazz, candlelight, and tables dressed for drama. Classic French dishes, steak frites, duck à l’orange, crème caramel, are rich and theatrical. The bar is strong on martinis, and the dining room is built for long dinners with stories and second bottles. Romantic, moody, and made for a night out.
Nour (Surry Hills)
Address: Shop 3, 490 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Lunch Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm; Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm, Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm. (Closed only on Wednesday lunch and Monday lunch; otherwise open every day – note that since mid-2024 Nour is now open Monday evenings, having added Monday dinner service.)
Price: $$$
Instagram: @nourrestaurant
Website: noursydney.com
Why so COZY?
Nour is fresh, modern, and filled with color. It takes classic Lebanese flavors and dresses them up for today, smoked labneh, spiced cauliflower, lamb with toum and pickles. The interiors are pink and gold with soft lighting and lush banquettes. It’s vibey but warm, with music that makes you stay for one more drink. A Surry Hills favorite that always delivers.
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