Sydney restaurants, cafes and bars will be allowed to reopen once NSW hits its 70% double vaccination target, meaning the long wait for dinner at the restaurant is almost over. After months of take out dinners and home recipes keeping us connected to our favorite bars and restaurants, the real deal is so close and we can’t wait.
With the easing of restrictions looming, a good chunk of the city’s population will be just as eager as you (and us) to head out for a Sunday lunch, Saturday brunch, or a busy day’s dinner. So we strongly recommend that you book your first outing (then your second, third etc) as it is safe to say Sydney restaurants will be very busy once we get to play.
That’s why we’ve started to bring together some of the best restaurants in Sydney that are already taking reservations for you and your vaxxed double mates. Remember that these dates are tentatively based on vaccination projections (estimated around Monday, October 18) and that you will need your double-jab vaccination certificate to enter any reception location.
As always guys, this is by no means a definitive list, and we encourage you to log onto your local favorites social networks and try a new place as well. If you would like to be included on this list or if you know of a restaurant taking reservations, please contact our editor here.
Restaurants now accepting reservations in and around Sydney CBD
Aria
Sporting one of Sydney’s most enviable locations and a gourmet menu from new Executive Chef Tom Gorringe, Aria is once again accepting reservations starting Monday, October 18. Book here.
Arthur
This superb set menu on leafy Bourke Street in Surry Hills is perfect for date nights. Arthur is now taking reservations from Monday, October 18. Book here.
Wine Gastronomy
Missing the flavors of arancini antipasti, anchovies and ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers? De Vine Food & Wine is now taking reservations from Tuesday, October 19. Book here.
Monopoly
Legendary chef hospitality duo Brent Savage and European-inspired CBD wine bar from sommelier Nick Hildebrandt are now accepting reservations starting Wednesday, October 20. Book here.
Mr. Wong
Roasted whole Chinese duck, garlic butter shrimp, crispy fried Balmain bugs and a dedicated dim sum lunch menu – Chef Dan Hong’s Mr Wong is now taking reservations starting Monday, October 11. Book here.
NOLA Smokehouse & Bar
While you currently can’t make it to New Orleans, starting Friday, October 22, you can head to the NOLA Smokehouse & Bar in Barangaroo for a hell of a Southern cut of roast meat and a pinch of whiskey. American. Book here.
Restaurants now accept reservations in Sydney’s eastern suburbs
Chinese dinner
Contemporary Cantonese restaurant China Diner officially takes reservations starting Tuesday, October 19. Book here for Bondi, Double Bay or the Tramsheds.
Chiswick
Ready to serve delicious farm-to-plate treats in the vegetable patch filled with seasonal produce, Chiswick is accepting reservations from Tuesday, October 19. Book here.
Coogee wine chamber
The Coogee Bay Road bar and restaurant takes reservations from Tuesday, October 19, ready to serve Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates and a few glasses from its wine list of over 400 references. Book here.
Drake Restaurant
If you fancy cocktails by the beach, Bondi’s Drake Eatery will be back for lunch Thursday through Sunday and dinner every night of the week. They take reservations from Monday October 18th. Book here.
Henriette
There is nothing quite like accompanying some of the best Middle Eastern inspired charcoal chickens to Sydney with a few frozen cocktails. Henrietta from Crown Street is back and taking reservations starting Monday October 18th. Book here.
North Bondi Fish
With one of the best up-close views of Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, you’ll want to make sure you secure a spot for an after-swim cocktail and a fish taco at the North Bondi Fish, available from Monday, October 18. . Book here.
Nour
Crown Street Nour brings a modern gourmet twist to classic Lebanese flavors. The beloved Surry Hills restaurant is once again offering reservations starting Tuesday, October 19. Book here.
Yellow
Boasting one of Sydney’s most impressive herbal gourmet menus, as well as an eclectic range of natural and biodynamic wines, Potts Point’s Yellow is once again accepting reservations starting Wednesday, October 20 at its gallery of converted 1950s art. Book here.
Restaurants Now Accepting Reservations in West Central Sydney
Cafe Paci
Friendly neighborhood vibe, beef tongue and sauerkraut tacos, duck rillettes and classic steak fries: Newtown’s Café Paci is officially back and taking reservations starting Monday, October 18. Book here.
Emma’s snack bar
Homous, garlic dip, and kafta for days on end – when it’s full (which it always is), Emma’s Snack Bar is one of the liveliest spots in Sydney’s Inner West. Favorite Enmore is now taking reservations starting Tuesday, October 19. Book here.
Hartsyard
Chef and co-owner Jarrod Walsh’s all-Australian cafe menu is officially available in-house, with Hartsyard once again accepting reservations starting Monday, October 18. Book here.
Little Lagos
The Little Lagos Restaurant in Enmore Road is the undisputed home of Nigeria’s diverse cuisine in the Inner West, and they are officially accepting reservations starting Wednesday, October 13. Book here.
A red penny
Bar snacks, small plates, large plates, share menus or just a glass of wine, it’s hard to go wrong stopping at the historic Summer Hill restaurant converted into a post office. One Penny Red is now taking dinner reservations starting Monday, October 18. Book here.
Six penny
Nestled in a corner terrace, Stanmore’s Sixpenny is quietly one of the best restaurants in the country. Discover their incredible tasting menu with reservations again available from Friday October 22. Book here.
Restaurants now accepting reservations in Western Sydney
Lilymu
Parramatta’s favorite Pan-Asian restaurant is back to serve up fresh and bold flavors once again, accepting reservations starting Tuesday, October 19. Book here.
Bar & Brasserie Ruse
Fancy dining inside and outside Parramatta Square, barrel-aged negroni, and mud crab on toast? The Ruse Bar & Brasserie is now taking reservations from Tuesday, October 19. Book here.
CicciaBella
Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, Italian wines and the impossible choice between tiramisu or banoffee pie (tip, order both). CicciaBella will resume reservations for Parramatta from Wednesday October 20 and Bondi from Monday October 18.
Restaurants are now accepting reservations in North Sydney and the Northern Beaches
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie
Bert’s European coastal menu is back calling you for fresh platters of oysters, crab, whole fish or lobster. You can book from Wednesday October 13. Book here.
Ormeggio on a spit
Fine Italian cuisine overlooking picturesque views of Middle Harbor and Pearl Bay – need we say more? Ormeggio At The Spit is now accepting bookings from Friday October 22. Book here.
Freshwater pilu
What is it with the northern restaurants and the spectacular views? If you’re looking for a fresh Italian lunch accompanied by sea breezes and beachside visuals, book at Pilu At Freshwater starting Monday, October 18. Book here.
Now catch up with all the other Sydney food news you missed over the past week.
Image Credit: Monopoly, Henrietta, Café Paci, Nikki To, Pilu
