The Resy Guide to Sydney’s Best Restaurants for Dining Outdoors

The Alcott

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Lane Cove

The outdoor terrace at this restaurant and spritz bar on the Lower North Shore is as lush as they come; think pretty ceramics, wicker, and cosy blankets beneath an airy canopy that’s perfect for sipping an expertly-crafted cocktail or two. The food leans seasonal, light, and fresh, and the deep-fried cauliflower with smoked paprika salt is a must-order.

Apera

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Castlecrag

Known for championing local and ethical small producers on its menu, it’s worth remembering that Castlecrag’s Apera is a superb establishment for a meal in the sunshine. As well as a beer garden and communal space for enjoying dishes like rotisserie porchetta or slow-cooked lamb shoulder, the restaurant also holds acoustic sessions every Sunday during the summer.

Chula

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Potts Point

Holiday to Tulum cancelled? The next best thing is grabbing brunch and drinks on Chula’s bright, chic patio, and sharing a few al fresco dishes from the seafood and vegetable-focused menu of tostadas, ceviches, and Oaxacan tlayudas — perfect for warmer weather. Enjoy it with a few rounds of margaritas and mezcal cocktails.

Annata

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Crows Nest

Finding a pretty table on a footpath isn’t difficult, but rarely does an al fresco lunch come with an award-winning wine list and fine dining pedigree. This Crows Nest neo-bistro and wine bar celebrates small producers with a seasonal menu of Parisian-style small plates designed to share with wine, an impressive tasting menu, and pitch-perfect service. 

Bloodwood

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Newtown

Modern bistro Bloodwood draws a devoted following, largely thanks to chef-owner Claire Van Vuuren and her team’s consistently excellent food and service. A covered deck out back draws the sun in the afternoon, and makes for a wonderful place to sip natural wine and go deep on dishes like roast cauliflower with buttered curry and cashews, or an outstanding house fried chicken. 

Glebe Point Diner

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Glebe

Settle into this cosy bistro’s open air balcony to an offering of seasonal, generous dishes that aim to please. A longtime neighbourhood fixture, standouts like confit duck with plum sauce, Black Onyx Wagyu bavette and a dreamy homemade tiramisu have earned it a loyal clientele. On warm days, the floor-to-ceiling windows are pulled back, giving the entire dining room an al fresco feel. 

Buffalo Dining Club

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Darlinghurst

Home of Sydney’s pasta wheel (think tableside cacio e pepe from a giant wheel of pecorino), the pillars of the Buffalo Dining Club are pasta, cheese, and prosciutto. Grab a table on the footpath for some fresh air and easy, comforting Italian dishes and a glass of wine or three. 

Bondi Trattoria

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Bondi Beach

A Sydney institution, there’s a pronounced Italian vibe at Bondi Trattoria, with upscale comfort dishes like lasagne and silver beet, ricotta, feta and filo pie (plus excellent pastas and pizza) and aperitivo, just metres from the sand. Longtime fans will be glad to know that their legendary brunch has returned, best enjoyed while reclining on the restaurant’s relaxed terrace. 

Longueville Hotel

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Lane Cove

Always buzzing, this busy pub in Lane Cove boasts upscale pub dishes, a dedicated menu of fancy schnitzels, and a shiny, Instagrammable new terrace with a retractable roof that’s arguably one of the best in town. Perfectly timed for summer, it’s excellent for catching up with friends and casual hangs. 

Tapavino

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Sydney

A good-time Spanish bar tucked away in Circular Quay, those in the know hit Tapavino to dive into the biblical 300-selection-strong Spanish wine list (with 80 sherries to boot) and eat superb tapas — glossy Ibérico pata negra, fresh razor clams, or just-caught sardines prepared simply with pine nuts and great olive oil. Chic laneway tables are perfect for people watching with a glass of something cold. 

Isabel

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Bondi Beach

Reopening on November 1, Isabel’s stellar cocktails and Japanese izakaya-inspired dishes are everything we’ve missed about dining out. A plush dining area on iconic Campbell Parade offers a serene place to explore the cocktail list (the smoked Manhattan and classic Martini are superb) and snacks, or paired ‘kaiseki’ menu of cocktails with matched dishes.

Brown Sugar

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Bondi Beach

Legendary for its brunches, this cafe turns into a buzzing bistro at night, with a reassuring lineup of dishes given a new — and always delicious — twist. The truffled fish pie is a staple for a reason, while a strawberry kadaifi mille-feuille demonstrates the kitchen’s creativity. On sunny days, the handful of footpath tables are coveted; the easy proximity to the beach may have something to do with that.

The Unicorn Hotel

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Paddington

Fans of the old Unicorn will be glad to hear that the new Unicorn is still a pub — just with better food. There’s a courtyard with comfy benches, lots of plants and a laid-back feel; to complement the freshest pours and friendly vibe, gourmet burgers, steaks, and one of the city’s best schnitzels keep it simple, while plates like fried cauliflower with romesco nod to the new owners’ (between them, responsible for Porteno, Mary’s, Young Henry) sensibilities. 

Mama Saan

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Eastern suburbs

An Asian-inspired theme permeates everything at this popular Bondi nightspot, from the decor and cocktails, to the Japanese and Taiwanese-esque dishes that make up the menu. Brunch and cocktails on the footpath are essential, and live music kicks things up a notch at weekends. 

Fei Jai

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Potts Point

Fei Jai (literally ‘fat boy’) in Potts Point made its name serving Cantonese comfort classics in a sleek, intimate space perfect for a hip local crowd. Weekends are perfect for a buzzy, convivial yum cha with friends and cocktails, especially if you manage to snag one of the tables outside.

Corretto Dee Why

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Northern Beaches