Best Dinner Places to Eat in Cockatoo Island

"Hubert’s low ceilings,timber-paneled walls, and candle-lit tables feel like they have been there forever. And yet, this convincing facsimile of a grand European restaurant circa World War II only opened in 2016. Behind this extravagant and ambitious facade, there is unmatched reverence for classic hospitality and notably un-classic French food."

"Hidden below Bligh Street, Hubert is a unique restaurant in Sydney CBD. With a focus on classic French cuisine, fine wines and punchy cocktails, the basement spot also brings plush vintage interiors and live jazz every Monday to Thursday night."

"When one thinks of fine dining, Quay instantly comes to mind. It could be the many awards that it has received or the fact that chef Peter Gilmore makes some of the best food in Sydney. The menu here features fantastic foods like Maremma duck served with preserved blueberries, black garlic, Kampot pepper and ice plant."

"For fine dining and more of those famous views (you’ll need to dig into your wallet) book a table at either Aria, Quay Restaurant or Cafe Sydney if you didn’t do lunch. And there’s also the famous Tetsuya’s."

"Restaurants Australian The Rocks"

"Set within the concrete belly of an Opera House sail, the hushed dining room spotlights Indigenous art, brass-gold Tom Dixon lamps and lantern-lit tables with leather chairs, a long side a floor-to-ceiling harbour view. It's a stellar stage for an assured take on event dining conducted in three succinct acts. The show might open with brown butter playing as a nutty backbeat to lemon emulsion accompanying just-cooked Moreton Bay bug, then follow with pull-apart confit duck leg that reaches a higher note amid a textural harmony of brittle skin, sweet persimmon and pickled black fungus."

"Bennelong is housed in the Sydney Opera House, one of Australia’s most iconic buildings. This resultant is known for its use of quality Australian produce to create amazing flavours and a diverse à la carte menu as well as its fantastic wine menu. Apart from the amazing food and wine menu, another calling point is Bennelong’s multi-level layout, each presenting a different dining experience and a different view perfect for any anniversary."

"World-renowned chef Peter Gilmore’s artful, imaginative interpretation of Australian cuisine, under the soaring sails of the Sydney Opera House. Why we love it: Much like a ride on the Manly Ferry or the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi, eating inside the Opera House is a Sydney rite of passage. Both the food and the service are every bit as polished as the magnificent setting."

"Something of a Sydney celebrity in its own right, Saint Peter has gained international acclaim for its exquisite seafood and fish dishes. Head to this famed haunt for a special occasion or date night and tuck into an eclectic menu of salt and vinegar garfish, charcoal flounder and tuna cheeseburger with swordfish belly bacon."

"Josh Niland is slinging his Mr Niland at home spin off menu again to help us get through the lockdown. Think big eye tuna wellington, mirror dory schnitzels, smoked Murray cod pie, and much more. Each meal serves four people and you can expect a different menu daily."

"Unlike many places that offer an omakase, there’s no alternative option for diners at the still-fresh Kuon. It’s an $180 set menu or nothing at this relentlessly modern 11-seater, part of Darling Square’s finessed food-scape. Upon opening earlier this year, the restaurant was met with an immediate pile of over 500 bookings, and the demand doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon."

"Owner chef Fukada just opened his omakase restaurant in Darling Square, Sydney. You can feel like Ginza, Tokyo through the atmosphere of an authentic sushi counter. Chef selects the most exclusive and prestigious ingredients to use for his omakase $180."

"Embark on a sensory journey of traditional and modern Cantonese fare at Canton Kitchen on Edinburgh Road in Castlecrag. Nestled in Quadrangle Shopping Centre, this modern restaurant boasts spice colou..."

"Sydney is becoming quite packed with ramen joints (up their with the best ramen in Melbourne if you ask us) but our favourite is RaRa Ramen in Redfern. While the space is modern and hip, the umami-rich ramen on offer here is authentic. The culinary team at RaRa make both the broths and the Hakata-style noodles fresh in house every day, with these guys clearly appreciating the artistry behind a bowl of slurpy ramen goodness."

"Mark and Vinny’s Spaghetti & Spritz is a much-loved spot that isn’t afraid to take a playful approach to Italian cooking. As you’ve probably gathered from the name, the focus here is on pasta and spritz cocktails. Refresh yourself with Fly Me To The Moon Negronis, When in Surry Hills amaretto mixers, or classics like Peach Campari Spritz."

"Surry HillsThis spaghetti and spritz bar tosses up some radioactive pasta. By that, we mean it’s bright and colourful. The linguine is a bright blue from the spirulina, and certainly a show stopper."

"Don’t Doughnuts’ USP lies in their sourdough-brioche hybrid doughnuts which are both delicious and indulgent, and open for takeaway. 📍 Don’t Doughnuts, 324 Victoria Street Darlinghurst NSW 2010"

"Sweet toothed folks with dietary requirements haven’t been left behind either, thanks to good folks at Nutie. The crew is currently keeping both the Balmain and Surry Hills spots open for takeaway so Sydneysiders can continue to get their sugar fix. If you’ve never had the opportunity to try one of Nutie’s extravagant doughnuts, here’s the lowdown: they’re all 100-percent gluten-free, resulting in a slightly denser, cake-like treat (and this is not a bad thing)."

"Calories don’t count in lockdown, so head over to Dr Dough Donuts for your daily sugar fix stat. They also offer same day delivery."

"Built by famous convict architect Francis Greenway, Sydney’s Conservatorium, part of the University of Sydney, began life as a Gothic picturesque stable for Governor Macquarie. Known as “a palace for horses”, the building was so expensive it caused Macquarie to be recalled to Mother England. Today you can visit the building to attend one of the many concerts put on by students or stroll the outside when touring the Botanic Gardens."

"Sydney’s premier music school is on the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden. The building looks like a castle but was actually originally built as stables for the nearby Government House. Because it’s a school, not all areas are open to the public but you can see three levels of the atrium."

"The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre is part of Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks heritage precinct of Sydney. The centre facilitates hands-on archaeology educational experiences and opens the archaeological site to the public. Opening Times: The Big Dig welcomes the general public to visit the site during daylight hoursTicket Prices: varied depending on programAddress: 110 Cumberland St, Sydney NSWWebsite:thebigdig.com.au"

"The Big Dig Cumberland Street Archaeological Site is a heritage-listed archaeological site in The Rocks. The centre is part of Sydney Harbour YHA,, and while it is no longer an “active” excavation site, it does facilitate hands-on archaeology educational experiences and opens the archaeological site to the public. The general public are welcome to visit the Big Dig site during daylight hours."

"You’ll see a great mix of architecture as well as Sydney’s Oldest pub, the Big Dig Archaeological Site underneath the YHA hostel, Suez Lane which was once run by gangs and 4 houses preserved from different decades at Susannah Place. Head to The Rocks Square for plenty of dining options or the famous Rocks Markets on Saturdays for some independent stalls and delicious food."

"Far less popular than the touristy Bondi to Coogee hike, the Spit to Manly Walk is a quieter alternative with more natural busy and varied views. A stunning day hike along the North Sydney harbor coastline that weaves its way through a mix of lush bushland and scenic harbourside trails with secluded beaches, indigenous rock carvings, and panoramic lookouts along the way. You can hike the 10km (6.2 miles) trail in 3.5 hours in a hurry, but I recommend you take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds."

"If you fancy stretching your legs, the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge is a pleasant 2-3 hour coastal walk with amazing views over the ocean. Catch the ferry to Manly harbour and head round the coast – make sure not to miss the ancient aboriginal carvings along the way. When it comes to free things to do in Sydney, this is one of the most popular for good reason."