The Best Restaurants in Sydney, Australia

Sydney is at the top of a lot of travel bucket lists, but most don’t get that the dining scene here is Ah-Mazing! But it might still not be what you think. Yes, there are Michelin quality restaurants here, fine dining, very expensive dining options here, BUT get ready for some awesome and incredibly affordable and diverse food options. Focusing on the Asian influence that has been in Sydney for decades, we are making this the Asian Edition of Sydney, Australia.

The Best Restaurants in Sydney, Australia – Asian Edition

This is the Asian Edition but there might be a few extra at the end. The affordability within Sydney was unexpected. I loved being able to walk around during the lunch hour and be mingling with the locals out and about. I envy their options just stepping out of their office buildings or apartments. It truly is insane.

Read to the bottom for the best way to get into the City from the Airport (SYD) and where to stay.

Tipping culture

Coming from the United States where everyone wants a tip, even if they don’t do anything, it is nice coming to a place where the price is the price. I know this is a controversial comment to some but it is a serious thing. I have family that lives throughout Australia and I confirmed with them all about what we should do. And the answer was Do Not Tip…Ever. Online likes to say that you should still tip something but in reality, most of the restaurants won’t even ask for it or have a tip jar out. They don’t want it ruining their culture and so we should respect that. There are some places that still will ask and if you feel the need, 5% is good. It is honestly a weird feeling but it becomes easier.

In no particular order, here are some of the best bites of food you will have will traveling around Sydney, Australia.

Ramen Zundo – Japanese

Yes, this place is in a mall, but here that doesn’t mean bad. This bowl of ramen is perfect on a cool day or any day really.

Mamak – Malaysian

I have not found another place like this anywhere. Chicken and Beef Satays with some of the best Roti I have ever had. They have savory and sweet and they are both so damn good. We went twice during our stay. At night there is usually a line, it’s loud and the tables are close together.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu (Sydney) – Japanese

I LOVED THIS PLACE. A first for us with this style and I had so much fun with and because it was so delicious. You also order and pay right at the beginning, so when you are done, you can just get up and go. But you can always order more. I didn’t the first time but the second time we got more meat.

Otago – Japanese

This was a fun snack as we walked miles and miles throughout the city. Extremely affordable for a tasty snack!

Ho Jiak – Malaysian

Some of the best Malaysian food you can find. Their noodle dishes are the most popular, so make sure to get one.

Mogu Mogu – Japanese

I had this 3 times in a week. Another Onigiri place but they do a Waygu Onigiri made in front of you and it is mind blowing good. Plus they have about 10 options of macha drinks you can have with it.

Medan Ciak – Indonesian

This was a simple place on a random street. We noticed it at about 3:30 pm in the afternoon and there was a line down the block. So of course, we got in line and had the tastiest chicken and rice I have ever had.

Snake Bark – Thai

This is a great option for lunch. It’s in The Rocks area by Circular Quay and it is quick Thai. You can get mild and spicy and when they say spicy they mean SPICY. So please confirm your level with them.

Sushi Yuzen – Japanese

These are all over the city and so nice to have for a cheap and filling lunch or a snack when walking around. At $5 a handroll, it’s hard to beat. Some of their locations have hot food too but really the handrolls are the way to go.

Malay Chinese Noodle Bar – Chinese

I absolutely loved this Laksa curry soup. Tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked noodles and broth like no other. At $17 AUD it is so afford able and it will definitely fill you up. Get ready to wait in line and then try to find a table to enjoy.

Butchers Buffet – Korean

This was our only Korean BBQ that we had in Australia and we had so much fun. It was our first time doing an AYCE style Korean BBQ. The place was packed, the food was good and the service very attentive. $50 AUD/person and it includes soda, banchan, salad, appetizers, snacks, all the meat and a few desserts. You have about 90 minutes and that was plenty of time.

Tomo Tomo – Japanese

Some days I just want a nice bowl of udon and this place near Museum Station gave me just that. Chewy noodles, a light broth gave me all the perfect feels.

While this isn’t considered Asian, this is a MUST. Affordable, amazing, quick and easy to get!

Open Sesame Sydney – Arabian

The Chicken Schwarma was SO good. I could eat this every week if I worked in one of the buildings towering above. Like I said above, I am so jealous that this is just right down stairs. This is next to Mogu Mogu, Sushi Yuzen and Malay Chinese Noodle Bar! Jealous. So jealous.

Also right next doo is Lode. A small coffee shop with some amazing pastries. AMAZING pastries and yes, the caps are needed. Their Raspberry Tart is something of dreams and I still dream about it.

Getting to Sydney From the Airport

Let’s get you into the city.

If this is your first time in Sydney or you are only here for a short vacation, you should definitely stay in the City Centre. AirportLink from the airport is the best way to get in and out of the city. I would stay near the Circular Quay, Wynard, Town Hall or Museum stations. Although if you are here for beach and surfing, then just head straight to Bondi Beach.

The biggest tip that I can give you is that you do NOT need to get an Opal card. Just use your credit card.

When you exit out of customs and baggage claim you will exit in A or B. Either way, once you exit and look at the doors to go outside, head directly to your right. Then don’t stop until you hit the escalators to go down to the train station. Swipe your credit card at the entrance and head to Platform 2 on the right.