21 Best Sydney Foods To Try in 2024

If you’re looking for the best Sydney food, whether you're a curious foreigner or a local looking to treat your taste buds to something new, then you’ve come to the right place. This vibrant and glamorous city on Australia’s east coast is a foodie's paradise. The innovative gastronomic scene showcases the best of Sydney dishes as well as cuisines from all corners of the earth. 

With so many choices, it's tough to know where to start. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular Sydney foods and dishes worth trying, inspired by local chefs and culinary artistry spanning the globe.

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• The 21 Best Sydney Dishes Worth Trying
• Learn To Cook the Best Sydney Food

The 21 Best Sydney Dishes Worth Trying

1. Barramundi

Seafood is a staple in Australian cooking and barramundi is an extremely popular fish served throughout the country. Not only is it popular because of its mild buttery flavor, which is ideal for frying and grilling, but it also has an important cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of Australia. 

This hardy fish is native to the Indo-Pacific and, while you’ll find it served across the city, one of the best places to try this Sydney food is at the stylish Fish at the Rocks restaurant, where it is served in a red coconut curry sauce. 

2. Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna, with its iconic yellow-tipped fins and rich flavor, is another popular fish often enjoyed by locals in this coastal city. Unlike barramundi, this fish has a stronger, full-flavored red meat taste and is loaded with protein. 

You can enjoy this Sydney food grilled with a dash of salt and pepper to really bring out the rich flavor or with a Middle Eastern twist at the modern Lebanese restaurant NOUR. This flavorful fish is served with braised green beans, buttermilk cabbage and a hot sauce.   

3. Sydney Rock Oysters

Known as the culinary jewel of the Australian coast, Sydney rock oysters can be enjoyed raw, roasted or shallow-fried. They are the only native rock oysters in Australia, especially thanks to Parliament laws that were passed in 1880, which ensured their survival. Now, over 255 farmers grow these oysters commercially.   

A distinctly rich and coppery flavor combines perfectly with sweetness and creaminess, making them ideal to be enjoyed on their own or with seasonal or regional ingredients. You can find some of the best-served Sydney rock oysters at the Sydney Fish Market, where it can be bought by the dozen or half-dozen, year-round.

4. Australian Prawns

The never-ending sunshine and balmy weather are the perfect conditions for Australian prawns to thrive. Prawns are another staple in Australian cuisine and come in a variety of different and unique flavors. Two of the most popular prawns eaten in the country are the king and tiger prawns. King prawns have a sweeter flavor, while tiger prawns are more subtle. 

You can enjoy this Sydney food from restaurants like Ester, a trendy eatery that cooks up king prawns in a rich fermented shrimp butter, or from the Sydney Fish Market.   

5. Fish and Chips

When it comes to Sydney food, fish and chips are a local favorite, first introduced to this Sunshine Coast when the country was a British colony. While fish and chips may be a stereotypical English meal, Australians have given it their own twist by using barramundi. Choose your fish batter (beer batter and tempura are both great choices) and pair it with a serving of golden crispy fries. 

If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in Sydney, you’ll want to head over to Doyles on the Beach. This seafood restaurant has been a favorite local establishment since 1885 and is now serving plant-based fish and chips for vegans.  

6. John Dory 

Another Sydney food that comes straight out of the Sydney Harbour is John Dory. This small white fish is popular because of its flaky texture, mildly sweet flavor and low-fat content. 

Traditionally, this fish is steamed, poached, fried or sautéed, and then paired with seasonal ingredients. A number of popular restaurants serve fresh John Dory, including Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, an open-air eatery overlooking the harbor.  

7. Cantabrian Anchovy

Cantabrian anchovy is an iconic Sydney food worth adding to your foodie bucket list. These small salty fish are caught in the Cantabrian Sea's Bay of Biscay, near northern Spain.

While they may be small in appearance, these anchovies are considered the best in the world because of the strong umami flavor that is meaty and rich. Enjoy this small delicacy served on a thick slice of fresh sourdough bread smothered with sweet and salty savory butter at Italian restaurant Ragazzi.  

8. Balmain Bugs

Don’t let the name of this Sydney food fool you. Balmain bugs are not actually bugs, they’re a species of slipper lobster that lives in the oceanic shallows of South Australia. These lobsters get their name from Balmain, a suburb in Sydney. 

Once you break through the hard exterior, the meat inside is similar to a standard lobster. One place you can try this Sydney food is at the Mr. Wong. This restaurant also serves other popular Sydney foods like king prawns and yellowfin tuna.  

9. Wood-Fired Bread

Everyone's favorite savory (or sweet) cuisine takes the form of a renowned charred food in Sydney, Australia. Wood-fired bread, like most other breads, is a Sydney food that pairs well with most meals.

Whether used as a filling base to add other ingredients to or enjoyed on its own, usually paired with creamy butter, few places serve this Sydney as deliciously as Bar Totti's. Here, the expertly crafted dough is fermented for 48 hours before being placed in a flaming hot wood oven, resulting in magical loaves of deliciousness.

10. Bacon and Egg Rolls

This iconic national breakfast choice is a staple food in Sydney. This breakfast food is a British tradition that Australians have made their own by adding additional ingredients like caramelized onion, crispy bacon and fresh tomato relish.

Some locals like to add aioli, cheese, tomato and fresh rocket for a healthier option. One of the best places to try this Sydney food as an early morning breakfast or a laid-back brunch is Blackwood Pantry. This popular eatery serves it with cheddar cheese, sriracha and lime mayo, plus crispy shallots.

11. Bao Burgers 

Australia is often associated with barbecue food, including burgers, but this next Sydney food has a key point of difference to your regular patty in a roll. Steamed bao buns are a traditional dish in Taiwan and are now a local favorite Sydney food. 

Soft steamed buns are filled with a protein-like pork belly or chicken and served with vegetables and tofu, all smothered in a tangy sauce. Unsurprisingly, given its name, Belly Bao is a great place to sample this Sydney food in a host of delicious varieties.  

12. Pork Banh Mi 

Vietnamese pho is a very popular dish in this coastal Australian city, and for good reason. These bowls of flavorful broth or soup are packed with proteins, herbs, noodles and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect Sydney food to enjoy as a quick lunch or light dinner. 

Many locals and tourists will agree that some of the best pho in Sydney can be found at Pho Tau Bay in Cabramatta. This noodle shop has been serving popular Vietnamese dishes in Sydney for over 40 years. We recommend ordering the pho dac biet, which comes with brisket, beef, tripe and Vietnamese meatballs. 

13. Lebanese Charcoal Chicken

Feast on Lebanese cuisine in the heart of Sydney with a smoky plate of charcoal chicken. This delicious Sydney food, cooked over the grill, is rich in vitamins and offers a tender and juicy bite. Typically, the chicken has a strong blend of garlic, sumac and cumin, with yogurt used to tenderize the meat. 

If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Sydney to enjoy this Sydney food, look no further than El Jannah. This Lebanese restaurant serves charcoaled chicken with popular sides like various salads, hummus, chips and a creamy garlic sauce.  

14. Kangaroo Meat  

When you think of Australia, one of the first thoughts that likely springs to mind is a kangaroo. Viewing it in a different light, another popular Sydney food is the meat from Australia’s national animal. For over 40,000 years, the indigenous people of Australia have been eating this meat, and now it’s more popular than ever. 

This red meat is popular in the country because it’s very high in protein, has plenty of essential vitamins and is low in fat. Dine on upscale kangaroo dishes at Arthur Surry Hills, a restaurant that focuses on serving Australian-only meals using Australian-grown and produced products. This restaurant serves kangaroo with herby saltbush and onion.  

15. Meat Pies 

Meat pies are another dish synonymous with Sydney food and can be found just about anywhere in Australia. While this gravy-filled pastry was inherited from the British during their rule in the country, it is now a staple Sydney food. Popular fillings also include mushrooms, onion and cheese. There is no shortage of pie shops in the city, but one of the best is A.P Bakery, where you can indulge in the likes of chicken and brisket-filled varieties.

16. Potato Cakes

Flaunting a slightly nutty and creamy taste, potato cakes, also known as potato scallops, are a staple Sydney food that can be enjoyed in many ways. They're great on their own as a snack or served with popular meals like fish and chips, fried eggs and avocado, as well as salmon. These cakes are made with thinly sliced potatoes, battered and fried until they’re golden on the outside and soft on the inside. 

If you’re looking for a deluxe version of this Sydney food, you’ll want to visit Waratah. This restaurant serves crispy potato cakes with a topping of scallop ceviche and a tangy tartar sauce.     

17. Fairy Floss Burritos 

Despite what the name implies, this Sydney food is nothing like an actual Mexican burrito. Instead, this cotton candy dessert is a Sydney favorite made up of sweet candy floss wrapped around a fruity treat or ice cream, topped with pretty sprinkles. 

There’s one candy floss expert in Sydney famed for its fairy floss burrito, also called the “flurrito,” and it's known as Fluffy Crunch. You’ll also find these sugary sweet desserts at the annual Sydney Royal Easter show. 

18. Lamington Cake 

When it comes to sweet treats, lamington cake is up there with the best Sydney foods. This classic sponge comes filled with vanilla cream and raspberry jam, dipped in chocolate and coated in coconut. Yum! 

One of the first recipes for this light and fluffy cake appeared in a 1900 copy of Queensland Country Life magazine. Since then, it has become a firm favorite Sydney food. If you’re going to try this Sydney food for the first time, you need to visit Tokyo Lamington. As the name suggests, this bakery specializes in all things lamington.   

19. Strawberry and Watermelon Cake

One of the most appealing Sydney foods on this list, the strawberry and watermelon cake is delicious, light and reminiscent of summer. Pretty layers of strawberry, watermelon and cream are topped with rose petals to form a delectable sweet treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

The best strawberry and watermelon cake can be found at Black Star Pastry. Backed by the New York Times as "The world's most Instagrammed cake," you'll find this popular shop in downtown Sydney.  

20. Ricotta Hotcakes With Honeycomb Butter

Sydney Chef Bill Granger is the genius behind this popular Sydney food. Ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter are similar to pancakes, except they’re made with ricotta cheese, which makes them extra fluffy. These hotcakes are served with rich, melted honeycomb butter and sometimes fresh fruit, like banana slices. You can enjoy Granger’s delectable sweet dish at any Bills restaurant in Sydney.  

21. Pavlova  

While the jury is still out on whether pavlova originated from Australia or New Zealand, it is a beloved Sydney food that families cherish. Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert takes the form of a circular meringue foundation with a crisp crust and a soft interior, covered in whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit.

Cafés and bakeries across the city sell this popular Sydney food, so it shouldn't be hard to find. One that comes highly recommend is Poles Patisserie, hailed by some as serving the very best. 

Learn To Cook the Best Sydney Food

With so many exciting and delicious options, the Sydney food scene makes this culinary wonderland one of the best foodie cities in the world. However, while eating these trademark foods is undeniably enjoyable, making them yourself is equally as exciting and decidedly more rewarding.

Learn the secrets to cooking your favorite Sydney foods by joining cooking classes in Sydney. Under the guidance of a top-rated chef, you'll acquire a wealth of knowledge, including valuable tips and tricks to wow your loved ones at your next gathering. 

It’s no secret that the food in Sydney, Australia, is one of the city's key draws. Tempting visitors from around the world, it combines uniquely local ingredients with international cuisine to create a vibrant and thriving food scene. The best part is that with this guide, you have everything you need to capitalize on your culinary tour of Australia's Emerald City. 

For even more ways to explore Sydney and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.