To say Sydney is a food lovers paradise is a gross understatement. Eating fresh, locally sourced ingredients is a national past time. And relative proximity to Asia brings authentic flavors and culinary adventures that are tough to beat. Here I share my favourites from when living in (and then visiting) Sydney.

Fancy Pants Restaurants

• Aria on Circular Quay is next to the Opera House. The glass-walls of the dining room allow for a spectacular view of the Harbour. Matt Moran and team deliver simply amazing Australian food.
• Quay in Circular Quay was the #1 restaurant in Sydney for a long time. Located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it faces the Opera House and is a perfect spot for romance and for watching the boats and ferries traverse the Harbour.
• Momofuko Seiobo was the best Sydney restaurant in 2013. Highly acclaimed, it's Asian-European fusion fare pushes the edge in only good ways.
• Rockpool Bar & Grill in the CBD is the closest thing to a classic Washington, DC steakhouse. It is one of the most beloved spots in Sydney, known for very good steaks as well as fresh seafood. The wine list in unreal with over 3000 wines on the menu. (My mentor sold his ridiculously impressive wine collection to Rockpool before moving overseas!)
• Guillaumes in Paddington is revered for its seasonal and fresh French fare. Was also #1 for some time. Used to be on Circular Quay but moved to Paddington (next to my old hood) and is just as good.
• Tetsuya's. Enough said. No, really. 

Upscale but Not Too Ridiculous

• Café Sydney has the best view in Sydney of the Harbour. It's super popular; make sure to secure a booking and ask to eat outside on the roof/patio.  Good Australian fare like fresh fish. Funny story - I took Ben Harper there for dinner!
• Spice Temple in the CBD is always in the Top 100 restaurant lists. Great Asian with a famous dish called Spicy Chicken, their cocktail menu is themed off of the 12 zodiac signs. Other faves from the menu are the chicken noodle salad with strange flavour dressing (no really, that's what it is called) and the spice fried chicken wings with heaven-facing chilis.
• Mr. Wong is one of the many Merivale restaurant group's properties. Mr. Wong is on Bridge Lane, near Circular Quay. Asian is the theme; I recommend the roast duck and dim sum.
• China Doll at Woolloomooloo Wharf – great views of the city, amazing Asian food. I once at a fish eye here.
• Otto’s on Woolloomooloo Wharf focuses on Italian with amazing fresh seafood and beautiful meats. Otto's is where I often met clients for dinner. They have a Vegetarian/Vegan menu too.
• Nomad in Surry Hills. SO GOOD. SO GOOD. SO GOOD. Amazing wine list here – wow. The haloumi is house-made and especially delicious. They also have an in-house baker making their bread and pastries. SO GOOD. Nicole Kidman lives down the street and was there when I was.
• Riley Street Garage in Woolloomooloo is a refurbished garage with a gorgeous bar. I haven’t been but have heard from friends it’s great.
• Est. in the CBD is just a few blocks from my office. It's a beautiful restaurant in a former bank building, so has the gorgeous pillars and beautiful high ceilings. sushi e is a terrific sushi spot on the top floor of the same building.
• Felix is also in the CBD on Angel Place. A classic French bistro.
• Pony Dining in The Rocks has a super cool vibe and great food. I loved it with a group on a Saturday night.

Top Local (and Casual) Spots

• Billy Kwong in Potts Point, my old neighborhood. Tiny Chinese eating house focused on sustainability and authenticity. It was founded years ago by a beloved Sydney chef, Kylie Kwong. Get the crispy duck and profusely thank me later.
• Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point on Challis Ave. Great Italian with homemade pasta and a fresh menu - written on a huge chalkboard - that changes daily. One of my favorites.
• 10 William Street in Paddington is also terrific Italian. Same owners as Fratelli. Really good.
• Bodega in Surry Hills. Tapas and ridiculous wine. I love the decor and vibe. Go early and take a bottle away from the wine shop on site.
• A Tavola in Paddington. One of the most well-regarded Italian spots for locals in Sydney.
• Monopole in Potts Point. Unbelievable wine list and delicious small plates. Very popular. 
• Sean’s Panorama in Bondi. So good!! Rustic Mediterranean.
• El Loco in Surry Hills. Mexican. Great tacos and jalapeno margaritas. Order at the counter and just grab a seat wherever you can. SUPER CASUAL.