Local Guides World
Top Lunch restaurants in Sydney, Australia
Top Rated Lunch restaurants in Sydney
Top Reviewed Lunch restaurants in Sydney
The Restaurant Pendolino
The Grounds of the City
The Grounds of the City
King Street Wharf
Avenue on George
Meat District Co
Reviews
Clueless staff, Mediocre food, Loathful drinks.
Would give them zero stars if I could, fr the deceitful answers over the phone.
The place is cheap for a reason.
When I called, the phone attendee said, all the chicken, lamb and beef is Halal. After a long drive and hustling fr half an hour fr a an expensive parking. Upon arrival, we were told only a few options were Halal.
We were told there's no table available before 8:30 and when we arrived it was a ghost town and were told to sit anywhere we want, without asking if we had a reservation.
We had already wasted so much time, so we ordered what was available.
If my knife is struggling to cut a medium rare steak, it's a thumbs down already. The lamb was very hard and chewy while lacking flavour. The burger was ok, but it felt like a hasty job done, given we had to remind them as one of us had already finished eating.
The superstar of mediocrity was there mocktail, it literally felt like they had put some cheap cordial with ice and fruits, served in the same vain too, in a tacky container just slapped it on the table lol. They put apples in it even after asking fr mangoes. I was too exhausted to argue, just gulped it down as my fate. 😆
P.S. the waiter serving us was a very fine gentleman, but that couldn't change the overall experience, unfortunately.
Would give them zero stars if I could, fr the deceitful answers over the phone.
The place is cheap for a reason.
When I called, the phone attendee said, all the chicken, lamb and beef is Halal. After a long drive and hustling fr half an hour fr a an expensive parking. Upon arrival, we were told only a few options were Halal.
We were told there's no table available before 8:30 and when we arrived it was a ghost town and were told to sit anywhere we want, without asking if we had a reservation.
We had already wasted so much time, so we ordered what was available.
If my knife is struggling to cut a medium rare steak, it's a thumbs down already. The lamb was very hard and chewy while lacking flavour. The burger was ok, but it felt like a hasty job done, given we had to remind them as one of us had already finished eating.
The superstar of mediocrity was there mocktail, it literally felt like they had put some cheap cordial with ice and fruits, served in the same vain too, in a tacky container just slapped it on the table lol. They put apples in it even after asking fr mangoes. I was too exhausted to argue, just gulped it down as my fate. 😆
P.S. the waiter serving us was a very fine gentleman, but that couldn't change the overall experience, unfortunately.
Situated in Barangaroo and facing the harbour this place just had the right vibe for a perfect romantic evening, we tried a variety of dishes including crocodile meat and kangaroo besides the chicken salad which I had, there were happy hours too for drinks which worked well for the group, the onion rings were simply yum and married well with cocktail.
Here's my honest review:
✨Location✨
I think the location is ok. It's close to the water and there's some outdoor seating with a view
✨Price✨
I think it's a little pricey but not super expensive like a steak house
✨Ambiance✨
I think the place is elegant and has lots of decoration.
✨Drinks✨
On the pricier side but I did not have one unfortunately
✨Recommendation✨
I would not go here again. I had an awful experience with customer service and that's enough for me to never want to revisit. The truffle mashed potatoes were amazing and so I would be open to trying the food again maybe at a different location.
✨Food✨
I went in for a burger but got the kangaroo steak instead. I will say kangaroo is not for me. It's a relatively chewy meat and I prefer more tender cuts. I would have rather to ribeye but at least it was an experience I was able to check off my list.
✨Customer Service✨
This is why I scored them so low. The customer service was absolutely awful. When I first got there the waitress came up to me and I had been sitting for less than 2 seconds so I didn't know what I wanted. She didn't come and bring me water for over 5 minutes. She checked on the table next to me three times while I waited for her to come over. When she finally returned I told her I wanted the crocodile burger and she explains to me they were out. I was very sad and she recommended the kangaroo. I asked if that was a burger, she said no and then it was just offered silence. I feel like as a good waitress your job is to then recommend things in line with what your customer wants or at least care to ask. I felt super uncomfortable so I just went with the kangaroo even though I had my heart set on a burger that night. I was also sitting by myself and it's just customary that if someone is dining alone you should be mindful of that. Sitting and waiting while you're driving alone is extra awful. And we can all agree that dining alone isn't always the most comfortable experience but having horrible customer service makes it way worse. Not once did my waitress come check on me while I was eating so I felt so horrible that I got it to go box and took my food back to eat it in my hotel. She didn't even come back for the check so I ended up leaving cash on the table and walking out. Literally worst customer service I've ever experienced and I know this isn't the Aussie way because I've had nothing but great experiences since I got here.
✨Location✨
I think the location is ok. It's close to the water and there's some outdoor seating with a view
✨Price✨
I think it's a little pricey but not super expensive like a steak house
✨Ambiance✨
I think the place is elegant and has lots of decoration.
✨Drinks✨
On the pricier side but I did not have one unfortunately
✨Recommendation✨
I would not go here again. I had an awful experience with customer service and that's enough for me to never want to revisit. The truffle mashed potatoes were amazing and so I would be open to trying the food again maybe at a different location.
✨Food✨
I went in for a burger but got the kangaroo steak instead. I will say kangaroo is not for me. It's a relatively chewy meat and I prefer more tender cuts. I would have rather to ribeye but at least it was an experience I was able to check off my list.
✨Customer Service✨
This is why I scored them so low. The customer service was absolutely awful. When I first got there the waitress came up to me and I had been sitting for less than 2 seconds so I didn't know what I wanted. She didn't come and bring me water for over 5 minutes. She checked on the table next to me three times while I waited for her to come over. When she finally returned I told her I wanted the crocodile burger and she explains to me they were out. I was very sad and she recommended the kangaroo. I asked if that was a burger, she said no and then it was just offered silence. I feel like as a good waitress your job is to then recommend things in line with what your customer wants or at least care to ask. I felt super uncomfortable so I just went with the kangaroo even though I had my heart set on a burger that night. I was also sitting by myself and it's just customary that if someone is dining alone you should be mindful of that. Sitting and waiting while you're driving alone is extra awful. And we can all agree that dining alone isn't always the most comfortable experience but having horrible customer service makes it way worse. Not once did my waitress come check on me while I was eating so I felt so horrible that I got it to go box and took my food back to eat it in my hotel. She didn't even come back for the check so I ended up leaving cash on the table and walking out. Literally worst customer service I've ever experienced and I know this isn't the Aussie way because I've had nothing but great experiences since I got here.
The manager (i think) ruined the vibe.
At entry, the lovely hostess said that we will have to be seated upstairs because we had no booking which was fine specially because we ended up being the only ones upstairs.
The food was also good, came out quickly. We had the medallion and sirloin as well as the truffle fries.
The guy waiter upstairs was also nice.
What ruined the vibe for me, and i almost wanted to leave before ordering because of this, was, who I assumed to be the Manager. Following the hostess upstairs the guy starts yelling where are you going repeatedly. I ignored him because excuse me? Were we supposed to walk back to speak with him? Or did he expect us to yell across the restaurant that we’re following the hostess?
3 mins after being seated he finally goes upstairs and starts talking loudly to the hostess about why we are being seated upstairs. I would hope that he’s usually more professional than this, but not too sure like I said, we were the only ones upstairs and only the downstairs area was full.
At entry, the lovely hostess said that we will have to be seated upstairs because we had no booking which was fine specially because we ended up being the only ones upstairs.
The food was also good, came out quickly. We had the medallion and sirloin as well as the truffle fries.
The guy waiter upstairs was also nice.
What ruined the vibe for me, and i almost wanted to leave before ordering because of this, was, who I assumed to be the Manager. Following the hostess upstairs the guy starts yelling where are you going repeatedly. I ignored him because excuse me? Were we supposed to walk back to speak with him? Or did he expect us to yell across the restaurant that we’re following the hostess?
3 mins after being seated he finally goes upstairs and starts talking loudly to the hostess about why we are being seated upstairs. I would hope that he’s usually more professional than this, but not too sure like I said, we were the only ones upstairs and only the downstairs area was full.
Awesome atmosphere coupled with a great service and friendly staff. Steaks, Ribs and burgers were on the point. We ordered different cooking options (medium, medium rare...etc) and all the steaks were cooked just perfectly....Highly recommended !!
We went last night for a birthday dinner celebration! We ordered onion rings and truffles fries to share, and they were delicious! Almost everyone on the table ordered meat, and it was well cooked and with good flavour. I tried one of the meat medallions with red chilli sauce and yum! I didn't even take photos of the meals.
I also ordered myself a cocktail whisky amaretto sour, and it was really good.
I also ordered myself a cocktail whisky amaretto sour, and it was really good.
Came here solely to try out the exotic crocodile burger. Set on the riverfront, the restaurant offers variety of meat dishes. We went straight to business with a crocodile burger for me and a beef hot dog for my friend with a large portion of fries to be shared. The croc burger was nicely done and the meat tasted like slightly tough fish meat but I loved it. The fries were good too and a huge portion for two people. No drinks or dessert and the bill was 60 AUD for two. The sad part is the unwillingness of the venue to want to split bills, never understood why.
First dining experience in Australia and I’m very satisfied about the food and the customer service. I didn’t even know you could eat Kangaroo until my first day in Sydney coming from the states. Come out perfect mid rare with aïoli mashed potatoes and fries. Can’t remember which dipping sauce they gave me with it but you only needed a little bit. Would eat here again. Decent view too, relaxing atmosphere
Had the avocado on toast with a poached egg which was really good. The place was loud with lots of people. But it’s a great place to grab a breakfast.
Great place to visit, lots to see, great food , music and many restaurants all around!
Good ambience within Sydney CBD area. We had the open steak sandwich which was very delicious. Definitely a recommended place to head into and enjoy a meal.
Great view and great restaurants.
The banana bread was delicious and freshly baked!! 10/10. The coffee was really good as well. Service was friendly and accommodating, however the atmosphere wasn’t the best. It was quite noisy inside and a bit rough outside since it was in between two buildings. I’ll most probably be back though;)
Our breakfast French Toast and Avocado Toast
Absolutely delicious
Absolutely delicious
I'm so glad we discovered this place! The restaurant vibe was like stepping back in time to the 1920's/30s...The food was so good, quality gourmet style. Friendly staff. Nice vintage jazz music playing in the background. I would definitely recommend visiting this restaurant if you want a unique dining experience :)
PSALM 1 Nov 2023 waitress - You are so
UNFORGETTABLE - 1 Nov. 2023
Some of the best coffee in Sydney! The tasting board for two was a very nice set of well made drinks; none of which had a hint of bitterness, most surprisingly the cold brew which was so smooth and sweet my boyfriend wish he could take a few gallons with him back to the South Korea. The beef steak was very good and so filling as well.
To top it off the milk-chocolate passion fruit dessert was a very nice patisserie-style desert without too much heaviness.
Do yourself a favor; come with some friends, have some good food and some good coffee and enjoy the great environment they have set up for you!
UNFORGETTABLE - 1 Nov. 2023
Some of the best coffee in Sydney! The tasting board for two was a very nice set of well made drinks; none of which had a hint of bitterness, most surprisingly the cold brew which was so smooth and sweet my boyfriend wish he could take a few gallons with him back to the South Korea. The beef steak was very good and so filling as well.
To top it off the milk-chocolate passion fruit dessert was a very nice patisserie-style desert without too much heaviness.
Do yourself a favor; come with some friends, have some good food and some good coffee and enjoy the great environment they have set up for you!
Lovely restaurant, the food was very tasty with good choices. Quiet atmosphere made it easy to converse. Staff were friendly and attentive. Will definitely go back.
Excellent service. However the food quality was a let down. I’ve ordered the $39 lobster bisque pasta only to find a huge clump and the dish is lukewarm. The sauce is tasty but I feel like i am eating leftover pasta reheated in microwave. Should have ordered pastries instead. Ambience wise, well decorated interior and very loud.
At the base of the EY bldg, this gem serves some excellent breakfast. Really enjoyed the polenta Benedict and the trout toast with fried capers. Long black coffee was great too. Perfect spot to sit and enjoy brekky before a busy day at the office.
Wonderful place to get an omelette for takeaway breakfast. The picture speaks for itself
This is my very first all five star review. Food is good, very reasonable price, great service and terrific atmosphere. Very nice renovation, food are hot and quick service. Particularly appreciate the lady service us was very professional, she was always looking for any customer need anything and fill water and smile was always there
We had afternoon coffee , great and beautiful presentation of coffee. I have ordered deconstruction hot mocca However there is 0 level of hotness. Another order was iced mocca, it was good. Desserts were good, delicious and good size. Service was excellent. Staffs are friendly. Atmosphere is good. Beautiful decoration inside.
Very nice place with amazing view with many cafe and restaurants. Nice to walk around
This is is one of the best party places in Sydney. Luckily my office is on the International Tower also known as 3 sisters.
You can come here anytime and enjoy on the cafes and just walk on this pavement. If you are here for the first time, you are definitely going to love it.
You can come here anytime and enjoy on the cafes and just walk on this pavement. If you are here for the first time, you are definitely going to love it.
Such a beautiful location and more dining / drinking options than I could possibly mention. Take your pick and settle in for a relaxing lunch or just a drink with friends. Watch the ferries come and go and people- watch as you soak in the Sydney sunshine. This area gives you the "holiday vibe" even if you're not on holiday. Definitely worth a visit.
Pendolino in the Strand Arcade stands as a true Sydney institution in the realm of fine dining. It consistently maintains its reputation by delivering not only the finest tasting food but also exemplary service that sets it apart. The noteworthy wine list further enhances the dining experience. Pendolino's enduring excellence makes it a must-visit for those seeking a combination of culinary mastery, attentive service, and an ambiance that captures the essence of Sydney's dining scene.
I had a fantastic time at The Grounds of the City. Despite my friend feeling unwell, a staff member went the extra mile to assist her, for this we’re most grateful. I’m sorry I didn’t ask your name, if you’re reading this review, please know we’re most grateful and commend you on your empathy, professionalism and maturity.
The delicious beverages and lunch were thoroughly enjoyed, and the ambiance made it feel like we could be anywhere in the world. Thankfully the experience was superbly enjoyed and easier because we booked our table a couple of days ago and didn’t have to wait or discover there wasn’t a table free. Thank you!
The delicious beverages and lunch were thoroughly enjoyed, and the ambiance made it feel like we could be anywhere in the world. Thankfully the experience was superbly enjoyed and easier because we booked our table a couple of days ago and didn’t have to wait or discover there wasn’t a table free. Thank you!
Great atmosphere both for business and romantic outings, but the wine service was a little pushy.. and the food was average at best. Pity, for AUD 150-200 per head. Extensive wine list though, with fair restaurant wine prices. Desserts were the best part, creative and tasty.
Excellent service from the waitress in white shirt who came to take the order from us. Dessert and coffee was delightful. I would recommend to reserve table otherwise it will be long wait with very welcoming attitude and plenty of space. We would love to come back here again.
Everything that I did mentioned above is not what we receive from here.
Moreover, when I asked the bill from her she even put the dirty dish from another table in front of me that was totally unacceptable for customers service. Also I would recommend you to have the QR code to order that should be better from the table service that we received from staff.
The only star I put here is the good looking decoration and shop atmosphere.
Everything that I did mentioned above is not what we receive from here.
Moreover, when I asked the bill from her she even put the dirty dish from another table in front of me that was totally unacceptable for customers service. Also I would recommend you to have the QR code to order that should be better from the table service that we received from staff.
The only star I put here is the good looking decoration and shop atmosphere.
Honestly have no complaints for this place! The venue is stunning (but small so definitely book), and the menu has lots of variety!
The service is attentive and we were seated, served and received our food super quick. The coffee is great and the food is yummy!
The service is attentive and we were seated, served and received our food super quick. The coffee is great and the food is yummy!
We went there to have dinner before go to a Movie during the Sydney Film Festival. And very conveniently they have a pre theatre menu. That includes a tasting plate with 4 bite-sized experiences. 2 of them I liked very much, simply delicious. The sweet corn soup was good. And one of the options was very salty for my taste.
Talking about salt, I would like to suggest to the chef to keep a little bit of salt at the table to enhance the flavours of the three types of olive oils on the table.
The experience is great, although for the first and third olive oil option the salt bring more the fruitness of the third oil and balance better the lemon olive oil.
Regarding the dish, I can say is one of the best pasta dishes I've had in Sydney. I had the blond duck bolognese and was perfect in every bite. Be aware, the dish has nothing even close to a traditional bolognese. Is a white sauce base dish. But was amazing. Well balanced and executed. My wife had the ravioli, and was perfect as well. But my favourite was the duck.
We had the merengue dessert, such well thought dish. Where we got an entree for the dessert, that was a new thing for me, and then the dessert well balanced with all elements right. Sweet, acidity, crunchy.
About the wine service, was very good with attention to detail. Nothing to complain about it.
At the end we got nice chocolate balls 😋. That was a surprise.
Probably we will go back for the 6 course menu, but the 2 course menu already made my night.
Talking about salt, I would like to suggest to the chef to keep a little bit of salt at the table to enhance the flavours of the three types of olive oils on the table.
The experience is great, although for the first and third olive oil option the salt bring more the fruitness of the third oil and balance better the lemon olive oil.
Regarding the dish, I can say is one of the best pasta dishes I've had in Sydney. I had the blond duck bolognese and was perfect in every bite. Be aware, the dish has nothing even close to a traditional bolognese. Is a white sauce base dish. But was amazing. Well balanced and executed. My wife had the ravioli, and was perfect as well. But my favourite was the duck.
We had the merengue dessert, such well thought dish. Where we got an entree for the dessert, that was a new thing for me, and then the dessert well balanced with all elements right. Sweet, acidity, crunchy.
About the wine service, was very good with attention to detail. Nothing to complain about it.
At the end we got nice chocolate balls 😋. That was a surprise.
Probably we will go back for the 6 course menu, but the 2 course menu already made my night.
Quite a large range of restaurants along the wharf. It was a nice palce to walk around since it was quite wise so it wasn't too hard to get around even though it was busy.
Coming from Italy went here to try some Italian food however I believe this is more like Aussie/Italian food rather than authentic Italian food.
The staff are really friendly and professional and the food was quite good. Just a bit too salty for our taste but the flavours were interesting.
The vibe was good too.
Overall a nice romantic experience.
Worth a try
The staff are really friendly and professional and the food was quite good. Just a bit too salty for our taste but the flavours were interesting.
The vibe was good too.
Overall a nice romantic experience.
Worth a try
Had the vegetarian six course tasting menu with matching wines as part of the tasting menu, with matching wine pairings. Experience, ambiance, service and food was fantastic, as one would expect. Great place to celebrate a special occasion and/or create lasting memories.
The food was superb. I had the King Crab Linguine and it was just the right amount before my jeans button was going to burst. I had to eat very bite of it!
My friends enjoyed their schnitzel and lamb very much so that one even licked the plate!
Service was professional and welcoming. Ambience and decor was well done as though you don't feel like you are in the city having a birthday lunch with friends on a weekday! Will come back to taste more items on the menu.
My friends enjoyed their schnitzel and lamb very much so that one even licked the plate!
Service was professional and welcoming. Ambience and decor was well done as though you don't feel like you are in the city having a birthday lunch with friends on a weekday! Will come back to taste more items on the menu.
Pendolino is an Italian restaurant, which serves food in either 3-, 4- or 6-course menus. Upon request, they provide an extra menu for vegans. For each course, you can choose from a couple of options, so you have several options (similar to the "regular" menu).
Considering the fact that the prices here are quite high (starting at 140$ per person for the 3 course menu), you should be able to expect a proper fine dining experience.
In terms of food, however, it was just okay. I clearly preferred some dishes over other dishes. Compared to the food my non-vegan friends had, some vegan dishes seemed a bit lacking (as if they had simply removed the non-vegan component). At other times, the plating was a bit "questionable".
But staff was lovely and service was very good. There were several waiters and waitresses providing us with information about food and drinks, and even supplied us with extra treats on the house.
The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor inside a shopping mall. The atmosphere is elegant and old-fashioned: Individual tables, wooden furntiure and white table cloth. Booking a table in advance is required.
Considering the fact that the prices here are quite high (starting at 140$ per person for the 3 course menu), you should be able to expect a proper fine dining experience.
In terms of food, however, it was just okay. I clearly preferred some dishes over other dishes. Compared to the food my non-vegan friends had, some vegan dishes seemed a bit lacking (as if they had simply removed the non-vegan component). At other times, the plating was a bit "questionable".
But staff was lovely and service was very good. There were several waiters and waitresses providing us with information about food and drinks, and even supplied us with extra treats on the house.
The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor inside a shopping mall. The atmosphere is elegant and old-fashioned: Individual tables, wooden furntiure and white table cloth. Booking a table in advance is required.
6 of us went to dinner. The service was impeccable with friendly staff and service. The food was well presented and even though it was fine dining a lot of work went into each dish. Compliments to the chef. If I needed to find something about this restaurant would be the price but overall an amazing night. Just an apology for leaving late, im sure the staff warned to go home but no one complained. And a huge thank you to the chefs who gave up complementary potatoes and salad. By the end of the night we were so full. Thank you to the chefs and staff for a memorable night.
Is get to see 👀 Sydney came back to life, King Wharf was busy with happy 😊 people enjoying themselves!
Popped in this morning for breakfast, staff were super friendly and the food was great!
I just went simple, eggs on toast and an orange juice, but the staff were friendly and helpful. Service was prompt, I seriously thing my orange juice took two minutes from order to delivery! Orange juice was top notch as well!
Eggs on toast were simple, but also lovely!
Would certainly pop back for breakfast again!!!
I just went simple, eggs on toast and an orange juice, but the staff were friendly and helpful. Service was prompt, I seriously thing my orange juice took two minutes from order to delivery! Orange juice was top notch as well!
Eggs on toast were simple, but also lovely!
Would certainly pop back for breakfast again!!!
I finally found a place that serves Omelette!!
We came here for breakfast, and the place was packed with people picking up their morning coffee.
The friendly staff took us to the table and took our order.
We had their Avenue Omelette, served with sauteed onion, tomato, mushroom, spinach & goat cheese drizzled with truffle oil, and a side of toast.
I loved it!!!
We came here for breakfast, and the place was packed with people picking up their morning coffee.
The friendly staff took us to the table and took our order.
We had their Avenue Omelette, served with sauteed onion, tomato, mushroom, spinach & goat cheese drizzled with truffle oil, and a side of toast.
I loved it!!!
absolutely amazing with Serve hot fried Cuttle fish and mayo sauce and Linguine Crab and Clam. Both of them 10/10 Never has a nice perfect dish with the depth of flavours as this before. Then can’t stop to come again next day for coffee ☕️and cake.
Atmosphere so nice food good look and taste ❤️5 star ⭐️ not enough. 🙌 bravo 🎉 guys.
Atmosphere so nice food good look and taste ❤️5 star ⭐️ not enough. 🙌 bravo 🎉 guys.
Lined with plenty of restaurants with great views over Darling Harbour and the wharf with docked boats, this is a great place to stop to grab a bite and enjoy the view.
If you want to take a cruise, there's private charters available for hire for functions and parties, as well as general cruises which also include ones where you can enjoy a meal or high tea.
If you want to take a cruise, there's private charters available for hire for functions and parties, as well as general cruises which also include ones where you can enjoy a meal or high tea.