The Best Restaurants in Walsh Bay for a Pre-Show Meal

An evening spent along the piers of Walsh Bay or within the heritage-rich alleys of Millers Point is sure to make you fall back in love with Sydney.

Some of Sydney’s best theatre and ballet takes place here, and the dining scene has been quick to assume the mantle of feeding the ravenous patrons.

Need a starting point to explore? From white tablecloths to gastropubs, there is a restaurant suited to everyone in this historic quarter of Sydney. Read on for the best restaurants in Walsh Bay for a pre-show meal…

Pier Dining

Channelling low-key luxe, this waterfront dining room is the perfect place to soak in a famous Sydney sunset. Championing Australian seafood and premium Australian meats, the menu is divided into bites and larger share plates, as well as a selection of pasta plates.

If you’re feeling organised, head in on a Tuesday between 5pm and 6pm for sunset hour and you can score $12 cocktails paired with $2 oysters.

11 Hickson Road, Dawes Point

Ventuno 

This contemporary Italian eatery is a Walsh Bay favourite. It features authentic antipasti, pasta, and pizza aplenty. Their desserts are just as divine with the dark chocolate barbajada made of layered caramel crémeux, chocolate crumble, salted caramel gelato, and vanilla a must-try.

Be sure to check out Ventuno’s upcoming events. They always have something fun and delicious on the agenda, from a truffle dinner series to exclusive wine experiences.

21 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay

Jounieh

Jounieh provides a contemporary take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfectly positioned harbourside in Walsh Bay, everything from the food to the setting brings an authentic yet modern twist to Lebanese culinary culture. The a la carte menu is ideal for sharing (think caramelised prawns, Moreton Bay bags, and Lebanese bread with dips), while the banquet packages make for heartier dining experiences. 

Beautifully fitted out in a nautical style, think wood, stone and neutral tones, this indoor-outdoor restaurant makes the perfect destination for your next romantic dinner or girly catch-up.

2/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point

The Wharf

The newly opened The Wharf, situated within the Sydney Theatre Company, is serving up seasonal modern Australian delights paired with the best views in town. Perch up pre or post-show and enjoy a glass of wine and a hearty dish, including the likes of mafaldine alla vodka, brick chicken and grilled Mooloolaba swordfish.

Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay

Lotus Dumpling Bar

Providing an impressive offering of Pan-Asian-inspired fare, this Walsh Bay restaurant is flocked to by theatre lovers before they bustle off to their seats. Arrive a little after 7.30pm at Lotus and you’ll have a much easier time finding a prime seat to get stuck into some delectable cuisine.

With a variety of steamed, blanched and fried dumplings, your favourites are no doubt provided; order the Peking duck pancakes to nourish your thinking while you deliberate over the dumpling debate.

3/16 Hickson Road, Dawes Point

Lavana Restaurant

Offering a moreish range of tapas dishes as well as a full à la carte selection, Lavana is as impressive as a quick stop-in as it is for a full meal with dazzling habrouside views to boot. As well as the tapas, dine on premium marbled steaks and the freshest locally sourced seafood, all with a tasty Mediterranean twist.

6/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point

Hotel Palisade

This boutique hotel is a favourite for those looking for a refreshingly chic place to kick off Friday night dinner and drinks. Hotel Palisade’s Public House on the ground floor boasts tap beers, a full wine and spirit offering and two entire pages dedicated to cocktails of both the classic and more inventive varieties. As for the food, it’s all about good old-fashioned pub grub, serving up the best schnitties in town. 

If you manage to arrive before the crowds, score yourself a seat upstairs at Henry Deane for an unparalleled view of the sunset over the harbour.

35 Bettington Street, Millers Point

Loving our list of the best Walsh Bay restaurants and looking for more Sydney locales to road test? From edgy Chinese restaurants and festive Mexican eateries to group dining favourites, there are endless cool restaurants to visit.