The Most Instagrammable Venues in Sydney for an Aesthetic Feast

Looking for a fancy backdrop with something a little extra for your next catch-up? These are Sydney's most Instagrammable venues.

Nico
Nico

Sydney has never been short of stunning places to eat and drink, but in recent years, a new wave of venues has raised the bar on what it means to be truly worth visiting. The most Instagrammable venues in Sydney aren’t just pretty backdrops; they’re places where extraordinary design, breathtaking views and seriously good food and drink all collide in one unforgettable package.

Whether you’re chasing harbour views at golden hour, dreaming of gelato-pastel interiors straight out of a Greek island summer or hunting down a moody laneway hideaway that looks like it was made for the ‘gram, Sydney delivers. From waterfront icons to hidden inner-city gems, these are the most Instagrammable venues in Sydney that are as good to visit as they are to post about.

Sails 

This airy harbourside dining room has been delighting locals and visitors with its uncompromisingly high-quality fare for over 40 years and its interiors have never looked better. Giving bright and coastal Euro vibes, the textures, colourways and detail scattered throughout Sails are spot-on for swish snaps. And that’s not to mention the incredible view of the harbour! 

2 Henry Lawson Avenue, Macmahons Point 

Akti

Helmed by celebrated Greek chef Ntinos Fotinakis (Bungalow 7, Athens) and Robert Judd (Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster), Akti brings flair for refined Greek flavours to the waterfront. On top of water views, Akti serves up a delicious sunset-toned interior to up the ante on the Aegean holiday vibes. You’ll catch gelato pastels every way you look, atop sweet details like scalloped table edges, patterned wallpaper and dishes plated to perfection.

The menu is playful yet reverent — think traditional dishes reimagined with a twist: giouvarlakia transformed into a raw fish creation, moussaka croquettes, and galaktoboureko reinvented as an “Athenian Mess,” theatrically finished tableside.

6 Cowper Street Wharf, Woolloomooloo

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

One of the most famous waterfront spots in Sydney, you simply can’t head to Bondi without a stop off at Icebergs. For that iconic view, snag a coveted corner table and look out onto what is arguably Australia’s most Instagrammed ocean pool. 

1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach 

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Bobbys

Just steps away from Cronulla Beach lies this Mediterranean-led seafood restaurant brimming with both style and substance. On top of delightful Mediterranean interiors, tiled benches and squiggly statements, you’ll also get to enjoy 180 degrees out across the water. Bobbys food and drink presentation is also A+. 

6R The Esplanade, Cronulla

Shaffa

You’ll walk down a laneway between a 120-year-old church and a 19th-century sandstone inn to find this gem. Tucked into Surry Hills, Shaffa channels the buzzy energy of a Tel Aviv market under a soaring 10-metre glass roof, with a chef’s bar, moody interiors and a share menu that hits hard (we’re talking burnt eggplant labneh, chicken cigars with dukkah, kingfish ceviche and coal-cooked shawarma). One-hatted and fully worth the hype, your camera won’t know where to start.

80 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

St Siandra

With a private beach on Middle Harbour, Amalfi Coast interiors by Sally Taylor and yachts drifting past the, St Siandra might just be Sydney’s most effortlessly glamorous venue. The Mediterranean share menu is built around seriously good seafood which is best enjoyed with something cold and sparkling in hand. Arrive by water taxi if you really want to commit to the bit, you’ll honestly feel like you’re in Europe.

75 Lower, Parriwi Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Superfreak 

Superfreak‘s pared-back, retro interiors are the perfect backdrop to the colourful and elegantly plated dishes coming out of the kitchen. Serving up healthy bites that look the part, you can expect delicious breaky plates (jammy eggs, radish, pickled vege and the like), broth, porridge and other nourishing delights.

333 Enmore Road, Marrickville 

Pippis 

From the good people behind The Grounds of Alexandria comes, Pippis. Bringing a splash of Euro summer to The Shire, this new eatery is perched right on the water at Guramatta Bay. Soak up a cocktail on the deck whilst enjoying dappled sunlight through the orange and white umbrellas or cosy up at the custom-made bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. Score some holiday snaps without leaving Sydney.

2 Tonkin Street, Cronulla 

Ammos 

Looking out across the water, Ammos doesn’t just deliver a taste of the aegean ,it’s now doing it with a Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide hat to its name. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer up tantalising views whilst serene interiors, textured accents and spaces that flow into one another craft a memorable backdrop to your feast. 

Every dish hits the mark from the olive oil drizzled tzatziki (yes, you can buy the oil to take home), to the sizzling saganaki and vertical stacked scallop moussaka. Dine on unique cuts of lamb and sip on lesser-known Greek varietals before indulging in the roving ouzo trolley — another moment for the ‘gram. 

Level 3, 2 Princess Street, Brighton-Le-Sands 

Nico

Everything here is flawless, from the Italian apertifs to the Amalfi Coast-inspired decor. The pops of terracotta and jewel blue combined with ambient lighting make for the perfect mini ‘holiday’ in the form of after work drinks or a weekend date spot. Nico also have a rather special lemon tiramisu that comes served in the sweetest bowl. Don’t miss it! 

17/450 Miller Street, Cammeray

Image Credit: Steven Woodburn)

RAFI URBNSURF

Whether you’re catching waves or simply soaking up the action, RAFI URBNSURF, is the perfect spot to unwind (or debrief after a gnarly sesh). With interiors by Luchetti Krelle that truly steal the show, this 165-seater venue is a masterclass in contemporary design, featuring playful and vibrant spaces that blend effortless style with comfort — think statement lighting, artful textures, and bold pops of colour.

Beyond the stunning interiors, the focus here is on a fresh, seasonal menu that celebrates simplicity with a twist. Expect sustainably sourced seafood and vegetables cooked over charcoal, all served with warm, attentive service. Pair your meal with a custom cocktail or a curated selection of local wines and beers.

15 Hill Road, Sydney Olympic Park

Vogue Cafe

In the heart of one of Sydney’s most picturesque areas, Vogue Cafe offers a modern, elegant and stylish ambience. Co-branded with the iconic magazine, the walls and décor pay homage to the rich fashion and editorial history with images from the Vogue Australia archive featuring some of the country’s brightest stars, like Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, on proud display. 

The food and drinks are just as spectacular (and worthy of an Instagram snap) with the menu featuring standouts like an extravagant seafood platter and cocktails highlighting Australian botanicals. 

35 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour

Shell House

Shell House’s The Dining Room and Terrace are designed to impress with their stunning interiors and breathtaking views. The Dining Room features elegant, luxurious decor with marble floors, plush velvet seating, and a striking bar. The Terrace offers a relaxed outdoor setting with comfortable seating and beautiful greenery. The space is perfect for enjoying a drink or dining al fresco with friends or colleagues.

37 Margaret Street, Sydney

Henry Deane

Experience the ultimate rooftop bar in Sydney with Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade. Enjoy sundowners with 360-degree views of the harbour and Barangaroo from plush pink couches, wicker chairs, and marble accents that are sure to impress. Don’t miss your chance to snap a sweet memory and sip on a glass of rose that matches the beautiful interiors. Be sure to arrive early to snag a seat at this popular spot.

35 Bellington Street, Millers Point

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is perched on the waterfront and is known for its breathtaking sunset views, delectable seafood, and Hamptons-style fit-out. Adorned with nautical tones and pops of mint, the venue boasts whitewashed tables, white and blue striped umbrellas, and hand-painted graphics. Its playful vibe is accentuated by palm trees, pineapple, and coconut motifs.

1 Military Road, Watsons Bay

The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria isn’t just a much-loved Sydney destination for Instagrammers. A recent study found it the most instagrammed restaurant in the world! This Inner West sanctuary is a photographer’s paradise, with a rustic-chic warehouse cafe, animal farm, and gorgeous garden filled with flowers, native plants, and vintage wooden carts laden with fresh produce. The food is farm-to-fork, ensuring it looks and tastes just as good as the surroundings. The Grounds often host seasonal takeovers so be sure to check their socials for the theme of the season.

7A/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria

Loved this edit of Sydney’s most Instagrammable venues and looking to explore further afield? Be sure to take a peep at our edits of the most aesthetic spots in Adelaide and Brisbane, too. 

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