The Best Asian Restaurants in Sydney for a Flavoursome Feast

It’s no secret that Sydneysiders have an enduring love affair with Asian cuisine. There are plenty of restaurants scattered across the city overwhelming us with choice so, we've done a little digging, a little tasting and a whole lot of sipping to help you decide where to pop in next. From traditional food to fancy fusion fare, there's a restaurant to cover every style. 

Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Malaysian, read on for our favourite Asian restaurants in Sydney. 

Itō

A very welcome addition to the Crown Street scene, Itō is the Japanese Izakaya you need on your restaurant rotation. Head Chef Erik Ortolani has combined his Italian heritage and passion for Japanese cooking to craft something truly unique. Dishes like yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga and Wagyu mafaldine paired with white shimeji and miso grace the menu and will give you a whole new appreciation for fusion cuisine. 

Key to the Itō experience is the drinks menu which features Japanese-inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and an extensive sake selection. The pared-back interiors with fun pops of colour set the scene for the perfect night out. 

413-415 Crown Street, Surry Hill

Dan Dan

Dan Dan's menu is influenced by Asian flavours and dishes but it sure isn't bound by them. This playful new restaurant is doing things differently with a menu designed to be shared. You can expect the likes of sashimi-topped potato tots and gochujang burrata. The spacious venue is perfect for groups whilst the fun dishes and value-packed banquet menus provide the perfect starting point for an adventurous evening. Banana bread espresso martini, anyone? 

1/21 Harris Street, Pyrmont 

China Doll

Perched on Woolloomooloo Wharf, China Doll is sleek and stylish, boasting views of the city skyline. The menu features a curation of dishes influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine. We're talking chilli salt squid, tea-smoked duck and wok-fried Wagyu beef fillet. The share plate ethos makes China Doll the perfect place to gather with a large group. Psst! Don't miss the duck pancakes! 

4/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

Sokyo

Known for its innovative take on traditional Japanese flavours, Sokyo is located within The Star and has won many accolades. Take your time dining on delectable Japanese-inspired dishes, as you listen to the chilled-out beats from their resident DJ. If you're up for something extra special, book in to Sokyo's popular omakase experience which will have you feasting on 23 perfectly plated morsels. 

The Star, Level G, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont

Pearl 

Pearl offers up a relaxed atmosphere alongside views of the Harbour Bridge and their approach is simple - dim sum, barbecue and seafood designed to be shared. Keen to highlight unique Australian flavours and seasonal produce, the menu at Pearl shifts regularly but you can look forward to the likes of wok-fried Lobster with Pearl's signature XO sauce, caramelized BBQ pork belly and dry-aged, twice-cooked Peking duck pancakes (carved tableside!). A killer wine list and grand banquet menus rounds out the offering. 

Shop R1013, Retail Level 1, 50 Bridge Streety, Circular Quay 

Mr Wong

If you're ready to feast on dim sum, dumplings, and the juiciest Peking duck you’ve ever tasted, treat yourself to dinner at Mr Wong. The CBD space is lavish and spread over two levels, but it feels intimate thanks to its décor and dim lighting. Chef Dan Hong’s menu is modern and fresh (just wait till you try the house made XO sauce), with a sophisticated wine list to match.

3 Bridge Street, Sydney

China Diner

A home-style approach with a modern interpretation of South East Asian food, China Diner boasts a fine dining menu without the formal ambience. The menu is designed to be shared and aims to deliver light, fresh and healthy dishes. Their Five Spice Duck Pancakes with hoisin, shallot and cucumber is delish!  

Bondi Beach, Double Bay and Tram Sheds 

Spice Temple

Spice Temple is a sensory experience from start to finish. The dining room is striking: picture silk curtains, rich red carpets and black furnishings. Order a banquet of crispy dry Wagyu, spice fried chicken with ‘heaven facing chillies’, spiced eggplant, rice noodles with spanner crab, and fragrant prawns. The dishes are hot, but the zodiac-themed cocktails will cool you down.

10 Bligh Street, Sydney

Mee So

A hub where people can feel relaxed and embrace the vibe of Seoul and Tokyo, Mee So's menu has been crafted with an umami touch that masters the balancing act between culinary practices and creative exploration. Dishes combine Korean and Japanese techniques like pickling, tempura and grilling, as well as Western burger elements and flavours. Their signature cocktails are also an ode to Japanese and Korean artists, with the venue transforming into a late-night hot spot featuring retro arcade games, themed music nights and a live DJ after dinner is served.

27 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney

Bartiga 

Double Bay's Bartiga, home to Head Chef Noor (ex-Gordon Ramsay's Maze, Testuya's), combines a hearty dose of Malaysian influence with seasonal and Australian ingredients. You can expect a twist on Southeast Asian cuisine with the likes of poached bug roll with red curry pesto, BBQ prawn tom yum spaghettini and scotch MB4 with Asian herb chimichurri. 

As for drinks, consider the offering equally exciting. Mixologist Vincent Valliere has curated a cocktail list with the same Southeast Asian flair as the menu, whilst the wine list boasts over 80 curated selections. 

Corner of Short Street and Bay Street, Double Bay 

The Malaya

When you’re celebrating a special occasion, The Malaya is an excellent choice. Right on the Darling Harbour waterfront, the restaurant has been dishing up Southeast Asian culinary delights for decades. Though the interior is pared-back, the food is exciting. Aromatic and bursting with flavour, the king prawn laksa, crispy Szechuan eggplant and coconut beef rendang are among the crowd's favourites.

39 Lime Street, Sydney

Cho Cho San

Stepping into Cho Cho San is an interior design lover’s dream, complete with a light box on the ceiling that can alter the ambience of the place. It’s Nordic chic, but the menu is Japanese. The raw bar and pork tonkatsu are not to be missed whilst the matcha soft serve and black sesame mochi have you covered for delish desserts. 

73 Macleay Street, Potts Point

Luna Lu 

Gear up for some of the most incredible contemporary Asian cuisine you've ever tasted AND the view to match. Luna Lu's dumplings are some of the best in Sydney - these beauties are made fresh on-site daily, so you've got to get in quick if you have your eye on these handmade treasures. They are so delicate and light that they practically melt in your mouth. As for the fillings expect only the best of the best from this fine dining destination. Think slow-cooked duck, Hokkaido scallops, king prawns and king oyster mushrooms. Whilst we're big fans of the dumplings, the whole menu is a joy so be sure to sample as much as you can. 

Bays 4 and 5, 7-27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks

If you enjoyed this edit of the best Asian restaurants in Sydney and are keen to continue your culinary adventures around the city, be sure to take a peek at our set menus under $150 edit here and our round up of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney here.