Editor’s Picks: The Best Sydney Restaurants We Ate at in 2023

To say a lot of eating goes down at Sitchu is a bit of an understatement. There’s a chance I ate out more than I ate at home this year. 2023 was a real journey for my tastebuds with everything from French, Middle Eastern and Cantonese to Japanese–Italian fusion on the menu. Sydney’s dining scene popped off and a good time was had all around. But a few eateries stood out – dramatically – which is no easy feat when you’re eating out three to four times a week. A couple were tried and tested favourites and the rest were new kids on the block. Looking for somewhere memorable to eat this year? These are my top picks…

Aalia (Image Credits: Top – Christopher Pearce. Bottom – Jason Loucas) 

Aalia 

Prepare for your experience of Middle Eastern food to be forever altered. The flavours coming from this unassuming two-hatted restaurant are nothing short of impeccable. Located in the centre of Martin Place, the experience at Aalia is a breeze from the get-go with a relaxed, modern and elegant dining room that fuses indoors with out. The staff are incredible when it comes to suggesting dishes so I recommend grilling them for their favourites. We headed in for my Mum and her partner’s wedding anniversary and they treated us to a round of petite desserts which was an incredibly sweet touch. 

25 Martin Place, Sydney 

Itō (Image Credit: Jiwon Kim) 

Itō

A very welcome addition to Crown Street, Itō is the Japanese Izakaya you need on your restaurant rotation. Merging Japanese flavours with Italian staples, the result is spectacular. 

Do not miss the yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga, green miso mafaldine and the ricotta donuts with hōjicha custard. 

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 a super relaxed evening. I will most definitely be back. 

413-415 Crown Street, Surry Hill

Khānaa

If you’re due for a special meal out, I urge you to head straight to Khānaa. Chef Opel Khan has transformed the Sydney fine dining scene with a Bengali twist. The a la carte menu is designed to be shared with a series of small and large tasting plates on offer. But if you really want to experience this gem – opt for the tasting menu. You can look forward to reinvented Bengali delights ranging from Turmeric Infused Scallop to Duck Leg Confit Samosa. 

Shop 3, 335 Crown Street, Surry Hills 

Le Foote

One of the most anticipated openings of the year, I didn’t get a chance to pop in to Le Foote until the second last day of the year. But boy, was it worth the wait. Taking over 101 George Street, one of the oldest pubs in The Rocks, the space is as charming as it gets. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is magic and packed with cured meats, cheese and fresh seafood. Do not leave without sampling the potato en croûte, cheese pie and duck sausage. My sister had to enforce a no-plate-licking rule for the duration of our visit. 

101 George Street, The Rocks

Ragazzi 

I’d been a long-time fan of Ragazzi‘s sister venue Fabbrica but hadn’t yet committed to a booking here…until November. Safe to say I was distraught at discovering what I’d been missing. The warm interiors are perfect for a cosy night and the pasta was so good I was scraping at my plate in desperation to taste every last bit. The menu changes regularly depending on what fresh produce is thriving but you’re guaranteed to find something that will excite you. Think asparagus ravioli drizzled with bittersweet honey, mafaldine with prawns and kombu butter and tottole with pork and fennel sausage and crispy kale. And the wine list? Exquisite. 

Shop 3, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney CBD

Inspired by this list of the best Sydney restaurants we ate at this year and keen to glean more foodie recommendations? Check out our edit of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney and the best new bars in Sydney. 

Writer

Olivia Storrie

2 January 2024

Armed with an Arts Degree in History and Psychology from the University of Sydney, a natural curiosity and a ravenous appetite, Sitchu’s Sydney Editor Olivia is your go-to for restaurant recommendations across the city. She also has a keen interest in hiking, patting other people’s dogs, travelling, curating her maximalist home and reading every book she can get her hands on.