Editor's Picks: The Best Sydney Restaurants We Ate at in 2024

I've eaten a lot of food throughout 2024 — likely more than I've ever consumed in a year. From new openings to seasonal menu launches, trending cafes and pop-up bars, my life has become an ongoing food safari. As my best eating year to date, I've learnt a few things along the way. Namely that provenance is everything, passionate staff make all the difference and recommendations are key. 

I've also met plenty of amazing people along the way. So many of the city's finest restaurants are run by passionate people who work tirelessly to feed their guests with the best produce on offer. Hospitality is a tough game and after years of lockdowns, lockout laws and a cost-of-living crisis, Sydney's food scene pushes on. 

Whilst some of the restaurants on this list are stalwarts and others newbies, the thread that connects them is that of exceptional service — from the serving staff to the interiors, a menu that incites excitement to a thoughtful beverage list, these are the Sydney restaurants I ate at in 2024 that surpassed the ordinary. 

Best Set Menu: White Horse

I'm not the only self-confessed foodie around here who has been singing White Horse's praises all year. It ticks all the boxes that I look for in a restaurant — sleek interiors, a well-priced set menu, a drinks list that gets me excited and impeccable service. Start with a pre-dinner drink on the rooftop bar before descending to the main dining room where native ingredients and ethically sourced produce reign supreme. They've got some of the best restaurant bread and butter in Sydney (whole-wheat sourdough and fermented honey butter FYI) on top of dishes like beetroot millefeuille, muntries & native thyme and Skull Island king prawns, sweetcorn, carnaroli rice & ice plant. They also scored a well-deserved hat in their first year of trading. My advice? Book a table as soon as! 

381 Crown Street, Surry Hills 

Best Oldie but a Goodie: Fred's 

Fred's has been on the Sydney food scene since 2016 but they haven't dropped the ball for a second, even after the departure of much-loved head chef Danielle Alvarez. As good as the day it opened, this farm-to-table sweetheart is a must for top-tier Aussie produce, a cosy ambience and family-style dining. Soak up the relaxed bustle of the kitchen as you watch the talented chef's calmly plate dishes by candlelight. The perfect place to celebrate with friends. 

380 Oxford Street, Paddington 

Best Pasta: Palazzo Salato 

I regret not making it to Palazzo Salato until this year. I could eat here every night of the week and still be embarrassingly scraping my plate clean. On top of having a bread drawer (iconic), Palazzo Salato craft delicate pasta doused in the most flavoursome of sauces. I guarantee you'll dine on shapes you've never seen before. Schmick interiors that give old-world Euro glam set the scene for a meal you'll dream about forevermore. A menu based around provenance, expect to dine on entrees like asparagus, soft egg, parmesan cream & capers before moving into pastas including scarpinocc of ricotta, white asparagus, & espelette pepper. If you've got the appetite, order one of the expertly prepared proteins before finishing with house-made desserts. 

201 Clarence Street, Sydney 

Best All-Rounder: Ester

Ester is one of the darlings of Sydney's food scene and remains a popular choice for visiting chefs and locals in the know. Every visit you're treated to a new menu which means you can dine here time after time and be delighted anew. Wholesome ingredients cooked with fire — you just can't go wrong. 

46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale 

Best Vegetarian: Flyover Fritterie

Whether you're dabbling in vego food, have been a long-time lover of meat-free living or adore great Indian fare, you won't regret a full-blown feast at Flyover Fritterie. Serving up street food with a twist, you can expect loads of flavour-packed small plates alongside larger mains, a dedicated jaffle menu and fun chai-inspired cocktails. Fun, fun, fun. 

88 Regent Street, Redfern 

Best Italian: Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare 

Bringing Southern Italian cuisine to the South of Sydney, Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare is a Puglian fantasy. Housed within the historic former Cronulla library, the scene is set with warm lighting, terracotta urns and minimalist tableware. The menu revolves around seasonal seafood and handmade pasta. We recommend asking for recommendations (bonus points if owner Matteo Margiotta is on-site) and rolling with them. 

1/15 Surf Road, Cronulla 

Best Restaurant with a View: Catalina 

Also a contender for an oldie but a goodie, Catalina is NEVER a bad idea. This bay-side spot celebrated 30 years in 2024 and there's a very good reason why — they do what they're good at. The freshest of seafood, attentive service, great flavours and views you won't be able to peel your eyes away from. It's a classic formula but it's a great one.

Lyne Park, Rose Bay 

If you loved this round up of the best Sydney restaurants our Editor ate at in 2024, be sure to take a peek at our favourite dishes in Sydney and our favourite new restaurants.