Solo Dining Sydney: The Best Restaurants for a Table for One
Solo dining in Sydney is a vibe and these are the best restaurants for it.
Sydney's restaurant scene is better than ever, and if you can't wait for company to experience all there is to offer, we don't blame you. Whether you're surrounded by fussy eaters, travelling solo or just fancy a bit of me time, a table for one is the way to go.
If you're new to Sydney's solo dining scene and aren't sure where to start, we've rounded up the best restaurants and bars to ease you into the movement. From pasta joints to omakase, we're sure you'll find something to your taste. Bon appetit!
de Vine Food and Wine
Nestle into the cosy ambience of de Vine Food and Wine with the best date of all - yourself. Tucked away just opposite Town Hall in the heart of the CBD, it’s the ultimate spot for a deluxe solo dinner after work. Their Italian fare makes for a perfect comfort food feast.
But what really makes de Vine shine is the warm welcome you get. Owners (and brothers), Anthony and Julian Izzillo, know exactly how to make you feel like family as soon as you walk through the door. Settle in at a table by the window and people watch to your heart's content, or grab a seat up at the bar.
32 Market Street, Sydney
Jane
A lovely spot for a meal for one, Jane has a 1970s brasserie vibe that feels both inviting and stylish. The playful menu, crafted from strictly Australian-only produce and with a zero-waste ethos, makes dining alone a real delight.
Treat yourself to inventive dishes like Gundagai lamb rump or kangaroo tartare, and don't miss the iconic pink cake—a standout dessert featuring vanilla sponge, meringue, bay leaf cream, and candied rosella flowers. The intimate setting ensures you can relax and enjoy each bite at your own pace.
478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Besuto Omakase
Hidden down the cosy Underwood Street in Circular Quay, Besuto is ideal for a party of one. The bar is inspired by Tokyo's hidden drinking dens and has an intimate and unintimidating feel.
Sip on an expertly mixed whisky highball before entering the sliding door and fabric Noren, where you'll uncover Besuto Omakase's counter for eight. The bench seat gives you a front-row seat to the chef's impeccable skills and will keep you occupied throughout the two-hour seating. Chances are you'll stumble across a few other solo diners enjoying their own dining experience.
3 Underwood Street, Sydney
Bopp & Tonne
Bopp & Tone is a solo diner's dream. The relaxed, lived-in luxury of the space makes it easy to feel at home while the food is beyond. The menu delivers in every bite with dishes cooked on an impressive 900kg wood-fired grill or charcoal oven.
Standouts include the wood-grilled lamb rump, charcoal-roasted Australian king prawns, and slow-roasted chicken. Lighter options like the burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wood-fired broccolini cater to all tastes.
Pair your meal with a Shiraz—especially during their July Shiraz Month—for a truly special solo experience.
60 Carrington Street, Wynyard Park
Arthur
If you fancy taking yourself out for a special meal, Surry Hills' Arthur is a top pick. The team here has a dedicated policy for looking after solo diners, and chefs and staff ensure the Arthur experience is delivered.
Serving up an Australia-only menu, Arthur incorporates native Australian ingredients and exclusively Australian-grown produce and products to craft a menu paired perfectly with the restaurant's Australian wine list. It's a great one for overseas diners and solo travellers!
544 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Fabbrica
Fabbrica is a low-key, no-fuss eatery nestled away under street level in Sydney's busy CBD. The bar stool seating keeps things super casual and is perfect for a quick solo bite. The pasta is easily some of the best in Sydney, and the wine list is a delight. Best of all, you can pick up some top-tier deli groceries to stock the fridge and pantry for the rest of the week.
161 King Street, Sydney
Kittyhawk
This fabulous French-inspired bar features luxe leather booths and intimate tables where you can snuggle up with a good book and a glass of wine.
Cocktails are military-themed, and a quirky ‘airplane manual’ menu is filled with deliciously inventive creations. Food is decadent and traditional, with Parisian delights such as steak tartare, duck liver pate, and bumps of caviar. You'll walk out of there feeling oh-so-decadent.
16 Phillip Lane, Sydney
The Gidley
Tucked beneath Sydney's CBD, The Gidley is an excellent choice for solo diners who want a welcoming atmosphere and tasty bites. This American-style steakhouse has intimate seating for enjoying a quiet meal or a cocktail crafted before your eyes.
Indulge in their specialty prime cuts, like the Riverine Black Angus ribeye, or explore flavorful dishes like the brick chicken and whole trout.
Basement, 161 King Street, Sydney
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Just because you're dining solo doesn't mean you should miss out on the opulence of Rockpool Bar & Grill. If you're worried about dining alone, firstly, don't be. You're gorgeous. Secondly, opt for a seat at the bar.
They don't take bookings at the bar, so it's perfect for a spontaneous bout of me time. And in excellent news, you can score the Rockpool cheeseburger or full-blood wagyu burger plus chips and a beer for a tidy $29 from Monday to Friday and from 5:30pm on Saturdays.
66 Hunter Street, Sydney
Clam Bar
Dining solo at Clam Bar is a mood. Indulge in a boujee New York grill, and look mysterious and fancy, living your best life at your table for one. You can expect the freshest Australian seafood paired with decadent New York cocktails with a hint of '70s nostalgia.
44 Bridge Street, Sydney
Cardea
Sydney has plenty of excellent bars, but none are quite as luxurious as Cardea. Take yourself out for an opulent date and nestle into one of the decadent velvet armchairs or, if you like catching a bit of action, score a seat at the bar.
Award-winning mixologist George Bekarian is behind the cocktail menu, which is innovative and thrilling. Secrets of Aleja—Bombay Sapphire, Rhubarb Liqueur, Lime Juice, Cherry Jam, and Whites—is an absolute delight.
As for bites, there's something for any appetite, from Cantabric anchovies, if you fancy something light, to signature mains ranging from charcoal Loster to button parmesan pasta.
Sitchu Tip: Check out the live entertainment schedule and time your visit to coincide.
Shop 2, T3.01, 300 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Tasted your way through this edit of solo dining destination in Sydney and keen to explore the foodie scene further? Be sure to catch our edits of affordable fine dining in Sydney, and our favourite lunches in Sydney.