The Best Restaurants in Walsh Bay for a Pre-Show Meal
Because nothing beats dinner and a show, here are the best restaurants in Walsh Bay.
An evening spent along the piers of Walsh Bay or within the heritage-rich alleys of Millers Point is sure to make you fall back in love with Sydney.
With crowds now descending on the area from Dawes Point, Walsh Bay to Millers Point and everywhere in between to see the best of Sydney’s theatre and ballet industry on show, the dining scene has been quick to assume the mantle of feeding the ravenous patrons — and boy is the area flush with excellent dining choices, perfect for a pre-or post-show meal or a casual evening out.
We’ve explored the best restaurants Walsh Bay has to offer for food and drink, from white tablecloths to gastropubs, there is a restaurant suited to everyone in this historic quarter of Sydney.
Walsh Bay Kitchen
Regardless of the occasion, Walsh Bay Kitchen’s sleek fit-out perfectly complements its inventive menu offering which blends authentic Japanese techniques with innovative flavours. Highlights include fresh seafood like coconut prawns and miso-glazed salmon alongside hearty options like slow-cooked beef.
A two or three-course dining option ensures that patrons will make it to the show with plenty of time to spare, while the à la carte menu satisfies those looking for a more personalised experience.
22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Ventuno Kitchen
This contemporary Italian eatery is a Walsh Bay favourite for those frequenting the harbourside suburb. It features authentic antipasti, pasta, and pizza aplenty. Their desserts are just as divine with the dark chocolate barbajada made of layered caramel crémeux, chocolate crumble, salted caramel gelato, and vanilla a must-try.
Be sure to check out Ventuno's upcoming events. They always have something fun and delicious on the agenda, from a truffle dinner series to exclusive wine experiences.
21 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Jounieh
Jounieh provides a contemporary take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfectly positioned harbourside in Walsh Bay, everything from the food to the setting brings an authentic yet modern twist to Lebanese culinary culture. The a la carte menu is ideal for sharing (think prawns, caramelised prawns, Moreton Bay bags, and Lebanese bread with dips), while the banquet packages make for heartier dining experiences.
Beautifully fitted out in a nautical style, think wood, stone and neutral tones, this indoor-outdoor restaurant makes the perfect destination for your next romantic dinner or girly catch-up.
2/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point
The Gantry Restaurant & Bar
The Gantry, provides endless drinking and dining options for those vying for an elegant dining experience with a side of views of Sydney harbour. The sleek bar is a tempting spot to pull up a stool for a cocktail before heading over to the dining room.
Serving up a la carte delights as well as several degustation menus, including the two and three-course tasting and the Chef's Selection menu. A blend of contemporary chic and classically heritage design, the refined ambience is impossible to ignore. You’ll likely decide that settling for one of their tasting menus is the right choice.
For meat and seafood lovers look forward to the likes of yellowfin tuna, blacklip abalone and wild river duck and the ginger lime sundae.
11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf
A secret Sydney gem, the Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf is situated within the Sydney Theatre Company and overlooks the harbour. Perch up pre or post-show and enjoy a glass of wine and a tasty bite from their menu, with hearty mains like crispy beer-battered fish and roast beef fillet, alongside yummy small plates such as deep-fried calamari and smoked trout dip. There are also vegetarian and vegan options, including spicy teriyaki udon noodles and roast baby cauliflower.
Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Lotus Dumpling Bar
Providing an impressive offering of Pan-Asian-inspired fare, this Walsh Bay restaurant is flocked to by theatre lovers before they bustle off to their seats. Arrive a little after 7.30pm at Lotus and you’ll have a much easier time finding a prime seat to get stuck into some delectable cuisine.
With a variety of steamed, blanched and fried dumplings, your favourites are no doubt provided; order the Peking duck pancakes to nourish your thinking while you deliberate over the dumpling debate.
3/16 Hickson Road, Dawes Point
Lavana Restaurant
Offering a moreish range of tapas dishes as well as a full à la carte selection, Lavana is as impressive as a quick stop-in as it is for a full meal with dazzling habrouside views to boot. As well as the tapas, dine on premium marbled steaks and the freshest locally sourced seafood, all with a tasty Mediterranean twist.
Head there on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7pm and make the most of their steak and wine night, where for $49, you can score black opal wagyu scotch fillet, served with twice-cooked duck fat, French styled pomme Anne and peppercorn or Diane sauce with a glass of wine.
6/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point
Hotel Palisade
This boutique hotel is a favourite for those looking for a refreshingly chic place to kick off Friday night dinner and drinks. Hotel Palisade's Public House on the ground floor boasts tap beers, a full wine and spirit offering and two entire pages dedicated to cocktails of both the classic and more inventive varieties. As for the food, it's all about good old-fashioned pub grub, serving up the best schnitties in town.
If you manage to arrive before the crowds, score yourself a seat upstairs at Henry Deane for an unparalleled view of the sunset over the harbour.
35 Bettington Street, Millers Point
Loving our list of the best Walsh Bay restaurants and looking for more Sydney locales to road test? From edgy Chinese restaurants and festive Mexican eateries to group dining favourites, there are endless cool restaurants to visit.
