I am now booked for the first part of our honeymoon in Sydney! Can't wait...but now I need to know THE top restaurants in Sydney. I would love to have a mixture of hig-end, romantic restaurants and also hip, "the scene" places. We are both in our twenties and still want to do the party thing, but also love trying out the top spots in town. We want to do at least a meal or two in one of the finest establishments in town....we like all cuisines, except vegetarian. Thank you!

Tetsuya's is an incredible restaurant. Don't miss it if you are serious about food.

Tetsuya's defintely as he would have to be our top chef, but you must book weeks in advance, so remeber to book early. Other good quality restaurants:
Cafe Sydney for great food + a spectacular view (ask for a table on the balcony; Forty One (the view in the man's toilet is the best in Sydney); Salt, Buon Rocardo for high quality Italian food (not the trendy type but authentic food and service); Aqua Luna, est (trendy and hip),

We've been told Icebergs is a restaurant not to be missed in Sydney.Fabulous decor overlooking the beach at Bondi and incredible food.Trying it in a few weeks!

Yes, Icebergs is the hottest place now. Bring your money with you. Very pricey, but good reviews. Hugo's also good.

I would recommend the award winning 'Forty One'. The food is excellent but the main selling point is the stunning view over the whole of Sydney Harbour

http://www.forty-one.com.au/home.htm

We dined at night, but I think if you can time your reservation to coincide with the sunset, the views would be absolutely stunning.

I thought forty one was over-rated.

One of my favourite restaurants, with great food, and less precious then 41 or Tetsuya's, is Seans Panaroma, at North Bondi. Overlooks the beach - go for lunch. Great food and good service, but not cheap. Note there's a surcharge on weekends (rats!)

In today's "Sydney Morning Herald" there's a mostly glowing review of a new restaurant called Flying Fish, located at Lower Deck, end of Jones Bay Wharf, 19 Pirrama Rd Pyrmont. (The location isn't as obscure as it sounds.) I wonder if any poster can add their comments?

Under the heading "Fin Dining" (why are these guys such inveterate punsters?) the reviewer summarises Flying Fish as follows: "The fitout is fabulous, the mood sexy, Peter Kuruvita's food wonderful. Shame they didn't hire waiters of the same standard as the chef and designer" (he found the waiters' performance patchy). Value: "superb", overall rating 16/20. The bill: entrees $19-25 (US$14-19), mains $36-38 (US$27-28), desserts $15 (US$11).

Note that US "appetiser" = Australian "entree", US "entree" = Australian "main course".

Margo, a few months ago, Donna Hay (not sure of the spelling) - known here for her cookbooks - appeared on Canadian House & Home (TV show). The host asked her what her favourite restaurant in Sydney was and Donna mentioned that she liked Sean's Panarama in Bondi. That's one restaurant that I'm interested in, but unfortunately I don't think we'll get there - I looked it up on the web and I don't think it's open on the days when we're in Sydney. Too bad, it looks great!

By any chance did you go to Vanderbilt? I did-Vandy92!

Susan
I think It's only closed one day a week - but I will check.

I live on the other side of the city, but it's one of my favourite trips. We were there for lunch once, on a rainy day, and the storms over the sea were fantastic.

It's quite relaxed, unlike the biggies, and you can just pop in for a plate of pasta, or something quick (although I never do - it usually takes me forever to make a choice from the menu!)

Thanks Margo. We probably won't be going out for many 'special' meals on this trip, so it would be nice if we could go there.

Thanks, everyone! I am going to make some reservations right now!
And, yes, Abby43, I DID go to Vanderbilt....Class of 1997! Cheers to you!

I would recommend the Kingsleys Steak House on King Street if you like good beef. I got tired of seafood so really enjoyed a good Australian steak.

We thought Tetsuya was overrated, especially for $180+ per person.
Did enjoy Aqua luna for Italian, Shimbashi Soba for Japanese noodles, Sky Phoenix for yum cha, Hugos for brunch and the Malaya. None of these are what I would consider top restaurants such as Taillevent , Lucas Carton, French Laundry etc. but still enjoyable.