Sydney’s culinary landscape is distinguished by its Hatted restaurants. A mark of excellence awarded by the Australian Good Food Guide to venues that demonstrate exceptional cuisine, innovation, and superior dining experiences. Reflecting the city’s rich multicultural fabric, these restaurants offer a variety of flavours, from traditional Italian and Japanese omakase to modern Australian fare that highlights the best of local produce. 

Esteemed chefs lead these establishments, employing creative techniques to craft dishes that captivate and delight diners. Venturing into Sydney’s Hatted restaurants is an exploration of culinary creativity and excellence, providing both locals and tourists with unforgettable dining experiences that encapsulate the city’s dynamic and diverse food scene.

List of Hatted Restaurants in Sydney [2024]

3 Hats Restaurants in Sydney

Here are six 3 hatted restaurants in Sydney for 2024:

  • Oncore by Clare Smyth 
  • Quay 
  • Bentley Restaurant & Bar 
  • LuMi Bar & Dining 
  • Tetsuya’s 
  • Sixpenny

3 Hats Restaurants in Sydney

2 Hats Restaurants in Sydney

Here is a list of 2 hatted restaurants in Sydney for 2024:

  • ARIA Sydney 
  • Bennelong 
  • Metisse 
  • Saint Peter 
  • Yellow 
  • Ormeggio at The Spit 
  • Nel Restaurant
  • KOI Experiential 
  • Jung Sung Contemporary Korean
  • Berowra Waters Inn 

2 hat restaurants in Sydney

1 Hat Restaurants in Sydney

Here is a list of 1 hatted restaurants in Sydney for 2024:

  • Yoshii’s Omakase 
  • Atelier By Sofitel
  • Firedoor 
  • Mr Wong 
  • Pilu At Freshwater
  • Ester Restaurant and Bar 
  • Haco 

Best food in Sydney - Chef hats

A Glimpse into Sydney’s 3-Hatted Restaurants

Oncore by Clare Smyth

[Barangaroo] – Modern Australian

Perched elegantly within the vibrant precinct of Barangaroo, Oncore by Clare Smyth is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beacon of culinary excellence where the richness of Australian ingredients meets the unparalleled artistry of Clare Smyth. Every dish served is a symphony of flavours, masterfully composed to enchant the senses. The breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour serve as the perfect canvas for this unforgettable gastronomic odyssey, making every visit a treasure trove of culinary delights.

Quay

[The Rocks] – Modern Australian

Quay, nestled in the historic heart of The Rocks, stands as a testament to the evolution of modern Australian cuisine. Under the guidance of Chef Peter Gilmore, Quay transforms the bounty of the land and sea into an array of dishes that speak volumes of creativity and innovation. The restaurant’s vantage point offers guests a mesmerising panorama that complements the culinary artistry on display, creating a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Bentley Restaurant & Bar

[Sydney CBD] – European
In the pulsating heart of Sydney’s CBD, Bentley Restaurant & Bar presents a daring fusion of European culinary traditions with a modern twist. The ambience, characterised by its cutting-edge design, sets the stage for an audacious gastronomic journey. Bentley’s commitment to innovation is evident in every dish, crafted to challenge and delight, making each meal an exploration of the new frontiers of European cuisine.

LuMi Bar & Dining

[Pyrmont] – Italian

With its serene waterfront setting in Pyrmont, LuMi Bar & Dining offers a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine, infused with creativity and flair. Chef Federico Zanellato’s menu is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, each dish a testament to the harmonious balance between traditional Italian techniques and a pioneering spirit. LuMi is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience the essence of Italy, reimagined through a contemporary lens.

Tetsuya’s

[Sydney CBD] – International

Tetsuya’s represents a unique confluence of global flavours, masterfully blended by Chef Tetsuya Wakuda. This renowned establishment marries the precision of Japanese culinary philosophy with the elegance of French techniques, creating an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of Sydney. Each visit to Tetsuya’s is a voyage across continents, offering a taste of the world through the lens of one of the globe’s most celebrated chefs.

Sixpenny

[Stanmore] – Modern Australian

Tucked away in the quaint suburb of Stanmore, Sixpenny is a culinary gem that offers a sincere homage to the bounty of Australia. Chefs Daniel Puskas and James Parry craft dishes that embody the essence of Modern Australian cuisine, focusing on purity, simplicity, and an intimate connection with local farmers and producers. Dining at Sixpenny is akin to being part of a story – one that celebrates the land, its produce, and the magic that happens when these elements come together under the guidance of visionary chefs.

Good Food Guide in Sydney - Chef Hat Awards

Chef Hat Awards: What are They?

In Australia’s dynamic dining scene, chef hat awards are pivotal in acknowledging the crème de la crème of dining venues. These accolades, akin to the globally recognized Michelin stars or Forbes star ratings, act as markers of culinary prestige and distinction. The Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) is particularly notable in this landscape for its meticulous appraisal process, bestowing chef hats on establishments that demonstrate culinary brilliance. The number of hats awarded, from one to three, indicates ascending excellence in various aspects of the dining experience, including food quality, culinary innovation, ambience, and service. 

As an independent entity, the AGFG has carved a niche for itself within the Australian gastronomy industry, directing food enthusiasts towards the nation’s top dining experiences. This hat award system spurs restaurants on to reach new heights of creativity and excellence, thus progressively enhancing Australia’s culinary standards. Securing a chef hat from the AGFG is highly sought after, symbolising a restaurant’s dedication to superior quality and its leadership within the culinary community.

The hats are awarded from 1 to 3, where 3 hats signify the most prestigious award among these. Earning even a single hat is an acknowledgment of a restaurant’s commitment to excellence in food and service, denoting it as a standout dining venue. A two-hat rating indicates exceptional culinary skill, ingredient quality, and overall dining experience, while three hats represent a restaurant’s unparalleled cuisine and service on a global scale.

Final Thoughts on Hatted Restaurants in Sydney

Hatted restaurants in Sydney not only elevate the dining scene but also offer unique experiences that reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Each establishment, with its distinct approach to cuisine and ambience, invites diners to explore the depths of gastronomy in settings that are as breathtaking as the dishes they serve.