Food diary · Sydney

A Foodie Weekend in Sydney

Harbourside oysters, an omakase counter worth dressing up for, and long lunches that quietly become dinner. My edible love letter to Sydney.

Sydney is one of those cities where the food and the view compete for your attention, and honestly, everybody wins. I came for the harbour and stayed for the seafood, the omakase, and the kind of long lunches you have to be rolled away from. If you are eating your way through, here is exactly where I would start.

Circular Quay

Oysters with a harbour view

There is no more Sydney way to start than a dozen freshly shucked oysters by the water, ferries gliding past and the Opera House doing its thing in the background. We sat harbourside, ordered too many, and let the view do the entertaining. Pure, briny, sunshine-in-a-shell perfection.

Tia's tip · Sit harbourside and order them freshly shucked by the dozen. Lunch with a view like this is a Sydney rite of passage.

The omakase counter

Sushi worth the splurge

Sydney does omakase beautifully, and it is worth every cent. We booked the counter seats and watched each piece made right in front of us, course after delicate course. Go hungry, put your phone down, and let the chef lead. It is dinner and a show in the best way.

Worth the splurge · Book the counter seats so you can watch every piece made in front of you, and always say yes to the chef's choice.

By the water

Long, lazy lunches

Sydney was made for the long lunch that quietly turns into dinner. Find a table by the water, order a few things to share, and clear your whole afternoon. This is the city at its absolute best: good food, golden light, and absolutely nowhere to be.

For the girls · Pick a spot by the water and block out the afternoon. The best Sydney lunches do not want to end, so let them.

Between bites

Coffee, icons and a walk

When you need a break from eating (it happens), walk it off along the harbour. The stroll from the Opera House through the Botanic Gardens is the best free thing in the city, and the photo ops are endless. Grab a coffee, take your time, and earn your next meal.

Do not miss · Walk the harbour from the Opera House to the Botanic Gardens. Best free thing in the city, and the photos are unreal.