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50+ Sydney Restaurants Taking Bookings Post-Lockdown
By Nick Hall - Guide Published: , Last Updated:
Freedom day is nearly upon us and the big question on everyone’s mind is ‘Where can I get a restaurant booking in Sydney?’ With the Harbour City’s restaurants, cafes, and bars allowed to reopen once NSW hits its 70% double vaccination target, the hospitality industry is getting ready for an onslaught of interest. A number of Sydney restaurants are already taking bookings in preparation for the big day, which is currently slated for Monday 11 October. After months of take-away and home dining, we can finally reconnect with our favourite bars and restaurants. Get ready Sydney.
Needless to say, the whole city is on high alert, with discussion over where that first post-lockdown draught beer or fine dining meal might come from. The good news is that there is a vast number of Sydney restaurants taking bookings, which makes sense considering the caps on patrons and social distancing measures that must be adhered to.
To get you up to speed and make sure you don’t miss out on that first post-lockdown feed, we’ve rounded up all the Sydney restaurants taking bookings right now. From the CBD to the Northern Beaches and everywhere in between, there is a pub booking for you, but make sure you get in quick. The whole city is waiting.
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In Sydney CBD
An area that has seen the biggest decline in foot traffic, the Sydney CBD is back on the menu. Here is a list of restaurants in the city that are currently taking post-lockdown bookings.
ARIA
The iconic restaurant in arguably the most iconic spot in Australia, it’s hard to go past ARIA for a feed. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, there’s no better time to pop your cherry than that first post-lockdown adventure outside.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9240 2255
Arthur
A set menu spot with a fantastic atmosphere, Arthur is nestled delicately in Surry Hills. Ideal for a first date after lockdown, this one is a bonafide winner.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 544 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 0468 991 088
Babylon
The rooftop bar and restaurant is set to reopen as soon as possible, with the weekend ‘Meze and Bottomless Mimosas’ returning for $68pp. Guests will receive unlimited mimosas matched with the chef’s selection of meze.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Located in: Westfield Sydney
Address: Level 7/188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8014 5663
Bennelong
It might just be the best view in Sydney, but there is more to Bennelong than just scenery. Great food, excellent atmosphere and an incredible night await at this marvel of modern dining.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 27 October
Located in: Sydney Opera House
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9240 8000
The Beresford
If you’re looking to make a pub booking post-lockdown, The Beresford more than has you covered. Big and bougie, you can’t really go wrong with beers on tap and a god-tire nibbles section.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 12 October
Address: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9114 7328
Bistecca
Famous of massive Florentine T-Bone steaks, Bistecca is the perfect first meal after lockdown for meat-eaters. Enjoy a food coma and slip into the delicate world of fine flavours.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 12 October
Address: 3 Dalley St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8067 0450
Bopp & Tone
The legenday long lunches are back. The CBD’s favourite jazz bar and restaurant is set to bring its unique flavours back from Wednesday 20 October.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 20 October
Address: 60 Carrington St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9299 9997
Chin Chin Sydney
Housed in the heritage-listed Griffiths Tea building, this much-loved South East Asian restaurant s a must-visit. With stunning decor and a menu that can’t be beaten, Chin Chin Sydney is a seriously good time.
Taking bookings from: Monday 4 October
Address: 69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9281 3322
De Vine Food & Wine
Looking to go a little bit fancy in your return to restaurants? This Sydney institution offers great flavours and a touch of Italy. Best of all, it’s alreayd taking bookings.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: 32 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9262 6906
Felix
Merivale’s fantastic French icon is set to reopen as soon as possible. Felix, renowned for it’s stunning meat and vegetable dishes is bringing a touch of European class back to the Sydney CBD and we are eternally thankful.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 2 Ash St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9114 7303
The Forresters
The recently-revamped venue is bringing refined pub grub back to the menu. The Forresters is set to reopen from Monday 18 october with bookings already lining up.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8033 2665
The Gidley
If you are serious about steak, the only place you need to book post lockdown is The Gidley. Great service, stunning food and an atmosphere that is second to none, you’re in for a treat.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 12 October
Address: Basement/161 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9169 6898
Gowings Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of QT Sydney, Gowings has been one of the best known Sydney Restaurants for decades. The classic venue is set to reopen its doors from Monday 18 October.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 1/49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8262 0062
Jimmy’s Falafel
Wholesome food with a backdrop to match – Jimmy’s Falafel is one of those places you can’t help but love. It might have been a long time coming, but charcoal chicken and falafel is back on the menu.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 312 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9114 7381
Maybe Sammy
The legends at Australia’s best cocktail bar are back with their ‘mini happy hour’ which runs Weds – Sat from 4.30 – 5.30pm with $5.50 mini cocktails.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 20 October
Address: 115 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9241 4970
Monopole
Powerhouse duo Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt are set to fling open the doors of their European-inspired CBD wine bar in what we can only describe as gloriously necessary.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 20 October
Address: 16-20 Curtin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8080 9144
The Meat & Wine Co
Big steaks and bigger flavour, the team at Meat & Wine Co know their stuff. For carnivores, the grills are already heating up with the Sydney restaurant taking bookings from October.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Located in: InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
Address: Shop 12, Lobby/117 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9252 7888
Mr Wong
You already know. Mr Wong is famous for Chinese roasted duck and outrageous dim sums, so grab your mates and head back to this wonderland of flavour.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Located in: Establishment Hotel
Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9114 7317
Nakano Darling
Located right in the heart of Darling Square, this vibrant little eatery is set to reopen just in time for drinking season. Get amongst it.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Located in: Darling Square
Address: 14 Steam Mill La, Haymarket NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8957 4301
NOLA Smokehouse & Bar
If barbequed meats are your style of cuising, the legends over at NOLA Smokehouse have you covered. Transporting you back to New Orleans, the restaurant is taking bookings from Friday 22 October.
Taking bookings from: Friday 22 October
Located in: International Towers
Address: Level 1, One International Towers Sydney 100 Barangaroo Ave Cnr Barangaroo Ave &, Shipwright Walk, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9188 3039
NOMAD
Serious fine dining fiends are back in action. The great flavours of NOMAD are set to land on plates from Monday 11 October.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 16 Foster St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9280 3395
Quick Brown Fox Eatery
To celebrate reopening, Pyrmont’s Quick Brown Fox Eatery is launching ‘Beats & Bottomless’, an evolution of their hugely popular bottomless brunch offering from Saturday, October 16. The original offering still stands – choose any dish on the menu and then tack on bottomless mimosas/espresso. Too good.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 22 Union St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: (02) 9660 6345
Shaffa
This Middle Eastern hotspot is finally set to reopen, brnging some serious flavour to Surry Hills. Get ready for bottomless drinks packages.
Taking bookings from: Friday 22 October
Address: 80 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 0451 810 480
The Squire’s Landing
One of the best beer garden views in Sydney, The Squire’s landing offers up direct views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. If you’re looking to kick off post-lockdown drinks, this is the spot.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Located in: Sydney Cove Overseas Passenger Terminal
Address: Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8014 5663
Tio’s
Been missing a margy? The team at Tio’s is already shaving ice in preparation for your arrival. From Wednesday 20 October, the Mexican bar is back on deck to fling great cocktails and food your way.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 20 October
Address: 4/14 Foster St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Restaurants Taking Bookings in the Eastern Suburbs
From Bondi to Coogee, there are a number of restaurants taking bookings in the Eastern Suburbs. If you live close to the beach, here are your best bets for hitting the pub post-lockdown.
The Apollo
If you are of the Greek persuasion, The Apollo is currently taking bookings for its reopening on Monday 18 October. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Located in: DeVere Hotel
Address: 44 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8354 0888
The Butler
Seriously swanky in all the right ways, you can’t go wrong with The Butler. Gorgeous views and an atrium-like aesthetic make this just about the best spot for a post-lockdown vino.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 123 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 8354 0742
Calita
Specialising in seafood cooked in the authentic Mexican manner, we couldn’t think of a better place in ring in the warmer weather. Sit back and enjoy a few cocktails and some seriously special food.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 12 October
Address: Shop 1/266 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9371 8611
Carbon
Famous for its refined take on smokey Mexican street food, this Bondi Road restaurant is grilling up tortillas, seafood and slow-cooked meats on a wood fire barbecue. Count us in.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 12 October
Address: 288 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9388 1451
China Diner
With a few different locations, China Diner has some options on the menu. If you are after something fun and light, the Sydney restaurant is taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Located in: La Palma
Address: 75-79 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9130 2333
Chiswick
A true farm to plate situation, Chiswich is the brainchild of celebrity chef Matt Moran. This high-class hotspot is serving up fresh feeds again from Tuesday 19 October.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: 65 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW 2025
Phone: (02) 8388 8688
Coogee Wine Room
Why not pair some fine wine with a few Mediterranean-inspired share plates? That’s exactly what you’ll get come Tuesday 19 October when Coogee Wine Room finally reopens.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: 222 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee NSW 2034
Phone: (02) 9665 5478
Drake Eatery
Coocktails on the beach are back. Bondi’s Drake Eatery will be reopening for lunch Thursday – Sunday and dinner every night of the week.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: Curlewis St &, Gould St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9130 3218
Franca Brasserie
This Sydney restaurant is taking bookings from Monday 18 October, kickstarting its own unique brand of Mediterranean fare for the first time in months.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: Shop 2/81 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 9167 2921
Henrietta
Nothing beats charcoal chicken and Potts Point restaurant Henrietta is pretty darn good at it. Pair it with some frozen cocktails and you’re in for a treat.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 500 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9380 7247
Icebergs
Look, it’s pretty hard to miss this one. Exceptional dining in Australia’s most Instagrammed location. What could be better post-lockdown?
Taking bookings from: Friday 15 October
Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9365 9000
Mimi’s
If you can fight off the influencers for a table, you’ll be treated to a seriously good time at Mimi’s. Great food and stunning cocktails, this one is a must-visit on our post-lockdown list.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 13 October
Located in: Coogee Pavilion
Address: 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034
Phone: (02) 9114 7324
North Bondi Fish
With one of the best views of Bondi Beach, North Bondi Fish is the perfect place to waste a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, we can finally book in to do just that.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9130 2155
Nour
Surry Hills royalty, Nour is flinging open the doors once again. Taking bookings from Tuesday 19 October, the fine-dining Lebanese restaurant is a must-do for those looking to broaden their culinary horizons.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: 3/490 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9331 3413
Totti’s
Another influencer-fest, Totti’s reopening is sure to be the most talked-about event post-lockdown. Get into it.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 283 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9114 7371
Yellow
With a seriously impressive fine dining plant-based menu, Yellow is a great spot for vego-fans. In terms of atmosphere, you can’t really go wrong with its converted 1950s art gallery home.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 20 October
Address: 57 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 9332 2344
Restaurants Now Taking Bookings In Sydney’s Inner West
Sydney’s cultural hub, the Inner West is home to a number of fantastic and diverse cuisines. Here is a list of restaurants taking bookings in the Inner West.
Cafe Paci
Have you been hankering for some ox tongue and sauerkraut rye tacos during lockdown? Thank the lord, Cafe Paci is finally reopening. Let’s get weird.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 131 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9550 6196
Emma’s Snack Bar
Lebanese food at its finest, Emma’s Snack Bar is an Inner West institution. Load your plate with as much hommus, garlic dip and flatbread as you can manage.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: 59 Liberty St, Enmore NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9550 3458
Hartsyard
Never compromising on the quality of produce, all-Australian icon Hartsyard is one for the real foodies. Head chef and co-owner Jarrod Walsh is officially back in the kitchen, with the Sydney restaurant taking bookings from Monday 18 October.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 33 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 8068 1473
Kepos Street Kitchen
Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, Redfern local Kepo Street Kitchen has all bases covered. Led by award-winning chef Michael Rantissi, this Inner West restaurant serves modern Israeli food at its finest.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 12 October
Address: 96 Kepos St, Redfern NSW 2016
Phone: (02) 9319 3919
Little Lagos
There aren’t too many Nigerian restaurants in the Inner West, so you might be in for some competition when making a booking here. Get in quick.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 13 October
Address: 125 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9519 2644
Mjølner
With a name you can’t pronounce and food you can’t miss, Mjølner is at the top of our list of must-visit restaurants after lockdown. Viking Feast anyone?
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 13 October
Address: 267 Cleveland St, Redfern NSW 2016
Phone: (02) 8646 4930
One Penny Red
Small plates with big flavour – that’s what you can expect when One Penny Red flings the doors back open for bookings on Monday 18 October.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 2 Moonbie St, Summer Hill NSW 2130
Phone: (02) 9797 8118
Sixpenny
Tucked away in a tidy little terrace, Sixpenny is the jewel in Stanmore’s crown. If you’re after a feast after lockdown, try the tasting menu and celebrate the best Sydney has to offer.
Taking bookings from: Friday 22 October
Address: 83 Percival Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048
Phone: (02) 9572 6666
Restaurants Taking Bookings in North Sydney
The Northern Beaches are back open and the restaurants that line them are on for business. Here are the bars and pubs taking bookings North of Sydney.
Bert’s Bar and Brasserie
With a coastal European menu that calls for oysters, crab, whole fish or lobster, you can’t really go wrong with Bert.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 13 October
Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106
Phone: (02) 9114 7350
The Botanist
A cute little bar and restaurant from the team at Applejack, The Botanist is one of Kirribilli’s finest restauants. Best of all, it’s now taking bookings.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli NSW 2061
Phone: (02) 9954 4057
The Collaroy
Opening as soon as possible, The Collaroy is one of the ritziest pubs taking bookings in Sydney. Easy, breezy and just off the beach, this is a great spot to spend you first post-lockdown long lunch.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 1064 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097
Phone: (02) 9114 7366
Little Red Robin
A great spot for Italian in Lane Cove, Little Red Robin is a bustling restaurant taking bookings from Thursday 21 October.
Taking bookings from: Thursday 21 October
Address: Entry Via, 4/85 Longueville Road, Birdwood Ln, Lane Cove
Phone: (02) 9418 9529
The Newport
A prime spot for catching rays and slinging pints, this pubs is taking bookings from Monday 11 October. Get ready to soak up the sun in arguably the Northern Beaches’ most luxurious setting.
Taking bookings from: Monday 11 October
Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106
Phone: (02) 9114 7337
Ormeggio at the Spit
It doesn’t get much better than overlooking Middle Harbour, drink in one hand, forkful of pasta in the other. Luckily enough, this Italian hotspot has you covered on all fronts.
Taking bookings from: Friday 22 October
Located in: d’Albora Marinas the Spit
Address: D’Albora Marinas, Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: (02) 9969 4088
Pilu at Freshwater
One of the best restaurants in Sydney, Pilu is finally reopening to the public. With a menu littered with fan favourites, this fine dining extravaganza is an absolute must after lockdown.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096
Phone: (02) 9938 3331
Queen Chow Manly
If luxe Cantonese with a scenic backdrop sounds like the way you dreamt of ringing in new freedoms, Queen Chow Manly is your best bet.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 13 October
Located in: Manly Wharf
Address: Manly Wharf, 22-23 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Phone: (02) 9114 7341
SoCal
Bringing back the vibes, SoCal has great cocktails, fanciful food combinations and one of the best atmospheres anywhere in Sydney.
Taking bookings from: Monday 18 October
Address: 1 Young St, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Phone: (02) 9904 5691
Restaurants Taking Bookings in Western Sydney
Restaurants in Western Sydney are known for their big flavours and fanciful feasts and for the first time in months, the doors are flying open. Here’s where you can grab a booking.
Lilymu
Parramatta’s favourite Asian eatery is back on the menu, bringing bold flavours and great food to our city’s West.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: 153 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: (02) 7809 4952
Ruse Bar & Brasserie
Located in the beating heart of Parramatta Square dining, Ruse Bar is known for its mud crab and toast and delicious cocktails. Can’t argue with that.
Taking bookings from: Tuesday 19 October
Address: Shop 4.01-4.03 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: (02) 9169 0835
Cicciabella
Get ready for hand-made pasta, Italian wine and the delicious, salty smell of fresh seafood, Cicciabella is back on the cards. The Sydney restaurant is taking bookings from Wednesday 20 October.
Taking bookings from: Wednesday 20 October
Address: Parramatta Square, T3/01 153 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: (02) 8090 6979
General FAQs
As per the NSW Government, restaurants in Sydney are slated to reopen on the Monday following the state's 70% vaccination mark. At this stage, reopening has been planned for Monday 11 October 2021.
After NSW reaches the 70% vaccination rate, restaurants will be subject to the 4sqm per patron rule.
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