Tastes of Sydney: From Street Eats to Teppanyaki Feasts

Sydney is famous for its harbour views and beaches, but I quickly discovered that Sydney food is just as unforgettable. From pancakes to oysters, sushi stalls to teppanyaki, my trip was filled with meals as memorable as the sights.

Breakfast at The Rocks Café: A Sydney Food Staple

One morning I stopped at The Rocks Café, a cozy spot in one of Sydney’s most historic neighborhoods. Their Salmon Royale was a dream: soft poached eggs, baby spinach, capers, Tasmanian smoked salmon, and hollandaise on sourdough. Instead of coffee, I enjoyed a steaming cup of peppermint tea (my go-to), and it made for a relaxed, satisfying start to the day.

Pancakes on The Rocks

For something casual (and a bit indulgent), I visited Pancakes on The Rocks. Famous with both locals and tourists, this spot serves stacks that live up to the hype. It’s a fun choice if you’re craving comfort food and don’t mind a little sweetness.

Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill: Sydney Food with Champagne Flair

A true highlight was dinner at Morrison’s Oyster Bar. I started with oysters, fresh with lemon and mignonette, then treated myself to the Morrison’s Burger: 180g patty, maple-cured bacon, cheese, lettuce, dill pickle, horseradish mayo, and fries. Paired with champagne, it was simple but elevated, and honestly one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

Seafood with a Harbour View

On the night I explored Vivid Sydney, I chose Harbourview Seafood Restaurant. I ordered a whole red snapper with salad, and the salad felt like a treat on its own since so many dishes in Sydney automatically came with chips (fries). With the harbour lit up in vivid colours outside, it was the perfect pairing of fresh seafood and unforgettable views.

The Rocks Teppanyaki: A Culinary Showstopper

The most spectacular meal I had in Sydney was at The Rocks Teppanyaki. This wasn’t just dinner — it was theatre on a plate. I chose a multi-course menu that included dishes like:

• Poke Cup – Hawaiian-style sashimi in spicy sauce, served in a crisp charcoal pastry with goat cheese and yuzu jam.
• Nanbanzuke – flash-fried salmon with sweet and sour pickles.
• Flaming No. 1 Special – crab salad wrapped in Hiramasa kingfish, flamed with a secret sauce.
• Antarctic Crab Leg – grilled on the teppan and served simply with lemon.
• Broiled Lobster Tail – cooked in garlic seaweed butter with sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.
• Crêpe Suzette – flambéed with Grand Marnier and served with vanilla bean ice cream.

The menu also offered wagyu beef, surf-and-turf options, and other indulgent upgrades. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every dollar for the experience, the flavors, and the performance.

Sydney Food Observations

Beyond restaurants, a few things stood out to me about the Sydney food scene:

• Chinese food everywhere – from casual eateries to high-end restaurants.
• Chips with almost everything – fish and chips are iconic, but fries seem to come with nearly every dish.
• Sushi on the go – countless little stands offering pre-made rolls and bowls, perfect for a quick bite.
• Weekend markets – stalls overflowing with international flavors, unique snacks, and even kangaroo. (I couldn’t quite bring myself to try it!)

Final Thoughts

Sydney’s food reflects the city itself: diverse, fresh, and always a little extra. Whether it was a casual burger with champagne, dumplings at a market, or a full teppanyaki spectacle, every meal told part of my Sydney story. And honestly? I’d go back just for the food.

Most of these meals were in The Rocks, a historic district filled with restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The best part? They were all walkable from my hotel, which made exploring Sydney food both easy and enjoyable.