Heading out for a bite to eat in Sydney?

Well, we want it to be an experience to remember.

Not just for the fabulous food and decadent drinks.

We want you to take away something more than just a satisfied belly.

Whether it’s saying you’ve eaten inside a revolving restaurant, dining in the depths of a basement, chowing down on crocodile (schooner in hand), taking the helm at a dining table-come-Korean barbecue, rocking on to hard rock or swaying along with oompah music (stein in hand), these Sydney restaurants offer fine fare and fabulous fun.

The Australian Heritage Hotel

This is one of our favourite Sydney pubs, for its great location at the top of The Rocks and the totally traditional Aussie pub vibe.

What we love too about the Australian Heritage Hotel is its awesome Australiana pizzas: as in toppings that include kangaroo, emu and crocodile!

That and the extensive range of native boutique beers and wines.

We’ve been here for group gatherings and date nights, at all hours – this place caters to any crowd and any occasion, such is its understated charm and sophistication (in that typical Aussie laid back fashion).

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Sydney Tower Buffet and 360 Bar and Dining

At the top of town, as in way, way up top, you can get a proper 360-degree view of the city with a revolving restaurant experience in Sydney Tower.

As for the food, there’s the Sydney Tower Buffet, great for the kids or with a large group.

Or for more of a fine dining experience (of the smart casual code), go for al a carte at 360 Bar and Dining.

The food’s always been divine on our visits, and then there’s the thrill of being perched up above the city, gently twirling past the Sydney skyline.

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Hard Rock Cafe Sydney

Yes, we know these joints were big in the 80s (we still remember wearing our Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts with pride as youngsters, and the excitement of a special birthday lunch at the jumping joint).

But we’re happy to say that the Hard Rock is still rocking in Sydney, although these days not from the Darlinghurst location we frequented in our youth but a prime position at Darling Harbour.

And we’re pleased to say the rock is still rolling, as is the memorabilia that decorates the walls, and the legendary burgers this restaurant chain is famous for.

We’re also thrilled to report that souvenirs (including t-shirts) are still available for purchase too!

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Munich Brauhaus

Long a landmark of The Rocks, the establishment formerly known as the Löwenbräu has had a makeover and now goes by the name of Munich Brauhaus.

While the decor may be only a little different and the floorspace a tad bigger, the beer hall atmosphere is more and merrier.

We’re pleased to report that out favourite mega schnitzels and sauerkraut sides remained on the menu too.

There’s plenty of pork, plus traditional Bavarian sausages to chow down on.

As for the “biers” we don’t really mind what the ale – so long as it’s served in a stein!

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Norsk Dor

Apart from the Nordic-inspired cuisine and the Viking vibe (timber tables and hides on chairs), we’re loving the whole secret basement experience of dining at Norsk Dor.

It’s novelty factor in a cool and understated (or should that be underground?!) way.

You’ll need to look for the silver door beside the Batch coffee and sandwich place at 70 Pitt Street to find your way in.

From there it’s down to the dining den, for a hearty food experience.

We tucked in to the Venison sampler on our visit (plenty of meat for us!) after eyeing off a bone marrow starter.

Loving the unashamed use of lard with the Nordic-style breads too.

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678 Sydney – Korean BBQ Restaurant

We’re usually totally turned off by the thought of cooking our own food when we go out to dine.

I mean, we do enough of that at home, right?

Holidays and short getaways are all about taking a break, especially with the endless dining options so close to Y Hotels.

But 678 Sydney has changed things for us.

You pop tasty morsels on the hotplate in the middle of the table then, a drink (or two) and some great dinner conversation later, it’s ready to eat.

Our grilled selection of sliced beef and sweet potato, capsicum, red onion and other barbecue-friendly veg went down a treat.

That and the Korean beer!

 

What’s your most memorable Sydney dining experience? Tell us in the comments section below.