The most popular request for water taxis on Sydney Harbour is for a trip to or from one of Sydney’s many waterside restaurants. When you think about it, it makes sense. How else can you top off a great meal with a great view, but by hopping on a water taxi or a water limousine and skimming across Sydney Harbour on your way home. It sure beats the bus.
Here are some reviews of our favourite waterfront restaurants in Sydney Harbour. All of the prices are from Circular Quay, or for the return journey back to Circular Quay. If you want to be picked up from another spot on Sydney Harbour, check our “Service Area” page to find the wharf nearest to you. To visit the websites of these restaurants, click the names and you’ll create a new browser window with their website.
Catalina Restaurant – Rose Bay
$105 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Catalina Rose Bay is one of Australia’s great destination restaurants situated at Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour’s eastern foreshore.
Michael and Judy McMahon opened Catalina in 1994 with a simple goal: “to be Sydney’s favourite place to eat the best by the water”. Catalina was designed as a homage to the beauty of Sydney Harbour. Diners have a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour at water-level, punctuated only by the comings and goings of a working harbour, and incoming commuter sea planes based in front of the restaurant. Diners are welcome all day (full menu available).
Manly Pavilion
$165 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
This flash new mod-Italian restaurant is perched above the waters of Manly but it’s not just the spectacular harbour views that make this restaurant special, it’s the chef – Jonathan Barthelmess.
The wine list is huge but interesting with a fair section devoted to natural wines (organic, preservative free, unfiltered and unfined). We counted 86 wines under $70 and every varietal has a couple of wines under $50 which is significant for a venue that’s invested millions in its opening.
It’s clear the kitchen is firing on all cylinders. While you can pick and choose from the modern Italian menu, Manly Pavilion recommends you try the lavish five-course tasting menu at a fixed price of $98 per person.
Pier Restaurant – Rose Bay
$105 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Pier is internationally renowned and awarded as Australia’s finest seafood restaurant. Pier’s Tasting Room is a fabulous complement to the restaurant. Chefs Greg Doyle and Grant King along with Pastry Chef Katrina Kanetani create Pier’s menu with the philosophy of only serving the finest seasonal produce available. Pier offers some of Sydney’s best water views creating one of Sydney’s ultimate dining experiences.
Pier is open seven days for lunch 12pm – 3pm and dinner 6pm – 10pm Monday to Saturday.
Flying Fish Restaurant – Jones Bay
$70 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Flying Fish Restaurant is surrounded by breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.
Flying Fish has been constructed from an original heritage wharf site and blends a contemporary mix of design highlights to deliver a new and unique Sydney dining experience. The inspirational menu consists of fresh seafood and seasonal delights. This in combination with the stunning two-storey loft design, unique lighting and spectacular waterfront setting, make for an evening to remember.
Ripples Restaurant – Chowder Bay
$105 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Ripples at Chowder Bay is the younger sister of Aqua Dinning and Ripples at Milsons Point. It is an alfresco cafe housed on the deck of the Submarine Miners’ Depot at Chowder Bay, Mosman Sydney.
Boasting unrivalled views of Clifton Gardens and Sydney Harbour, diners enjoy an Italian inspired menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Doyles Restaurant – Watson’s Bay
$110 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Doyles on the Beach is located right on the foreshore of Watsons Bay overlooking the magnificent panorama of Sydney Harbour from the glamourous eastern suburbs.
Doyles is internationally famous and a mecca for Sydneysiders and tourists alike, offering a stunning range of fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.
Star City Casino Sydney and Lyric Theatre
$70 for first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Star City has seven restaurants and eight bars, as well as Sydney’s famous Casino. Star City also boasts a grand ballroom for weddings, anniversaries and corporate events. Situated on the waterfront in Pyrmont.
The Lyric Theatre is another attraction within the Star City Casino complex and is a short distance from the wharf where the water taxis arrive.
Watershed Hotel – Darling Harbour
$65 first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
The Watershed, located by the waters’ edge at Darling Harbour is the perfect place to relax with a cool drink as the sun sets over the city, watch the latest sports match in 3D, or enjoy a lively night out with friends along to the beats of some of Sydney’s hippest DJ’s. With its enticing alfresco area, spacious bar and all day menu that caters to all tastes, the Watershed is one of Sydney’s leading venues.
The Watershed delivers Sydney’s finest food & wine menus with a mix of modern Australian cuisine from AHA National Chef of the Year, Daniel Fountain, as well as a host of mouth-watering cocktails and a selective wine list has an emphasis on Australian products.
Woolloomooloo Restaurants – Cowper Wharf
$65 first 4 persons + $10 per person thereafter
Akis Indian Restaurant
China Doll
Kingsley’s Steak & Crabhouse
Manta
Nova Cucina
Otto Ristorante
Book a Water Taxi to any of these waterfront restaurants:
Prices incl. first 4 passengers. Extra passengers: $10pp.
Bathers Pavilion, Balmoral – $150.00
Watermark Restaurant – Balmoral – $150.00
ORSO’s Restaurant – Middle Harbour – $180.00
Aqua Dining – Luna Park – $60
Sails Restaurant – Lavender Bay – $60
Banjo Pattersons Restaurant – Gladesville - $145