The Best Asian Restaurants in Sydney for a Flavoursome Feast
Whether you're craving dumplings or noodles, sushi or short soup, these are the best Asian restaurants in Sydney to hit up.
It’s no secret that Sydneysiders have an enduring love affair with Asian cuisine. There are plenty of restaurants scattered across the city overwhelming us with choice so, we've done a little digging, a little tasting and a whole lot of sipping to help you decide where to pop in next. From traditional food to fancy fusion fare, there's a restaurant to cover every style.
Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Malaysian, read on for our favourite Asian restaurants in Sydney.
Itō
A very welcome addition to the Crown Street scene, Itō is the Japanese Izakaya you need on your restaurant rotation. Head Chef Erik Ortolani has combined his Italian heritage and passion for Japanese cooking to craft something truly unique. Dishes like yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga and Wagyu mafaldine paired with white shimeji and miso grace the menu and will give you a whole new appreciation for fusion cuisine.
Key to the Itō experience is the drinks menu which features Japanese-inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and an extensive sake selection. The pared-back interiors with fun pops of colour set the scene for the perfect night out.
413-415 Crown Street, Surry Hill
China Doll
Perched on Woolloomooloo Wharf, China Doll is sleek and stylish, boasting views of the city skyline. The menu features a curation of dishes influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine. We're talking chilli salt squid, tea-smoked duck and wok-fried Wagyu beef fillet. The share plate ethos makes China Doll the perfect place to gather with a large group. Psst! Don't miss the duck pancakes!
4/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo
Sokyo
Known for its innovative take on traditional Japanese flavours, Sokyo is located within The Star and has won many accolades. Take your time dining on delectable Japanese-inspired dishes, as you listen to the chilled-out beats from their resident DJ. If you're up for something extra special, book in to Sokyo's popular omakase experience which will have you feasting on 23 perfectly plated morsels.
The Star, Level G, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
Pearl
Pearl offers up a relaxed atmosphere alongside views of the Harbour Bridge and their approach is simple - dim sum, barbecue and seafood designed to be shared. Keen to highlight unique Australian flavours and seasonal produce, the menu at Pearl shifts regularly but you can look forward to the likes of wok-fried Lobster with Pearl's signature XO sauce, caramelized BBQ pork belly and dry-aged, twice-cooked Peking duck pancakes (carved tableside!). A killer wine list and grand banquet menus rounds out the offering.
Shop R1013, Retail Level 1, 50 Bridge Streety, Circular Quay
Mr Wong
If you're ready to feast on dim sum, dumplings, and the juiciest Peking duck you’ve ever tasted, treat yourself to dinner at Mr Wong. The CBD space is lavish and spread over two levels, but it feels intimate thanks to its décor and dim lighting. Chef Dan Hong’s menu is modern and fresh (just wait till you try the house-made XO sauce), with a sophisticated wine list to match.
3 Bridge Street, Sydney
China Diner
A home-style approach with a modern interpretation of Southeast Asian food, China Diner boasts a fine dining menu without the formal ambience. The menu is designed to be shared and aims to deliver light, fresh and healthy dishes. Their Five Spice Duck Pancakes with hoisin, shallot and cucumber is delish!
Bondi Beach and Tram Sheds
Spice Temple
Spice Temple is a sensory experience from start to finish. The dining room is striking: picture silk curtains, rich red carpets and black furnishings. Order a banquet of crispy dry Wagyu, spice fried chicken with ‘heaven facing chillies’, spiced eggplant, rice noodles with spanner crab, and fragrant prawns. The dishes are hot, but the zodiac-themed cocktails will cool you down.
10 Bligh Street, Sydney
Bartiga
Double Bay's Bartiga, home to Head Chef Noor (ex-Gordon Ramsay's Maze, Testuya's), combines a hearty dose of Malaysian influence with seasonal and Australian ingredients. You can expect a twist on Southeast Asian cuisine with the likes of poached bug roll with red curry pesto, BBQ prawn tom yum spaghettini and scotch MB4 with Asian herb chimichurri.
As for drinks, consider the offering equally exciting. Mixologist Vincent Valliere has curated a cocktail list with the same Southeast Asian flair as the menu, whilst the wine list boasts over 80 curated selections.
Corner of Short Street and Bay Street, Double Bay
Spice I Am
With a slew of awards to their name, you know the food at Spice I Am is bound to be good. Bringing the flavours of Bangkok to the Surry Hills foodie scene, all the dishes here are bursting with flavour and as their name suggests, they like their dishes with a bit of spice. The restaurant runs its own micro-farm that provides the ingredients for their homemade curry paste and more. A hidden gem!
90 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
Cho Cho San
Stepping into Cho Cho San is an interior design lover’s dream, complete with a lightbox on the ceiling that can alter the ambience of the place. It’s Nordic chic, but the menu is Japanese. The raw bar and pork tonkatsu are not to be missed whilst the matcha soft serve and black sesame mochi have you covered for delish desserts.
73 Macleay Street, Potts Point
Luna Lu
Gear up for some of the most incredible contemporary Asian cuisine you've ever tasted AND the view to match. Luna Lu's dumplings are some of the best in Sydney - these beauties are made fresh on-site daily, so you've got to get in quick if you have your eye on these handmade treasures. They are so delicate and light that they practically melt in your mouth. As for the fillings expect only the best of the best from this fine dining destination. Think slow-cooked duck, Hokkaido scallops, king prawns and king oyster mushrooms. Whilst we're big fans of the dumplings, the whole menu is a joy so be sure to sample as much as you can.
Bays 4 and 5, 7-27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks
If you enjoyed this edit of the best Asian restaurants in Sydney and are keen to continue your culinary adventures around the city, be sure to take a peek at our set menus under $150 edit here and our round up of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney here.
