The Business Travellers' Guide to Dining in Sydney
Off to Sydney for work? Make the most of this city’s thriving foodie scene in work hours – as well as out – with dining options that will delight you.
For a breakfast meeting…
Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room
For more than 18 years, Bambini Trust has been serving breakfast to the powerbrokers of Sydney. The marble and leather interior is moody, elegant and packed from 7am. The clientele return for the Single Origin Roasters coffee and Alaskan king crab omelette (but we love the toasted Sonoma banana bread with maple and pecan butter).
185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
For a business dinner…
The Emil Sodersten-designed Art Deco wonder that is home to Rockpool Bar & Grill is ideal for corporate socialising. Five private dining rooms cater for between eight and 30 guests. The à la carte menu, which features quality produce cooked simply but impeccably, changes daily and is available for parties of up to 12, beyond which a three-course set menu at $120 per person is offered.
66 Hunter Street, Sydney
If you’re dining alone…
Chef Shaun Presland’s fusion of old and new Japanese cuisine, such as popcorn shrimp and sashimi tacos, sits comfortably in this modern space. For solo dining, the sushi bar is perfect. Alternatively, take a seat at the central banquet table and be seduced by some of the best food, wine and saké in town. Staff crank up the music so things may get loud. But with food this good, who cares?
12 Argyle Street, The Rocks
For drinks with clients…
The intimate Baxter Inn, open 4pm-1am from Monday to Saturday, is renowned for its friendly service. Perfect for small groups and popular with the corporate crowd, the bar has an extensive whisky menu (but only serves pretzels to go with the drinks). Warning: it can be a little hard to locate and has no sign. Walk down the alley beside the bike workshop, turn right at the end and search for a stairwell.
152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney
For a coffee pit stop…
While Single O CBD (pictured) has a long, European-style standing bar for those who prefer their coffee in porcelain cups, it’s essentially a take-out joint serving excellent coffee from around the world, plus a range of breakfast treats. While you wait for your order (try the Mr Croque toastie), you can admire the beautiful interiors designed by Luchetti Krelle and a striking paper installation by Renuka Fernando.
89 York Street, Sydney
