We’re big fans of long (and boozy) lunches with friends here at En-Route. There is no denying that many a conversation has been had on where we should book lunch for the weekends ahead.
So when it came to compiling a list on where to dine out in Sydney this coming summer, it wasn’t hard. We’re all really quite experienced in this department.
Within this list, you’ll find a selection of venues offering a bottomless lunch, a cheap and cheerful happy hour, some of Sydney favourite restaurants offering special menu’s now that the sun is shining, finishing with a few of our old favourites.
One thing we do suggest though is planing well ahead, venues these days, especially over the weekends get booked out well in advance.
Bopp & Tone
This isn’t your typical bottomless lunch, it’s a sophisticated affair in the heart of the city at a 1950s inspired restaurant.
Bopp & Tone bottomless Soul Saturdays have been turning it on for some time and show no signs of slowing down.
You’ll experience a delicious 6-course Mediterranean-style set menu plus 2 hours of bottomless drinks and soulful live music kicking off from 1 pm.
Where: CBD
When: Every second Saturday
What you get: 6-course share menu plus 2 hours of bottomless drinks
Cost: $88pp (2hrs of bubbles, mimosas and beers) $150pp (2hrs Perrier Jouët)
BARANGAROO House
Barangaroo House is back with an exciting new experience this spring, Barangaroo Bounce. Each Saturday book yourself in for Barangaroo’s Bounce Up or Bounce Down.
Bounce Up starts at BEA with a two-course shared lunch menu before bouncing up to Smoke rooftop for a Patrón Margarita. Or start your afternoon at Smoke then Bounce Down for dinner at BEA.
Where: Barangaroo
When: Saturday’s
What You Get: 2-course set menu + a Patrón Margarita Cost: $89pp
SOCal
SoCal’s oh-so-popular boozy bottomless rosé and sangria lunches are here to stay. It’s a relaxed vibe at the Californian inspired Neutral Bay restaurant.
You’ll find your self sitting back enjoying all your Mexican favourites.
Where: Neutral Bay
When: Wednesday – Sunday 12pm – 3pm
What you get: A Mexican banquet and 2 hrs unlimited rosé and sangria
Cost: $65pp (add $5 for sparkling wine)
Sean Panorama
This soulful farm-to-plate restaurant has been a Bondi institution for over 20 years.
The menu is local, seasonal and changes daily depending on what is available at their farm in Bilpin.
Sit back for long lunch and watch day turn to dusk over Bondi Beach.
Where: Bondi
What You Get: Sean’s’ team is currently serving a three-course menu with a choice of 2 dishes in each course
Cost: $100 pp
Fratelli Fresh
There is so much to love about the great Italian aperitivo ritual.
This spring, join Fratelli Fresh and enjoy happy hour the Italian way. Weekdays from 4-6 pm visit Fratelli Fresh and enjoy an array of cocktails such as Aperol Spritz and antipasto plates like Calamari, Bruschetta, Arancini and olives.
Where: Darling Harbour, Crows Nest, Entertainment Quarter, Manly, Miranda
When: Weekdays, 4 pm-6 pm
What You Get: Happy hour the Italian way with a range of aperitivo drinks and antipasti plates.
Cost: Cocktails $8, Craft beer pints $7.50, Wine $6, Antipasto $5 each.
MOLO Bar
A restaurant on Woolloomooloo Wharf needs a feature on this list. And this one is one of the best spots in Sydney to relax in the Sun.
Molo Bar is my pick with its seasonally-inspired Aperitivo wine bar, serving all your Italian favourites like Burrata, Char-Grilled Octopus and Aperol Spritz.
Where: Woolloomooloo Wharf
Cost: $70+pp
North bondi fish
A beachside lunch at North Bondi Fish is always a good idea. The seafood is fresh and the views overlooking the famous Bondi Beach are equally as good.
There is something for all this summer at North Bondi Fish and for those who want to sit back for a casual bite to eat can take their pick from the snack menu, or order from the la carte.
Better yet, grab a group of friends and order from the share menu.
Where: Bondi Beach
THE BULTER
Stretch out the weekend just that little longer with a bottomless lunch at The Bulter.
Sit back and enjoy the Sydney City skyline from The Bulter’s terrace whilst grazing on dishes and sipping on cool drinks.
Where: Potts Point
When: Every Sunday
What you get: Bottomless bubbles paired with Ibero-American shared lunch feast.
Cost: $88pp
The Argyle
If being one of Sydney’s oldest buildings in the heart of the city isn’t a good enough reason to make a booking at The Argyle one evening, then it’s their happy hour drinks that will do the trick.
Sit back and relax inside the Argyle’s sandstone courtyard looking up to the city skyline with one of their evening specials in hand.
Where: The Rocks
When: Wednesday -Saturday, 5 pm-7 pm
What’s the deal: $5 drinks including, Aperol spritz, espresso martini, strawberry G&T Frosé, Cape Cooler cocktail, lychee margarita, beer, wine and spirits.
Chiswick
Chiswick is welcoming you to their spring communal bar, and introducing you to Chiswick In The Bloom.
It’s a relaxed affair in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire where you’ll sip on the tastiest garden cocktails paired with an array of spring snacks.
Where: Woollahra
When: 2nd September – 31 October
Cost: Drinks and cocktails starting from $10
Marrah
Coogee Bay Hotel has just launched their new dining space, Marrah (originating from the Aboriginal word for fish) just in time for the warmer months.
With views of Coogee Bay, the beachside restaurant is a venue to make a booking at this spring. Executive Chef Nathan Tillott has developed a menu with Mediterranean-inspired dishes from local and sustainably sourced ingredients from bushfire affected regions.
Marrah is open for lunch and dinner in the restaurant or stroll on into the bar and enjoy a drink from their exciting cocktail and wine menu.
Where: Coogee