Waterside Restaurants to Visit with Boat Hire in Sydney

There is an amazing line-up of waterfront restaurants in Sydney – many along the shores of the famed Sydney Harbour. This is one of the most popular dining destinations in all of Australia, and people who have taken advantage of catamaran hire in Sydney can easily access some of the best restaurants in the city without even having to deal with traffic.

In this post, we’re highlighting four of Sydney’s acclaimed waterside restaurants:

Doyles on the Beach

Doyles has become a household name for seafood in Sydney, with many branches now in operation. This restaurant at Watson Bay was the original, and it first opened its doors in 1885. Today, the fifth generation of Doyles looks after this family owned and operated restaurant. This is some of the freshest, finest seafood available in Sydney, which – combined with the seaside views – makes this a popular place for celebrities visiting Sydney to dine. The menu features many exquisite choices but is by no means pretentious. Down-to-earth dishes such as Doyles Own Fish and Chips and Surf and Turf remain perennial favourites. But you can also splash out on much more extravagant fare, such as the Doyles Fisherman’s Platter (for two or three diners). Doyles on the Beach is an ideal sailing destination from Circular Quay, though you can arrive here from many other destinations as well. Just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, tables are often available at weekends and on holidays.

Catalina

Many consider this to be the premier waterside restaurant in the Eastern Suburbs. It’s extremely popular, with patrons arriving by car, yacht or even seaplane. Judy and Michael McMahon opened Catalina’s doors in 1994, and it remains a family owned and operated business more than two decades later. Catalina is famous for its incredible views over Rose Bay, along with its highly acclaimed wine list. The speciality here is seafood, including Glacier Bay 51 toothfish and crispy skin Cone Bay barramundi. They also serve a few bold French classics, such as pig’s head with sauce gribiche. And for an added bit of atmosphere, there’s a squadron of pelicans that frequent this location.

Doyles on the Wharf

Another favourite Doyles destination, this branch takes its name from the King Street Wharf. This branch is located at the Fisherman’s Wharf, right over the sparkling waters of Watson’s Bay. This outlet is a decidedly toned-down version of the Doyles dining experience, as they specifically offer takeaway items. With that in mind, the menu is much more affordable – ideal for people who have taken advantage of yacht hire in Sydney and are in the mood for a quick bite to eat. There’s also an on-site bistro with alfresco seating, so you can either order your seafood and enjoy or take it back to your boat and continue your outing. Given Doyles’ reputation for serving some of the freshest seafood in Sydney, there’s plenty to appreciate about the available fare.

Quay

Quay provides diners with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. It’s a regular award-winner in Sydney’s dining circles, and patrons rave about their signature dish, the XO Sea. For this culinary creation, Chef Peter Gilmore specially selects five different seafood items, and seasons them with a Chinese XO sauce. Another dish – the snow egg – was actually featured on Master Chef. This is a relatively pricey restaurant, but the experience of dining with these views over the glittering waters of Circle Quay certainly justify the expense.

The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay

This gem of a seaside restaurant is located above the Sydney Rower’s Club – a lively area with people often seen training in boats out on the harbour. The main dining room boasts all glass walls, ensuring expansive views. The service here is truly impressive, and the wait staff have a habit of slipping in and out again without the least interruption to your dining experience. Specialities include fresh-shucked oysters, Claire de lunes, potato blini and Angassi flats.

Bennelong

Located near the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong has one of the best views of any restaurant in the world. It’s an undeniably beautiful place to enjoy an evening, with four separate dining areas:

  • The main restaurant on the lower level
  • ‘Cured and Cultured’ – casual dining with a view of the chefs working on the central level
  • A bar area that is ideal for pre- and post-show drinks and spectacular views of the harbour
  • A semi-private chef’s table with seating for up to ten diners in a custom-designed kitchen

This is a lovely place to eat, and nothing feels quite as extravagant as taking advantage of catamaran charter in Sydney, pulling into Sydney Harbour and mooring your boat next to Bennelong Point for a bit of fine dining by the sea.

Contact Eastcoast Sailing today to arrange yacht hire in Sydney and visit any of these seaside restaurants in style.