Bennelong Restaurant

Business Details

Discover Fine Dining at Bennelong Restaurant in Sydney Opera House

Bennelong Restaurant celebrates the cultural significance of the Sydney Opera House through a menu crafted by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore, showcasing Australian produce and wine. Our philosophy centres on partnerships with local farmers, fishermen, and providores to source seasonal ingredients, ensuring our dishes reflect the land's natural bounty. With three distinct dining experiences - the Main Dining Room, The Counter, and the Bennelong Restaurant Bar - we offer flexible, accessible options that cater to diverse occasions.

Recognised for our innovative approach to Australian cuisine, we hold the Best Wine List: New South Wales award from Australia's Wine List of The Year Awards. Our commitment to sustainability and collaboration with producers ensures every meal tells a story of provenance, tradition, and contemporary creativity, all within one of the world's most iconic architectural landmarks.

Services

Restaurant Dining The Counter Bennelong Bar Weddings Events Gift Cards Online Reservations Wine List Book Sales Accessibility Options

Highlights and features

We offer dining within the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with panoramic harbour views
Our menu is crafted in partnership with Australian farmers and providores for seasonal produce
We provide three distinct dining experiences to suit various occasions and preferences
Our team holds multiple national and international culinary awards
We maintain a 200+ bottle Australian wine list with small-scale producers

Associations and certifications

Australia's Wine List of The Year Awards

Website

Update Listing

Services

Restaurant Dining

Experience our three-course choice menu in the Main Dining Room, offering panoramic views of Circular Quay. Our seasonal menu showcases Australian produce with dishes like Murray cod, Kurobuta pork, and housemade desserts. The space combines architectural grandeur with intimate dining, featuring tables beneath the iconic Opera House sails.

The Counter

Enjoy side-by-side high bar seating overlooking the Main Dining Room. Our la carte menu features signature dishes like caviar with buckwheat pikelets and roasted Aquna Murray cod. The brass counter setting provides an interactive culinary experience with views of the kitchen team at work.

Bennelong Restaurant Bar

Relax in our top-tier bar with high bar seating and low lounges. We serve premium cocktails inspired by the Opera House setting, Australian wines, and bar snacks like smoked almonds and caviar. The bar remains open late for post-theatre drinks and nightcaps with harbour views.

Weddings

Host your wedding in the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanic Gardens. Our venue accommodates up to 10 guests at The Table or larger groups in the Main Dining Room, combining historic significance with exceptional culinary experiences.

Events

Celebrate special occasions in our iconic setting with tailored event packages. The Dress Circle offers private dining beneath the Opera House sails, while The Counter provides interactive seating for corporate events. Our team creates bespoke menus and wine pairings for celebrations of up to 100 guests.

People

Peter Gilmore

Executive Chef

Peter Gilmore leads Bennelong Restaurant and Quay restaurant, holding multiple Australian and international culinary awards. His innovative approach to Australian cuisine focuses on seasonal produce and partnerships with regional farmers, creating menus that celebrate the country's natural diversity.

Questions

How do I make a reservation at Bennelong Restaurant?

Reservations can be made through our website for lunch Friday-Sunday and dinner Sunday-Saturday. The Bennelong Restaurant Bar accepts bookings seven nights weekly with walk-ins welcome subject to availability.

What dining options are available?

We offer three experiences: the Main Dining Room with three-course menus, The Counter for la carte bar dining, and the Bennelong Restaurant Bar for cocktails and premium snacks.

Is Bennelong Restaurant accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the Main Dining Room and Bar have wheelchair access via lift from Box Office level. The Dress Circle is accessible through pre-arranged entry via the Joan Sutherland Theatre lifts.

What payment methods does Bennelong Restaurant accept?

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and EFTPOS payments with a variable surcharge applied to all card transactions.

Can I host a private event at Bennelong Restaurant?

Yes, we offer event spaces including The Table for 10 guests, the Dress Circle with harbour views, and full venue hire options for weddings and corporate functions.

What sustainability initiatives does Bennelong Restaurant have?

We partner directly with Australian farmers and providores to source seasonal ingredients, minimising food miles while supporting regional producers through long-term collaborative relationships.

Reviews (7)

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Rob Collins

Jan 17, 2022 Report

Our second time of dining here, first time under Peter Gilmore. Similar experience. Unparalleled views and service, this is delivered in spades and you are made to feel a little bit special while visiting. The food itself was nice, but lacked the wow factor you would expect from this type of establishment and price tag. Great place to take out your date if you want to impress them.

Sean

Jan 11, 2022 Report

Ive been waiting to visit the Bennelong Restaurant for years. Was finally able to! It has a very exclusive premium feel as soon as you walk in. I was immediately greeted by either the owner or manager who seemed rather welcoming. There are views of Sydney wherever you decide to sit, either upper or lower floor. Parking is a short walk nearby at the Wilsons carpark under the Opera house.

Chris Pisani

Jan 07, 2022 Report

An amazing experience! Sensational food, unbeatable ambiance and views, friendly, obliging and very attentive staff. A big shout out and thanks to the host John, who went out of his way to ensure that our group got the best photos in the best locations. Highly recommend this place for the ultimate dining experience. Thank you to John and all the staff and compliments to the chef. Definitely 5 stars.

Lilian Lily Nguyen

Jan 06, 2022 Report

A once in a lifetime thing to get it over with, emphasis on once. At the price point it is set at (around $500 for 2), the food is subpar.
Starter : Decent, not much to say, not amazing either
Main : The beef was a bit bitter, weird sauce pairing. lobster not worth the extra $75 price point.
Dessert : best part of the meal after the bread. Though I would say, the centre of the chocolate dessert is a bit weird.
Wouldnt return, but its nice to tick off the list. Staff were super nice, drinks were good too :)

David Mck

Dec 27, 2021 Report

An outstanding lunch. Not only was the food excellent, the staff were warm and friendly. The wine guy matched each course perfectly and had a great banter going. This was not just lunch. It was a great experience.

Andrew Thornton

Dec 17, 2021 Report

Unbelievable. Everything you would expect from one of the highest rated restaurants in Sydney. The service was incredible and the food was the same. We had as much as we could physically stomach. Check the pictures out. It tastes better than it looks. We would also highly recommend the lobster addition. My partner claims that it is probably the best meal of her life.

Damien Chan

Dec 06, 2021 Report

Amazing dinning experience. It goes without saying that the venue is world class and the views are extraordinary but what was surprising was how good the food was. Everything we ordered on the menu was top shelf and we will be returning again for sure. I take my non chefs hat off to the Peter Gilmore who incidentally already has 17 for this restaurant.