Sydney’s Lunch Struggles: Where to Eat When You Can’t Decide Between Burgers and Bao

I have a 🐷friend name Mr.Soo who works in Sydney, and let me tell you, his daily lunch dilemma is almost legendary. Every day, without fail, he spends the first 20 minutes of his lunch break staring blankly at his phone, scrolling through countless restaurant apps, and scratching his head like he’s trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube. "Do I go for sushi? Or maybe burgers? Oh wait, what if I’m feeling Chinese today?" The man is paralyzed by choice. It’s as if the mere idea of picking the right lunch option is more stressful than his entire workday. So, I decided to help him out and compile a list of Sydney’s top-rated restaurants for lunch—Western and Chinese options included—so he can stop wasting time in existential crisis and actually eat something delicious.

Sydney is a gastronomic haven, offering an exciting mix of world-class Western and Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a refined European-style meal or crave the rich flavors of Chinese dishes, the city has something to offer. We’ve handpicked the top-rated restaurants for lunch that serve a blend of Western and Chinese-inspired cuisines, perfect for any occasion.

1. Quay – Modern Australian with a Touch of Chinese Influence

Located in The Rocks with stunning views of Sydney Harbour, Quay is one of Australia's most awarded fine dining restaurants. Executive Chef Peter Gilmore’s philosophy is to combine the best local produce with a highly creative approach to modern Australian cuisine. Though primarily Western, Gilmore often incorporates Asian elements, such as delicate broths and sauces, which gives a subtle nod to Chinese flavors.

Recommended Dishes:

• Snow Egg: A signature dessert that combines delicate meringue with a hidden surprise inside, it's a must-try for any visitor.
• Mud Crab with Green Mango: This dish brings together fresh Australian seafood with Asian-inspired flavors, creating a fresh and tangy profile.

Why Go: Perfect for a luxurious lunch with panoramic views of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. A great choice if you want Western food with subtle Asian-inspired elements.

2. Mr. Wong – Sophisticated Chinese Dining

Located in the heart of the CBD, Mr. Wong serves modern Chinese cuisine in a stylish, upscale setting. The restaurant combines traditional Chinese flavors with a contemporary twist, offering a variety of dim sum, Peking duck, and wok dishes. The menu reflects the rich culinary heritage of China while ensuring the ingredients are top-notch, often using Australian produce.

Recommended Dishes:

• Dim Sum Selection: A great way to experience a variety of flavors, from prawn dumplings to pork buns, all made fresh in-house.
• Peking Duck: The restaurant’s Peking duck is renowned, offering crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
• Stir-Fried Wok Vegetables: If you're craving something light but bursting with flavor, this dish is a must-try.

Why Go: Ideal for those who want to dive into the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine but with an elevated, modern approach. It’s a great spot for a lunch gathering with colleagues or friends.

3. Bennelong – Australian Fine Dining with a Chinese Twist

Located in the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bennelong is a fine dining destination helmed by renowned chef Peter Gilmore. The menu celebrates the best of Australian produce, and while it's grounded in Western culinary traditions, Gilmore's approach to cooking often features ingredients and techniques that have Chinese influence, such as using soy and pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors of the dishes.

Recommended Dishes:

• Crispy Skin Barramundi: A beautiful Australian fish paired with an Asian-style fermented chili sauce.
• Lamb with Black Garlic and Fermented Soy: A dish that combines Western cuts of meat with Eastern ingredients, creating a unique and balanced flavor profile.

Why Go: Perfect for a more refined, intimate lunch in one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. If you’re after contemporary Australian cuisine that’s influenced by Chinese flavors, Bennelong is your spot.

4. Chin Chin – Modern Thai with Chinese Undertones

While Chin Chin is primarily known for its vibrant Thai-inspired cuisine, there’s a clear influence of Chinese flavors throughout their menu. Located in Surry Hills, this casual yet hip spot has quickly become a favorite for those seeking bold, punchy flavors. Expect to find dishes that blend traditional Thai ingredients with modern techniques and subtle hints of Chinese-style seasoning.

Recommended Dishes:

• Crispy Pork Belly with Chinese Five-Spice: This dish combines the crispiness of Thai-style pork belly with the aromatic kick of Chinese five-spice, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
• Prawn and Pork Dumplings: A nod to Chinese dumplings, these are filled with succulent prawns and juicy pork, making for an irresistible appetizer.

Why Go: A more casual dining experience for those looking to explore the fusion of Thai and Chinese flavors, perfect for a quick but satisfying lunch.

5. Golden Century – Classic Cantonese Dining

If you’re craving traditional Cantonese flavors, Golden Century in Chinatown is a must-visit. Known for its exquisite seafood and Cantonese dishes, this iconic restaurant offers an authentic Chinese dining experience. From live seafood tanks to hand-pulled noodles, it’s a fantastic place to experience some of Sydney’s best Chinese food in a no-fuss setting.

Recommended Dishes:

• Salt and Pepper Squid: Tender squid fried to perfection, seasoned with salt, pepper, and aromatic spices. A simple but incredibly flavorful dish.
• Live Lobster with Ginger and Spring Onion: A signature dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood and the depth of Cantonese flavors.
• Peking Duck: A staple at any good Chinese restaurant, and Golden Century delivers with crispy skin and tender meat.

Why Go: For a quintessential Cantonese lunch experience, especially if you love fresh seafood. It’s a bustling, high-energy restaurant that’s perfect for those who want authentic Chinese flavors.

6. The Apollo – Greek with a Chinese Fusion Twist

For something a bit different, The Apollo in Potts Point offers contemporary Greek cuisine with a subtle influence from Asian ingredients, including Chinese. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, it offers a unique lunch option for those wanting to try something fresh and exciting.

Recommended Dishes:

• Crispy Skin Pork Belly with Tamarind Glaze: The tamarind glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the classic pork belly, with an unmistakable Chinese influence.
• Charred Octopus with Yuzu and Sesame: A delightful fusion of Greek and Japanese flavors that’s sure to surprise your palate.

Why Go: If you’re looking for a Greek-inspired lunch but love the bold flavors of Asian cuisine, The Apollo offers a fusion that works surprisingly well.

Sydney’s diverse food scene truly shines when it comes to lunch, offering the perfect balance between Western and Chinese-inspired cuisines. Whether you’re indulging in modern Australian fine dining at Quay, savoring refined Cantonese dishes at Golden Century, or exploring the fusion delights of Chin Chin, you’re sure to find something that excites your taste buds.

Each restaurant brings its own unique take on Western and Chinese cuisines, so the next time you’re in the mood for lunch, consider visiting one of these top-rated spots for a meal that’s as diverse and vibrant as Sydney itself.