The insider’s guide to eating out in Sydney

Warm winter sunshine sees Sydney-siders flocking to restaurants with sheltered terraces and spectacular water views. The seafood is fabulous, the cuisine cosmopolitan and the local wines shine. On grey days, head inland for some iconic neighbourhood eateries. The First Post's top five have been chosen for atmosphere and good value as much as for good food. All have been nominated by people who live and work in the city.

£1 = AUD $1.81

Zaaffran345 Harbourside, Darling Harbour
Catch the winter sun on the terrace and enjoy subtle Indian cuisine and great Darling Harbour views. Wide selection of superb vegetarian, fish and meat dishes from $9-$25. Order the chicken biryani with mint, saffron and nuts.
Dinner for two, excluding wine: $80. contact: + 612 9211 8900
zaaffran.com

North Bondi Italian Food118-120 Ramsgate Ave, Bondi Beach
Italian trattoria with full-flavoured food and superb views of this iconic beach and its uber-cool, high-end sibling restaurant, The Icebergs Dining Room, perched on the cliffs of South Bondi. Sit on the terrace and try the roast suckling meats or chargrilled tiger prawns.
Dinner for two, excluding wine: $110. contact: + 612 9300 4400 northbondirsl.com.au

Bathers’ Pavilion Café4 Esplanade, Balmoral
A chic light-filled café in a white pavilion on Balmoral Beach. Inspired food served in elegant surrounds attracts the North Shore glamour set. Try the sweet potato and pumpkin ravioli or seared beef mignonettes and field mushrooms.
Dinner for two, excluding wine: $90. contact: + 612 9969 5050batherspavilion.com.au

Longrain85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
Exquisite Thai food served on communal tables in a warehouse in hip Surry Hills. The high-octane crowd sips cocktails in the slick bar as it waits to be seated (no bookings). Try hot and sour duck salad or cubes of chewy, crunchy pork hock. Yummy and wicked!
Dinner for two, excluding wine: $120. contact: 612 9280 2888
longrain.com3 Weeds197 Evans St, Rozelle
This old pub now has a stylish restaurant with engaging service and exceptional food. A balanced menu of fish and meat dishes, and inspired wine list with bargain prices draws foodies from afar. Try the grilled snapper with courgette flowers stuffed with crab. Magic.
Dinner for two, excluding wine: $90. contact: + 612 9818 2788 3weeds.com.au ·