Aria Restaurant Sydney in Sydney

1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

★★★★★
(2113 reviews)
Categories: Fine dining restaurant Australian restaurant

About

A synergy of many elements, in an unrivalled harbourside location, Aria is one of Australia’s finest restaurants. Aria brings together the vision of owners Matt Moran and Bruce Solomon, the creativity of Executive Chef Thomas Gorringe, the best seasonal produce and a world-class wine list in a stunning, art-filled space with sweeping Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. Unmistakably Australian. Quintessentially Sydney. Welcome to Aria.

Website
ariasydney.com.au
Address
1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Plus Code
46R7+88 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone
Australia/Sydney

Business Hours

Monday
5–8:30 PM
Tuesday
5–10:30 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
12–11:30 PM
Saturday
12–11:30 PM
Sunday
12–10 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Dine-in Delivery Takeaway
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
2113 reviews

Most Mentioned

opera house (130) harbour (32) mash (26) snapper (11) bridge (10) the view (9) theatre dinner (8) window seat (7) spanner crab (6) quail (5)
5 stars
1544
4 stars
301
3 stars
140
2 stars
72
1 stars
56
★★★★★
December 13, 2024

I mean, it’s pretty unsurprising how good this place is. Without question, the food was absolutely incredible, but it was the staff that tipped it over the edge. The waiter we had was that perfect amount of friendly, but not too chatty. He was a great. The sommelier was also incredibly knowledgeable. He was going for his masters soon, so I hope he gets there! Anyway, it was a perfect 5/7 night.

★★★★★
December 12, 2024

Service is excellent. Staff knowledge of the menu - food and wine is outstanding. Attentive, friendly but non-intrusive service. Atmosphere is great. Food is always wonderful. It’s probably the only restaurant where I would happily eat anything the chefs prepared - although I have personal favorites.

★★★★★
December 10, 2024

I ordered an 8-course meal and oysters. The view from the window was spectacular. All the dishes were delicately prepared and beautifully presented. I don't drink much, so I only had three glasses of wine. I asked for a recommendation, and it matched well with the food and was delicious. I'd like to come back again next time.

★★★★★
December 7, 2024

Really enjoyed our lunch here recently. Brought a client here for an end of year thank you and we were both very much looking forward to it. The staff were excellent, food was fabulous - I had the spanner crab and duck. Beautifully presented. The mash potato - wow! A really great experience.

★★★★★
December 3, 2024

An incredible weekend in Sydney filled with amazing food, breathtaking views, and a truly unforgettable night! The service was impeccable from the moment we set foot in the restaurant. We were warmly welcomed by the hostess, and the professional, attentive service remained consistent throughout the evening—truly flawless. We opted for the tasting menu with classic wine pairings, and it was an excellent combination. The tuna was light and refreshing, the perfect start to open up the palate for the evening. The coral trout was cooked to perfection, showcasing a delicate sweetness in its flavor. The quail was juicy and tender, with a sweet sauce that complemented it beautifully. The evening ended with a delightful chocolate dessert, perfectly balanced in sweetness to suit my palate. Midway through our meal, we were graciously offered a table by the window with a stunning view of the Opera House—a thoughtful and memorable gesture. This was, without a doubt, a perfect dining experience.

★★★★★
November 30, 2024

Visited in Nov 2024 With the famous curved dining room with the view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, a dinner at Aria should be experienced at least once in life. I went with the 8 course tasting menu (there is a 5 course menu and an a-la-carte menu as well). The meat dishes were really exceptional. The restaurant was also kind to replace one of the meat dishes with another meat dish on my request. I would strongly recommend folks to try out their duck and beef main courses. For drinks, I went with the non alcoholic pairing and I thought it was a great decision. Ever course had an accompanying pairing drink and I absolutely loved some of the drinks. Would strongly recommend folks to try the non-alcoholic pairing option. Service was really good with each course and drink being explained by the polite and courteous restaurant staff. You constantly have someone attending to you in case you need anything. Overall, I think Aria is a bucket list restaurant to visit given its long standing reputation in the Sydney fine dining scene. Definitely worth a visit if you’re fine with a pricey dining experience.

★★★★★
November 16, 2024

This place is really the experience of a lifetime! What amazing, beautiful looking and complex good food with top quality ingredients served by warm and friendly staff - the best champagne to pair with it tonight for a special occasion. They were very warm and while I was dining solo, the stunning views and the kind staff kept me company - I had the pre theatre menu with three courses that was just gorgeous!

★★★★★
November 7, 2024

Aria Restaurant Sydney is an excellent restaurant. It is in a prime location boasting impressive views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The circular layout of the room means you are able to see the harbour in an intimate and unique way. The food was excellent with impressive flavours and well worth the price. The portion size is small so don’t expect to be having a lot of food, just a small portion of very high quality and tasty food. I personally recommend the steak and dry aged duck as well as the mango desert. The service was on point with the waiters being very attentive and polite. They were very quick to fill up water and were constantly making sure that our experience was enjoyable. Overall Aria Restaurant Sydney is a must try.

★★★★★
December 22, 2024

Wonderful pre theatre experience. Staff friendly and food yumm! Great location looking over the Harbour Bridge

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2024

Beautiful location . Thank you for the view . I appreciated the time that staff took to present each dish and I appreciated the fact that they source all their ingredients from Australia

★★
December 16, 2024

I have to say the food is very good and tastes great I rarely review restaurants. But Im curious why I wasnt allowed to sit by the window when there were tables near the window and no one came all night? Finally, I would like to remind everyone not to pay in cash, because they will take the change as a tip. I waited for a long time but no one gave me the change back. Didnt even ask if I wanted to tip

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

Really nice. Great flavours.Jasons service was fantastic. Looked after us very well and made it special for my wifes birthday. Thanks team.

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Dining at Aria was a much awaited experience and we were not dissapointed. From the moment you step into the elegant restaurant, you re embraced by a warm and attentive team dedicated to making your meal unforgettable. The view - spectacular doesn t even begin to describe it. Overlooking the sparkling bustling harbour. I loved watching the evening draw in and lights twinkling as the night arrived. The bridge is such a sight! The food? Phenomenal. Each course of our degustation meal was a testament to the artistry and passion of the kitchen. The flavours were perfectly balanced, and every bite felt like a story on the palate. It was exciting tasting the familiar and the unusual! The standout for me? The vegetables, incredible from the asparagus to the beans. But then again the steak and quail were phenominal too! Service is second to none. The team at Aria has an uncanny ability to anticipate your needs without being intrusive. Nothing was too much trouble for Simone, he was informative and attentive. Aria isn t just a restaurant; it s a destination for celebration, connection, and indulgence. It was the perfect place to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and to create new memoires.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

One of the best restaurants in the world!

December 9, 2024

If youre vegan, give this place a miss. I cant believe they charge $160 for for what they provide in the 3 course vegan menu. No creativity or thought.. there are so many amazing plants out there, especially all sorts of plant proteins, of which the meals contained barely anything - except barley? And plants are so cheap?!!!?? If only plants are used and there is minor creativity, what am I paying for? Being dumbfounded I guess. The MAIN course option I had was barley & spring vegetables. I thought this was going to be really fresh and flavourful but I was so disappointed. The dish had small onions which were tasty, but the rest left me speechless; a restaurant such as this would serve that dish? I cant describe how bland this was, the carrots tasted like steamed carrots with nothing else, not even any seasoning. The sauce, which sat on top of lettuce or cabbage or something flavourless, was quite tart and didnt seem to match the rest of the dish and it really clashed with the bland flavours. I complained and they offered to make something else, to which I declined. They sent an extra dessert out instead.. For fine dining, go to yellow! 100% vegan and 100% delicious and so creative!!! For tasty meals, anywhere thats vegan makes better tasting food than this restaurant. Vegetarian options: If youre vegan, dont bother. Go somewhere where your choices and money are valued and worth the creativity and effort, like yellow in Potts Point! Dietary restrictions: They cater to dietary restrictions. Gluten free bread was served stale like a rock.... what year is this restaurant in?

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Exceptional food and service, quiet and visually spectacular setting - a very special family lunch.

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Wonderful experience

★★★★
December 2, 2024

good

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

Took my Wife here for her Birthday. The Service, Food, View & Staff were amazing. Matt, your team was the Best. Made us feel so welcome and special. Food was out of this World. Best Meal I have ever had........actually it wasnt a meal it was an experience! Thankyou so very much.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 25, 2024

The staff are attentive and efficient. The view is spectacular and the food superb.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

It was an experience dining at this restaurant the exceptional Non-alcoholic and alcoholic pairing gave a robust flavour to each courses. The view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera house further enhanced the experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Excellent Vegetarian options: Nice Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Exquisite food and the perfect location. We come here for the pre-theatre dinner and can t recommend it highly enough. The wait staff are all professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We had Jack serve our table this last visit and he was simple amazing. The food is delicious and the perfect amount to have before the Opera house show. Wine pairing and champagne are en-pointe. Our go to before any evening show st the Opera house. Vegetarian options: Great vegetarian options!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Delicious food and excellent service. Beyond our expectations.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Beautiful foot

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Would give 6 stars if possible. Everything about our experience at Aria was incredible. Sensational food, amazing attention from every staff member we interacted with, particularly our main waitress Roxy. The absolute highlight however was our wine expert Vikki. Vikki told us a story about every wine we had and this immersive experience with the wines and the background absolutely made our night more special and fun. We will be back next time we visit Sydney for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

I was surprised there were a few low ratings . So I went through them and realised most were regarding not being seated at the prime tables . TBH I totes understand why those tables had to be booked months in advance. Anyway the food were pretty good , but we are all here for the view . Guess we were pretty lucky the staff who served us were quite pro and offered talking photos for us . So overall I still give 5 stars N.B. I forgot to leave this review after we were there 12 mths ago oops .

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

I truly understand why it is so hard to get a booking at Aria, from the moment you step inside the warm welcome, the service from everyone was perfection . We had the 8 course and what an experience to taste the masterpieces they created just when you thought you tasted something amazing the next dish leaves you speechless like who would ve thought asparagus would be so mouth watering and the trout wow that fish was cooked for the royals thats how good it was, seriously never felt so welcomed and spoilt absolutely the best place i have dined in, and the little complimentary dishes were so sweet just made the occasion even more special. Thank you so much Aria. Dietary restrictions: They are so respectful to your dietary requirements

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Our go to restaurant for special occasions. Superb 8 course tasting menu. Could not fault any of the courses. Would have loved a bit more bread to mop up the sauces. A lovely evening.

November 23, 2024

The food and atmosphere was great. And all the staff were professional. However they threw away the drink I brought in due to non outside food policy. And it couldnt be found when leaving. Thats not the right attitude to treat food. Totally a waste.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

We had dinner at Aria last night. We have dined at Aria many times over 20 years. It is without doubt the best restaurant in Sydney. Classic and timeless, it is fine dining perfectly executed, without the pretentiousness.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Went there for our anniversary celebration. Had a nice view, next to Opera House and the bridge. Overall experience was remarkable. Great food! Great staff! Will go there again. Thank you! Parking: SOH parking (Wilson)

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

We attended Aria for dinner prior to an evening at the theatre. What an absolutely amazing experience from the commencement of a predinner drink, entrees to dessert and a final cocktail. Faultless in every respect. Thank you to all of the staff at Aria for looking after us so professionally and diligently. It will be an evening that we will all never forget. If only every establishment could follow in your footsteps and the example you set of exceptional customer service. A truly memorable and remarkable evening. Thank you.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

I booked with Aria for my wifes birthday, we enjoyed the 8 course Degustation with Premium wine pairing... AMAZING... it was a 4-hour experience that will not be forgotten. Our waiter and sommelier helped make the evening and the food was perfect from start to finish. Atmosphere and comfort were also on point. If you are wondering, treat yourself and if you really take in the evening, you will not regret it.

★★
November 23, 2024

Save your money and dine somewhere else. The food and experience definitely does not warrant the price point here - and the mismatch makes for a regrettable experience. The service itself is SO LONG, even after we asked to speed up and with an unfilled dining room it took forever. We ordered the tasting menu which eventually became overwhelming on size of the plates alone which made it hard to say anything actually tasted good. The lulls between service also made you hyper aware of the other patrons - which seem all to be crude Sydney/international business people. The ambiance just isn t there. Go to nearby to The Rocks sit outside and have a better meal for 1/7th of the price point.

★★★★
November 23, 2024

Was a lovely evening - service and cocktails amazing - food was good, however really over priced when the food wasn t as expected - staff 11/10 all round - recommend for an experience

November 23, 2024

We booked a pre= theatre dinner that gave us a booking for 1 hour 45 minutes. 15 minutes before our booking time had expired, we were told we needed to leave. If the request had been handled differently, we would have happily gone to the bar & ordered a coffee & a cheese plate. But we were made to feel that we were somehow in the wrong. This was after spending $400. Never again!!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Amazing 3 course lunch. All the dishes were exceptional. The staff were lovely and a real pleasure to chat with. Cant wait to come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Attended at function for lunch. The food was amazing. Great views of the overseas passenger terminal, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Parking was surprisingly cheap for Sydney and easier and only a short walk. Lots to do in location after. Recommend, but pricey.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

We had the most incredible dining experience at ARIA. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and friendly welcome by the staff. The ambiance was cozy yet elegant, the perfect setting for a memorable birthday dinner. The food was absolutely divine! Each dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The sides were amazing and the mash is a must. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, offering great recommendations and ensuring that everything was perfect throughout the meal. Their professionalism and enthusiasm added an extra layer of charm to the overall experience. I cant wait to return and try more of the menu! Highly recommend this restaurant for anyone seeking fantastic food and exceptional service. Five stars all around! Parking: Suggest pre-booking parking at the SOH as they do get full quickly and only let in those who have booked a space.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Highly recommendable

★★★
October 23, 2024

Crabmeat & some of the sauces were extremely was salty. Steak disappointing. Brought it to the attention of the server but there was no service recovery, just that the issue would be made known to the chefs involved. The duck,tuna and dessert dishes were wonderful. Service was so-so only. Sommelier was attentive. My previous experience before Covid-19 was awesome. However, this time was the total opposite. Will probably not patronise any more.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

What an experience, from the welcome and throughout the entire night the evening was faultless. The staff, the food and the view were spectacular, no wonder Aria has 2 Hats . Well done

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The foods flavour and presentation consistently remain the high standard. That s the reason Aria has been one of my recommended fine dining restaurants for years. The wine list is a standout, and the staffs extensive knowledge makes it easy to explore wines from different countries. Our table service staff was bit cool on that day, maybe because of its a windy day.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

We did the eight course tasting menu with wine pairing in October 2024 and also had a three course meal in November 2022. Each time we have dined at Aria, we have been amazed by the quality of the ingredients, pleasantly surprised and delighted by the combination of flavours and textures, the service, and the view. Although this time, while the bread and butter were good, we really missed the sourdough with kombu butter that we had last time. The staff are also incredibly attentive without being disruptive and shared in our excitement for the food and drinks. We love dining here and look forward to the next time!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The view is magnificent, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is delightful. It is truly a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful Sydney Harbour. Food

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I recently tried Aria s 25-year anniversary menu and had a great experience overall. The food was well-prepared, and my favorite dish was the dry-aged duck, with the skin cooked to perfection. The dessert, a chocolate delice, was just okay nothing special compared to the rest of the meal. What really stood out was the view, with a stunning look at the Opera House, which added to the whole experience. Overall, Aria is a great choice for a special night out.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Aria food outstanding. Service outstanding Absolutely wonderful evening. Thank you Matt Moran and staff! Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Expensive but excellent!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Atmosphere was intimate and warm. Staff were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Food was unreal. Black marron, jurassic quail and coral trout were the standouts. The strawberry, lychee & chamomile dessert was incredible. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I visited at here when my Bf s birthday They were so kind and foods were so nice! And i got cute cake for my Bf Thank you so much I hope you guys visit here

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Most amazing dinner in sydney. Incredibly friendly team, outstanding recommendations from the sommelier. Thanks for the wonderful evening.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

You dont go to many restaurants where they seem to get everything just right. Its nine years since weve been to Aria and it hasnt lost any of its class. The food was exquisite, the setting and ambience perfect, and the service professional, friendly and efficient without being over-formal. Highly recommended for a special occasion.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Excellent food and service. Every dish was perfectly executed. Highly highly recommended

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

We celebrated my partners birthday last night with a pre theatre dinner at Aria. What an incredible experience from beginning to end. Faultless in every regard. Thank you team for looking after us so incredibly well. It will be a night we will always remember.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Attentive and efficient team of staff and beautiful view of the harbour to match the refined food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

A memorable meal that is hard to fault. Everything from the view, taste, presentation and service are all top-notch. You cant call it Japanese fusion but there is a Japanese influence in a number of the courses in the tasting menu. Whether it is delicate or bold, you know the dish will slots well into the multi course menu like fingers into a glove. You can also order a la carte. I suppose the only negative is the price. It is in the realm of if you have to ask then... Lets just say it is perfect for special occasions or the business CC is ready and willing.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Exquisite food, great cocktails and friendly waiters.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Wonderful 7-course tasting menu with Opera House view <3

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

We are the tasting menu and can t really fault any dish. All the dishes were fresh and ingredients worked well together. It was a nice meal and would def go back. The reason I didn t give 5 stars was because I felt the scallop dish would have been better if it didn t have the pork sauce and bacon. The scallop was fresh and felt the sauce and bacon overpowers it but still a very nice dish overall. The chocolate cake is not something I would usually go for but this was absolutely delicious. My fav dish is the duck and the beef (which is really saying something coz I m a seafood girl!) would def go back for seconds.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Lovely dining experience.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

One of Australia s best restaurants by far. Food is always perfect! Service is outstanding! Well done to the Aria staff and management for always ensuring a perfect dining experience. Thank you!

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

A boring dinner. Great for business dining. Taste like wedding venue which is designed to serve more people. food is not serve at their best temperature You won t expect any WoW moment compare to restaurants around. Nice view. Nice service. Just not feel like it worth the value. Most of restaurants around will have at least one moment for something special. It s a winter time. You truly expect something like Firedoor . It was nothing like that except the fishy mud crab dish. I am a fishman so I am expecting something better. Seafood like mud crab wont taste good in a room temperature custard. It is salty. Texture of hand cut linguine is perfect. You have to blame the truffle to have a mild taste. I am expecting a more intense truffle savory. Desert wont go well together. It was such a long night.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Amazing best in Sydney .. worth every cent

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

This is my third time visiting the place but first time visiting during lunch time. Everything was great. We will definitely visit again! We had their tasting menu, and I would really recommend it to everyone!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

If you want to spoil someone special, then take them to the Aria. What a spectacular evening. My wife and I Loved it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

We enjoyed a delightful pre-theatre three-course menu, but the real highlight was the thoughtful service provided to our kids. The kids menu was top-notch and made them feel like part of the meal. The wine pairings were spot-on, and the staff were responsive and accommodating, addressing all our needs, including gluten-free dietary requirements. The entire dining experience was exceptional from start to finish.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

A Memorable Dining Experience at Aria Restaurant Aria Restaurant is a standout choice for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you walk in, youre greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly blends sophistication with comfort. The ambiance is inviting, with a beautifully designed interior that enhances the overall dining experience. The food at Aria Restaurant is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish is meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients, resulting in flavors that are both bold and nuanced. The menu offers a diverse selection of options, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. The presentation of each dish is as impressive as its taste, reflecting a commitment to both culinary excellence and artistic presentation. The service at Aria Restaurant is equally remarkable. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and eager to make recommendations. Their professionalism and warmth contribute to a dining experience that feels both personalized and refined. In summary, Aria Restaurant excels in every aspect, offering amazing food, wonderful service, and an exceptional atmosphere. Whether youre marking a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Aria ensures a memorable and satisfying dining experience that s worth every moment. For more insights on top travel destinations, exceptional dining, and unique experiences, follow my account. I share detailed reviews and recommendations to help you discover your next perfect getaway and culinary adventure!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Aria Restaurant Sydney is a pinnacle of fine dining, offering an exquisite culinary experience with unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The restaurants sophisticated ambiance, elegant decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows create a breathtaking setting that enhances every meal. The menu at Aria is a masterful blend of contemporary Australian cuisine, featuring dishes crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients. Each course is a work of art, meticulously plated and bursting with innovative flavors. Highlights include the perfectly cooked seafood, tender meats, and creative vegetarian options, all complemented by an impressive wine list curated to perfection. Service at Aria is exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who ensure a seamless and memorable dining experience. Their expertise in wine pairings and detailed explanations of each dish add a refined touch to the meal. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an unforgettable night out, Aria Restaurant Sydney offers an unparalleled dining experience that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended for those seeking the best in fine dining with iconic Sydney views.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Hands down! One of the top fine dining restaurants in town! This time, we tried the long-awaited truffle tasting menu. And again, it didn t disappoint us. All dishes were well prepared with the best ingredients and of course loads of shaved truffles! The wine pairing with the tasting menu is also to the point, which greatly enhances the enjoyment of the dishes. The only complaints are the pre-appetizers which were not complex enough and way too salty. Service is very warm and professional. And the views of the opera house and Sydney bridge are a plus. Highly recommend!

★★★★
July 23, 2024

Amazing venue with amazing views.. Food, produce, presentation, wine, cocktails were all great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

The pre-theatre three-course menu was excellent, but what truly impressed us was the attentive care shown to our kids. They had a fantastic kids menu that allowed them to join in the dining experience. The wine pairing suggestions were very useful, and the staff went above and beyond, catering to all our dietary needs, including gluten-free options. It was a great dining experience from beginning to end. Dietary restrictions: If you let the staff know your dietary needs ahead of time, they are very adept at ensuring they can meet them. Kid-friendliness: Please indicate if you have children when booking and request the kids menu, which includes a charming 2-course option for the little ones.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Truly one of the best meals of my life. Our pre-theatre dining experience was absolutely incredible. We felt welcomed and well-attended to by the staff, and the food was so delicious I can t stop thinking about it. Highly recommend if you are anywhere near Sydney.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Best of Sydney It is a restaurant with a view. Highly recommended if you want to enjoy the atmosphere while spending a lot of money. From a travelers perspective, the cost may be burdensome. Recommended for anniversaries The menu changes depending on the season. I came across the truffle tasting menu. Of course I was satisfied, and the wine list was perfect

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Delicious - went there for my graduation celebration!

June 23, 2024

Went to this place a couple of weeks ago. We booked online, and the seat we got turned out to be very uncomfortable, squeezed into a corner near the entrance, despite plenty of available seats nearby. The first waitress we had was rude and arrogantly answered our questions, which was annoying and irritating. We then had another waiter offered us to sit elsewhere. The food was disappointingly mediocre, and the waiters rushed explanations of each course were barely understandable. I won t recommend this place to anyone, unless you really like the window seat with the opera house view which need to be booked half a year in advance

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

I recently dined at Aria and could not fault the experience at all. Everything was incredible. From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I was made to feel very welcomed and valued. There is no denying this is a fancy restaurant, but at no point did it feel pretentious. Every staff member I encountered was at the top of their game. I was dining alone, and the staff found the right combination of being friendly, accommodating, polite and respectful, while giving me space to not feel awkward. The wine recommendations from the sommelier were spot on. I had given him a description of what I was looking for, a bright, light red wine that would match a fish and beef dish, and he matched it perfectly. So knowledgeable. The food surpassed my expectations. I went with the pre-theatre menu, and had the Kgari spanner crab, the angus fillet and the banana soufflé. Everything was delicious, the flavours and textures were on point, serving sizes were perfect. Nothing was out of place. The meal also came with an amuse bouche, a palate cleanser just before dessert, and a selection of petit fours to end with. The location and views from this restaurant are world class. I was there during the Vivid festival, so I could enjoy the lights and projections of the Opera House, while also viewing having a perfect view of Sydney Harbour. It is also at a great vantage point for people watching, and the interesting driving maneuvers of those trying to park and/or drop passengers off at the end of Macquarie Street. The experience is on the more expensive side, but considering how wonderful it was, I was more than happy to pay it. I would have been willing to spend even more. Would I recommend Aria? Without a doubt! If you are looking for a night out in one of the Worlds most iconic locations, you would find it hard to outdo the experience of Aria.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Very welcoming and attentive team, great service and tasty food-thank you Aria.

★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

We were seated behind pillards so we didn t really get a view, despite plenty of available seats in better spots. The food was overall not very tasty... The menu is not properly presented along the way: several waiters serve you and are rushing explanations, that are not very clear. Plus, when booking my boyfriend specified that the occasion was for a celebration but they didn t remember. Considering the price and reputation, you pay you would expect a better service.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

We had a great experience at the snack tasting the only disappointing parts were: the music was not good and the mains all came out together so by the time we got to the prawns and burger they were cold, they could have been brought out seperately. The entrees were to die for. The lovely staff were really nice and helpful.

June 23, 2024

Recently attended for the vivid bar snacks at $150 per person This was my first time attending aria for a birthday celebration which my partner let them know in advance for (not that it was acknowledged) but that does not matter. What matters is the experience which was extremely disappointing. The food was sub-par, overpriced with poor service and the food was so soooo slow to come out. So slow coming out in fact other diners had finished their meal and we were about half way through. One of the dishes we ordered as an extra with our mains was late and did not come out until we had finished our mains. Another table at the side of us for whatever reason their food was delayed they are treated like loyalty, given additional menu items and yet we pretty much ignored most of the night. We also had to keep asking for basic things or even get attention for drinks when we had been sitting with empty glasses for a long while. I couldn t wait to leave. The whole experiencing was disappointing and expensive. There s other things to mention but I have ranted enough, just wanted to inform other diners. I would highly suggest diners reading this to just hop over the way and go to bennelong in the opera house. Food is beautiful, service excellent and the venue is stunning all for similar prices

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

A wonderful night at Aria last night with amazing food and incredible service. We booked in for the snack menu through Vivid and it didn t disappoint. A sophisticated delivery of perfect hospitality.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Perfect evening! Thank you

June 23, 2024

Disappointing experience, I had planned to take my toddler to have dinner and see the drones which I explained when confirming the reservation. I waited 30 mins for my booked table and the restaurant does not have high chairs so my toddler couldnt sit at the table.

★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Menu orders mixed, tiny portions, very expensive food and beverage

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Absolutely beautiful

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Very overpriced for the level of fine dining experience they are providing. Wife and I are fine dining snobs and were super excited to dine here. We were thrilled to see on the menu that there were several sommeliers on staff so we ordered the premium wine tasting menu for $350/pp (very tacky to have 3 levels of wine tasting options but that s another story) and were very underwhelmed with the pairings. The first pairing was a SAKE, not a wine. Not a single option wowed either of us as admittedly we expected with a team of sommeliers on staff and a fairly expensive wine tasting add-on. The chefs tasting menu was also very underwhelming. The amuse bouche was refreshing but everything else was very vanilla and lacked any sort of exciting flavor you come to expect with this sort of establishment and the corresponding price tag (for two of us it was $1,300 with tip) The views are spectacular and the staff was great, but both wine and food were not memorable.

★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

What a let-down to have dined here. We had one night to dine in Sydney this trip and wanted to make it special. We were lured here by the hype and generally good reviews. Got to remember to read the reviews in detail next time. The best things to say about this restaurant are: location (on the pier and proximity to the Opera House), attractive setting, and mostly decorative presentation of the foods. Dinner is a choice of a very small selection of items from a four-course prix fixe menu @ AUS $225 ea. Still water @ $12 ea., four glasses of wine ($140), a side vegetable ($15) and three oysters ($27) and the total came to $656. Food was not nearly as flavorful as the presentation. Service was intermittent, and frequently non-existent. Needless to say, I cannot recommend this restaurant when so many others abound in the local area.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Everything is perfect

May 23, 2024

It was our 10year wedding anniversary, we were given the worst table in the restaurant, we booked well in advance and said it was for our anniversary, one would think they would try and make it a special evening, especially when the bill was over $700. Food was good but was easily the saltiest food I have ever eaten.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Went here many many times, never disappoint. Everything is amazing. Last time i went was with the tasting menu. Recommended

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

The view was amazing and food was perfect. Staffs were all friendly and attentive. 10/10 Each course was very delicious but I wish the amount of food was a little bigger. We will definitely come back!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

The dining experience was perfection from the start. The staff were all warm and welcoming. We had a lovely table with a beautiful view of the harbour. The food was amazing, each dish a culinary delight and wonder. Loved every bit of the evening. Thank you. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Excellent service and Amazing food. Highly recommend

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Unfortunately had a poor experience at this restaurant after having such high expectations prior to going in. We had a large group on a Saturday evening. The service was poor in that every choice of wine I ordered I was pushed to get the more expensive bottle. I felt quite pressured and then my choices made pushed back against. The food was unfortunately also a little disappointing- the portion sizes very small of each of the dishes. The duck & beef were good but again wished there was more on the plate unfortunately. Not sure I will be returning and think $600 pp (inc wines) would be a more enjoyable experience.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

A fine restaurant experience that is second to none, priced at a steal for what they offer. They were very accommodating of all my annoying requests. Only caveat is that young kids will probably not enjoy the atmosphere/food, but otherwise there is no better alternative when you need a perfect meal. 10/10 will have to dine with them again some time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

One of poche restaurants in Sydney, just beside the iconic Sydney opera house. The staff were friendly, professional and provided us with descriptionskf each course. The atmosphere is great with a nice view of Harbour Bridge and Opera house. The food was great, an army of chefs . Very creative and appealing. On a pricey side, expect to spend 400-500$ per person. Vegetarian options: Beautiful vegetation options available! Parking: Wilsons parking is available

★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Lovely venue/views, but sadly food was not great for the huge price you pay

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Immaculate. If I could use one word to describe my experience at Aria - this would be it. Everything from the attention to detail in the service provided to the soothing ambiance of the dining room lent itself to a superb experience (I also want to give special thanks to both Giovanni and Isaac for hosting our table and facilitating a wonderful evening at the restaurant). Now, the food. This was quite simply - culinary art. The symphony of visuals, flavours, and textures I experienced dining on this night was out of this world. For our third course I personally loved the venison loin (though not to take anything away from the duck as this too was an exemplary dish.) p.s. If you re contemplating on whether to get the mashed potato - get it. We had it recommended to us and the buttery richness to it tastes as though you re having a croissant (you ll know what I mean). So would I recommend Aria? Absolutely. It s cemented itself in my book as one of the definitive culinary experiences here in Sydney (if you didn t already use the Good Food & Wine ratings as a guide - now you know). From the view in the dining hall, to the food, and to the warm and welcoming staff - you haven t had Sydney fine dining until you ve dined at Aria.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

We came for the Pre-Theatre, which was a wonderful experience! (We were all dressed up for the Gatsby show and everyone made us feel so welcome). They made sure to note the time that we wanted to go for our show, and service began promptly. We had a gorgeous view of the opera house, an experience only made better by the food and staff. Service was on-point, the sommelier came by to recommend wines based on our preferences, and the food was as beautiful as it was delicious. The only feedback I have would be the doneness of the beef was just that little bit over. But I m really nit-picking here. We had an amazing time, and look forward to visiting again if we come to Sydney again.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Fantastic experience for a big occasion

★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Use to be my favourite restaurant but didnt enjoy the food as much as I used to. It is a very lovely location

★★★
April 23, 2024

The food was phenomenal. We opted for prix fixe menu and every dish was wonderfully executed. What we regret doing is getting wine pairing to go with our dinner. The wine selection itself was ok, but nothing special. It was unclear whether the sommelier was waiting for food to be brought or the waiter was waiting for sommelier, but the process seemed entirely uncoordinated and we spent a lot of time with an empty table waiting to see what comes next. With a 7:30 dinner start time, we only had one course by 9pm. The people around us came and went, and our dinner ended up lasting 3hr40min with most of the time spent waiting. For a restaurant of this caliber and this price point, we expected a much smoother experience, and left quite disappointed by the service - a shame because the food was indeed very good.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Best fine dining in Sydney, amazing view and food

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Best food and service in Sydney. A true fine dining experience. Staff is so professional, warm, welcoming and is on top of every detail. kudos team Aria

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

A wonderful menu (pre-theatre 3 course) but the highlight was actually the care and attention they showed our kids, with a great quality kids menu that allowed them to be part of the dining experience with us. Suggested wine pairing with the meal was very helpful and the staff were very responsive and took care of everything for us, including dietary requirements (gluten free). A great dining experience from start to finish. Dietary restrictions: If you communicate your dietary requirements in advance, the staff are very good at ensuring they can accommodate your specific needs. Kid-friendliness: In your booking, note down if you have children and request the kids menu for a lovely 2-course option for the kids.

★★★
April 23, 2024

Requested a table near the window as it was my wife s birthday, obviously I wasn t given one although there were quite a few table near the window were not taken , I think they only give you a nice seat if you were only regulars, if I knew the table weren t available earlier honestly I would rather forfeit my deposit and gone elsewhere

★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Unfortunately had a poor experience at such a highly regarded restaurant. Service was extremely hit or miss, they kept getting our dishes wrong when bringing them out, indicating poor attention to detail. And it was extremely difficult flagging down staff or order more drinks, even though there were alot of them. Food personally didn t enjoy. Crab tasted fishy, and even the m9 steak didn t really taste as good as it should have on paper. View was good as advertised.

★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Good ambiance and perfect location, but none of the food made us go wow no dish to recommend. Plus it was really hard to get service, which is a red flag for a fine dining restaurant. Won t go again for the food and service aren t worth the price. We paid $750 for 2.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

A beautiful and memorable 40th Anniversary! The food was exceptional and the staff friendly and attentive. Highly recommend and will be back soon.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

I had my birthday lunch at Aria which was a wonderful experience. The restaurant provided me with a table for 2 facing the Opera House just like I requested. The food was outstanding at all levels, the service was excellent, atmosphere was vibrant. I can highly recommend Aria.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

We really enjoyed a night of indulgence at Aria with a four course dinner, aperitivo and quality French wine. This is not something I would do regularly but I just felt like a treat. The service, food and drinks all met my expectations with a spectacular view as well.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Excellent meal last night. The K gari crab cold entree is one of the wonders of the world. EMILY our host and waitress was fantastic, her service was second to none. Posting this review because the food was excellent, however I mainly wanted to post to ensure EMILY gets the recognition she deserves. EMILY, if you can see this; THANK YOU! You elevated our experience tenfold and I thank you from the depths of my heart. Managers, please ensure Emily gets the recognition she deserves.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Great food and excellent service

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Incredible, choreographed service, absolute attention to detail! Lovely, knowledgable staff (made guests feel like VIP s !) Food Devine ( a bit too much - thank goodness for a hungry husband). Unexpected extra dishes/ courses! Wanted the option for a 3/4 star , as the last star for food ( Wagu beef - lovely flavour - but a bit chewy) - husband obviously didn t mind! Wine paring = perfect! - & we went for the classic (I m more food than wine ) Lovely Sommelier! (perfect service - as I have previously mentioned!)

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Went for our wedding anniversary. The food was beyond amazing. Service was impeccable. Will be dining there every special occasion.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Wonderful experience all round.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Food, service and view were excellent

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Exquisite fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere with stunning scenery!! 10/10 Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Nice restaurant with good food and service

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

We had a perfect evening at Aria for our anniversary. All dishes were outstanding - though must say the quail breast and banana souffle were my favourite dishes! Staff gave us 5 star service, wine choice was spot on and the view and atmosphere couldnt be better.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Went on a surprise birthday dinner to Aria and the surprises continued through the amazing experience. With dietary requirements Aria were able to assist me with making slight alterations to each of my courses and ended it with a little surprise dessert. What an unforgettable experience one that I will forever cherish. The food and cocktails were fantastic while we sat looking at the Opera house.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

New Years Eve early seating. Absolutely exceeded my expectations. Fine dining with all the touches but without unnecessary formality.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

The dining experience was an absolute delight, with beautifully presented and delicious dishes.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Vikki was amazing and so was Ilounda my server from Italy (sorry if I butchered the spelling). The food was excellent and the duck was cooked to perfection. The dessert was also great. Overall one of the top 5 restaurants I have ever been to.

★★★★
February 23, 2024

Celebrated my anniversary here. Lovely

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Each course was absolutely fabulous! An exceptional culinary experience!

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

I had the tasting menu while watching the Sydney Opera house and harbor at sunset. it was a spectacular way to view the sites while eating culinary delights!

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Excellent welcome, good shopping, fine cuisine. The tasting menu is perfect. Big thanks to the chef.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

I visited Aria with my brother, we both are very used to fine cuisine and we couldnt say enough how good the food was! Every dish was extremely flavoursome. The whole experience was 10/10, the food, the wines, the view, the staff, everything. Id highly recommend to go, you wont be disappointed! Vegetarian options: I went with the vegetarian menu and it was fabulous! They even had a vegan menu

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Amazing set menu and paired non alcoholic cocktails

Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Went with my partner and we booked in advance to have a table with a view and the tasting menu. The person who seated us was a bit rude and seated us in the back with no view. We said we had requested a view but apparently that doesn t matter. To make it worse, they had so many open tables in the front (we felt not good enough for them to get nice seats even though we were there early). The other servers were brilliant from then on. But then the food was very underwhelming in taste and extremely small portions (even for a fine dining restaurant). Thank goodness there was bread!

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Came for our 1st wedding anniversary and what a way to celebrate. From the moment we stepped in the door we felt so welcomed and almost part of a family!! The food is incredible and the service as a whole is out of this world!! The staff are so knowledgeable when it comes to what wines go best with what dishes just adding to the charm of this spectacular restaurant. Regardless of price, I would 100% recommend this to anyone for a fantastic night out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

I really enjoyed our night with Aria, feel I am going to miss it a lot when back to BNE, since Brisbane Aria long gone

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

At Aria Sydney, my meal was a showcase of Chef Matt Morans ingenuity. I started with a delicate kingfish ceviche, balanced perfectly with citrus and herbs. The main course, a succulent roast lamb, was cooked to perfection, accompanied by a side of seasonal vegetables that highlighted the freshness of local produce. Dessert was a masterful chocolate ganache, a rich yet refined end to the meal. Each dish was a testament to Arias commitment to quality and creativity, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Really nice host forgot his name but bald head and grey-ish beard!!!!!

★★★
February 23, 2024

Speed dining seems to be the latest Sydney trend. Celebrating a milestone Wedding anniversary we wanted a relaxed evening of fine dining in a beautiful setting. There in lies the rub in Sydney. Yet again we have found the relaxed dining experience simply doesn t exist here any more. Even when you are paying over $800 for two people, there is a clear and obvious intention to turn your table over and get you out the door. Two hours was barely enough time to enjoy our 4 courses plus canapés and palate cleanser - so we were very pleased we didn t choose the degustation with wine pairing. By the time you have been seated, enjoyed an aperitif , had your water glasses filled, perused the food and extensive wine menu, then had your order taken, you are down to about 80- 90 minutes. There is no time to savour flavours or put your cutlery down between mouth fulls, the courses just keep rolling through. 10 minutes before your two hours are up the wait staff come over to remind you have 10 minute left. We used the 10 minutes to decide we are not supporting this practice any more - no matter how good the food is. Having time to savour, digest and enjoy your meal is part of the experience of fine dining. All of the tables in front of us turned over while we were dining, this constant flow of people arriving and leaving adding to an atmosphere that was more food hall than fine dining. The three stars for service is not for the lack of it, the staff were lovely. It was the very obvious tactic of over servicing you and bringing the next course when you have barely finished the previous one. The food was good.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

what an amazing experience my husband and I had. We were gifted this dinner from my work boss as a surprise. It was the most delicious meal we have eaten. Thank you for spoiling us. Highly recommend! The service from all the staff was outstanding

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

We had an amazing time enjoying the tasting menu with a colleague from work. I have an egg intolerance and knew I was well looked after. The wine pairing was also very nice - great variety and pours that were neither too heavy or light!

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

I recently was fortunate enough to dine at aria for christmas with a friend. With the reputation that both aria and matt moran have i had high expectations and i was so pleased when my dining experience not only met those expectations but far exceeded them. From the moment we walked in the staff were friendly and inviting and upon sitting at our table we were both thrilled with the astonishing views of the harbour. Had the good times stopped there i probably still would have left happy but with every course i recieved from the flawless steak tartare to the phenomenonly cooked steak my heart (and stomach) became happier happier. And the chocolate dessert to finish off my meal was absolute heaven. Not just the chefs and their food deserve a mention but also the bartenders and their perfectly curated cocktails and mocktails (for those of us driving but still want to feel a little fancy). This was by far the best all round dining experience i have ever had in my life and i dare say i have trouble believing it will ever be topped. Thankyou so much to the entire team at aria i cant wait to come back one day.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Never been before, always wanted to. It was absolutely amazing! Obviously it s not cheap but you pay for what you get. The duck with cherries and beef blade were our favourite. We had the tasting menu with paired classic wines and it was just a magical experience. The staff we delightful and so informative and friendly. If you have ever wanted to go, do it. I waiting 10years to visit Aria and I m so glad I was able to get there. Enjoy

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Had the most amazing service, food & drinks at Aria tonight. Could not fault one thing, if anything we wanted more. We left fully satisfied & will be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Wonderful trip

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

What an amazing dining experience. Came here for Wedding Anniversary and were both blown away by the food, the wines (expertly suggested by the sommelier for each course as there was no way we could choose from the extensive wine list!) and the service. The service was on point at all times through the night, warm and friendly and they took the time to have a little chat and make the entire experience just really nice. The food was outstanding, credit to the chef and team- everything was impeccable, the presentation and the flavours. Having tried things we would normally not have and being just wowed. Definitely a place Id highly recommend for a special occasion! Thank you Aria!! Dietary restrictions: Catered for my allergies even down to the palate cleanser!

★★
January 23, 2024

Had a disappointing dinner for 4 at Aria on 30th December. Seated in one of the function areas at the back, which I can understand given the time of year but certainly lacks the wow factor of the main dining room. This was a special occasion and we we hosting 2 older non-Sydney family members who enjoy good food. The service was terrible. Rushed through several courses at breakneck speed. Bizarrely, 1.40 hours after sitting down - and before we were even served the main course - the waiter asked if we could eat our deserts in the bar as they wanted our table back for another party. Refused and were then reassured we could stay but it was all a bit cringey for a restaurant like Aria, especially at $290 a head for a degustation menu. I complained to the manager and she was certainly professional to speak with but did little to offer an explanation for the service mistakes. Food was good - not great - and a couple of dishes would have benefited from a pinch of salt (IMHO). Sorry Aria - not good enough and we won t be returning any time soon.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

hyper-seasonality is key here at Aria restaurant and they endeavour to make the most of Australias delicious summer produce within their four course menu - k gari spanner crab, tomato, fermented chilli & green strawberries a refreshing and light start to the meal, im not sure what i expected when i saw green strawberries but they were just unripe and bitter strawberries lol - rangers valley beef tartare, smoked eel, kohlrabi & sweet potato now THIS is a tartare, wow i loved the crisp tart shell and topped off with this gorgeous thin bresaola for an extra hit of salt - coral prawn ravioli, tarragon, lemon & espelette i enjoyed everything about this dish, i only wish it were slightly creamier so that the lemon flavour wasnt as sour! - pork jowl, snowflake mushroom, grape & ginger a heavy-hitter of a dish, this was quite fatty but balanced well with the grape and ginger - maremma duck, spigarello, witlof & cherries the duck was beautifully cooked but to me the cherries had slight onion-y flavour that did put me off. not like a caramelised onion but a more bitter, raw onion that i personally didnt enjoy as the witlof and spigarello were bitter enough - david blackmore wagyu 9+ sirloin (+$60) served with asparagus, bearnaise & rocket, a classic pairing with a great cut of meat. very heavy, especially since we paired it with their infamous royal blue potato mash with brown butter (+$15) which i wouldnt pass on, it was out of this world creamy, smooth and decadent - mango, jasmine & lychee full of fresh, Australian fruit showcased in a simply great way. i didnt pick up much jasmine but mango and lychee were celebrated frontrunners so still sweet and yum - caramelised banana soufflé, brown butter & pecan if i had to pick one dessert though, itd definitely be this banana soufflé. im not kidding, this is the best fkn soufflé ive ever had, it was like fairy floss the way it practically melted in the mouth! the caramelised banana flavour was rich and addicting and paired so well with the brown butter and pecan ice cream. pls order this dessert, you wont regret it!! Check out my food Instagram @erinxeats for more!

★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

We visited Aria for an anniversary dinner in January 2024. Food There is a choice of a tasting menu or a four-course à la carte option, which we decided on. Between us we ordered a good selection of the menu and would generously say it was a mixed bag. We both had the scallop starter which featured tired-tasting scallops served with a watery and very acidic dressing. My celeriac main course was a low point - totally devoid of flavour and seriously undercooked. We both enjoyed dessert. Service We approached Aria knowing that its prime location means tourists are its main customer, and repeat business is not a priority. There are some great people on the staff - the waitress who served our desserts was engaging, friendly and just right amount of formal. That said, we found the overall service experience astoundingly poor. Our assigned waiter was apparently very bored, taking our orders with disdain and then abandoning us to our fate. The sommelier was unprofessional to the point of farce. I honestly can t remember encountering a more odious individual in a customer-facing position. Having openly insulted us for our inexpensive selection, he spent the majority of the evening at an adjacent table sharing tales of philistine customers and their amusing habits. While his job description requires him to hold high standards, he should be reminded that he works in a service industry, and if customers are such a drain on him he should seek alternative employment.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

The six course tasting degustation with matching classic wines (chardonay/ pino noir/ sake/ muscat) was superb. Just anticipated the nearly $800 pp. and you can really relax and enjoy the brilliant service and amazing complex tastes. Ask for a table at the window if free, as it likely wont be offered automatically.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

This is a fabulous restaurant. Overlooking the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the location is awesome. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. My only negative was that they didn t leave us a lot of time between courses. No sooner had we finished a course, the next was being delivered. They gave me a little cake for my birthday which was lovely and very much appreciated. Overall, it was a delicious and excellent experience.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Degustation menu was delicious, the sommelier was very helpful and the cocktails were lovely

★★★
January 23, 2024

I ve been wanting to come here for years, sadly it did not meet my expectations. I thought I d be wowed by the flavours of each dish but the entrees were really bland, no real flavour bombs and the mains were really salty with things that didn t go amazingly well together on the plate. We had the wagyu beef, duck, lamb and John Dory. Only the duck wasn t overly salted but the caramelised onion was too much, would ve been better with greens instead. The price point would ve been fine if the food was divine/worth it however it just didn t hit the mark. We spent just over $1K for 4 people (inc. desserts and cocktails). One of our cocktails were whisked away before it was finished. GOOD - service (albeit rushed, barely a pause between courses, the staff were lovely), atmosphere, cocktails were delicious, accomodating to dietary requirements, the fresh oysters, creamed potato with burnt butter and banana soufflé dessert were good. NEEDS IMPROVEMENT - the mains were overly salted, the menu should have prices.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Absolutely sensational tasting menu. The black marron was the highlight. Will definitely come back

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

My wife and I arrived at midday on Thursday for lunch and chose the 4-course menu ($225 each). We ordered sparkling mineral water to drink during the meal. Also with our meal, my wife chose the Prelude mocktail consisting of Yuzu and cloudy apple infused with lemon leaf and I chose a half bottle of 2018 Chateaux de Cedre Cahors (France), both were great. The meal commenced with Amuse Bouche, including Chicken pate in a small tart and a soft cheese ball with pecorino cheese on top, a perfect start to the meal. The four-course menu includes two entrees, a main and dessert. Hot bread arrived at the beginning of the meal served with an Aria made butter infused with chicken broth and seaweed which we loved, as well as a Pepe Saya salt reduced butter. We really enjoyed our meals, especially the distinct flavours and freshness of the ingredients, and the aromas and the design of the food. I ordered: an entrée of Kgari spanner crab with tomato, fermented Chilli, and green strawberries; a second entrée of a coral prawn ravioli with tarragon, lemon and espellete; a main of OConnor grass fed Angus Beef Fillet; a complimentary Yuzu sorbet refresher; and a dessert of Caramelised banana soufflé with Yuzu sorbet, brown butter, and Pecan. My wife ordered: an entrée of Scallops with Yuzu, Daikon and Tasmanian wasabi; a second entrée of Murray Cod with summer squash, zucchini, and green tomato; a main of Maremma Duck with spigarello, witlof and cherries; a complimentary refresher of Yuzu sorbet; and a dessert of mango, Jasmine, and Lychee. We finished the meal with well-made coffees. We truly loved the meal and will return for special occasions in the future. Our super-efficient and friendly waiter Jack was amazing, as were all the staff. A meal at this amazing restaurant is highly recommended

January 23, 2024

Expensive, small portions, decent food, view was that of a large pilar throughout my meal, charged an extra $12 per person for tap water. Tourist trap. Avoid!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I visited Aria on the occasion of my Daughters birthday whos name is also Aria....had a flawless dining experience and enjoyed every delicacy Chef Matt Moran has magically crafted... looking forward to have more of such experiences in the future!!

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This could be a Tourist trap. Quite expensive and not good food. Although, The fish is fresh (and can be selected on request). But the food was a big disappointment. We didnt finish our portions because we didnt like it. The staff were quite rude and only ever interacted with my husband Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

My husband and I had the pre-theatre menu at Aria September 2023. The food was amazing and so much better than I remember the last time I dined at Aria back in the early 2010s. The service was friendly and efficient. We had more than enough time to get to the Opera House to watch Miss Saigon.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Went there two month ago. Overall it was a good lunch experience. Normally I don t like beetroot but I like the way they cooked it. Scallops were overcooked and a bit rubbery. Other dishes were OK. I think the chef tried to add more elements, but there was not a standout memorable taste. Excellent service.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Lunch on a beautiful sunny Sydney day was sublime. The three of us had the degustation menu. Food was creative with lovely flavours accompanied by the premium wine package full of amazing international wines. Staff were professional and very attentive. Sitting in front of the Opera House made you forgot the troubles of the world at least for the nearly 4 hours we were there.

December 23, 2023

My partner and I dined at the Aria for the first time over the weekend and upon arrival we were initially very impressed with the decor and table with amazing harbour bridge and opera house views. Under the recommendations from our waiter we ordered the 7 course tasting menu with the premium wine pairing. We were told this was the best way to get a taste of everything and also a taste of the best wines. We were initially given some bread and butter and then proceeded to to wait for our first course which seemed to take forever. Altogether we were there for 3 hours waiting up to 1.5 hours at one point for a 3rd dish. We were starving and cold under a freezing air conditioning, and only really enjoyed our first wine of the night, which each wine only being 1/4 of a normal glass in quantity. The food was lovely however far far too small and there were only 2 out of the 5 wines we found drinkable. There was also a lot of waiter interaction which got a little annoying, or maybe we were just annoyed because we were thirsty cold and hungry. The waiters were lovely and so was the food but less waiter interaction and far more food for the cost of almost $1,200 would of been much better. Wouldn t recommend for the quantity of food and price.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Whenever I have overseas Guests Aria is my go to place.Outstanding food and Staff. The location and views are Mind-blowing. I have been lots of times with Business guests and never been disappointed. Dietary restrictions: Gluten free no issue

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Wonderful dining experience with fantastic atmosphere and view. The staff were welcoming, helpful and accommodating. It drinks were well made, the food was beautifully presented and mostly well balanced. We enjoyed the tasting menu and it was delicious. The duck dish was the only one that was slightly off balance and you couldn t tell you were eating confit duck leg as the jam was overpowering. The plate cleanser was the best I have ever tasted in my life which surprised me. I would highly recommend this place if you want to wonderful experience. Tip: Get an early reservation and watch the sunset throughout your meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

A truly exquisite dining experience! The service at this establishment is nothing short of exceptional, and the atmosphere exudes an aura of sophistication and comfort. I must say, the scallops I had were an absolute delight tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. However, it was the liver pâté that stole the show, an absolute gastronomic masterpiece. If I could, I would say its to die for, but perhaps only if what youre giving up is something as humble as a carrot. I am so impressed that Im already planning to recommend this hidden gem to my dear friend Jimmy, the esteemed food guide connoisseur to contest to give this place three chef hats. A true culinary delight that deserves every bit of recognition.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We had good selection of the menu, loved bread, pork jowl was tender and the snowflake mushroom was divine. However we were bit underwhelmed with others, especially the wagyu beef was chewy, broccolini side dish was super sour that we couldnt eat, souffle was undercooked taste watery and the base of caviar was super dry. Lovely setting, we enjoyed wine, the overall dining experience was good but disappointed with few dishes.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

From the moment we walk in we were warmly welcomed by lovely staff . The food was superb. The sommelier assisted with perfect wine pairing. The View magical . THE FOOD exquisite.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Only redimming factor is the cocktails... The food, 1star is too much for what they served. The Chef has no sense at all... Every dish had an undefined taste, what the hell are these guys even cooking? $850+ lunch for 2 of my best friends before sending them off overseas was the worst decision ever. They were speechless and unsatisfied.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

My friend & I had been really looking forward to going to Aria. For quite a long time (considering the cost ) however we were so excited to be able to book. We made a booking for 6.30pm which apparently meant it was a pre-theatre booking and only had a 1.5hr sitting. Fine We were sat at the table right as you walked in the restaurant. We were advised that we only had and hour and 10 minutes left of our booking and should choose our courses asap. We had a three course option but we weren t ready to choose dessert yet so requested for that to be done after our mains. We were reminded (again!) of the time restraint. We hadn t even finished our glass of champagne and our mains were placed down. There wasn t much of a break between courses or time to enjoy our drinks! The food was absolutely incredible; however, our dining experience was severely ruined by staff constantly reminding us that we had to leave soon and rushed through the courses. The cherry on top was that we were given the bill whilst still eating our dessert. We hadn t even finished our wine. It s so devastating to have such an experience (that I ve looked forward to for YEARS!) ruined by being made to feel like we shouldn t be there, rushed and pushed out as soon as possible. Such a shame, because the food was so good but I d never go back. $500 dropped for a one hour sitting because we got the bill right in the hour. So disappointed

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

My partner and I really enjoyed the service and food, however, there was a white hair in the bread which was very off putting. For the money we spent, there shouldnt be any room for error. Tori was very nice upon arrival and departure. The other service staff were very accommodating.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We celebrated my girlfriends birthday here ,and I have to say it goes beyond expectations ,very warm welcome , excellent food and impeccable service from our waiter Simone, From the venue you can see Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge which in the evening has a romantic touch.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Outstanding - so lovely to be welcomed and remembered - easily the best culinary experience in Sydney - a very special place. Thank you x

December 23, 2023

Very disappointing. Aria was our fall back choice as we couldn t get into Bennelong and honestly I wish we didn t end up here. We are from Melb, and we re in town to celebrate a 40th. Our bill was $1900+ for a group of 7 and we had food from other places that was 100x better for a fraction of the cost. Our positive experience ended right after the warm welcome we received at the door. Despite specifying the booking was for a milestone birthday we were seated in the walk-way as if we were an after thought. Their chairs are the wrong height for the table after an hour it s so uncomfortable. Their wait staff were very hard to understand when they attempted to explain each dish and when I requested for more info they resorted to the closest basic vegetable for resemblance as if I don t understand fine dining ingredients. We did the 4-course dinner, I don t think all the flavours in each dish complemented each other resulting in each plate being very underwhelming. Some of the dishes had very over powering salt taste which took away from the piece of protein, seafood or main dish. One of our group members said to be honest I liked my mash potato the best. Among the underwhelming dishes ordered on our table: Scallop Dish Duck Breast Cod Ravioli Chickpea entree Desserts were poorly described on the menu. Didn t help when we couldn t understand our waitress. And no one really enjoyed their dessert. Only the seared tuna, Beef Fillet and Steak Tartare was worth any praise. We were a group of really well travelled and adventurous diners and only one of us felt it was worth the money and hype. So it wasn t a case of not knowing to appreciate fine dining food. I had to ask on my way out if Matt Moran still owned the place because I was really surprised by our overall experience. Hopefully these type of feedback is taken seriously for their own sake and reputation.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Excellent service, presentation and food. We did the tasting menu. Great Sydney dining.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food was above par. Service by all staff was excellent.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

You will get to experience the best dishes in the menu along with the best view of opera house from the window.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Foods pretty standard for fine dining but its the little details that bothered me. The cutleries and plates are never in the right place and I have to move them for every single course. No goodbye/thank you. Tables are too close to each other

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Look, top notch location and top notch views. Having done prix fixe in a few places around the world, I have to say that the food was just - fine. It was good, but it didn t leave you thinking you just had one of the best meals you ve ever had. It s clear that when you can rely on premier location and being in a tourist hot spot, you don t need to rely on the food being absolutely amazing.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I know Aria consistently ranks as one of the best, but in todays rushed and often under-staffed restaurants, you might forget what its like to be looked after by PROFESSIONALS. They make it look so easy....the food, the service, the location....its the complete package. Not something we can do often, but a special place for special occassions !

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best restaurant Ive ever been to

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Exceptional dinning experience- service is 10/10 Food quality is perfect - cannot be faulted !! Ive been to every 5 star restaurant in Syd and Aria stands out as one of the best.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Outstanding in every way!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Warm and friendly service with excellent food!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I used it as a luxurious dinner. I ordered 4 courses. Each dish was elaborate and extremely delicious. Im full. Since it was the honeymoon and Christmas season, we even received dessert service. Thank you very much (^O^) Ryoko, a Japanese woman who started working at ARIA three days ago, started serving us halfway through the service, even though she couldnt speak English and was having a hard time communicating. He had been working as a manager at another store in Sydney for five years, and it was hard to believe that it was only his third day at the store.He acted dignified and treated us in a very friendly manner. I was both relieved and happy. Ryoko, as a fellow Japanese, I pray that you will continue to play an active role in ARIA! keep it up! (^O^)

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Absolutely fabulous! Already planning on coming back

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Everything was amazing, we even got a little treat for our anniversary celebration

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Dietary restrictions: Alternative menu was as inspired as the set tasting & pairing menu Food

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Service was amazing, food exquisite

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

We had a wonderful lunch at Aria. We ordered the tasting plate with the classic paired wines. Every mouthful was outstanding, view was beautiful and the staff were attentive and lovely. We will be back. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We were surprised to see an Pregnant diet option while booking. On arrival our lovely Waitress Yolanda explained all of the dishes which a pregnant person might want to know about and informed us that the chef can alter the food as needed. Food was amazing although a bit pricey well worth it. Dietary restrictions: They flagged pregnancy as a diet option

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The service was over the top. The food was great. Enjoyed a wonderful bottle of wine recommended by the sommelier.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best fine dining

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Celebrating? Then go to Aria! Booked the pre-theatre 3 course on short notice. The service is amazing, and staff did a surprise custom celebratory dessert! Food

★★★
December 23, 2023

I was expecting more from the food. Gidley, bisteca, 6head and the Squire landing have a wow factor in their food. I was expecting it when I made my reservation. Don t think the food is worth what it costs.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary the staff were all so friendly and attentive it made our night very memorable. And then the food was exciting and had so Many varied tastes and combinations of flavours. The new Chef Tom Goringe really tested out our taste buds. Out of the 4 course we couldnt pick out the best as they were all standout disesuaikan on their own. And if thats not enough you cant match the view anywhere in the world.The perfect venue to showcase our city.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Sensational food and impeccable service which was attentive without being intrusive. The atmosphere was relaxed with a casual formality and gorgeous views across Sydney Harbour. Can t wait to return.

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Service was great. Staff were warm and friendly. The food was good but not very memorable. The John Dory I had was very salty and tasted like a dried and salted cod.

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