Where to long lunch in Sydney to catch up with friends

Best long lunch spots in Sydney where you can take your time and catch up with friends

Long lunches, good friends, great times. When you live in Sydney, where you’re surrounded by stunning waterfront and award-winning restaurants, if you’re not treating yourself to a long lunch on a regular occasion – you’re doing yourself some injustice. Not only do you get to enjoy delicious food, but you get to catch up with friends, colleagues or family. Whether you’re looking out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the waterfront, or enjoying a picnic in a National Park, the options for a long lunch in Sydney are abundant.

Here are some of our favourite spots:

Sydney CBD: Views to drool over

For Sydney dining in the CBD where you can enjoy a long and leisurely lunch, you’ll find an endless choice of options. From Otto and China Doll, to Lotus and Mr Wong – classic favourites for many Sydney-siders. For something different, La Hacienda Peru brings the delicious taste of Peruvian cuisine to Sydney and is right in the midst of Darling Harbour, while Zest Waterfront Venues at Middle Harbour 16ft Skiff Club and overlooks The Spit. It caters to all dietary requirements and includes share platters and roving degustation – a various course menu. If you want to try something a little different though, head to All Hands Brewing House – a state-of-the- art microbrewery that’s located right near Darling Harbour. There’s a Southern-style menu with a range of options for everyone, and you can enjoy the in-house brews throughout the afternoon. A little further out, Chiosco by Ormeggio at The Spit is one of our favourites, located close to the waterfront and offering BYO.

Bondi Beach: Luxury all-day dining by the beach

One of the best long lunch Sydney destinations is of course, Bondi Beach. From simple fish and chips or a feast of rock oysters, to full dining room and bar options – there’s something to suit every palate. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar will have you drinking spritzes while admiring the stunning views over the South Pacific Ocean. The wine list is large, the food delicious and there’s something for everyone on the menu. Feel like some tasty seafood for lunch? North Bondi Fish celebrates all things seafood with an extensive menu and Totti’s has Italian you’ll love! You could even go to nearby Paddington for Italian at Lucio’s. It is award- winning, the entire restaurant interior is covered in art, and the owner Lucio Galletto still works the floor himself.

Surry Hills: A vibrant experience while dining

Surry Hills is known for its stylish cultural and cafe scene so if you’re going anywhere for a Sydney long lunch, this should certainly be at the top of your list. There are plenty of dining options, including the Asian delight Chin Chin, which delivers delicious spicy hot chicken, Balinese roast duck, crispy soft-shell crab, and more. Poly is a casual restaurant with a menu that will have you drooling, and if you’re after Levantine food, including Lebanese, Syrian Turkish and Greek, head to Nour on Crown Street. It’s top notch and the head chef delivers a feast for every meal. Other ideas include the relaxed dining venue, The Winery, Forrester’s for a bottomless long lunch, or the new Keg & Brew Restaurant.

SURRY HILLS IS KNOWN FOR ITS STYLISH CULTURAL AND CAFE SCENE SO IF YOU’RE GOING ANY WHERE FOR A SYDNEY LONG LUNCH, THIS SHOULD CERTAINLY BEAT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST.

Balmain: Casual dining with endless variety

If you’re looking for a casual dining experience for your next long lunch, Balmain has plenty of options available. The Cottage Bar & Kitchen delivers some of the best pizza in the area and the dining institution is set in a stunning sandstone cottage. Mantecato Risotteria Italiana is open on weekends for lunch and is known to have some of the best risotto in Sydney and also specialises in tasty pasta dishes. If you’re after something a little different for your long lunch on a Saturday or Sunday, Efendy’s dining room is set in a restored Victorian mansion. The restaurant provides Turkish food and includes a cellar cocktail bar which is perfect for whiling away a few hours in the afternoon.

GET SOME SPICE IN YOUR LIFE WITH MUCHACHA MEXICAN KITCHEN WHERE YOU CAN DELIGHT IN THE VIBRANT FLAVOURS AND DECORATIONS.

Northern Beaches: A leisurely dining option with a seaside vibe

The Northern Beaches stretch from Manly up to Palm Beach boasts an ocean ambience and lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else in the Sydney region. If you want to head to the area for dining options, Hugos Manly has an outdoor terrace and chic furniture, serving wood-fired pizza and great Aussie cuisine. Given that you’re dining at the beach, you’re probably keen for some fresh seafood, so we recommend Garfish, or another local favourite, the Fish Cafe Balgowlah. Get some spice in your life with Muchacha Mexican Kitchen where you can delight in the vibrant flavours and decorations, or Pilu at Freshwater plays on executive chef Giovanni Pilu’s Sardinian upbringing to provide modern Italian dishes.

Other options to choose from for fun and adventure

You don’t have to visit a restaurant to enjoy a long lunch either. If you have the time, why not pack a picnic for you and your friends and head to one of the many stunning picnic spots across the Sydney region. McKell Park is close to the CBD, located on Darling Point, with views of the Harbour Bridge. You can take up a spot on the grass and feast on sandwiches, while sipping a wine, and enjoy the perfectly manicured gardens. Blackburn Gardens in Double Bay is a heritage garden that’s been restored and offers views of the Harbour, as well as a secret garden to explore. Pack your togs, it’s just a short walk to Seven Shillings Beach. If you have time, hop on a ferry across to Cockatoo Island where you can set up on the grass and enjoy the views; or head for a beachside picnic at Wattamolla picnic area in the Royal National Park.

If a picnic isn’t your idea of a great long lunch, you could opt for a nice brunch at one of the city’s many cafes or restaurants. Or for something completely different, add some excitement to the afternoon with American Express Experiences - an entertainment service that gives you access to a hand-picked selection of the hottest upcoming events and experiences (and it’s only available to American Express customers). 