Calling all food enthusiasts! In recent years, Potts Point has transformed into a culinary wonderland. What was once primarily known for its nightlife is a sophisticated dining destination with an eclectic mix of eateries, from cosy bistros to elegant restaurants catering to every palate.
Its blend of historic charisma and modern flair creates unique settings, with many restaurants in heritage buildings complementing innovative menus. The compact area allows easy strolls between venues, perfect for exploring different flavours in one evening.
Our selection of the top five restaurants highlights exceptional food quality, distinctive ambience, and memorable dining—the best Potts Point has to offer.
Top 5 Restaurants in Potts Point
1. Cho Cho San
Cuisine type: Modern Japanese
Step into Cho Cho San in the heart of Potts Point for a modern take on Japanese cuisine. The restaurant blends tradition with contemporary flavours for authentic and delectable dining. The space is a minimalist dream—all clean lines, blonde wood, and lighting so flattering you might want to move in permanently.
Signature dishes: Kingfish Sashimi with Pickled Ginger, Pork Katsu Steamed Buns, Grilled Prawns with Kombu Butter.
Atmosphere: The long communal table buzzes with conversation as beautiful plates of food make their rounds. Steam wafts from the open kitchen, carrying the irresistible scent of grilled seafood and sticky rice. You’ll hear the satisfying clink of sake cups, spot first dates going very well, and catch friends fighting (politely) over the last bite of something delicious.
Why it’s a must-visit: Cho Cho San masterfully blends sophisticated flavours with relaxed dining. The menu respects traditional Japanese techniques while introducing subtle Australian influences, concocting familiar and delightfully unexpected dishes.
2. Yellow
Cuisine type: Vegan Fine Dining
Yellow has redefined plant-based dining in Sydney with its innovative approach to vegan cuisine. Located in a charming historic building, Yellow is where vegetables stop being side dishes and start being the main event—and trust us; they’re ready for their closeup.
Signature dishes: Salt-Baked Celeriac with Black Garlic, Carrot and Cashew Cream, Roasted Pumpkin with Miso and Buckwheat.
Atmosphere: Stepping into Yellow, you’re welcomed by a warm, softly lit dining room that reflects the building’s artistic history. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere is paired with an impressive wine list, highlighting organic, natural, and rare selections. Splashes of canary, mustard, and saffron add to the cosy yet sophisticated feel, while the inventive plant-based dishes redefine what fine dining can be.
Why it’s a must-visit: As Sydney’s first fine-dining restaurant dedicated entirely to plant-based cuisine, Yellow transforms vegetables into the stars of the show. Even devoted meat-eaters are impressed by the creativity and depth of flavour in Yellow’s dishes.
3. The Apollo
Cuisine type: Contemporary Greek
The Apollo brings the vibrant spirit of Greece to Potts Point with a modern, sophisticated approach. Another successful venture from Jonathan Barthelmess, this restaurant has delighted diners with its contemporary take on Hellenic cuisine since 2012.
Signature dishes: Saganaki Cheese with Honey and Oregano, Oven-Baked Lamb Shoulder with Garlic and Lemon, Wild Weed Pie.
Atmosphere: The moment you push open the door, your senses go into overdrive – the mouthwatering scent of slow-roasted lamb, laughter bouncing off high concrete ceilings, and the sizzle-pop of tableside saganaki that stops conversations mid-sentence. The room buzzes with electric energy as large groups tear into shared plates, passing dips and scooping them up with warm, pillowy bread.
Why it’s a must-visit: The Apollo elevates Greek cuisine beyond typical taverna fare. With generous portions, bold flavours, and a genuinely warm atmosphere, it captures the essence of Greek hospitality while adding a distinctly Sydney sophistication.
4. Ms.G’s
Cuisine type: Modern Asian Fusion
Ms.G’s offers a playful, creative approach to Asian fusion cooking. Chefs Dan Hong and Jowett Yu have crafted a menu that draws inspiration from across Asia, combining influences from China, Vietnam, Korea, and beyond to create something truly unique.
Signature dishes: Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Prawn Toast with Yuzu Aioli, ‘Stoner’s Delight’ Dessert.
Atmosphere: Climbing the stairs at Ms.G’s feels like entering a secret treehouse for food-obsessed adults. Hip-hop beats pump through multiple dining levels while graffiti and hanging plants decorate every surface.
The air mingles five-spice, chilli and caramelising sugar. Friends pass plates to taste everything at once as bartenders shake colourful concoctions in bubble tea cups. It’s loud, chaotic, and utterly brilliant.
Why it’s a must-visit: Ms.G’s embodies the creative spirit of Potts Point dining. The food is inventive and delicious, blending traditions with a sense of fun. It’s the perfect spot for diners seeking flavours that surprise and delight with every bite.
5. Dear Sainte Éloise
Cuisine type: European-inspired Wine Bar with Seasonal Menu
Named after a reference in George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London, this intimate wine bar and restaurant offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. The focus here balances exceptional wines with thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes.
Signature dishes: Kingfish Crudo with Preserved Lemon, Handmade Pasta with Mushrooms, Duck Breast with Cherry and Radicchio.
Atmosphere: Jazz floats through the narrow space as wine glasses catch the light and corks are freed from bottles with a satisfying pop. The marble bar is lined with a mix of characters and serious food lovers taking notes on their phones.
Servers describe delicious wines while the kitchen sends out plates that smell so good you’ll catch yourself leaning over to see what your neighbours ordered. The whole place feels like being in an extremely well-stocked and beautifully decorated home.
Why it’s a must-visit: Dear Sainte Éloise strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated food and wine and unpretentious service. It captures the essence of European wine bar culture while showcasing Australian ingredients and flavours with finesse.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
While our top 5 picks represent the cream of Potts Point’s culinary offerings, the neighbourhood offers many other excellent dining options worth exploring. Fratelli Paradiso continues to delight with authentic Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pasta and an impressive wine selection.
Those seeking a special occasion destination should consider Métisse, where French techniques meet artistic presentation. For breakfast and brunch lovers, Room Ten serves some of the area’s best coffee alongside creative morning dishes that attract loyal weekend crowds.
Conclusion
Potts Point’s dining scene offers the perfect blend of innovation and tradition, with exceptional quality across cuisines and price points. Our top five selections showcase the area’s diversity – from Japanese elegance to vegan innovation, Greek hospitality to playful fusion and refined wine culture.
Remember to check websites or call ahead for reservations, as these popular venues fill quickly, especially on weekends. Ready to explore this culinary wonderland? Reserve a stay at Holiday Inn Potts Point and discover why this charming Sydney neighbourhood has become a favourite destination for food lovers everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any good vegetarian restaurants in Potts Point?
Yellow leads the way as a destination for vegetarian and vegan fine dining. Most restaurants in the area offer thoughtful vegetarian options, with Ms.G’s, Cho Cho San, and Dear Sainte Éloise all featuring creative meat-free dishes designed with care and imagination.
What is the best brunch spot in Potts Point?
Room Ten has earned its reputation as a brunch favourite, serving excellent coffee and inventive breakfast dishes in an intimate, charming space. For something different, Fratelli Paradiso presents an Italian-inspired weekend brunch that’s worth the trip.
Which Potts Point restaurant has the best waterfront views?
While Potts Point itself doesn’t feature waterfront dining, nearby Woolloomooloo Wharf is just a short stroll away, with several restaurants offering stunning harbour views. Within Potts Point proper, restaurants like The Apollo and Cho Cho San compensate for the lack of water vistas with beautifully designed interiors that create memorable dining settings.