There’s something transformative about the first warm spring day when Sydneysiders migrate outdoors. Cafes roll out awnings, restaurants open terrace doors, and suddenly the city feels alive in a completely different way. This is Sydney at its best—where excellent food meets perfect weather and harbour breezes.
Spring in Sydney offers that rare combination of comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and a collective sense of relief that winter is over. It’s the season when outdoor dining shifts from “brave choice” to “obvious decision,” and when securing a sunny table becomes the day’s greatest achievement.
From harbour-view terraces to hidden courtyard gardens, here’s your guide to Sydney’s best outdoor dining spots this spring, with a focus on Potts Point and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Potts Point: Where Parisian Boulevards Meet Sydney Sunshine
The Butler
Location: 15 Roslyn Street, Potts Point The Setting: Sun-drenched terrace with panoramic city skyline views
The Butler’s open deck, framed by lush foliage and original sandstone, offers views of Sydney’s iconic skyline. It’s the perfect vantage point for long lunches, particularly when paired with their Mexican-influenced menu featuring dishes like slow-braised pork empanadas and creative tacos.
Best for: Groups, special occasions, or anyone seeking that “wow” view factor
Spring highlight: The Butler hosts ‘Golden Hour’ happy hour every day of the week, perfect for catching the afternoon sun with drinks and small plates.
Bistro Rex
Location: 50 Macleay Street, Potts Point The Setting: Elegant French bistro with street-level charm
Led by Fabio Salvatore (formerly of Lumi, Icebergs, and Totti’s), Bistro Rex serves both modern dishes and French bistro favourites using Australia’s finest produce. The menu includes classics like tartare, steak with fries, cheese soufflés, and dry-aged duck.
Best for: Date nights, sophisticated dining, classic French experience
Value option: Their Prix Fixe menu offers two courses for $59pp or three courses with dessert for $65pp.
Ezra
Location: 3 Kellett Street, Potts Point The Setting: Converted terrace house with two dedicated outdoor dining areas
Ezra serves hearty Israeli food drawing on broad Mediterranean traditions that’s punchy, flavourful, and perfect for sharing. The restaurant features two outdoor dining spaces, making it ideal for groups wanting to linger over multiple shared plates in the fresh air.
Best for: Sharing meals, groups, Mediterranean flavours, guaranteed outdoor seating
Neighbourhood vibe: Diners consistently praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it feel like a local favourite rather than a tourist destination.
Ms.G’s
Location: 155 Victoria Street, Potts Point The Setting: Four-storey venue with pan-Asian energy
This Merivale outpost serves Dan Hong’s big, bold pan-Asian food including cheeseburger spring rolls, mini bánh mì, Vietnamese steak tartare, and wok-fried king prawns with green sambal.
Best for: Fun group dinners, adventurous eaters, vibrant atmosphere
Value option: $70pp banquet available for lunch on Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday, with BYO available on Mondays after 5pm.
Yellow
Location: 57 Macleay Street, Potts Point The Setting: Completely vegan fine dining with outdoor seating
Under new head chef Sander Nooij (formerly of Quay and Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social), Yellow offers a six-course tasting menu featuring fresh, seasonal produce for $115pp. The restaurant includes outdoor seating for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
Best for: Special occasions, plant-based fine dining, celebrating local produce
Sustainability focus: Yellow sources locally and operates under sustainable practices, making it ideal for environmentally conscious diners.
Elizabeth Bay & Rushcutters Bay: Waterside Dining
Navy Bear
Location: Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association, Rushcutters Bay The Setting: Waterfront café in a rustic sailing club
Located in RANSA, a lively sailing club housed in a rustic tin shed beside the water’s edge with views across the harbour. Open daily from 7am to 2:30pm (weather permitting).
Best for: Breakfast by the water, casual harbour views, weekend brunch
Unique factor: This hidden gem offers that rare combination of waterfront position without the typical harbour-view price premium.
Cafe C&M Rushcutters Bay
Location: Shop 2/38 Roslyn Gardens, Rushcutters Bay The Setting: Park-edge location with outdoor seating overlooking the bay
Perfectly positioned on the edge of Rushcutters Bay Park, the café offers views of the bay and yachts. Open from 6AM to 2PM Monday to Friday, and 6:30AM to 2:30PM on weekends.
Best for: Coffee before a park walk, casual breakfast, local atmosphere
Local favourite: Known for premium Campos Coffee and their Grilled Halloumi Bagel.
Darlinghurst: Village Charm Meets Urban Energy
The Apollo
Location: 44 Macleay Street, Potts Point The Setting: Bright, minimal Greek taverna that spills onto a corner cul-de-sac
The Apollo offers traditional Greek specialties including charcoal chicken, bubbling saganaki cheese in honey, and oven-baked lamb with Greek yoghurt. The outdoor seating captures the relaxed Mediterranean dining style perfectly.
Best for: Greek cuisine, sharing plates, lively atmosphere
Group dining: Set menus make The Apollo great for larger groups, with a 12-person chef’s table available.
The Waratah
Location: 308-310 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst The Setting: Neighbourhood bar with sun-draped rooftop and wrap-around veranda
The Waratah features a ground floor public bar for walk-ins and upstairs bookings available on a vibrant terrace bar with stunning rooftop and veranda.
Best for: Cocktails, modern Australian food, rooftop vibes
Local focus: The menu celebrates small independent producers, local growers, and native Australian produce.
Making the Most of Spring Outdoor Dining
Booking strategies:
- Popular venues fill up quickly for weekend lunches—book early
- Many restaurants hold some outdoor tables for walk-ins
- Request outdoor seating when booking, but have an indoor backup plan
- Midweek lunches offer better availability at premium spots
Weather considerations:
- Spring weather can be unpredictable—bring a light layer
- Most venues have awnings or heating for cooler evenings
- Check venue websites for weather policies
- Sunscreen remains essential even in spring sunshine
Best times for outdoor dining:
- Late morning coffee (9-11am) before crowds arrive
- Long lunches (12:30-3pm) when daylight is abundant
- Early dinner (5:30-7pm) to catch golden hour light
- Weekend brunch (10am-1pm) for the full Sydney experience
Why Spring is Sydney’s Best Dining Season
Spring offers Sydney’s most comfortable outdoor dining conditions. Summer brings heat and humidity, winter requires heaters and blankets, but spring provides that perfect middle ground where sitting outside is genuinely pleasant rather than an act of optimism.
The combination of flowering jacarandas, clear harbour views, and comfortable temperatures makes spring the season when outdoor dining shifts from novelty to lifestyle. It’s when restaurants truly come alive, when that coveted outdoor table becomes the most desirable seat in the house.
For neighbourhoods like Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, and Rushcutters Bay, spring outdoor dining showcases what makes these areas special—the village atmosphere, the harbour proximity, and that distinctly Sydney combination of urban sophistication and relaxed coastal living.
Looking to make the most of Sydney’s outdoor dining scene? Our local knowledge extends beyond restaurant recommendations to understanding which venues suit different occasions, which streets catch the best afternoon sun, and where locals actually eat. From special celebrations to casual neighbourhood dining, we help you discover the experiences that make Sydney home.
Want more local dining recommendations? We track new openings, seasonal menus, and hidden gems across Sydney’s best neighbourhoods. From Potts Point bistros to harbourside cafés, we help you discover the places that locals love.