Quick Picks – Editor’s Choice of the Best Asian Restaurants in Sydney for 2026
Best Overall Experience
Hustlers. Syd leads the field in 2026, recognized across food guides for its dynamic Asian fusion approach and consistently high customer satisfaction (OpenTable rating: 4.8/5). Dishes blend Southeast Asian flavors with Australian ingredients, earning accolades for creativity and execution.
Mod. Dining (Sydney CBD) maintains a 4.7/5 OpenTable rating, with diners praising its inventive eggplant and premium desserts. Service is described as attentive and knowledgeable, providing a superior all-around experience.
Toei Surry Hills receives a 4.1/5 for its seamless blend of contemporary Australian and Asian flavors using cutting-edge culinary techniques.
Best Value for Money
Mee So (Sydney CBD) offers outstanding Korean-Japanese fusion at $40-$80 per person, with high scores for portion size and quality. Wait times can be long during peak hours.
Ho Jiak delivers authentic Malaysian street food at $80-$120 per person, offering gluten-free and vegan options for families and large groups.
Tasty Eating House (Chatswood/Kingsford) stands out for its affordable dumplings and hotpots, with robust delivery and take-away options.
Best Fine Dining
Nobu Sydney (Barangaroo) earns distinction for chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion within the opulent Crown Sydney (average spend: $230+ per person).
Besuto (Sydney CBD) features a 15-course omakase experience at $250 per person by chef Michiaki Miyazaki, praised for technical mastery and seasonality.
Oborozuki pairs high-end Japanese-French collaboration with teppanyaki and city views.
Mr. Wong excels at modern Cantonese, serving award-winning dim sum such as pork xiao long bao in an elegant French-colonial setting.
Best for Groups & Families
Ho Jiak caters to large parties with long communal tables and a lively ambience, and dietary inclusivity.
Dolar Shop Hot Pot Restaurant offers customizable hotpot sets for groups, with extended late-night hours.
Legend HotPot Buffet (Burwood) is favored for its spacious setting and broad Asian menu suitable for family-style dining.
Hidden Gem
Grandfathers (Sydney CBD) is a new 140-seat Chinese restaurant by the Clam Bar team, already earning 5/5 reviews for excellent dumplings and spirited late-night atmosphere.
Nomidokoro Indigo and Ibushi At Prefecture 48 are authentic Japanese venues under the radar, highlighted by local editors for immersive experiences and top-quality fare.
Snacky Chans and Uncle Ming’s Bar offer creative Asian small plates and a casual, inviting vibe.
What’s New in Sydney’s Asian Dining Scene for 2026
Notable New Openings & Rising Stars
- Grandfathers has exploded onto the scene in Sydney CBD, focusing on traditional recipes with modern flair, earning immediate acclaim among both critics and diners.
- Neighborhood favorites like Toei Surry Hills and OGNI have evolved their menus seasonally to reflect current trends and premium ingredient sourcing.
- Evergreen establishments such as Ho Jiak and Legend HotPot Buffet continue to refine their concepts, maintaining high ratings with menu tweaks and innovative drink programs.
Award-Winning & Chef-Led Venues
- Nobu Sydney under chef Nobu Matsuhisa remains a staple for Asian fine dining, with annual accolades and a loyal customer base.
- Besuto, led by chef Michiaki Miyazaki, is widely recognized in omakase rankings for its craftsmanship.
- Grandfathers features chef Michael Clift, whose culinary direction honors family heritage while embracing innovation.
Trends to Watch – Sustainability, Fusion, and Tech
- Sustainability is increasingly prioritized, with venues like Ho Jiak offering enhanced vegan/gluten-free menus and others focusing on locally sourced produce.
- Fusion cuisine remains dominant, with contemporary Asian fusion concepts such as Hustlers. Syd and OGNI pioneering new global flavor profiles.
- Technology integration, such as app-based ordering and dynamic pricing, is spreading through high-traffic venues to streamline operations and personalize dining experiences.
Top Asian Restaurants in Sydney by Cuisine
| Cuisine | Top Picks | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Cho Cho San, Jōji, LULU (Bondi Beach), Besuto, Oborozuki | Omakase experiences, top-tier sushi, rooftop whisky bars, and generous lunch sets. Ratings consistently 4.4 – 4.9/5 (Urban List, OpenTable). |
| Chinese | Grandfathers, Mr. Wong, Sydney Dumpling King (Burwood), Spice Temple, Xi’an Eatery | Modern dim sum, hand-wrapped dumplings, regional Chinese specialties (Sichuan, Xi’an), and celebrated Cantonese classics. |
| Korean | Mee So, SOUL Dining | Imaginative Korean-Japanese fusion, balanced focus on food and drinks, and well-reviewed by Man of Many and OpenTable (4.2/5+). |
| Southeast Asian | Ho Jiak, Home Thai, Southern Wok, Mamak | Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, and Singaporean dishes; comfort food favorites and spicy amp-ups. |
| Asian Fusion | OGNI, Hustlers. Syd, Luna Lu | Experimental tasting menus, blend of regional techniques, mid-to-high price ranges ($80-$150 pp) with sustainable/seasonal ingredients. |
Sydney Neighborhood Hotspots for Asian Cuisine
CBD Standouts
- Concentration of top dining: Mod. Dining, Tao, Mr. Wong, Mee So, and Grandfathers.
- Oborozuki and Besuto are prime choices for fine dining and omakase enthusiasts.
- Jōji ranks high for rooftop Japanese and whisky experiences.
Surry Hills & Inner East
- Toei Surry Hills draws crowds for modern Asian flair and innovative plates.
- Holy Duck! (Chippendale) specializes in Peking duck and small bites, boasting 4.4/5 ratings for flavor and ambiance.
North Shore Favorites
- Tasty Eating House and Sydney Dumpling King (Chatswood) are noted for authentic dumplings and quality Chinese specialties.
Western Sydney Legends
- Ho Jiak Townhall and Legend HotPot Buffet (Burwood) cater to larger groups and families with bold flavors and generous sharing menus.
Unique & Specialized Asian Dining Experiences
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Asian Restaurants
- Ho Jiak leads in vegan/gluten-free Asian fare, with a dedicated menu segment and positive feedback from diners with dietary needs.
- SOUL Dining and OGNI have introduced plant-based tasting menus in response to demand.
Late-Night Eateries & Hawker-Style Spots
- Dolar Shop Hot Pot stays open late, providing customizable hotpot and an energetic vibe.
- Snacky Chans and Uncle Ming’s Bar are small-plate favorites for spontaneous, after-hours dining adventures.
Date Night & Special Occasion Picks
- Besuto and Oborozuki are top date night choices, with atmospheric settings and curated menus.
- Mr. Wong offers a grand dining room and signature cocktails ideal for anniversaries and celebrations.
- LULU (Bondi Beach) combines excellent service, culinary finesse, and a beachside backdrop.
Behind the Kitchen – Sydney’s Most Influential Asian Chefs
Spotlight on Chef Innovations
- Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu Sydney): International recognition for blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors.
- Chef Michiaki Miyazaki (Besuto): Acclaimed for omakase artistry and focus on seasonality and presentation.
- Chef Michael Clift (Grandfathers): Celebrated for honoring Chinese heritage with contemporary technique, focusing on traditional dumpling making and textural play.
Interview Snippets & Culinary Philosophy
- Chef Clift highlights his commitment to “family-inspired authenticity, modernized for today’s diners.”
- Chef Miyazaki explains, “The dining counter is a stage where every course tells a story of precision, respect, and innovation.”
Practical Tips for Booking the Best Asian Restaurants in Sydney
Reservation Tips & Timing
- Popular CBD restaurants (e.g., Mod. Dining, Tao, Mr. Wong) book out 7+ days in advance for weekends—plan ahead on OpenTable or Resy.
- Weekdays and late evenings offer greater walk-in availability (8-9pm+).
- For large groups, phone booking is preferable at hot pot venues (e.g., Dolar Shop).
Accessibility & Dietary Options
- Most venues list allergens and gluten/vegan availability online; confirm special requests at reservation.
- Many new hotspots are wheelchair accessible; check OpenTable or restaurant sites for details.
Insider Advice from Locals
- Dine midweek for quieter ambiance and quicker service.
- Try lunch sets at premium restaurants for great value and shorter queues.
- Follow favorite venues on social media for soft openings and chef’s table events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Restaurants in Sydney
- What are the highest-rated Asian restaurants in Sydney 2026?
Thai Pothong (4.7, 2,679 reviews), Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant (4.5, 913 reviews), Sokyo (4.5 stars). - Which venues offer the best Asian fusion in Sydney?
Cho Cho San, Ho Jiak, Luna Lu, OGNI, Hustlers. Syd – all noted for creativity and editor picks. - Are there vegan/gluten-free Asian restaurant options?
Yes, venues like Ho Jiak, Soul Dining, and OGNI provide extensive vegan/gluten-free menus. - How can I book a top Asian restaurant in Sydney CBD?
Use OpenTable, TheFork, or the restaurant’s own website. Early booking recommended for Friday-Sunday. - Where can I find the best dumplings and Chinese specialties?
Grandfathers, Sydney Dumpling King (Burwood), and Mr. Wong are top picks from local critics and customer reviews.
For the most current availability, browse or book your table at Sydney’s best Asian restaurants via OpenTable Sydney Asian Cuisine.