Fancy an interactive meal? Or maybe a cool cocktail at a quirky bar? Treat your tastebuds to these themed restaurants in Sydney in 2024!
There’s no denying that there’s handfuls of quirky and unique dining experiences in Sydney. But what about fun restaurants where a theme is creatively executed in its design, menu and even drinks?
Enter this list of the coolest themed restaurants in Sydney. From top-rated Chinese eateries to underground bars, hidden restaurants, cabaret clubs and even interactive restaurants, Sydney there is plenty for you to pick and choose from!
So whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a new dining spot for a special occasion, this list of the best themed restaurants in Sydney are sure to feed your interest!
Photographed by Boomtown Pictures.
Image via Destination NSW.
The Gardens by Lotus
Set against the backdrop of the heritage-listed Chinese Friendship Garden in Darling Harbour, The Gardens by Lotus is a dining experience unlike any other in Sydney. Housed inside the tranquil gardens, guests will find a unique escape from the hustle of Sydney, letting you take a breath at this teahouse style restaurant. And once given a menu, you are sure to be overwhelmed with choice: a wide breadth of dumplings, hearty mains and desserts, you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach from The Gardens.
Image supplied.
The Grounds of Alexandria
If you’re looking for one of the coolest themed restaurants in Sydney, very few embody it quite boldly as The Grounds of Alexandria do. Every few months, The Grounds of Alexandria take on a new exhibit that charms every nook and cranny of the establishment. With themes such as Fiesta, Sweet as Sugar, Wonderland as well as Mickey and Friends, families and couples flood to The Grounds to experience the beautifully styled pop-ups and menu offerings. Check out their Instagram for more information!
Photgraphed by Timur Romanov. Image via Unsplash.
The Lobo
The Lobo has a handpicked collection of over 250 locally and internationally sourced rums, ranging from the Caribbean to Central America and South America. With some of the oldest rums in their collection dating back to the 1930s, The Lobo is proud to demonstrate the evolution of rum over the past 80-90 years and boast some of the rarest and oldest variations of the world’s most beloved rum brands – in cocktail form of course! With the look of an old plantation home, The Lobo is quite possible one of the most uniquely themed bars in Sydney.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, Pyrmont’s The Magician’s Cabaret comes to life with a magical lineup of talent for its visitors. Opening its doors 13 years ago, The Magician’s Cabaret is best described as an authentic Parisian cabaret and bar inspired by artists Les Hydropathes. Inside, the venue is adorned with old-world charm and decor including an intimate cabaret room and a charming 19th-century proscenium arch stage featuring a beautiful French theatrical rouged curtain. With cabaret show and dinner experiences available, there’s no excuse for you to visit!
Image supplied via @themagicianscabaret Instagram.The Magician's Cabaret
Photographed by a.ruiz.photography. Image via Shutterstock.
Mjølner
If you loved the Netflix series Vikings, then you’ll adore the Norse-inspired restaurant Mjølner. Tucked away in Redfern, Mjølner is a real-life representation of the Travis Fimmel series. Think contemporary Scandinavian design, horns used as glasses, intricately designed knives and, not to forget, their meat-heavy-menu cooked on a rotisserie. With heavy wooden interior features, Mjølner focuses more so on their menus including their three feasting options named after Norse gods Freya, Thor and Odin. One of the best themed restaurants in Sydney!
Photographed by Jem Cresswell. Image via Destination NSW.
Restaurant Hubert
If you were a fan of Frankie’s or The Baxter Inn, then you’re going to love this full-service restaurant by The Swillhouse Group located in Sydney’s CBD. Walking through the doors of this quirky restaurant in Sydney, Restaurant Hubert can only be likened to travelling back in time to post-war Paris, so dress the part. With dim lighting, and worn-timber furnishings, this lavish French-style parlour is perfect for date night. Also making our list of the Best Steak Restaurants in Sydney, Restaurant Hubert is also famed for their Live Jazz nights which are not to be missed.
Image supplied.
Sappho Books
Although it may look like an ordinary bookshop at first glance, Sappho Books is one of Sydney’s best bookshops, cafes and wine bars all in one! This cosy bookstore hosts everything from live mic nights to poetry reading sessions. This eccentric venue is a treasure trove of discovery with over 30,000 titles stacked within its shelves, with some out of print or ‘hard to find’. With excellent coffee and a snug atmosphere, Sappho Books is a strong contender for your next literary hangout.
Photographed by Jem Cresswell. Image via Destination NSW.
Sea Life
If you’re still looking for Nemo, then pull up a seat because we have found him here at Sea Life’s private dining experience in Sydney. One of the coolest restaurants in Sydney, Sea Life is famed for their exquisite underwater backdrop. Equally unique, this dining experience includes a beverage package to match a three-course dinner, a self-guided tour and, of course, hundreds of fish, turtles, sharks and sawfish cruising the reef before your eyes. With six different locations within the aquarium to choose from, this is truly an experience you must try in 2024.
Photographed by Jakub Dziubak. Image via Unsplash.
Shady Pines Saloon
Although Shady Pines Saloon is not a restaurant, in our opinion it’s still worth the mention as one of the best immersive dining experiences in Sydney. This low-lit, cowboy themed bar hanging off Crown Street in Darlinghurst specialises in whisky, craft ales, peanut snacks and even sarsaparilla, true western style. With a salvaged antique bar, vintage taxidermy lining the walls and live music every Sunday, Shady Pines Saloon is the Nashville-style watering hole you need to visit in 2024!
Photographed by Louise Lister. Image supplied.
Tetsuya's
Tetsuya’s eight-course degustation ($255) is a balancing act of Japanese and European flavours that is elegantly minimalist and best taken at a leisurely place. In an art-filled restaurant that is light-dappled by day and moodily dramatic at night, Tetsuya’s overlooks a glorious Japanese garden and is a masterclass when it comes to fine dining in Sydney. Long term favourites are the Confit of Tasmanian Ocean Trout and sumptuous Chocolate Stone with Honey and Milk are featured on their menu – divine!
Discover something underground with this list of the 10 Best Hidden Speakeasy Bars in Sydney. Or, check out this quirky collection of the 10 Best and Most Unique Cafes in Sydney.
