Aria Sydney FAQ

About Aria and the dining experience

What makes Aria special?

The setting, first. Aria looks across Sydney Harbour to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, from a dining room hung with Australian art. Then the people: Executive Chef Tom Gorringe and the kitchen cook with seasonal produce from Australian growers, farmers and fishermen, and our sommelier team looks after a wine list that rewards a second glass. Aria is the vision of owners Matt Moran and Elliot Solomon, and it is a place to gather for the moments that matter.

What type of food does Aria serve?

Contemporary Australian cooking, led by the season. The menu changes as the produce does, and our tasting menus share how the kitchen thinks about flavour, technique and where each ingredient comes from.

How is the service at Aria?

Attentive, never stiff. Our team takes the time to know the menu and the wine list, so a business lunch, an anniversary dinner or a long tasting menu all feel looked after.

How does Aria compare with Café Sydney?

Both are well-loved places to eat with a Sydney Harbour view, and they suit different occasions. Aria is contemporary Australian fine dining: seasonal menus, tasting menus, a wine list to explore and a considered room. If you are celebrating or entertaining, or you simply want to savour a long meal, we would love to welcome you.

Occasions and dining experiences

Is Aria a good restaurant for a romantic dinner in Sydney?

Yes. Many guests choose Aria for anniversaries, birthdays and quiet evenings for two. The harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are there to share, along with a seasonal Australian menu and a wine list worth taking your time over. Tell us about the occasion when you reserve a table and we will make it feel like yours.

Is Aria a good choice for a first date?

It is a lovely one. The setting does some of the talking, the menu gives you plenty to share, and there is no rush. Choose a lunch menu for something relaxed, or a tasting menu if you would like the evening to unfold slowly.

Is Aria suitable for birthdays, anniversaries and special celebrations?

Yes. Aria is made for celebrating many occassions including birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and more. Tell us about any special requirements when you book, and ask about a celebratory dessert, which the kitchen can arrange in advance.

Is Aria suitable for a family meal?

Children are welcome at Aria, and a small children's menu is available. Please let us know about any requirements when you book. We do not have high chairs or a baby change table.

Is Aria suitable for a business lunch in Sydney?

Yes. Aria suits client lunches and meetings where the food, the service and the setting all matter, and Circular Quay is an easy meeting point. Lunch is served Thursday to Sunday. See the current menu and reservation times on our website, or get in touch if you are bringing a larger group.

Menus, wine and dietary requirements

Does Aria offer tasting menus?

Yes, in five and eight courses. Each one follows the season and shows what the kitchen does best with Australian produce. Wine pairings are available, with Australian and international wines chosen by our sommelier team. Menus change with the seasons, so please see the current tasting menu before you visit.

Is there a more affordable way to dine at Aria?

Yes. Lunch and pre-theatre menus offer two or three courses, so you can enjoy Aria's cooking and the harbour view without committing to a full tasting menu. See the current menus for prices and availability.

Can Aria cater for gluten-free and other dietary requirements?

We take allergies and dietary requirements seriously. Our menus mark gluten-free dishes and other dietary indicators. Please tell us about any requirements when you reserve a table, and the kitchen will do all it can to look after you. If you have a specific allergy, get in touch with the restaurant directly so we can talk it through.

What wine pairs best with Sydney seafood?

Australian whites are a natural fit. Semillon, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc bring the freshness and acidity that suit most fish and shellfish, though the best match depends on the sauce and how the dish is cooked. Aria's wine list includes Australian and international wines, and our team is happy to suggest something for your table.

What should I eat when dining in Sydney?

Start with what is in season. Sydney is known for Australian seafood and native ingredients, and at Aria that shows up in a menu developed by Executive Chef Tom Gorringe and the kitchen team. It changes with the produce, so there is always something new to savour.

Private dining and corporate events

Where should I book a restaurant in Sydney for a large group?

Start with the size of your group, how private you would like the evening to be, and the mood you want to set. Aria has two private dining rooms and the option to take over the whole restaurant, so it works for celebrations, corporate events and long lunches with friends. Tell us your date and guest numbers and we will suggest the right space and menu.

Does Aria have private dining rooms in Sydney?

Yes. The Harbour Room seats up to 30 guests and the Wharf Room up to 54, depending on the layout. Both look across Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour. For a larger gathering, you can reserve the whole of Aria for exclusive use, seating up to 100. Enquire about events and our team will help you plan.

Can I host a corporate dinner or client event at Aria?

Yes. We host corporate dinners, client entertaining and end-of-year celebrations, from a table of twelve in a private room to a full-restaurant event. Executive Chef Tom Gorringe designs the menu around your event, and our sommelier team matches the wine. Get in touch to talk through numbers, menus and dates.

Getting here and planning your visit

Where is Aria Sydney?

Aria is at 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000, on the eastern side of Circular Quay. We are a short walk from Circular Quay station and the ferry wharves, close to the Sydney Opera House, and beside the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks.

How do I get to Aria by public transport?

Circular Quay is one of Sydney's main transport hubs, so there are several easy ways to arrive.

Train: get off at Circular Quay station and walk to Macquarie Street.
Ferry: ferries arrive at the Circular Quay wharves, and coming in across the harbour is a lovely start to the evening.
Bus and light rail: both stop at Circular Quay.

To plan your trip, use Transport for NSW or call 131 500.

Where can I park near Aria?

Off-street and accessible parking is available at Wilson Car Park near Opera Bar.

Where can I find waterfront dining in Sydney with Opera House views?

Aria. From our dining room you look across Sydney Harbour to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It is a good fit for special occasions, business entertaining, and visitors who want a meal that feels like Sydney.

Can I have dinner at Aria before a show at the Sydney Opera House?

Yes. We are close enough to walk to the Opera House, and our pre-theatre menu has two or three courses so you can eat well and still arrive in good time. Let us know your performance time when you book.

What are Aria's opening hours?

We serve lunch from Thursday to Sunday and dinner from Monday to Sunday. Reservation times vary by day, so please check our contact page for the latest times before you plan your visit.

How do I book a table at Aria?

Reserve a table on our website to see availability and choose a time. For group bookings, dietary requirements or special requests, call (02) 9240 2255 or email res.ariasydney@solotel.com.au.