What is degustation?
Before we get started, let's cover the basics. The French word degustation comes from the word gustation or to taste which is one of the five traditional senses. A degustation menu involves sampling small portions of a restaurants signature dishes in one sitting which is why it is often referred to as a tasting menu. It usually consists of eight or more dishes and comes with paired wines.
Best degustation restaurants in Sydney
10. Yellow
Location: Potts Point
Price: $85 with matched wines $200
Specialty: Vegetarian
Winner of
TimeOut Sydney’s 2018 Degustation of the year, Yellow, is a degustation not to be missed. Their incredible tasting menu is vegetarian oozing with warm cheeses and charred vegetables. They offer either a five or seven-course tasting menu but also a vegan tasting menu too so no one misses out. Our favourite dish is the Onion + Stracciatella + Tonburi + Eucalyptus.
For bookings:
http://www.yellowsydney.com.au/
9. Tetsuya
Location: Sydney CBD
Price: $240
Specialty: Australian/Japanese/French
Tetsuya only serves a set degustation menu, and is owned and operated by Tetsuya Wakuda. Tetsuya’s cuisine is known for its use of local Australian ingredients with French culinary skills and a Japanese twist. Our pick is their signature dish, the Tasmanian Ocean Trout.
For bookings:
https://tetsuyas.com/
8. nel.
Location: Sydney CBD
Price: $118, with matched wines $213
Specialty: Modern Australian
nel. offers one of Sydney’s most unique dining experiences. Head Chef Nelly Robinson, is known for his ever-changing seasonal menu. One of our favourites are the pork doughnuts.
For bookings:
https://nelrestaurant.com.au/
7. sixpenny
Location: Stanmore
Price: 7 courses $160, with matched wines $265
Specialty: Modern Australian
Drawing inspiration from Sydney’s rich history, sixpenny is named after the sixpence restaurants that operated in the late 1800s. Making the most of fresh, ethically-sourced local ingredients, Head Chef Daniel Puskas has created an innovative seven-course tasting menu.
For bookings:
https://www.sixpenny.com.au/
6. Cho Cho San
Location: Potts Point
Price: $65 - $80
Specialty: Japanese
One of Sydney’s most iconic restaurants, Cho Cho San offers a tasting menu of Japanese inspired food by Jonathan Barthelmess and Nick Wong. One of the most affordable menus on our list their tasting menus also come with optional sake flight’s. You can’t go past the Charcoal Chicken with Sansho Pepper.
For bookings:
https://chochosan.com.au/
5. 12-micron
Location: Barangaroo
Price: $115, add matching wine $85
Specialty: Modern Australian
With one of the best views in Sydney, 12-micron is run by two-hat chef, Justin Wise. Wise wants to help patrons experience the best of Australia’s air, ocean, earth and land with an elegant twist. You can’t go past the salmon belly with potato and celeriac.
For bookings:
https://12micron.com.au/
4. Altitude
Location: Sydney CBD
Price: $255
Specialty: Modern Australian
Altitude Restaurant is located 36 levels above Sydney’s famous Shangri La hotel. Pairing local produce with international flavours, Altitude never fails to disappoint. Chef de Cuisine Insup Kim’s menu is balanced and punchy leaving you wanting to come back for more. With 180 degree views of Sydney, it’s a feast for almost all of your senses.
For bookings:
http://www.shangri-la.com
3. Lime & Tonic
Location: Sydney CBD
Price: $$$
Specialty: Moren Australian
Make your way to the Langham’s Lime & Tonic for an 8 Course Degustation at Galileo restaurant. Head Chef, Daniel Rudolph has crafted a spectacular menu to hero some of Australia’s freshest, locally sourced produce. One of our favourites is the Balmain bug.
For bookings:
https://www.limeandtonic.com.au/
2. Quay
Location: Sydney CBD
Price: $240 - $295
Specialty: Modern Australian
Designed and crafted by one of Australia’s most famous chefs Peter Gilmore, Quay is not to be missed. The bone marrow pasta with white asparagus, koji and garum butter is a once in a lifetime experience.
For bookings:
https://www.quay.com.au/
1. Aria
Location: Potts Point
Price: $210 with matching wine $355
Specialty: Modern Australian
We’re finishing our list with one of Australia’s most famous restaurants Aria. Dine with the magnificent Sydney Harbour as your backdrop and enjoy every mouthful. Head Chef, Matt Moran, Aria just celebrated its 20th birthday.
For bookings:
https://www.ariasydney.com.au/