When you’re hosting an event for a special occasion, finding the right location is an important piece of the puzzle. In order for your function to be a success, you need to match the right venue to the right occasion, as well as finding a space that is willing to accommodate your needs. You could waste time search long and far in your quest to find the perfect venue when what you’re looking for may be hiding in one of your favourite restaurants.
There are many benefits to using a working restaurant to host your celebration, the most obvious being the ease of the food offering. Past this, further positives include most of the set up being done for you, a high quality of customer service from hospitality professionals, as well as the option to only use part of the space to keep costs down.
Whether you’re planning a small get together such as a work lunch or a birthday dinner, or you’re going all out and looking for space for a Christmas party or wedding, there are Sydney’s best restaurants to host a function.
Kitchen by Mike, CBD
Location, location, location. You cannot be the ultra-convenient CBD address of Kitchen by Mike. While it’s known for its weekday canteen-style breakfasts and corporate catering, Kitchen by Mike is also a perfect place to host a party, press event, work dinner, breakfast meeting and more. Acclaimed Chef Mike McEnearney’s award winning restaurant can cater to get togethers of up to 92 people, with a versatile space that can be adapted to suit a range of occasions.
One of the many benefits of holding your event here is the bespoke menu that will be created for you by Mike himself. Mike’s food is centred around fresh, seasonal and local produce with an emphasis on sustainability. There’s something for everyone with all dietary requirements catered for, including vegan and vegetarian.
Manta, Woolloomooloo
If you’re after an unforgettable setting with jaw-dropping views, you can’t look past Manta in Woolloomooloo. Impress your guests with this waterfront venue that will make you feel like you’re miles away from everything, while still being only 10 minutes from the city. Even more impressive than the views at Manta is the food. Think top quality seafood and steak served with sophistication. Exquisite menus are designed by Executive Chef Daniel Hughes using the most unique, beautiful and local produce to be found in Australia.
No matter what your function size, Manta can create a space to suit you. Whether you’re looking for a semi-private dining experience for an intimate occasion, or you’re hosting a cocktail party or sit down dinner, your guests will enjoy exceptional service and marvel at the beautiful views of the city skyline.
Molo, Woolloomooloo
If you’re hell-bent on a Woolloomooloo location but your event is a little smaller and more intimate, neighbouring Molo Bar provides the perfect solution. This petite Italian wine bar is as authentic as it gets, with produce direct from Italy imported exclusively to Molo. Expect traditional Italian cicchetti paired with a perfectly curated wine list with hard-to-find Italian treasures. The combination of the views, flavours and ambience of Molo is hard to beat and are perfectly suited to engagement parties, hen parties, birthdays and more.
Henrys, Cronulla & Neutral Bay
Henrys has become a South Sydney institution with it’s Cronulla location being a long time favourite among locals. It’s laid back yet stylish, it’s beachy but sophisticated. Locals flock to Henrys for after-work cocktails and chilled Sundays sessions, and it has played host to countless celebrations over the years.
Newly opened Henrys Neutral Bay is following in its siblings’ footsteps, with an added elegance to suit its location. The Lower North Shore has welcomed Henrys with open arms, enjoying the polished food offering, cocktail list and modern decor. The food lends itself perfectly to cocktails parties with flavourful share plates and an extensive wine list with a focus on organic and biodynamic wines.
Morso, Pyrmont
If a unique venue is what you are looking for, Morso ticks all the boxes. It’s heritage-listed location on Jones Bay Wharf, incredible views and delicious menus make the perfect starting point to create a truly special event. Known for hosting weddings, engagements and birthday dinners, the Morso team does all the hard work for you so that you can relax and enjoy your own party.
It’s close proximity to Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and the CBD make this ultra-convenient spot the ideal location for a corporate function and can host up to 130 standing guests.
Sugarcane, Coogee
If you’re looking to get away from the city for your event and escape to the beach, Sugarcane’s leafy interiors combined with its beach-side location provide the perfect retreat. Mix things up with a distinctly Southeast Asian menu by chef Milan Strbac. A creative cocktail list and 100 strong wine list provide the ideal accompaniment to the Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian and Vietnamese flavours found in Sugarcane’s signature cuisine.
The North Spoon, McMahons Point
The North Spoon is a local favourite in North Sydney, regularly providing tired Northsiders with their daily caffeine hit and hungry Millenials with their avocado on toast. Recently, the popular cafe launched a new evening offering, Italian Nights, which sees it turn into a restaurant after dusk with chef Garth Naar serving up exceptional Italian favourites. The change is a welcome addition to its functions offering, with guests now being able to choose from a variety of set menus. There is also the option of indoor or outdoor seating or a combination of the two, with glimpses of the Harbour Bridge from the courtyard.
The Cats Meow, Darlinghurst
The new kid on the Oxford Street block, The Cats Meow is a prohibition-style bar that dives deep into the roots of Darlinghurst for its inspiration. This lush Champagne bar is already building a reputation for hosting lavish parties. The food menu is small but creative, with a modern twist on classic finger food such as shrimp cocktails and charcuterie boards. There are little nooks in every corner, but the most popular is the Champagne Room. If you’re looking for elegance and opulence for your special occasion, The Cat’s Meow has it all and more.
Rubyos, Newtown
Newtown’s best fusion restaurant, Rubyos, makes for an excellent party venue. It’s a blank canvas that can be recreated to suit a range of functions, from graduation parties, to awards ceremonies, Hen nights, weddings and more. Choose from the intimate front room, or the slightly more spacious back room depending on your needs. Set menus, canape menus and drinks packages are on offer to help you organise your event with ease.
Long Chim, CBD
Walk down the stairs from Angel Place and you’ll find yourself in another world, reminiscent of a Bangkok market but done up like an upscale restaurant. This is Long Chim, founded by David Thompson who is well known for his exquisite take on Thai cuisine. Heat things up for your party with spicy Thai specials paired with fragrant cocktails to tame the heat. It’s been touted as “the best Thai food in Sydney” and is perfect for both group bookings and larger events. Corporate lunches and work dinners no longer have to be boring with a Thai feast at Long Chim.
You can see more restaurants here.