Sydney
Dining on a Budget
A practical guide to affordable eating around Darling Harbour, Chinatown and the city centre.
Good food without the high bill
Sydney has a broad and busy food scene, and you do not need a special occasion budget to eat well. Around Darling Harbour and the city centre there are food courts, small restaurants, markets and takeaway counters that serve fresh food at a range of prices.
The meeting venue sits within walking distance of several dining precincts. The table below is a practical guide to the closest options and the kind of food you will find there.
| Precinct | Food style | Walk from venue | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbourside | Australian, Italian, Thai, Mexican, Indian and food court favourites | About 4 minutes | A quick meal with a harbour view |
| Darling Quarter | Middle Eastern, Brazilian, Spanish, Japanese and takeaway | About 5 minutes | Groups and casual lunches |
| Chinatown | Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines | About 10 minutes | Shared dishes and late dinners |
| Central business district | Cafes, food halls and small restaurants | 10 to 20 minutes | A wider choice around the city |
How to keep the cost down
- Look for lunch specials and set menus rather than dinner prices.
- Food courts and market stalls often give the best value for a quick meal.
- Share dishes at Asian restaurants and order rice or noodles separately.
- Buy fruit, bread and picnic food from a market or supermarket for a harbour lunch.
- Check the price before you order at a counter or a bar.
Chinatown and the night market
Chinatown is one of the closest dining districts to the venue and one of the most useful for a group. The streets stay busy into the evening, and the Friday night market adds stalls and a lively crowd. It is a good place to eat after a long day of sessions.
Darling Harbour and Darling Quarter
Harbourside and Darling Quarter are the easiest options if you want to stay close to the meeting. Both have a mix of cuisines and price points, and both are a short walk from the convention centre. Darling Quarter also has open space and a playground, which makes it useful for delegates travelling with family.
Prices and hours change. The precinct guide is a starting point, not a current price list. Check menus and opening hours before you go. Destination NSW has current dining listings for Sydney.