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Hours
Mon
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Tue
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Wed
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Contemporary, Australian, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Is this a seafood restaurant?
Details
About
A synergy of many elements, in an unrivalled harbourside location, Aria is one of Australia's finest restaurants. Aria brings together the vision of owners Matt Moran and Bruce Solomon, the creativity of Executive Chef Tom Gorringe, the best seasonal produce and a world-class wine list in a stunning, art-filled space with sweeping Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. Unmistakably Australian. Quintessentially Sydney. Welcome to Aria.
PRICE RANGE
$55.00 – $205.00
CUISINES
Contemporary, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
3,210 reviews
Excellent
1,949
Very good
652
Average
381
Poor
142
Terrible
86
Zara Q
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
We went to ARIA to celebrate a 30th birthday - every dish was delicious, however, we were hurried to leave the table and were told there was another group waiting for the table, but then later told it was fine to stay once I had reminded them to bring out the birthday cake which I had also ordered through the restaurant. I ordered the cake in petit fours which meant that the cake would be cut up into slices and served at the table. I had also arranged to take the rest of the cake at the end of the night. After our slices of cake were served, we were moved to the bar area. We waited about 20 minutes but no one brought the rest of the cake. When I asked for the cake, I was told that the slices we received were the entire cake and that we had eaten all of it. I was sure that there was more cake (the slices brought out were small), so I asked if they could please check to see if there was any more. The staff reluctantly went to check, telling me there would be nothing left if there was any. They later brought out the rest HALF of the cake to me. It was disappointing to have to ask, and then to be told that there wasn't going to be any cake left.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel M
Thanks for writing your review Zara,
We would like to apologise for the miscommunication with the birthday cake. We hope that you enjoyed the rest of your experience with us.
Kindest, Team Aria
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allan W
Sydney76 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
An evening with my son at Aria as a birthday treat and was always going to be fun. The 4 course a-la-carte was fantastic and the choices of wines by the glass allowed me to mix several regions and varietals with ease. Such friendly and attentive staff, a real pleasure.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
Thank you for writing a review Allan,
We're happy that your son enjoyed his meal and that you were able to sample a wide variety of wines form our wine list.
We hope to see you again.
Kindest, Team Aria
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul
9 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I don't dine out at fancy restaurants often, mostly because you end up paying a lot for a small amount of food. However, at Aria I thought we had a great value in our 4 course meal. The food was delicious and there was a good amount of options, even on the theater menu. The staff was very friendly, and the service is very quick (without making you feel rushed). Also, the views of the harbor and Opera House were amazing!
Will definitely come back the next time we are in Sydney.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
We hope to see you when you visit. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience Paul.
Written 6 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff_2000
Sydney192 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We have dined at Aria a number of times but not sure if we would return.
We had a 5.30 PM booking and arrived at 5.25 PM. The door was open and we went in and there were two other couples waiting. There was no one on the reception desk. Shortly afterwards more couples arrived and at approx 5.35 PM there were at least 7 couples waiting inside and a couple more outside. It was only then that a staff member appeared, looked surprised, and went off to get some more staff.
This was ridiculous. Do these people not know that we are in the middle of a pandemic and there are clear rules in place regarding social distancing? None of us were very impressed.
We were initially seated behind a large pillar which blocked the view. We asked if there was a window seat available and were told that they were all booked. We were however moved to a table in front of the pillar. Interestingly when we left 2 hours later there were still two empty tables at the window.
The food was well prepared and tasty as expected. There was an excellent amuse-bouche.
The portions were extremely tiny. I ordered duck which was beautifully cooked but looked very lonely on the plate. Probably 3 small cuts in all. Fortunately we had ordered the side of creamed potato. Nevertheless we were both hungry after the main and ordered 2 more slices of bread to fill the space. I noticed other tables doing similar. The dessert was also just a hint of what it might be once it reaches adulthood.
3 courses were $150 per head and they charged an additional $15 for a small bowl of creamed potato. The wine we chose was $140 and this had a retail cost of $50. Extravagant mark up of wine is typical of Sydney restaurants, but they could leave the bottle and not just return every 10 minutes and deposit a tablespoon in each glass. Just annoying. Coffee was $9.50 per cup but you did get a chocolate and a jelly.
We left a tip but it wasn't acknowledged - maybe not enough.
This restaurant is in the best location in the city so it will always be popular. They need to lift their game especially in relation to dealing with Covid (!) and they might also consider providing more food so patrons don't have to top up on bread or leave feeling peckish.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
Hi Jeff, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Please email me, simon.smallfield@solotel.com.au so as we might discuss your points. Kind regards
Written 1 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Justine P
Greater Sydney10 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
I have been wanting to try Aria for year & as it was my pick for the girls Christmas lunch, that's where we decided to go. I have to say the food was delicious, but the sommelier was a little bit rude, I caught him doing an eye roll when my friend asked where the champagne was on the list - then when it came time to pay, we all decided to pay for an empty plate (this is an option on the first page of the menu, where you can support the farmers & buy an empty plate for $10). The waitress knew nothing about it, she asked another waitress & he knew nothing about it, so we asked them to get a menu so we could show them. They seem very unimpressed by it, so we all felt that we would not pay a tip on top of it, as the waiters probably pocketed it anyway. I don't mind paying for a lovely meal at a top restaurant, but I expect exemplary service - they should take a leaf out of the Benelong's book, the service there is second to none.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
Thank you for taking the time to write a review Justine,
We're sorry to hear about the issues with our staff during your visit. We have implemented additional training to prevent future issues. We hope to see you again.
Kindest, Team Aria
Written 17 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brianna A
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
My sister and I came to your establishment for the first time in December and I cannot physically explain how extremely disappointed we are.
To begin with, your staff were pretentious and unwilling to take our order. I actually looked around waiting for assistance and was trying to wave a waiter down for 15 minutes, even after being told my one that she would be with us right away.
During this time I was not even able to have a drink of water seeming the glass was dirty and had black dust floating in it.
When the waitress finally came, I let her know we were waiting and didn’t receive as little as an apology for being blatantly ignored.
Our food, during every course, was dry, tough and overall, inedible. It was astounding how bad it was considering the reputation of the restaurant.
We actually had to leave and went elsewhere to eat because we weren’t able to stomach anything.
I have been to many restaurants and was genuinely excited for our reservation as it was for my sisters birthday.
Not only did I spend over $300 to end up at a fast food restaurant afterwards, but we were treated like we were less than by your staff.
I gave the manager the opportunity to offer a solution before posting this review online but, the only one offered was to come back to spend another $300 on a dinner that may disappoint yet again.
I hope you all learn through our bad experience and match your service with the prices you are charging. If I could offer a negative rating, I would.
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaHebbard
Wangaratta33 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
Aria has the most enviable view in Sydney, set at the end of Circular Quay overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. With such a stunning view, Aria has complimented it with a superb menu. We chose the tasting menu which was preceded by oysters and three appetisers to awaken the palette before the main symphony of courses. The food was outstanding, the service treads that fine line of being attentive and friendly but not hovering and the ambience matched the view. The only sour note was the truly dreadful music. With the name, Aria, one would hope for some beautiful music, but unfortunately, they have astonishingly gone for elevator music or the sort of irritating music that you get when you ring Telstra and are put on endless Hold. The only blessing was that the music wasn't too loud and it was possible to tune out. If it weren't for the music, I would give this 10/10. A wonderful place to celebrate or just because life is worth enjoying!
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel M
Thank you for the review Melissa. its always great to receive feedback. All points have been noted.
Can`t wait to have you back again soon, all the best from team Aria??
Written 23 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne P
Sydney1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
We have been fortunate enough to dine at Aria Restaurant on a number of occasions over the years. It was always our go-to place for special celebrations. It won't be any more though.
The current trend at high-end restaurants to have a tasting and/or fixed price menu is disappointing. And having to spend $150 for the three course menu we received was extravagant. It was like we had returned to the 80s where everyone served nouvelle cuisine with teeny, tiny portions that were consumed in two mouthfuls. My husband's duck was tough as were my prawns, and the coral trout was unfortunately overcooked. We did, however, both enjoy our desserts, which redeemed an otherwise unsatisfying meal. And the creamed potato with burnt butter was also a highlight - just a shame we had to pay extra for it.
The waiter also knocked over a drink, which soaked the tablecloth in front of me, which wasn't replaced at any point or even attempted to clean up, so it remained damp for the rest of the meal.
The view alone isn't enough to justify the prices being charged.
The only circumstances in which we would possibly consider returning to the restaurant would be if the Peking Duck Consomme was returned to the menu.
Written 27 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan M
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
This was a special occasion for us being our 16th Wedding anniversary. from the point of arriival to our departure some two hours later we could not have asked for more. the staff were exceptional with the friendly but not intrusive approach. each dish was explained to us upon arrival and then a quick exit. the food was fantastic welll prepared and beautifully presented.
I made a rare exception of seeking advice on the most appropiate wine and was delighted to find the selection was mid range, not the most expensiive on the wine list.
This restaurant is not cheap but you get eexcellent value and a very unique experience.
Highly recommended. and if you are lucky you will get a window seat. What a spectacular view to the concourse in front of the Opera house and beyond to the harbour and that bridge!
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
Thank you for your kind review,
We're honored you chose to celebrate your anniversary with us. We hope to see you again.
Kindest, Team Aria
Written 17 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joy S
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We had the degustation menu with matching wines. The wine matching was perfect. Three of the dishes were amazing, while one did not work at all and a few others were average. The food and accompanying wine did not come out at the same time, which was annoying. The wait staff were a bit slapdash (crumbs not wiped off the table, etc.) which may seem picky, but at these prices you expect seamless service. A disappointing end to the evening was the presentation of the bill. Instead of a discrete bill left in a folder, the waiter stood in front of us with a credit card machine, itemizing the bill, including a space for a tip. When we didn't give a tip, having previously decided that the service was not worth a tip, the waiter's expression clearly and pointedly noted his disapproval. I happily give tips when a waiter is professional and warm, but not when they are very well paid and the service is indifferent.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
Dear Joy. Apologies for the delay in responding to review. I want you to know that your less than positive experience with us matters to me. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this with you in more detail if you are wiling. Please reach out to me tara.sullivan@solotel.com.au. Many thanks.
Written 6 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lesleyabro
Melbourne33 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
My husband and I have been to Aria two times previously, the first time 12 years ago and then 7 years ago. I still remember our experience and the food was absolutely amazing, the truffle mashed potato was so good we savored every bite. This time around however was a totally different experience. We had booked a month earlier for our 20th Wedding anniversary and we were a bit disappointed that we weren't seated in the main section of the restaurant with views of the opera house and harbour bridge. Instead we were on the side of the building and I had an obscured view of the harbour bridge. Upon arrival the waiter seated us to our table however I found it strange in such a high quality restaurant that our napkins weren't placed on our laps as per previous occasions, however it wasnt a big problem just an observation. The waiter also seemed not very genuine and offered us champagne to celebrate our wedding. We agreed and although we knew we would be paying for the glass, we were quite shocked that the glass he gave us was $36 per glass and the champagne glass was a 1/4 filled. Furthermore we were offered sparkling or still water, now I wouldn't dare ask the waiter is the sparkling water free as I assumed it would be considering how much money we would be spending, but to charge $10 per person for lightly sparkling water was an absolute rip off. When the waiter asked us if we would like more wine and we declined as we don't drink very much, he actually seemed quite annoyed by the fact and walked away. The food that arrived was lovely, however nothing compared to our previous experiences and it was very obvious that Matt Moran was no longer in charge.
We actually walked away quite disappointed as we were expecting so much as we had in the past and the whole experience was a let down. The atmosphere, service and food was not up to the standard we were expecting in such a restaurant and unfortunately will not be coming back.
Written 15 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel M
Hello Lesley,
We take all reviews and feedback seriously and we are saddened to read of your experience here at Aria. If you would like to discuss this further. please email me on ruairi.mcerlean@solotel.com.au.
Many thanks
Ruairi
Written 16 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leanne H
Sydney15 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Everything was exceptional. We had a 3 course lunch and each was simply delicious and perfectly prepared, seasoned, everything. It was lovely to also be served a delicious starter, beautiful fresh bread and butter, a palate cleanser before dessert that could've been a delicious dessert, petit fours afterwards and a little surprise candle and birthday message with my friend's dessert. All included in the 3 courses. Really great value. Every waiter was a delight and absolutely professional. It was such a nice experience, with the view of Circular Quay to boot.Thank you to all at Aria.
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel M
Thank you for your kind review Leanne,
We were very happy to read that you had an enjoyable experience with us. We hope to see you again.
Kindest, Team Aria
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul A
Greater Sydney9 contributions
July 2020 • friends
It can be too easy to forget just how good a fine dining experience is. If your memory wains then book a table at Aria on Bennelong Point.
This restaurant is excellence at every turn. From the staff that greet you at the entrance on down close to the Sydney Opera House on Macquarie Street, through to the attentive and knowledgeable wait staff and the sommelier who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his wine list (and what a list it is!).
The food from this kitchen has depth and it has balance, and to all you great cooks out there, is beyond what we civilians can muster from our own well-stocked kitchens.
If you are not from Sydney, come and taste the food in our city that you will remember for a while; and if you are from Sydney take in the spectacle of your home town while eating food that is so good that you will take the time to write a review of your own!
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel
Thank you Paul for your glowing review. Such a lovely reminder that moments of joy can be found in this city we call home. We hope to get an opportunity to look after you again soon. Many thanks.
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne F
11 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We opted for the tasting menu and were not disappointed. Courses were beautifully presented and tasted amazing, all with a beautiful view of the Harbour Bridge and hustle and bustle of the Sydney ferries.
Looking forward to a return visit.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solotel M
Thank you for your kind review Anne,
We hope you will join us again soon. We have a special tasting menu planned for Valentine Menu which is really exciting.
Kindest, Team Aria
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adel Habib
Sydney19 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Celebrated our wedding anniversary at Aria last week. A wonderful experience. The staff were extremely friendly, helpful and professional. The first two things that struck me were the distances between the tables which gave patrons lots of privacy and the size of the tables that were large enough to feel comfortable.
Warm home baked bread loaf was immediately delivered to the table along with a bottle of mineral water. Moments later two bite size, delicate and delicious morsels from the chef were delivered to each of us to whet our appetite.
The menu was small, yet extensive in its range. My wife ordered the sheeps cheese, blood plum and liquorice for entree and the snapper, summer squash, parsley and saffron for the main course. I ordered the spencer gulf prawns, eggplant, xo and gai lan for entree and the lamb, sunchokes, grilled lettuce and mustard oil for main course. We shared the creamed potato with brown sugar as a side.
The entrees came quickly and we were very impressed with the presentation of the food. From the first bite we both knew that this was going to be a gastronomic experience to remember. It was clear that the chefs at Aria take pride in putting together well balanced combination of ingredients, herbs, spices and sauces to create extravagant masterpieces.
Enough time was given between completing our entrees and getting the main courses. Both the snapper and the lamb were cooked to perfection and simply delicious. The star was the creamed potatoes. The serving was enough for four and yet we finished it because it was so good.
When I booked the table I told them we were celebrating our anniversary. To our surprise, once the table was cleared we were presented with a complimentary plate of petite fours with “happy anniversary” written in chocolate sauce. This together with coffee topped a perfect meal and a wonderful and memorable experience.
The personal touch above all that demonstrates their commitment to customer service was to be greeted at the door on our way in and to be bid farewell at the door in the way out. Not many restaurants do that nowadays...
Well done Aria and thanks fir a wonderful meal.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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