Staying at Stay Gia puts you in the perfect position to explore some of Sydney’s finest dining. Darling Harbour and the surrounding CBD are home to an extraordinary range of restaurants — from waterfront dining to hidden neighbourhood gems. Here’s our team’s insider guide.
Waterfront Dining
Black Bar & Grill (The Star): A 10-minute walk from Stay Gia, Black Bar & Grill offers premium Australian beef and seafood with impeccable service. Best for a special occasion dinner. Book ahead.
The Malaya: A Sydney institution since 1963. Authentic Malaysian cuisine steps from Darling Harbour. The curry laksa is legendary. Book the harbour-view tables.
Nick’s Seafood: Fresh Sydney seafood on Cockle Bay Wharf. The barramundi and Sydney rock oysters are always exceptional. Best enjoyed at lunch when the harbour light is perfect.
Neighbourhood Favourites
Spice Alley, Kensington Street: A 15-minute walk or short Uber to Chippendale’s Spice Alley — an open-air Asian food market with around 10 vendors. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. The dan dan noodles from Bao Town are unmissable.
Merivale’s Establishment: A few blocks north, this beautiful heritage building houses multiple restaurants and bars. The George Street basement has some of Sydney’s best cocktails.
Best Cafes for Working Remotely
If you’re here on an extended stay, these nearby cafes have reliable WiFi and great coffee:
- Single O Surry Hills (15 min walk) — Sydney’s coffee culture at its best
- Edition Coffee Roasters (CBD) — excellent pour-overs and quiet tables
- Paramount Coffee Project (Surry Hills) — great brunch menu too
Getting to Dinner Without a Car
From Stay Gia at Harbour Street, you’re exceptionally well-connected. Town Hall Station is a 2-minute walk — from there you can reach Circular Quay (5 mins), Surry Hills (10 mins), or Newtown (15 mins) without a car. The light rail along the CBD is free for short trips and runs until midnight.
Have a recommendation? Email us at reservations@staygia.com.au — we love discovering new spots to share with guests.
