Feast your senses in Sydney

Adding to the harbour city's revered list of iconic, boundary-pushing and globally inspired restaurants, a slew of new venues have opened to much acclaim by the city's food critics. From a sensory set menu to a sophisticated take on regional Spanish fare, score a table at Sydney's hottest new restaurants soon to become the talk of the town.

ELE by Federico & Karl, Pyrmont
Prepare to be moved, in every sense. The Star Sydney's latest dining concept, ELE by Frederico Zanellato (LuMi) and Karl Firla (Oscillate Wildly, Est, Marque) takes over the former Momofuku Seiobo restaurant space, engaging all the senses via the elements – earth, fire, air and water – with its elevated menu and unique dining experience. Don't expect a regular two-hour seating – diners will move around the restaurant, setting off on a course of courses.

Topikós, Bondi
Channelling sun-kissed days on the Greek Islands, Topikós brings a taste of the sparkling Mediterranean to the shores of Bondi Beach. The latest eatery from the team behind CBD hospitality haven Shell House, the menu has been expertly put together by culinary director Joel Bickford (ex-Aria), executive chef Danny Corbett (Kingsleys) and head chef Charles Woodward (Pilu). Order fresh and comforting dishes that pick out the most shareable bits of Greek cuisine: honey-drenched saganaki, wood-fired octopus, coal-grilled eggplant moussaka and more.

Pellegrino 2000, Surry Hill
Not your average Italian diner, Pellegrino 2000 is from the clever minds behind Sydney's hit steakhouse Bistro 916. With chefs Daniel Pepperell and Michael Clift dishing out stylish Italian classics like fritto misto and burnt butter ravioli, and sommelier Andy Tyson curating the drinks side of things, this neighbourhood trattoria in Surry Hills is injected with contemporary cool.

MuMu, Sydney
The inner-city drinking, dining and dancing hub ivy has a new player: MuMu, where South-East Asian flavours come to party (and so do you). Inspired by travels through Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam, chef Dan Hong (Mr. Wong, Ms. G's) has curated a street food-style menu designed for sharing. It's not only about the food, though, with a punchy cocktail menu including yuzu slushies, pumping music and late-night dancing a must.

AALIA, Sydney
Embark on an odyssey into the Middle East, right in the heart of Sydney. Inspired by architect Harry Siedler's curves of Martin Place's MLC building, AALIA's plush interiors push the boundaries just as much as chef Paul Farag's (Nour, Fish Butchery, Monopole) inspired menu. Diving deeper into the region, try masgouf, an Iraqi char-grilled fish with a delicately sweet and sour sauce, or Egyptian-style foie gras with pickled grapes.

The Blue Door, Surry Hills 
Farmers have the final say on the menu at this sustainable Surry Hills restaurant, with executive chef Dylan Cashman only serving dishes based on what's available from his personal network of local producers. To accompany the all-NSW food menu, sommelier Angelica Nohra's wine list features NSW-only wines by the glass, and a 90 per cent Australian wine menu.

Da Orazio, Bondi 
Celebrated chef Orazio D'Elia has reopened the beachside suburb's much-loved restaurant, Da Orazio, after Sydney restauranteur Maurice Terzini's Cicciabella (which occupied the pizzeria's former space) closed last year. Da Orazio 2.0 still dishes out beloved classics like their stacked focaccia con porchetta and Neapolitan-style pizzas as well as new dishes, like brick chicken and osso buco pappardelle.

Parlar, Potts Point
Graze your way from Barcelona to Spain's French border at Parlar, a slick new restaurant bringing the flavours of Catalonian cuisine to Potts Point. Inside an opulent fit-out complete with marble floors, leather furniture and velvet cushioning, the menu stars decadent (and photogenic) tapas snacks like anchovy-topped gilda toast and glistening pan tomate, as well as mouth-watering mains like the blowtorched bonito served in ajo blanco, a traditional bread and almond soup.

Civico 47, Paddington
Set amongst the leafy streets of Paddington, Civico 47 is an Italian home away from home showcasing the finest local produce in a seasonal menu inspired by Italy's most famous regions. Though the restaurant aims to be a friendly neighbourhood diner, the menu by executive chef Matteo Zamboni (Ormeggio, Pilu and Jonah's) is plated with utmost elegance – think handmade ravioli dusted with black garlic, seared wild swordfish with a caper sauce, plus a solid wine list spanning Italy, France and Australia.

Lana, Sydney
With striking interiors and slick service, Lana is a sprawling fine-dining restaurant with a sustainability slant on the first floor of Circular Quay's new multi-level dining venue, Hinchcliff House. The four-course set menu is the best entry point to try the restaurant's signature dishes, including Abrolhos scallops with persimmon and shiso and ricotta gnocchi with Fraser Island spanner crab and shellfish butter. The polished dining room with blush marble and leather banquettes makes it one of Sydney's most sophisticated spots.