Harbourside
Zaaffran
A premium Indian restaurant, upstairs in Harbourside. Great for a banquet, but not cheap.
Food Court
Good for quick meal, offers the usual range of fast food, Indian take away, sandwiches, pies, pizza, coffee and ice-creams. Expect to pay a little more than the food courts in the city
Jordons Seafood Restaurant
Jordons is the mainstay of premium seafood dining at Darling Harbour. Its been there since opening, and continues fo be popular. Once, clearly the premium restaurant in the area, the competition now is fierce.
On the western side of Darling Harbour, over the Pyrmont Pedestrian Bridge from the city and Cockle Bay.
Cockle bay
Chinta Ria
Indian influence. Great food and value for the location. Casual atmosphere, with kitch chairs, incense, and a large Buddha at the entrance.
Coast
Fine dining restaurant, with modern Australian cuisine. Seats arrange to all face the view. Price tag to match.
Lindt Chocolat Cafe
The Lindt Chocolat Cafe is a concept store and cafe featuring Lindt chocolate and cakes and hot chocolates made with it. The hot chocolates are particularly indulgent, arriving with their own small jug of molten chocolate to mix in.
Blackbird Cafe
Moderately priced and popular cafe one level up at Cockle Bay Wharf.
Nick's Seafood Restaurant
Seafood focus, as the name suggests.
Ice-Cube
Eat in cafe, bar, and takeaway. Fish and chips takeaway for $7.50, just eat them by the water a couple of metres away.
On the eastern side of Darling Harbour, adjacent to the city, at the western end of Market St. South of King St Wharf.
King st wharf
The Malaya
Large serves of spicy Malay food. Try the salt and pepper prawns
I Thai
Upstairs and waterside seating. Basic, tasty food, and a selection of set menus for around $30-40 per head. Fully licenced, and good coffee for Thai place.
King St Wharf (http://www.ksw.com.au/) is a newer development on the eastern side of Darling Harbour, adjacent to the city at the western end of King St, north of the aquarium.
There are lots of places to eat at Darling Harbour. It is literally lined with restaurants, alfresco cafes, bars, and take-aways, and is a great place to go in a evening for dinner overlooking the water and the city skyline. On popular days there are concession stalls selling ice-creams, drinks etc all over the place, again, at higher prices than you would expect to pay elsewhere.
Generally no need to book a restaurant on a weeknight, as it is always possible to get a table somewhere by just strolling around the harbour, picking something that appeals.
Those with an aversion to second hand cigarette smoke, should note that smoking is generally permitted at many of the outdoor alfresco bars and eating areas overlooking the water. Sitting inside means that you won't get bothered by cigarette smoke, but you also miss the best locations.