Complete Guide to Sydney's Best Food Tours (Tested by a Local)

Discover Sydney's best food tours with this ultimate bucket list guide. From Chinatown street food walks to luxury harbor dining, these 10 expert-curated experiences showcase authentic Australian cuisine, hidden local gems, and multicultural flavors. Includes Wildlife & Wine tours, chef-led Hunter Valley trips, and secret neighborhood walks perfect for food lovers visiting Sydney.

5/8/20247 min read

A bustling street food market at night featuring a row of illuminated food stalls. Signs with various names and menus can be seen above the stalls. People are gathered around, some standing near the counters while others walk through the marketplace.
A bustling street food market at night featuring a row of illuminated food stalls. Signs with various names and menus can be seen above the stalls. People are gathered around, some standing near the counters while others walk through the marketplace.

Sydney Food Tours: Add These 10 to Your Bucket List

A Food Lover's Guide to Sydney's Most Memorable Culinary Adventures

Discover the food experiences that will make your Sydney trip unforgettable, from cozy neighborhood walks to stunning harbor dining

Why Sydney Should Be on Every Food Lover's Bucket List

Sydney's food scene tells the story of Australia itself—a beautiful blend of indigenous traditions, immigrant cultures, and innovative modern cuisine, all set against one of the world's most stunning backdrops. Whether you're savoring dim sum in historic Chinatown, discovering street art while munching on multicultural treats in Newtown, or dining high above the harbor with panoramic views, Sydney offers food experiences you simply can't find anywhere else.

These 10 food tours represent the heart of what makes Sydney special: authentic local knowledge, incredible diversity, and that uniquely Australian approach to good food and good times.

#1: Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Day Tour from Sydney

The Experience

This delightful 11-hour adventure combines three of Australia's greatest treasures: meeting iconic wildlife, exploring breathtaking natural landscapes, and savoring world-class cool-climate wines. With just 11 guests maximum, you'll feel like you're exploring with friends rather than a tour group.

What Makes It Special

  • Early Access Wildlife: Meet koalas and feed kangaroos before the park opens to crowds

  • Scenic Coastal Drive: Wind through Royal National Park and across the famous Sea Cliff Bridge

  • Boutique Wine Tasting: Discover the Southern Highlands' emerging wine scene

  • Seaside Lunch: Dine where locals eat, with stunning ocean views

  • Fitzroy Falls: Easy walks to spectacular waterfall viewpoints

The tour perfectly captures Australia's natural beauty while introducing you to the country's growing reputation for exceptional cool-climate wines.

Practical Details

#2: Sydney's Chinatown Street Food & Stories Walking Tour

The Experience

This award-winning 2.5-hour journey through Chinatown reveals layers of history you'd never discover on your own. Your passionate guides share 200 years of Chinese-Australian heritage while introducing you to incredible regional street foods.

What Makes It Special

  • Gold Award Winner: Recognized by NSW Tourism Awards for Cultural Tourism

  • Hidden Culinary Gems: Discover authentic eateries tucked away from the main streets

  • Rich Cultural Stories: Learn how Chinese immigrants helped shape modern Sydney

  • Street Art Surprises: Find beautiful cultural artwork in unexpected places

  • Personal Restaurant Guide: Receive a custom map for future food adventures

This tour beautifully combines education and delicious discoveries, making it perfect for curious food lovers who enjoy learning the stories behind their meals.

Practical Details

#3: Forkabout Sydney Foodie Walking Tour

The Experience

In under 4 hours, you'll cover just 5 street blocks but travel through 230 years of food history. This intimate tour feels like exploring with enthusiastic local friends who happen to know all the best-kept culinary secrets.

What Makes It Special

  • Local Expertise: Guided by passionate Sydney locals with insider knowledge

  • Incredible Diversity: Sample everything from contemporary Australian to authentic Lebanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisine

  • Family-Run Focus: Meet the families behind these beloved neighborhood establishments

  • Architectural Stories: Discover the beautiful history of Sydney's buildings along the way

The tour provides a perfect introduction to Sydney's multicultural food scene while keeping things relaxed and accessible.

Practical Details

  • Duration: Under 4 hours

  • Meeting Point: Central Station, corner of Chalmers and Devonshire Streets

  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible

  • Note: Best for omnivores (not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance)

  • Book Here: Forkabout Surry Hills Foodie Walking Tour

#4: Secret Food Tours Sydney (Surry Hills)

The Experience

This relaxed 3.5-hour walking tour through trendy Surry Hills includes enough delicious samples to satisfy your appetite while you discover the neighborhood's vibrant personality and local stories.

What You'll Discover

  • Neighborhood Character: Explore the streets around Oxford Street that locals love

  • Immigration Stories: Learn how different cultures shaped this area's unique food scene

  • Local Personalities: Meet fascinating characters, including butchers who've perfected their craft over decades

  • The Famous "Secret Dish": Discover what everyone's talking about (but we can't tell you here!)

The laid-back pace makes this tour perfect for those who want to savor both food and conversation.

Practical Details

  • Duration: 3.5 hours

  • Group Size: Maximum 10 people

  • Meeting Point: M1 Oxford Street, Surry Hills (look for the orange umbrella!)

  • Book Here: Secret Food Tours Sydney

#5: Hidden Sydney Walking Tour - Stories, Snacks & Coffee

The Experience

This delightful 3-hour adventure takes you through three fascinating inner-city neighborhoods—Pyrmont, Ultimo, and Glebe—that even many locals haven't properly explored. It's part history lesson, part food tour, and completely charming.

What Makes It Bucket List Worthy

  • Hidden Neighborhoods: Discover areas that feel like Sydney's best-kept secrets

  • Authentic Aussie Flavors: Try Tim Tams, Vegemite toast, flat white coffee, craft beer, fresh oysters, and even kangaroo

  • Fascinating Stories: Learn Aboriginal and colonial history plus quirky local tales

  • Unique Finale: Meet the talking pet cockatoo at Sydney's most character-filled pub

  • Local Wisdom: Get insider tips that will enhance the rest of your Sydney visit

Perfect for travelers who love discovering the "real" side of a city while enjoying authentic local flavors.

Practical Details

  • Duration: 3 hours (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

  • Group Size: Maximum 12 people

  • Meeting Point: Yellow and green control tower, middle of Pyrmont Bridge, Darling Harbour

  • Age Requirement: 21+ with valid ID (for alcohol tastings)

  • Book Here: Hidden Sydney Walking Tour - Stories, Snacks & Coffee

#6: Sydney Street Art and Food Tour (Newtown)

The Experience

Newtown's creative spirit comes alive as you explore incredible street art while sampling the neighborhood's wonderfully eclectic food scene, finishing with craft beer from a local brewery.

What You'll Discover

  • Street Art Masterpieces: Learn from expert guides who literally "wrote the book" on Sydney street art

  • Multicultural Food Paradise: Taste the diverse flavors that make Newtown special

  • Local Brewery Experience: End with craft beer that captures the neighborhood's creative spirit

  • Cultural Understanding: See how art and food reflect Newtown's unique bohemian character

  • Hidden Laneways: Find murals and eateries that most visitors never discover

This tour perfectly captures Sydney's creative underground culture while satisfying your appetite for both art and great food.

Practical Details

#7: Australian Food, Wine, and Forage Tour with Botanical Gardens

The Experience

This unique experience combines the beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens with fascinating insights into native Australian ingredients and indigenous food traditions, all while enjoying expertly paired Australian wines.

What Makes It Special

  • Native Ingredients: Discover bush tucker and learn about 65,000 years of indigenous food culture

  • Wine Education: Expert-guided tastings of exceptional Australian wines

  • Stunning Setting: Enjoy harbor views while learning about native plants

  • Cultural Connection: Understand how traditional ingredients are being reimagined in modern Australian cuisine

  • Hands-On Learning: Try foraging for native edible plants

This tour offers a deeper understanding of what makes Australian cuisine truly unique.

Practical Details

  • Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Meeting Point: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

  • Booking: Available through specialty tour operators (check Viator for similar indigenous food experiences)

#8: SkyFeast Dining Experience at Sydney Tower

The Experience

Dine 88 stories above Sydney in the slowly revolving restaurant, where contemporary Australian-French fusion cuisine is served with ever-changing 360-degree views of the harbor, Opera House, and beyond.

Why It's Unforgettable

  • Breathtaking Views: See all of Sydney from the best vantage point in the city

  • Revolving Restaurant: Watch the cityscape slowly change as you dine

  • Premium Cuisine: Enjoy expertly prepared dishes that celebrate Australian ingredients

  • Perfect Timing: Sunset dining creates magical golden hour moments

  • Iconic Experience: This is Sydney dining at its most spectacular

Whether you're celebrating something special or simply want to see Sydney from its most famous viewpoint, this experience creates lasting memories.

Practical Details

#9: Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

The Experience

Experience Sydney's world-famous harbor from the water while enjoying a beautiful multi-course dinner as the sun sets behind the city skyline, creating the perfect romantic Sydney evening.

What Makes It Special

  • Harbor Magic: See the Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and city skyline from the most beautiful perspective

  • Golden Hour Timing: Perfectly timed to capture Sydney's spectacular sunset over the harbor

  • Delicious Dining: Multi-course meals featuring fresh Australian ingredients and local wines

  • Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy a memorable evening without the hustle of city streets

  • Unique Views: Discover waterfront mansions and hidden coves only visible from the water

This cruise offers a romantic and relaxing way to experience Sydney's natural beauty while enjoying excellent food.

Practical Details

#10: Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Tour from Sydney

The Experience

This exceptional full-day adventure combines a professional chef's expertise with the Hunter Valley's renowned wineries, starting at Sydney Fish Market and including hands-on culinary experiences throughout the day.

What Makes It Extraordinary

  • Professional Chef Guide: Your guide prepares fresh dishes during the tour to perfectly complement each wine tasting

  • Sydney Fish Market Start: Begin with fresh seafood shopping at one of the world's largest fish markets

  • Boutique Wineries: Visit three carefully selected Hunter Valley wineries known for exceptional quality

  • Live Cooking: Watch as your chef guide prepares dishes like pan-fried barramundi, kangaroo steak, and sushi

  • Educational Experience: Learn cooking techniques and wine pairing principles from a professional

This tour elevates wine tasting into a comprehensive culinary education that you'll remember long after you return home.

Practical Details

Creating Your Perfect Sydney Food Adventure

Mix and Match for Different Interests

  • Cultural Explorers: Start with Chinatown Stories, then explore Hidden Sydney neighborhoods

  • Art and Food Lovers: Combine the Newtown Street Art tour with indigenous food experiences

  • Luxury Seekers: Pair the Harbor Sunset Cruise with SkyFeast dining for ultimate indulgence

  • Wine Enthusiasts: Begin with the Hunter Valley chef tour, then try the Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine adventure

Timing Your Food Tours

  • First Day: Hidden Sydney tour provides great local insights for the rest of your trip

  • Mid-Trip: Neighborhood walking tours help you discover areas you'll want to revisit

  • Special Occasions: Harbor cruises and tower dining create memorable celebration moments

  • Last Day: Wildlife and wine tours offer a perfect farewell to Sydney's natural beauty

Budget-Friendly Approach

  • Walking tours offer excellent value and intimate experiences

  • Many tours include substantial food that can replace meals

  • Look for combination packages when booking multiple experiences

  • Consider the educational value and unique access these tours provide

Planning Your Sydney Food Journey

Seasonal Considerations

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Perfect for harbor cruises and outdoor dining experiences

  • Autumn (Mar-May): Ideal weather for walking tours, beautiful wine country visits

  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cozy indoor experiences and clear mountain views in wine regions

  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Everything blooms, perfect weather for all outdoor activities

Making the Most of Each Experience

  • Book tours early in your trip to get local recommendations for independent exploration

  • Ask guides about their personal favorite restaurants and hidden gems

  • Take notes during tours for future reference

  • Don't hesitate to ask questions—local guides love sharing their knowledge

Why These Tours Create Lasting Memories

Sydney's food scene reflects the city's incredible diversity, natural beauty, and innovative spirit. These carefully selected tours offer more than just great food—they provide cultural understanding, local connections, and unique perspectives that transform your Sydney visit from tourist experience to genuine discovery.

Whether you're savoring dim sum while learning Chinese-Australian history, meeting koalas before enjoying cool-climate wines, or dining above the harbor as the sun sets over the Opera House, each tour creates moments that capture what makes Sydney truly special.

Ready to taste your way through Sydney? Choose the experiences that speak to your interests and prepare for food adventures that will become some of your favorite travel memories.

Which Sydney food experience sounds most appealing to you? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow MyTwoIslands for more delicious travel discoveries!