Cruise Bar is a Sydney icon. Perched inside the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, it’s long been the go-to for birthdays, hen dos, Christmas parties and every celebration in between. Set against one of the city’s most iconic harbourside backdrops, it’s no surprise it’s been operating for years, And just in time for summer, they’ve unveiled a brand-new renovation and summer menu.
Picture iconic ferries gliding past as you tuck into the freshest local produce, native ingredients and a line-up that moves seamlessly from casual bites to dreamy harbourside dining. It’s the kind of place where you can drop in for a snack, or settle in for the evening.
Leading the charge is Head Chef Han Hen, recently crowned Metropolitan Chef of the Year at the 2025 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence. As he puts it, ‘This menu is about celebrating summer the Sydney way’, and it shows.
Top picks include, freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters, Humpty Doo barramundi with bush tomato ragù and crispy saltbush, plus a mix of fresh seafood and share-style plates. Think Royal Miyagi oysters with lemon aspen vinaigrette, grilled Skull Island king prawns with confit tomato butter (can confirm this dish is next-level!) and then there’s the showstopper, the Grande Cruise Seafood Tower stacks lobster, prawns, scallop ceviche, calamari and crisp flathead into a summer feast that feels unapologetically Sydney.
My plus one and I kicked things off with Sonoma artisan bread, served warm with house-smoked butter and pepperberry salt, before diving into the Hot Seafood Platter, complete with half a dozen oyster Kilpatrick, grilled half lobster, crispy calamari, battered Australian flathead and fries – a true feast.
And if you’ve got room for dessert, the Timtamisu with pecan crumb is non-negotiable. I don’t think I can go back to the original from here on in. To drink, we sipped on The Honey infused with passionfruit and quandong honey, alongside a perfectly chilled red from the wine menu.
Whether it is a long lunch that drifts into sunset, a refreshing spritz at golden hour, or cocktails and a seafood tower, Cruise Bar and Restaurant captures Sydney summer at its very best.
Ps: Still looking for NYE plans? Ring in the new year with Cruise Bar and Restaurant. From the waterfront to the rooftop, every floor of the Circular Quay landmark transforms into its own world of music, flavour and fireworks, all set against the city’s most famous backdrop.
Tickets start from $179 for Levels 1 & 2, and $459 for Melba’s Rooftop. Book now.
-Caitlin
When she’s not globetrotting Caitlin Martin loves to scope out Sydney’s hidden gems, with a camera and coffee in hand. Follow her adventures @caitlineliseeee
The Plus Ones were invited guests of Original Spin.
