SYDNEY HARBOUR. In sight of the Opera House and overlooking the Harbour, this elite restaurant offers innovative, modern Australian cuisine. The menu features dishes such as pan-fried pave of salmon with potato fondant, crushed peas and a prawn and lobster bisique; chicken and asparagus terrine; and seared tuna with coriander and pickled shitakes. Desserts may include such items as baked quince pudding and an assortment of Valrhona chocolate desserts. The interior is warm and elegant with walls upholstered by Mercedes Benz leather. These elements together with luxurious ultra suede chairs and subtle lighting create an intimate room with a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. A pre-theatre set menu is available. No smoking. TRAIN, BUS, FERRY: Circular Quay.

NORTH SHORE. Located on the enchanting Balmoral beach, in a building dating back to 1930, this restaurant is both upscale and casual. The contemporary Australian menu (with an Italian touch) includes dishes such as goat cheese cappelletto with golden anchovy butter, and Moreton Bay Bugs with braised pork belly. Another great option is the fixed menu, which offers two ($95) or three ($115) courses. There is a separate vegetarian menu. A more economical option is the café in the same building, which offers tasty options like steamed black mussels in a white wine sauce with chips and salad. The café also serves breakfast and it's child friendly right down to the gorgeous, maritime-themed kids toilet. FERRY: to Taronga Zoo, BUS: 238 to The Esplanade, TAXI: 15-minute ride from the city.

DARLING HARBOUR. This café has something for everyone: It's a bar by evening (sometimes even with a DJ), a breakfast café by morning, and a lunch locale by day. The Blackbird Café specializes in hot stone pizzas, and you can often expect a hippie crowd in the brightly colored locale. Help yourself to the board games in the lounge area before or after your meal. Reservations accepted for lunch only. TRAIN: Town Hall. MONORAIL: Darling Park.

EASTERN SUBURBS. Located two minutes from the beach, this casual breakfast cafe attracts plenty of patrons in swimsuits. If you decide to sleep late one morning, no problem! They serve breakfast all day. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Breakfast items include French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and scrambled tofu. Casual attire and reservations not accepted. BUS: 382 from City or Bondi Junction station.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This cafe maximizes enjoyment of the great view by offering diners large windows and a glass roof. Tourists and 20-somethings flock here all hours of the day for dishes like roasted barramundi with yabbies and herb crusted lamb loin. The terrace is ideal for a meal on a warm evening, and on Sunday afternoons, live contemporary jazz will seal your weekend. TRAIN: Circular Quay station.