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.

KINGS CROSS / INNER CITY. Politicians, such celebrities as Celine Dion and Jim Belushi, and city restauranteurs frequent this Modern Australian restaurant with a French touch. The upscale interior boasts beautiful floor tiling and traditional style; there's also outdoor seating in the terraced area. A prix fixe menu with three courses is available and features such dishes as lamb and linguini. Smart casual attire and reservations recommended. TRAIN: to Kings Cross, BUS: along Darlinghurst Road.

INNER CITY. This exclusive restaurant is perfect for romantic occasions or special celebrations. Located in what was once a church, Darling Mills still has stained glass details, and although it's large inside, it somehow manages to have an intimate feel. Sandstone columns provide natural divisions of the large space, and in winter a large fire adds warmth and ambiance. Try the duck confit, their specialty dish. Smart casual attire and reservations recommended. BUS: from George Street to Glebe.

A trip to Sydney warrants a taste of kangaroo, and Edna's Table has some of the best you'll find. This Native Australian restaurant offers other dishes as well (emu stir fry and gum leaf-smoked trout, for example) and has a separate vegetarian menu. The setting is somewhat formal ­ a woody, split level interior with low lighting and high ceilings. A business crowd frequents the place at lunch. Smart casual attire and reservations recommended.