The Oriana Brings Four Levels of Harbour Dining to Circular Quay

If location matters when choosing where to eat and drink in Sydney, The Oriana certainly has that covered. Set across four levels at the northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, this expansive waterfront destination brings together a beer garden, pub, restaurant and dedicated events spaces — all with Sydney Harbour as the backdrop.

The name The Oriana takes inspiration from the SS Oriana, the famous ocean liner that first sailed into Sydney Harbour in the 1960s. It’s a fitting nod to the history of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, a place that has welcomed generations of travellers to Sydney.

Today, The Oriana offers several different ways to enjoy one of the city’s most recognisable waterfront locations, whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink, settling in for dinner or planning a special occasion.

The Oriana - Four Levels, Four Different Experiences

At ground level, The Oriana Beer Garden is the most relaxed of the spaces. Sitting right beside the harbour, it’s designed for casual drinks, pub classics, seafood and share plates, with uninterrupted views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

It’s also become a destination for major sporting events, with the big screen bringing some extra atmosphere to the waterfront setting.

Head upstairs to The Oriana Pub on Level 1 and things become a little livelier. The space moves easily from daytime dining and after-work drinks into late-night Sydney, with cocktails, harbour views and DJs taking over from Thursday to Saturday.

For a more refined dining experience, The Oriana Restaurant occupies Level 2. The light-filled restaurant takes full advantage of its elevated harbour position, with a produce-led menu centred around seasonal ingredients, Australian seafood and premium cuts.

One of the restaurant's signature dishes is the lobster tagliatelle, made with fresh pasta, lobster, shellfish bisque and soft herbs. Diners can choose from à la carte and set-menu options, while weekend lunch service makes this an appealing spot for a leisurely Saturday or Sunday overlooking the harbour.

The top level is home to The Harbour Room, one of several spaces available for private events, weddings and celebrations. Across the venue, there are options ranging from intimate private rooms to large-scale spaces capable of hosting substantial events.

Modern Australian Dining by the Harbour

The common thread running through The Oriana is its distinctly Sydney setting.

The more casual areas lean towards modern Australian pub dining, with seafood, burgers, share plates and familiar favourites, while the restaurant upstairs offers a more elevated approach.

The interiors follow the same progression. Warm timbers, bronze finishes and textured materials create continuity throughout the venue, while the atmosphere shifts as you move from the open-air Beer Garden to the more polished restaurant and private spaces above.

It means you don't necessarily have to decide on just one experience. Drinks beside the water can turn into dinner upstairs, or dinner can continue with a cocktail in the Pub as the evening gets underway.

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Weekend Lunches, Drinks and Late Nights

The Oriana Restaurant currently serves dinner seven nights a week from 5.30pm, with lunch available on Saturdays and Sundays. Its Weekend Long Lunch also runs across Saturday and Sunday.

The Pub and Beer Garden open from midday Monday to Friday and from 11am on weekends, continuing until late.

With Circular Quay Station, ferries and light rail only a short walk away, The Oriana is particularly well positioned for visitors to the city as well as Sydneysiders looking for somewhere to make an afternoon or evening of it.

And with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House sitting right outside, there aren't too many Sydney restaurant locations that need less introduction.

The OrianaNorthern end of the Overseas Passenger TerminalCircular Quay West, The Rocks NSW 2000Website: OrianaSydney.com.au