Spring’s here! Five Sydney restaurants perfect for outdoor dining

Sitting underneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House in the spring sunshine is a quintessential Sydney experience and that’s exactly what you can do at Portside.

Under the colonnades of arguably Australia’s most iconic building, you can enjoy cuisine prepared by Head Chef Karl Patrick Thomas which has an emphasis on seasonality and quality Australian produce.

Choose from mains such as 24-hour braised Riverina lamb shoulder with rosemary polenta, sun dried tomatoes and gremolata or perhaps the roast fillet of Humpty Doo barramundi is more your speed?

You can do a pre-theatre dinner at Portside, and there’s a fab kids menu too, so it’s perfect for the whole family.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Glazed Berkshire pork neck, apple and white onion puree, salsa verde, crispy pork skin and chervil ($36)

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Come to Totti’s for the delicious Italian food, stay for the casual alfresco setting perfect for lapping up Sydney’s spring sunshine.

This Bondi parlour of Italian perfection boasts one of Sydney’s best outdoor spaces. A spacious white courtyard with olive trees and old-school Hollywood director dining chairs all soaked in sunlight.

Gather the friends and wolf down a share plate filled with Mediterranean goodies like olives, burrata, prosciutto and Totti’s famous wood-fired bread.

Alternatively, go for rustic mains such as a saucy lamb ragu with pappardelle or a tender 300g pork schnitzel.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Spinach pappardelle, kale and pistachio ($30)

Got a group of fussy eaters? Head to Coogee Pavilion for knockout beach views and something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

If you think food is best paired with a breathtaking seascape, you’re in for a treat. Head up to ‘The Pav’s’ spectacular rooftop and bask under the clear blue skies of spring, breathe in the salty air and be entranced by the captivating ocean vista.

Hungry? Pick a menu that suits the mood and tuck into fresh seafood, pasta, burgers and pizzas.

Keep the coastal vibes flowing with freshly shucked oysters or tiger prawns with cocktail sauce. For a heartier meal, smash a fried chicken sandwich or slice into a plump beef rump with shoestring fries.

Dish Cult’s top pick: King funghi pizza – fior di latte, sliced potatoes, thyme and king brown mushrooms ($27.50)

California, here we come! It’s all about laid-back Cali outdoor dining and mouth watering Mexican cuisine at SoCal.

Located in Neutral Bay, by way of the golden state, SoCal brings beachy, surfside vibes to Sydney via its bright, sun-drenched rooftop terrace that will have you feeling like a character from The O.C.

Head chef Keith Dsouza delivers all of the punchy Mexican flavours that you’d expect. On the menu, you’ll find share plates, tacos, quesadillas and a range of sides and desserts.

Devour tantalising taco options like Baja fish and chicken tinga, or go for an extra cheesy red chorizo quesadilla. Or tackle huge share dishes such as pork carnitas or adobo beef short rib.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Crispy boneless whole snapper ($45)

For elevated Middle Eastern fare and slick rooftop dining in the heart of the CBD, it’s hard to go past Babylon.

Decked out with lush hanging greenery, marble tables and comfy banquettes, you’ll think you’ve stepped right into the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Food-wise, it’s all about Middle Eastern cuisine with a sophisticated touch. The menu is divided into flora, fauna and ocean, with dishes cooked over wood and charcoal on Babylon’s impressive custom three-metre Turkish grill.

To start, go for the house-made Turkish bread with za’atar butter or baked rice pilav. For the main course? Opt for standouts like the moreish goat tagine, grilled octopus with Egyptian fava beans, or lamb rump skewers.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Shish tawook, wood grilled chicken, kisir, tomato, garlic and labna ($34)