Cafe del Mar
Last updatedβ 4.1 Β· 1,762 Google reviews Β· $$
Cafe del Mar is a rooftop Mediterranean restaurant and bar on Level 2 of Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour. Its open terrace looks over the water and the harbour lights, and the food is built for sharing. It fills up on weekends and at sunset, so it suits a long dinner or a drink with a view. Darling Quarter Village Green (South) is about five minutes' walk away.
Cuisine at Cafe del Mar
Food at Cafe del Mar
The menu is Mediterranean, built on seasonal Australian produce and meant for sharing. Visitors most often name the charred WA octopus, the salmon tartare, the crispy squid and the burrata. The octopus comes with potato mayo and blistered tomatoes, and the salmon tartare is served with gluten-free crackers. There is a vegetarian beetroot dish, and the corn ribs and king prawns are gluten free.
What to order: Charred WA octopus with potato mayo Β· Salmon tartare with chilli dressing Β· Prawn toast with chilli-lime aioli
Drinks at Cafe del Mar
The drinks side leans towards cocktails. The menu lists the Chilli Cranberry Paloma, Spiced Sidecar, Caribbean Old Fashioned and Rosemary Collins at $24 each, along with spirits such as Hendricks and BeefEater gin. One visitor enjoyed an espresso martini, and the bar also runs a Sunset Bar.
Events and private hire
Cafe del Mar runs a Bottomless Long Lunch and Sunset Sessions, and it also hosts holiday and themed menus for occasions such as Melbourne Cup, Mother's Day and New Year's Eve. The venue takes weddings, corporate functions and social celebrations, with a full capacity of 600 and more than 500 corporate events. Group menus and AV-ready spaces are available for private bookings.
What customers say about Cafe del Mar
- π¬Harbour views and the rooftop terrace, especially at night
- π¬Shareable tapas that diners call fresh and full of flavour
- π¬Friendly, attentive service, even on busy nights
Tips for visiting Cafe del Mar
- βBook ahead, especially for sunset sessions and weekends. Bookings can be made online through OpenTable or by phone.
- βAsk staff about the market fish of the day, which is priced on the day.
- βSmart casual is recommended, particularly for sunset sessions and evening events.
Getting to Cafe del Mar
Level 2, Cockle Bay Wharf, 35 Wheat Road, Sydney NSW 2000. On-site parking is available, and Wilson Car Park is at 201 Sussex Street. It is a short walk from the CBD, the ICC and Pyrmont, and can be reached on foot, by light rail or by ferry.
Near Cafe del Mar
FAQ about Cafe del Mar
What cuisine does Cafe del Mar serve?
It serves Mediterranean food made with seasonal Australian produce. Dishes are designed to share.
Does Cafe del Mar have gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Yes. The menu marks a vegetarian beetroot dish, and the corn ribs and king prawns are gluten free.
Can I book a table at Cafe del Mar?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset dining and weekends, and can be made online or by phone.
Does Cafe del Mar host group events?
Yes. It hosts weddings, corporate functions and social celebrations, with group menus and a full venue capacity of 600.