Planar Restaurant

Planar Restaurant occupies a waterfront position in Darling Harbour, at the ICC Sydney and close to the IMAX Theatre. Its main draw is the setting: harbour views, alfresco seating and Mediterranean-inspired décor create a relaxed place to sit by the water, whether you are stopping in before a film, meeting for a business lunch or settling in after a day in the city. The venue is tucked away from some of the surrounding crowds while remaining close to Darling Harbour’s attractions.

The food is presented as modern Australian cuisine with international influences, drawing on dishes and ideas from around the world rather than sticking to one narrow style. Breakfast is served daily, with options ranging from a ham and cheese croissant and bacon and eggs to smashed avocado, an avocado and salmon benedict, a crab omelette, Middle Eastern-style eggs with halloumi and a rustic London breakfast. There is also a pastry selection made by the in-house pastry team, alongside coffee, tea, juices, shakes and matcha-based drinks. Later in the day, the offering expands to an express lunch, a main menu and a drinks list covering beer, wine and cocktails.

The gallery gives an indication of the broader menu, including seafood dishes, pasta, pizza, risotto, a burger and fried rice, while the named offerings include lobster linguine, a seafood platter, a one-metre stone-fire pizza and vegan saffron risotto. Matcha is given particular attention, with classic and iced versions as well as mango and strawberry variations. These choices make Planar suitable for different appetites, from a morning coffee and pastry to a longer meal overlooking the harbour.

Beyond regular dining, Planar caters for functions, from exclusive events for up to 380 guests to smaller family or corporate gatherings. Its team-building programme includes cocktail-making and whisky classes, plus pasta- and pizza-making workshops, with guidance from the venue’s mixologist and kitchen team. Families are catered for with a kids menu, and the location near Darling Harbour’s playgrounds adds practical appeal for visitors with children. Couples, solo diners, work groups and larger parties can all make use of the space, with the waterfront atmosphere providing the common thread.