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.

A divine place for lunch, Atholl Hall Café is in the bushy parkland of Ashton Park, next to Taronga Zoo. The Hall itself is a romantic heritage building ­ grab a table on the veranda and you'll get sensational views of Sydney's best assets. Resident kookaburras sit tight in the trees, hoping for a taste of the delicious Modern Australian food, including foccacias and salads with roast pumpkin and goat cheese. Parking, within the national park, is AUD3 for the day. FERRY to Taronga Zoo (16 minutes) and walk up the hill (10 minutes), or BUS 247 to Taronga Zoo from Wynyard.

SURRY HILLS. Bird, Cow, Fish has three different areas of expertise ­ a bistro, an espresso bar and a retail 'fromagerie' with a fantastic selection of cheeses. Run by a husband and wife team, with service that's friendly and unpretentious, they specialize in innovative and often simple dishes such as potato gnocchi with burnt butter, verjuice and capers. The clientele is broader than the young local demographic, with many 40-plus Sydneysiders frequenting the riotous expansion of top restaurants in Surry Hills. Reservations advisable for breakfast and lunch, but not available for evenings except for groups. WALK: 10 minutes from central or museum station, BUS: 301-303 from Castlereagh Street (near corner Market Street).

DARLING HARBOUR. This café has something for everyone: It's a bar by evening (sometimes even with a DJ), a breakfast café by morning, and a lunch locale by day. The Blackbird Café specializes in hot stone pizzas, and you can often expect a hippie crowd in the brightly colored locale. Help yourself to the board games in the lounge area before or after your meal. Reservations accepted for lunch only. TRAIN: Town Hall. MONORAIL: Darling Park.

GLEBE. Oysters are the food of choice at this well-known, upscale seafood restaurant. The menu offers 10 different types from all over Australia, although if you're not in the mood for mollusks, items such as crayfish or ocean trout are available as well. The interior features full-length windows on three sides of the dining room, all overlooking Blackwattle Bay. Given the spectacular view and a cozy fireplace, the setting is quite romantic. Smart casual attire and reservations recommended. BUS: 431-433 from George Street along Glebe Point Road.