The 5 Best BBQ Joints in Sydney for Meat That Meets the Heat
Sydney has a massive barbecue (BBQ) scene that hits every single craving. You might prefer slow-smoked brisket that melts like butter, or maybe you want to flip your own Wagyu slices at a bustling Korean grill.
Either way, finding the best BBQ in Sydney guarantees a fun, messy, and flavour-packed meal.
To help you, we’ve tracked down the top local smokehouses and interactive grills across the city. Get ready to grab some extra napkins and dive into our favourite spots for a huge weekend feast!
How much do BBQ meals cost in Sydney?
Barbecue meals in Sydney typically cost between A$30 and A$85+ AUD per person, depending heavily on the specific grilling style you choose.
| BBQ Style | Typical Price | Description |
| Korean Barbecue Buffet | A$35–A$50 per person | Basic all-you-can-eat pork, beef, and side dishes |
| Premium Korean Barbecue Buffet | A$59–A$79 per person | Higher-grade options that may include premium Wagyu cuts |
| Korean Barbecue À La Carte Platter | A$75–A$120 total | Premium Wagyu sharing platter designed for two |
| Brazilian Churrasco | A$60–A$85 per person | Full rodizio-style carving experience |
| American Brisket Plate | A$30–A$45 per person | Individual low-and-slow smoked main |
| American Shared Meat Platter | A$100–A$150 total | Large tray generally designed for two to four diners |
The 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is normally included in the listed menu price. Sunday and public-holiday surcharges of around 10% to 15% are also common, while tipping remains optional.
1. Roast Republic
Website: https://roastrepublic.com.au/
Address: 174 Clarence St
Contact: (02) 8038 1640 | [email protected]
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 AM-9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 AM-10:00 PM
Roast Republic takes inspiration from several American barbecue traditions, using dry rubs, house-made sauces, and slow-cooked meats throughout their menu.
Their signature sharing boards serve two to four people, making them a good fit for couples, families, and hungry groups. You can dig into beef, pork, or lamb ribs. There are also brisket, wings, burgers, and Southern-style sides available.
There are vegetarian dishes too, making group meals easier when everyone has different preferences.
Plus, the restaurant trades seven days a week, so you can satisfy a random Tuesday barbecue craving.
The main drawback is the location, as they operate on Clarence Street in central Sydney. This means diners living farther out will need to travel into the city.
Customer Reviews
This has to be the best place in Sydney
Incredible!!! If you like American BBQ this has to be the best place in Sydney. We ordered the Texan platter for 6 people and it was amazing. The meat on the ribs fell off the bone, the fried chicken was so tasty, the shrimp and sausages were delicious and the sauces were amazing! The portions were also very very generous… They had an excellent cocktail selection too. The owners are very hospitable, friendly and accomodating and we really enjoyed the atmosphere.
— Linda L | Google Review
The lamb and pork ribs were BBQ perfection
Absolutely delicious!
The lamb and pork ribs were BBQ perfection — tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Portions are generous and the crispy fries make it even better.
The staff were super friendly and welcoming, which made the whole dining experience even more enjoyable.
This place can easily cater for both small gatherings and big groups, making it perfect whether you’re out with family or friends.
Definitely a spot worth coming back to!
— HO JIA RUN | Google Review
2. 678 Haymarket
Website: https://789bbq.com/stores/678-haymarket/
Address: Level 1/396 Pitt St, Haymarket
Contact: 0466 607 627 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM; last order, 8:45 PM; Friday, 12:00 PM-11:00 PM; last order, 9:45 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:00 PM; last order, 9:45 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; last order, 8:45 PM
678 Haymarket, part of the 789 Korean BBQ group, focuses on premium Australian Wagyu paired with signature marinades refined over more than a decade.
We spoke with a client who dined here last month with friends, and they said the rich marbling in their beef platter practically melted in their mouths.
Beyond the grill, the menu covers comforting stews, Korean fried chicken, pancakes, and side dishes. Beer and soju are also available to complete the meal.
Plus, you can submit a reservation request online, with later service on Fridays and Saturdays.
However, make sure you arrive on time because reserved tables are held for only 10 minutes. At least 80% of your group must also be present before a table is allocated.
Online requests also require confirmation, so check your email before heading over.
Customer Reviews
The meat quality is outstanding — tender, juicy, and well-marinated
Absolutely amazing Korean BBQ experience. The food at 678 Korean BBQ is fresh, flavourful, and cooked to perfection. The meat quality is outstanding — tender, juicy, and well-marinated. Side dishes are generous and constantly refilled, and the staff are friendly, attentive, and quick to help with grilling. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, making it a great place for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Highly recommended for anyone who loves good Korean BBQ.
— Freddy Wong | Google Review
Meats provided very high quality, fresh and delicious
Great Korean BBQ restaurant on the edge of China Town not far out of Sydney city centre. Lots of tables and plenty of staff to provide excellent service on what was a very busy Friday evening. Great menu & lots of options to suit all tastes & budgets. Meats provided very high quality, fresh and delicious. Lots of sides also provided along with a complimentary bowl of delicious egg soup. A bit noisy for casual conversation but you’ll be too busy eating to worry about talking. Excellent restaurant – highly recommended!
— Trevor Macleod | Google Review
3. Chefs Buffet Korean BBQ – Sydney CBD
Website: https://www.chefsbuffetkbbq.com/
Address: 1-7 Albion Pl
Contact: 0494 079 147 — text enquiries | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:30 AM-10:00 PM; last entry, 8:50 PM
Chefs Buffet Korean BBQ brings an unlimited grill format to their Sydney CBD venue, with common allergens clearly marked across the menu. This makes it easier to spot gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or egg-free dishes before you start cooking.
The buffet also includes vegetarian choices, while meats other than pork are described as Halal.
Instead of splitting bills as you might at busypizza stores, the flat-rate buffet keeps the basic food budget simple. Plus, the restaurant accepts online reservations and operates continuously from lunch through dinner every day.
Late diners need to watch the clock, though. While the dining room closes at 10:00 PM, the last entry is at 8:50 PM.
Customer Reviews
One of the best Korean BBQ in city CBD with affordable price range
One of the best Korean BBQ in city CBD with affordable price range $38 lunch and $46 dinner (applied on weekdays).
They provide lunch special without BBQ $28 AYCE including dessert, ramen, hot cold bar, side dishes and salads which are very affordable and worth.
The sitting tables are huge including outdoor and indoor sitting, might fit for function as well.
Staff are friendly, food keep topup and always fresh.
This Chef BBQ has more dishes comparing the other competitors.
Recommended!
— Juan Seng | Google Review
The quality of the meats, hot dishes, desserts, and ice cream were all excellent
We came across this newly opened BBQ restaurant and decided to give it a try — and wow, we were genuinely surprised by how amazing the value was! The quality of the meats, hot dishes, desserts, and ice cream were all excellent and far beyond our expectations for an all-you-can-eat restaurant. Everything tasted fresh and well-prepared.
The service was also top-notch. The staff were very attentive and constantly checked our grill, offering to replace it whenever it became too burnt. They were friendly, proactive, and even informed us about ongoing promotions and activities.
— Shayne Rifalachi | Google Review
4. Elements Smokehouse & Bar
Website: https://www.elementssmokehouse.com.au/
Address: 248 Palmer St, Darlinghurst
Contact: 1300 353 636 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Sunday, from 5:30 PM until late (kitchen closing times may vary)
Patience is the secret ingredient behind great smoked meat. Elements Smokehouse & Bar cooks their beef back ribs and brisket low and slow for up to 48 hours.
We spoke with a client who tried the Friday all-you-can-eat brisket-and-ribs special, and they said the smoky bark had a perfect peppery crunch.
The menu goes beyond barbecue, with burgers, steakhouse plates, sides, beer, and cocktails. If your group usually goes to a chicken wing spot on a Friday night, this smokehouse offers another meat-heavy option.
However, the Friday package requires advance booking and prepayment, and everyone at the table must choose it.
Lunch isn’t an option, either, since service starts at 5:30 PM, while kitchen closing times can vary.
Customer Reviews
Totally tender fall off the bones with amazing flavour
Looking for a good American BBQ?
Y’all need to check out this place.
Baby back pork ribs totally tender fall off the bones with amazing flavour.
Place was buzzing, great ambience, service was outstanding, shout out to Antoinette who took care of us making the night enjoyable and relaxing.
We’ll definitely come back to try the tomahawk and those desserts!
— Lion. G “Weiver” Weiver | Google Review
Finally a place that serves beef ribs!!!
Great quality food, customer service was wonderful from Shaikot and presentation was first class. Would highly recommend their food, Australian quality beef and tasty seasonal sides. Had the beef ribs and it was basted perfectly with a spicy habanero bbq sauce that was melt in your mouth. Finally a place that serves beef ribs!!! Now let me get back to my wine!
— Stacy Richards | Google Review
5. Surly’s American Tavern
Website: https://www.surlys.com.au/
Address: 182 Campbell St, Surry Hills
Contact: 0428 428 943 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 4:00 PM-10:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM; Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-late
Surly’s American Tavern combines Ole Hickory pit-smoked barbecue with a relaxed sports-bar setting. Their platters come in sizes for one, two, four, or six diners, so you can order for yourself or a full group.
The kitchen serves 18-hour dry-rubbed brisket and 12-hour pulled pork. Meanwhile, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices give mixed groups plenty of options.
You can also book the Saturday bottomless barbecue, which runs from noon to 6:00 PM and includes 90 minutes of unlimited food.
But keep in mind, weekend plans come with a couple of catches. The bottomless package must be booked at least 24 hours ahead, and Sunday dining comes with a 10% surcharge.
Customer Reviews
The brisket was absolutely to die for
What a bloody awesome experience! Dr Pepper being available was a huge win on its own but the amount of food you get for your money is outstanding! The brisket was absolutely to die for and get all that all on its own, the maple covered corn bread was also a favourite. Wish we our local BBQ place was as good as this back home, we’d be there every single week! Absolutely amazing all round, good job everyone!
— Jarrod Lindquist | Google Review
The BBQ platter is generous and well-suited for sharing
The BBQ platter is generous and well-suited for sharing, with a good mix of meats covering the essentials. The mac and cheese works well as a side, adding a creamy contrast to the smoky flavours. There’s also a wide selection of beers and drinks available, making it an easy place to settle in for hearty food and a few drinks.
— Richard C | Google Review