Put away that watch - you'll want to lose track of time (and come up with more reasons to extending your meal) at these great spots for Sydney dining. Here's a preview of the best venues for long lunches from the upcoming edition of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2017.

10 William Street

They may change chefs as often as Madonna changes bicep size, but there's no arguing with the fact this wine bar/snacketorium is always a good fun time, long lunch, early dinner or even both on the same day.

10 William Street, Paddington, 02 9360 3310, 10williamst.com.au

Berowra Waters Inn

Whether it's your first time catching a private ferry to the Glenn Murcutt-designed sandstone building, or you punted across when Gay and Tony Bilson were forging a new era of Australian cuisine here in the 80s, there's always a tingling sense of excitement based around the fact you're going a have a very nice afternoon.

Public Wharves, Bay Road, Berowra Waters, 02 9456 1027, berowrawatersinn.com
 

The harbour view from Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay. Photo: Supplied

Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay

Oh, the joy of being handed a daily-changing list of up to a dozen different varieties of oysters (and why, pray tell, is such a thing so rare?). From intensely sea-sweet Merimbula Lakes Sydney rock oysters to meaty Coffin Bay Pacifics, it's as celebratory as splashing through the waves at Bondi Beach.

123 Ferry Road, Glebe, 02 9518 9011, boathouse.net.au

Chiswick, Woollahra

There may be time-limited sittings that put a slight dent in your long lunch, but over-stayers are directed to a semi-al fresco area near the entrance for dessert, such as a killer pavlova. It's no real imposition, what with the salubrious botanic setting overlooking the eponymous public garden.

65 Ocean Street, Woollahra, 02 8388 8688, chiswickrestaurant.com.au

Glebe Point Diner

It's all about Sunday lunch here at this inner-west gem. During summer, there are outdoor seats and house-made ice-creams. Winter sees a warm and welcoming dining room where the tiled floor, bare tables and occasional passing bus provide a background hum under enticing descriptions of the carefully curated menu.

407 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 02 9660 2646, glebepointdiner.com.au

Combining your lunch hour with cocktail hour is a good at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. Photo: Brendon Thorne

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

While we wish the unique offering of a daily bruschetta special was the reason why PRs book this restaurant for visiting celebrities, it's probably more likely because of that kick-arse view. But this is no one-trick pony – the food is simpatico with the distracting vista across Bondi.

1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, 02 9365 9000, chiswickrestaurant.com.au

LuMi

The gleaming glass-walled space on Pyrmont Wharf is lit by a starry ceiling of pendant lights, and service strikes that very Italian note of both informality and care. The poise, balance and romance of LuMi's tasting menus continue through to dessert, a journey through strawberry ice and snow to a creamy yoghurt heart.

56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, 02 9571 1999, lumidining.com

Pecorino consomme with fregola, zucchini flowers at Pilu at Freshwater. Photo: James Alcock

​Pilu at Freshwater

It's a rare destination that can check boxes for all people, yet Pilu manages the chameleon task with aplomb: breezy sea views to wow out-of-towners, intimate anniversary lunch (ask for a balcony nook), a celebration for ten, or a meal to make a deal over. Then there's the food: fiercely Sardinian, comforting but not homespun, modern yet not fussy.

Moore Road, Freshwater, 02 9938 3331, pilu.com.au

Rockpool Bar and Grill

If Bruce Wayne was dating Alfred the butler this is where they'd dine, in all its moody, Gothamite splendour. The building is an Art-Deco landmark, and Neil Perry's old-school steakhouse, heading into its eighth year now, a fine fit.

66 Hunter Street, Sydney, 02 8078 1900, rockpool.com/rockpoolbarandgrillsydney

Sean's Panaroma
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There's really no other restaurant in Sydney that's quite like Sean's Panaroma. It's to do with its location that is equally excellent for a post-lunch swim or to weather a blustery storm.Then there's the décor that feels more like you're eating at a good friend's house rather than one of the city's best restaurants.

270 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, 02 9365 4924, seanspanaroma.co

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide award night, presented by Citi and Vittoria, is on September 5. The Guide will be on sale in newsagents and bookstores from September 6, with all book purchases receiving free access to the new Good Food app.