Sydney Restaurant Recommendations

[roosterchef21]

Yes, I think we can and should be comparing ourselves to Parisian (and New York, San Sebastien, Lyon, Madrid etc etc) standards. If we want to be marketed and are marketed as a world class dining destination, and compare our restaurants to other restaurants in the world, then we should be comparing to the best. How can we possibly improve if we don't? It seems to me that the restaurants want to be compared against the overseas contingent and their dining style is "Michelin rateable" i.e it has the quality of cooking, service and ambience that would not look out of place in a Michelin Guide - albeit with an Australian touch. I know most chef's would love to know that if the Michelin Guide came out here where they would stand. The other guides (GFG, Gourmet Traveller) would struggle to have the same level of importance against an internationally recognised, world class guide.

Price wise, you are spot on PhilD. I'm not sure that we have the quality of staff available to staff restaurants like gastrotemples overseas. Not a lot of staff come over here for Stagiere, it's usually the other way around. For what we get, food and service wise, the price is not relevant to the quality we receive in comparison to what we can get overseas. As previously mentioned, consistency has always been an issue. At a high end restaurant, charging as much as they do, you expect at least a certain number of dishes and the service to be at a certain level for at least 90% of the time. Getting into lower quality restaurants, it gets worse and worse.

[Shalmanese]

I'm glad others are concurring with me about Tetsuyas. We had a meal there in 2007 & it was pretty bleh. Seasonings were inconsistent, flavor combinations were uninspired & only 2 or 3 dishes stood out as memorable.

[PhilD]

Yes, I think we can and should be comparing ourselves to Parisian (and New York, San Sebastien, Lyon, Madrid etc etc) standards.

I do agree, a true comparison by someone like Michelin needs to be consistant across cities/countries. However, I don't want to lose that Australian flavour, quality shouln't be about copying the style and food of another country. Michelin is oft critiscised for being good on classic French food but a bit wayward on other cuisines.

My questions back to FDE were to try and establish the yardstick being used as I felt the comment needed to be fleshed out:

unfortunately, they're not on par with the top places in Europe

Clearly Sydney's top three don't match up with very Europe's top tier, but FDE's set is a fairly rarefied top tier. However, I think they do stack up pretty well against some of the other "Top 50", for example (a few I know well): St John, Hakkasan, Le Chateaubriand, and L'Atelier Joel Ronuchon (Paris). Thus I was keen to put the argument forward that taken as a whole Sydney (and Melbourne's) overall level of food quality does stack up pretty well and it isn't as bad as FDE implies.

I can't speak for New York but I can't think of other cities with the diversity and depth we have with good quality across many cuisines. I know London struggles; the good is great, but the overall average is really sub par when compared to us. Paris is wonderful for traditional French food, but it is very poor for other cuisines and even struggles with modern food (although that is starting to change).

I see Sydney/Melbourne as being very strong in the middle ground but struggling a bit at the top, but that said I have had some great food here. Not a destination for those collecting "Top 50" restaurants but still one for those serious about good food.

[FDE]

PhilD, I totally agree with you the few top restaurants that I visited in Australia do stack up pretty well against some of the other "Top 50" and definitely the "Top 100". It wasn't my intention to generalize our experience to the whole Australian dining scene. Please read my paragraph as a whole:

We had to do the three big names (Pier along with Quay and Tetsuya’s). Unfortunately, they're not on par with the top places in Europe.

It is really those few restaurants that I am comparing to and as you mentioned earlier, we are just comparing the best of the best here. Since we have heard of those restaurants for a long while and they are the few best of the country, so it just made sense to compare them with the best of other countries. But I am sure my experience could be quite different if I had the time to dine in say top 30 restaurants in Syndey versus top 30 in London.

I will make sure to let you know before I visit Australia (probably late this year or next year) and you can give me a list of 10 suggested restaurants.

[Brianemone]

My Wife and I will be visiting Sydney in July. I've already booked Tetsuya's and will be heading to Bentley Bar at the recommendation of Adam Chef. We need to decide on another restaurant to visit while there. I don't know if we will be going for a full tasting menu at the third restaurant but will consider anything as we will at least have time to save if that is what we decide.

Price is a concern, as I am a student, but given that this is the first trip away without the kids we want to enjoy ourselves so it's not the only concern.

[lesliec]

Can't speak from personal experience, but I had a recent very strong recommendation for Quay (over Tetsuya's).

[nickrey]

We had an exceptional dinner at Quay in December and I can heartily recommend it.

If you are going to go there for dinner, check out the shipping timetable here to make sure that there is not a ship in at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, which is where the restaurant is located. Ships that berth there are typically the monsters that cannot fit under the harbour bridge. If a ship is in when you dine there instead of the normal panoramic views of Sydney Harbour you are likely to have a less desirable view of Cabin 12A's porthole.

[roosterchef21]

My Wife and I will be visiting Sydney in July. I've already booked Tetsuya's and will be heading to Bentley Bar at the recommendation of Adam Chef. We need to decide on another restaurant to visit while there. I don't know if we will be going for a full tasting menu at the third restaurant but will consider anything as we will at least have time to save if that is what we decide.

Price is a concern, as I am a student, but given that this is the first trip away without the kids we want to enjoy ourselves so it's not the only concern.

Did you want high end or were you happy to go somewhere else? If high end, did you want "modern" for want of a better word cuisine or would you be happy to try a simpler, produce driven place? If somewhere else, any avoidances? For example, don't like Chinese food or hate seafood.

[Brianemone]

Did you want high end or were you happy to go somewhere else? If high end, did you want "modern" for want of a better word cuisine or would you be happy to try a simpler, produce driven place? If somewhere else, any avoidances? For example, don't like Chinese food or hate seafood.

Because the other two places are both going to be big nights I wouldn't mind something more relaxed (or rather, less structured) for the third night. I'm completely open to any cuisine whether I've tried it before or not.

[roosterchef21]

What about Chinese? Chairman Mao does Hunanese cuisine really well. It's bloody hot though! Chillies are your friend... Or you could try a Chinese Seafood restaurant for live lobster, abalone or mud crab. Golden Century it's called. What about Bistro Moncur. It's just like going to Paris without the plane ticket. If you can get in, try lunch at Marque on Friday for $45. It may actually be the best value lunch in Sydney. He's ex Alain Passard, it has three chef's hats and is fantastic. It's not simple food but is amazing value for three courses! The other I really like that is simple is Sean's Panorama. It overlooks Bondi Beach, incredibly simple, well prepared food and is just a nice atmosphere. I really enjoy it.

[FDE]

Yes, Golden Century got superb fresh seafood. It is probably the most famous Chinese restaurant there... many Chinese politicians visited there. Their seafood is comparable to Hong Kong if not better... I mean, lobsters that I had in Hong Kong were imported from Australia.

[Makonnen]

First time posting ...

I have five dinners to fill in Sydney this week. Am on a moderately restrictive expense account--Tetsuya's is, unfortunately, out. I am in the CBD, and prefer to walk to dinner if possible (but I don't mind long walks). I am thinking of the Rockpool Bar & Grill one evening, and the Falconer one evening. Should I? Where else should I go?

Sunday nights are always a challenge in new cities because most places are closed, but last night I went to Selah (http://www.selah.com.au/ ). Meh. "Spicy Salt & Pepper Squid" was nicely flavored on the outside, but too chewy (the batter) and too tasteless (the squid on the inside). The Seared Jewfish was a bit of a disaster--the fish was fine, but the sauce was a pool of water, and the noodles were pretty non-existent. The tastiest bit was the serrano ...

Looking forward to recommendations!

[lebowits]

First time posting ...

I have five dinners to fill in Sydney this week. Am on a moderately restrictive expense account--Tetsuya's is, unfortunately, out. I am in the CBD, and prefer to walk to dinner if possible (but I don't mind long walks). I am thinking of the Rockpool Bar & Grill one evening, and the Falconer one evening. Should I? Where else should I go?

Sunday nights are always a challenge in new cities because most places are closed, but last night I went to Selah (http://www.selah.com.au/ ). Meh. "Spicy Salt & Pepper Squid" was nicely flavored on the outside, but too chewy (the batter) and too tasteless (the squid on the inside). The Seared Jewfish was a bit of a disaster--the fish was fine, but the sauce was a pool of water, and the noodles were pretty non-existent. The tastiest bit was the serrano ...

Looking forward to recommendations!

If it's still there, not far from the Rockpool in Darling Harbor is a place called "Chinta Ria". They had great asian noodle dishes and was always busy. Been years since I was there, but remember it fondly.

[nickrey]

Over near the casino at Darling Harbour is a restaurant called Blue Eye Dragon which serves exceptional Taiwanese food.

Chinta Ria, mentioned above, is cheap and cheerful with nice food.

Again if you like Chinese food, try Golden Century, which serves very good Cantonese food.

What sort of food do you like? Are you willing to travel a few kilometers? If so, I'd pop off to Surry Hills or Darlinghurst where there are many fine restaurants (Bentley Bar and Grill for techno-emotional), Billy Kwong for fine Chinese, the Four in Hand for great food in a pub setting, A Tavola for fine Italian. All these are moderately long walks but worth it. You could also try Otto at Woolloomooloo wharf.

All of the restaurants (except Chinta Ria) are rated 14 or more out of 20 in our local good food guide and all worth a visit.

Edited May 3, 2010 by nickrey (log)

[Makonnen]

Over near the casino at Darling Harbour is a restaurant called Blue Eye Dragon which serves exceptional Taiwanese food.

Sweet, thanks, that looks like a good bet for tonight. Should be about a 30 minute walk, I think. Will post a mini-review.

<SNIP>

All of the restaurants (except Chinta Ria) are rated 14 or more out of 20 in our local good food guide and all worth a visit.

Is this guide available online? Would love to give a gander.

[nickrey]

All of the restaurants (except Chinta Ria) are rated 14 or more out of 20 in our local good food guide and all worth a visit.

Is this guide available online? Would love to give a gander.

Unfortunately no. It is available from newsagents in book form for around $20 or as an i-phone app for $11.99.

[Snadra]

Shame about Selah - I would have recommended it actually, as generally I really enjoy it.

I haven't yet been to Rockpool Bar & Grill, although it's just around the corner from me, but I'm reliably informed that it's worthwhile. Spice Temple, just downstairs from it, is excellent.

In addition to Chinta Ria (Malaysian), which I've gone to for years and is always excellent, you could check out Longrain (Thai)(http://www.longrain.com/) or Republic Dining (http://www.republichotel.com/), both of which I've been to several times over the past few years and have been reliably good.

Pony Dining in The Rocks can be quite fun (http://www.ponydining.com.au/home.html), although the food goes up and down, and it's a bit chilly at this time of year if you're on an outside table. On the other hand, by the time you're there you're not far from the Lord Nelson...

For something quite different, and very inexpensive, I love Uighur Cuisine, (http://www.smh.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/uighur-cuisine/2006/10/13/1160246311755.html) at 8 Dixon Street in Haymarket. I like the kebabs (flavourful but quite chewy) and the special fried pastry particularly.

Finally, you can wander down to Woolloomooloo Wharf. Besides Otto's mentioned above, China Doll is quite good, and Kingsleys is reliable for a straight-forward steak. Plus the setting can't be beat.

Enjoy your stay.

[Makonnen]

Just to give some closure. I ended up eating at

* Makoto. I almost turned away, but am _so_ happy I didn't. The best salmon sashimi I've had perhaps ever, and across the board yumminess. Fantastic stuff, thoroughly enjoyed.

* Golden Century. Tasty, and clearly a place worth going with a group to indulge in some of the live seafood cooked to order.

* The Rockpool. I dunno ... the goat cheese stuffed tortellini was spectacular, just incredibly good. Other than that, though, it was all solid, good, etc. But not, IMHO, worth the expense. The setting is pleasant, the wait staff attentive (how waitstaff deal with a single diner is often a good test, I believe). But if I am spending that type of money, I really want to be in ecstasy as I eat--or at least in shock and surprise. And I wasn't. Probably would have been smarter to just pony up the extra money for Tatsuya's.

* The Blue Eyed Dragon. Easily my favorite meal in Sydney. Delicious all around--an appetizer of calamari and duck eggs, and a main of prawns in plum sauce. Would go back.

So, that's that--thank you for the guidance! Off to Melbourne to try my luck there for five nights. Will post in that thread shortly. Cheers!

[PhilD]

Shame about Selah - I would have recommended it actually, as generally I really enjoy it.

I agree it is a shame it didn't deliver. It isn't a destination diner but a useful place in this part of town which is devoid of much else that is good at this price point. I wonder if it was a bad day in the kitchen...?

Blue Eyed Dragon is a new one on me, sounds good and worth a trip over to that side of the harbour. Sydney looks like it has a complete compliment of Chinese regions, time for some more exploration.

[Makonnen]

Blue Eyed Dragon is a new one on me, sounds good and worth a trip over to that side of the harbour. Sydney looks like it has a complete compliment of Chinese regions, time for some more exploration.

It is nicely hidden--walking, I turned right onto the street that has the main casino entrance. A little further on, on the left hand side of the street is either a school or a church. Immediately after it--in a building that at first glance is actually part of the school/church, is the restaurant. An open air patio, and a very inviting space inside. Enjoy it, and hope it is tasty that evening ...

[Snadra]

Shame about Selah - I would have recommended it actually, as generally I really enjoy it.

I agree it is a shame it didn't deliver. It isn't a destination diner but a useful place in this part of town which is devoid of much else that is good at this price point. I wonder if it was a bad day in the kitchen...?

Useful is right! There's little in that part of the city that won't run an enormous bill up AND has food that's worth bothering with, particularly for dinner. Lunches are a bit easier, although that could be because expectations sometimes aren't quite as high at lunch.

Speaking of that area, I'm going to Quadrant for lunch next week. Shall report back!

[Luke]

Hi Guys,

Dined out at Sean's Kitchen for the 2nd time last Wednesday night. Awesome - food was superb, service great and prices left me with that "I got what I paid for" feeling, which is just what I want. Would definitely put it on my list of restaurants to visit again.

Cheers

Luke

[Snadra]

Had lunch at Quadrant Restaurant the other day and it was frankly disappointing. The service was rather good, and the view is great - looking out over Circular Quay to the Art Gallery - but the food is unappealing and lacks freshness. My dessert, a chocolate and hazelnut tart, tasted as if it had been plated the day before. The potatoes were appealingly brown and crisp looking, but were limp and had little flavour. It's a shame, because it's an excellent location, but it feels lacklustre and the prices are steep ($36 for grilled scotch fillet and $32 for grilled salmon). Luckily the company was great!

Edited May 13, 2010 by Snadra (log)

[Luke]

Had dinner at the "Italian Village" on the Rocks last week.

Service was a little slow but food was good. Wine list was good. Entree was small, but good (Garlic Prawns).

Mains was eye fillet which was ordered Medium-Rare and cooked Medium-Well (lucky I am easy going), but the sauce was excellent and vegetables really good. Side servings of house made fries, mayonnaise and a garden salad were also really good.

Cheers

Luke

[Brianemone]

Will be in Sydney next week. We have been planning this trip for the last 5 months so hopefully it will be an enjoyable trip. Our three dinners will be at The Bentley Bar, Quay and Marque. Hopefully we can try some quality, less expensive places for lunch/brunch.