Sydney Restaurant Tips by leffe3

Restaurant Name: -Brasserie Botanica

Housed in the splendours of the 'Sheraton on the Park' hotel overlooking Hyde Park is Botanica Brasserie and its spectacular buffet .

I'm normally not the greatest exponent of recommending restaurants in hotels or buffets, but this is something else. Admittedly, with its high ceilings and full windows overlooking the park, fairly formal layout and its size, the restaurant is not exactly conducive to a quiet, discrete or even romantic dining experience - especially when most of the diners are there for the famed buffet (they do also a la carte - you simply need to inform your waiter/waitress which option you are taking). And not surprisingly, at its part of the Sheraton it ain;t cheap (AUD$58 per person). But all that can be overlooked - the food is stunning.

The central focus of the buffet is the seafood -- and what seafood it is. You could easily concentrate just on this - sushi, sashimi, oysters, king prawns, lobster, smoked salmon and so much more. And with any buffet, the rule is simple - eat as much as you like!

But there's plenty of other options, too. And, thankfully, although there is the requirement , as with any buffet, the keep the food warm, those copper dishes with the flame underneath are in evidence, the constant 'overviewing' by staff ensure that the food never runs out or dries up. Sensibly, the options here are based on food that benefits from slow coooking - stroganoff, 'stews' etc rather than meat that is better rare/medium rare. And as it was a buffet, not only did I over-indulge in the sea food, but had to try some of the hot plates too (although not that I piled different things on my plate). The stroganoff was superb!

Salads galore, and also a whole table full of desserts (not so interesting - much rather eat an extra plate of king prawns and oysters than a dessert!).

Open 7 days a week.

Favorite Dish: It's famed for its seafood buffet - and deservedly so. But the rest on offer is also excellent.

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Theme: Buffet
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 02 9286 6000
Address: 161 Elizabeth St, Sydney 2000
Directions: Level 1, Sheraton on the Park Hotel

Restaurant Name: The Sydney Cafe

Fusion menu extraordinaire atop the old 19th century Customs Building. 'Cafe' it ain't - this is a seriously slick and stylish restaurant with a very large semi-open balcony with fantastic views over Sydney Harbour.

Its deeply stylish - cherry wood, crisp white linen, fab wine list, great fusion menu.

Favorite Dish: Oysters a plenty, seafood, tandoori kangaroo (?!), prawn and white fish sausage...The whole menu is imaginative, although if some of the selctions sound a bit too outlandish (and some certainly are -:)), you can always fall back on the slightly safer seared tuna, beef fillet etc...But cheap it ain't!

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Directions: Opposite Circular Quays station.

Restaurant Name: Sailor's Thai

One of the great exponents of Thai cuisine, David Thompson, is the owner of this restaurant housed in the historic seaman's hostel down on the Rocks.
Two options of dining - the upstairs communal 'canteen' with Bangkok 'hawker's' style food (but as this is The Rocks don;t expect Bangkok prices - although this option is cheaper than the restaurant downstairs). Downstairs is superb Royal Thai cuisine, and while you are going to pay for it, the delights of the menu make it worthwhile (at least occasionally!!).
Housed within this 19th century building, the environment downstairs is very plain - not a buddha or embroidered Thai silk in sight. A few tables, extremely high-ceilings, unadourned white-washed brick walls - that's it, allowing you to concentrate on conversation and eating!


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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: George St, The Rocks

Restaurant Name: Musashi

This came highly recommended by a Sydney-based friend, although with the understanding that they do not take bookings and most nights of the week you have to queue for a table. But on this particular night, 3 of us struck it lucky and bagged a table straight away (although as we turned up at 9.25pm and the kitchen closes at 9.30pm, this could have been a contributory factor :)).

It's a simple environment, tables of twos and fours pushed fairly close together, with the open kitchen bar dominating the room. It's not over designed, it's not underdesigned - a functional, clean, very friendly space and excellent value for money.

Favorite Dish: Wagyu beef features extensively on the menu - good thing is that its at affordable prices. Beef that simply melts but is also tasty - highly recommend Wagyu Beef Yakiniku (AUD$17.80) and the Wagyu Beef Ginger (AUD$17.80). Large portions - be warned. A bowl of rice for AUD$2.50 and one of the above plates is ample. But best is to share :) Also highly recommend the soft shell crabs (AUD$9) - the only disappointment was the Agedashi Tofu (I knew I should steer clear of vegetarianism :)) - very 'sloppy' tofu. And the Japanese plum liquer is a perfect accompaniment - not too sweet, served on ice. A stunning meal - we ate more (beef tongue - OK) and a main course chicken dish, plus rice for AUD$120 - very good value for what we ate (although we over-ordered :)).

Also serve Bento Box dinners (AUD$18.80), sashimi and sushi platters etc at very reasonable prices - you can certainly understand why it is so popular!

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +61 (0)2 9280 0377
Address: 447 Pitt Street
Directions: Corner of Pitt and Campbell Streets near Central Station (next door to the Capitol Theatre)
Website: www.masuya.com.au

Restaurant Name: Bar Almond

A terrific new place tucked away between Victoria St and Darlinghurst Rd on Liverpool Street. A single shop front, so not a particularly big place, and, in spite of it being a Middle Eastern restaurant, thankfully not a sign of OTT decor, velvet ottomans, nargilahs etc. This is most definitely contemporary Middle Eastern - white walls (although one wall is taken up by beautifully decorative carved doors - they lead no-where), bare tables, and leather stools.

Along with the food, the main attraction is the incredible friendliness of the owners and staff. Carol and Sharon (Syrian background) are the owners - the first time we went, made to feel like long term friends. Went back the next night (late on Saturday night - great option to avoid the full pubs in the vicinity) and the red carpet was metaphorically laid out for us.

Favorite Dish: The tapas is extraordinary (but be careful of the plate of almonds placed on your table - roasted almonds, sweet almonds and a fiery chilli paste almond). Not a huge list and to a large extent is what you would expect on such a menu - choice of three dips with pitta (A$17), but the baba ganoush is the best I have tasted and made me wish we had ordered the humus to check it out. Lamb patties were wonderful - incredibly delicate, and the haloumi was near perfection. Meat skewers are also on offer as are a few other things - but nice thing is that, with only a few things to choose from, you focus on the food order. Even the olives were fabulous.

Wine list is extensive and all in all, excellent value - A$80 for a bottle of shiraz, olives, the three dips, haloumi, lamb patties and 2 coffees.

Open from 4pm until late.

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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +61 2 9380 5318
Address: 379 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Directions: Between Darlinghurst Rd and Victoria St

Restaurant Name: Pink Peppercorn

I'd passed this place so often without trying it out, finally took the plunge, grabbed a table and was certainly glad that I had!

A somewhat incongruously named restaurant, but then it is in the middle of Oxford Street and gay Sydney. But that's not the important point, even if pink is the dominant (but not over dominant) colour, offset, thankfully, by lots of white walls and black tables. Importantly, it's not camp or OTT so it's not a case of sitting in Barbara Cartland's parlour. Stripped back contemporary pink, black and white is the order of the day. (My one minor criticism is that with two rows of tables running along each wall makes it a little too regimented).

The cooks are from Laos and Laotian food is a hybrid of Thai and Chinese with French colonnial influences! Slightly less fragrant than Thai but also lighter; I assume the salmon on the menu is either French influence or an adaptation for Australia :) Lots of dill, chilli and kaffir lime, less coriander, lemon grass and coconut milk (although it still features).

Favorite Dish: As mentioned, Thai and Chinese are the main influences, so you already sort of know what you are in for. Point being that the food is of a high quality and very well cooked - the chicken is tender, the lamb is tender, the taste explosions of tamarind, lime, touches of chilli and coconut milk, steamed fish and meats wrapped in palm leaves etc.. All very very good and a welcome addition to a seedier side of Oxford St that is srrounded by grungy and generally poor quality cafes and $2 pizza slice joints.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +61 (0)2 9360 9922
Address: 122 Oxford St
Directions: Left hand side of Oxford St heading away from the city - not far from (but before if coming from the city) Taylor's Square

Restaurant Name: Harry's Cafe de Wheels.Pies.

A Sydney institution. Down in Woolloomoolloo Bay is the kiosk that has remained static for years. If you need proof, look at the b/w photos dotted round the outside walls. And although near the Naval Yards, its had its fair share of rich and famous grace its ketchup bottles. Grab yourself one of the fantastic Aussie national dishes - meat pie. Have it served with mashed potato and mushy peas dolloped on the top. Bung on a sauce and there you have it - a fantastic haute-cuisine, Australian style (yeah, right -:)). Its a must, but if you can't face it, stick to the hotdogs. Stand round the kiosk staring at the photos or go sit on the wooden beam protecting cars from parking in the water of the docks. Not exactly the most stylish of environments, but you should do it once. (plastic knives and napkins provided)

Favorite Dish: That pie described above. Its the most expensive on the menu at A$4.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Woolloomoolloo Bay

Restaurant Name: Various

Inevitably, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House the icons of Sydney, there will be plenty of cafes with a view! For a coffee and sandwich stop, Circular Quays is the best place possible, although there are more cafes looking across the water at the Bridge than the Opera House.

These places are mostly better for coffee and sandwiches - they aren't always the best for food, and once you start getting into three course meals, you'll find you have to pay through the nose for them. But for a quick stop, the view is hard to beat!


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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: Any on Circular Quays

Restaurant Name: China Doll

There's a bevy of restaurants on this redevelopment, and, from the outside, with their awnings and white-linen clothed outdoor tables, they all look much the same. Its the menu that will determine your selection (and maybe the fact that whilst one is heaving with people, the one next to it may be empty). I approached China Doll with some trepidation (I was meeting a friend and I was early) as it fell into the 'empty' category while the restaurants further along the wharf we're heaving with people, inside and out. Needn't have worried - as it was raining, the restaurant had decided not to open the al fresco dining option.

Two levels, use of 'smoked' glass and charcoal and chocolate colours with white walls and the occasional 'splash' of the Orient (namely wall friezes of white/blue porcelain) provides China Doll a distinctly contemporary look and feel.

Menu is distinctly Pan Asian/Pacific Rim influenced, with a whole bevy of entrees and mains. Not cheap though - entrees between AUD$14-18 and mains on the AUD$30-35 mark.

Favorite Dish: Stir-fried prawns with chilli and tamarind were scrummy (main) as were the grilled baby aubergines with water chestnuts and 'fish' (entree). More delicate was the steamed Fillet of Blue Eye with ginger and chilli and served with Bok Choy.

One entree and two mains more than enough for two people and all, of course, are made to share.

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Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 02 9380 6744
Address: 4/6 Cowper Wharf, Wolloomooloo
Directions: One of many options on the Cowper (pronounced Cooper) Wharf redevelopment

Restaurant Name: Paper Box

Fast-food, contemporary SE. Asian style. Chose your noodle (from 4), chose your style (Chinese, Malay, Thai) and then chose your main dish. Go sit down at the big shared stainless steel table in the centre of the room and wait a few minutes for a big bowl of your selection. Add your own chilli, soy or whatever from the bowls in front of you and away you go. It may not be the most sophisticated food you have ever had, but its fresh, its tasty and its cheap!

Even more appealling now that it's main competitor, Noodle King, has closed down.

Favorite Dish: Hakkien noodle Thai style with Chicken and vegetables.

Not licensed.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Victoria St
Directions: Very close to that sign!