TRAVELLERS’ NEEDS - Sydney - page 176

Choosing a Restaurant
The restaurants in this section have been selected for
their exceptional food and good value. Within each
area, entries are listed alphabetically within each price
category, from the least to the most expensive. Details
of Light Meals and Snacks are on pages 194-5 and for
Sydney's best Pubs and Bars see pages 196-7.

PRICE CATEGORIES
For a three-course meal for one
person including service and cover
charge (prices in Australian dollars):
\ under $40

\\ $40-$65

\\\ $65-$90

\\\\ $90-$120

\\\\\ over $120

THE ROCKS AND CIRCULAR QUAY

The Australian Heritage Hotel

7 : Δ \
100 Cumberland St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 B2
This pub specialises in topping pizzas with surprising combinations, including kangaroo, emu and crocodile meat.
They also offer an all-day breakfast pizza, salads and pies. During lunch it is packed with office workers jostling
for a table so it is best to take an early or late lunch or for an evening meal.
Vintage Cafe on the Rocks

: Δ \
Shop R2, Nurses Walk, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 B2
Tucked away in a little cobble-stoned courtyard, in the earliest-settled part of Sydney, this sweet diner is a great place
for a quick lunch or afternoon pit stop. Pierce Brosnan and Princess Anne were both spotted here when in town,
though it is unknown whether they were dining on sandwiches or Devonshire tea. Big all-day breakfasts too.
East Chinese

: Δ \\
Shop 8, 1 Macquarie St, East Circular Quay Tel [phone] Map 1 C2
There is no secret Chinese menu at this busy restaurant, just a range of dishes from the familiar to the adventurous.
Native Australian meats, including kangaroo, emu and crocodile, are on the menu, as well as a bevy of seafood
treats, fresh from the tank. It's the best Chinese restaurant for people-watching.
Heritage Belgian Beer Café

7 : \\
135 Harrington St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 A3
There are other options listed on the menu but for anyone in the know, mussels provide the only authentic Belgian
experience, cooked one of eight ways and served in a pot. Other entrées include duck salads, oysters and a selection
of Belgian Ardennes charcuterie. Of course, there are Belgian beers on tap and an amazing range of artisan brews.
Nelson's Brasserie

7 : \\
19 Kent St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 A2
The best of old and new Australia combine in this restaurant with its crisp white linen and 18th-century sandstone
walls located in the heart of The Rocks. The modern Australian food is easily washed down with a beer which has
been brewed on the premises.
Opera Bar

7 : Δ \\
Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point Tel [phone] Map 1 C2
This is a great place for a refreshing stop on the way to or from the Opera House and an excellent destination in its
own right. Bar food is available from noon until 11pm, with good-value tasting plates. There are also pre-theatre,
lunch and dinner menus. Nightly entertainment sees DJs and jazz, soul and funk bands.
Young Alfred

7 : Δ \\
31 Alfred St, Circular Quay Tel [phone] Map 1 B3
From the former owners of one of Sydney's all-time favourite pizza places comes modern Italian fare and wonderfully
named pizzas dished up near the harbour, in the historic Customs House building. Try the TNT, Betty Boston and the
“surprise”. What's on it? It depends on the chef's mood - but it's always delicious.
Café Sydney

7 Δ \\\
Level 5, Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay Tel [phone] Map 1 B3
This buzzing restaurant, on the top floor of historic Customs House, has sweeping views. The terrace is delightful;
in winter, gas heaters keep diners warm and special resin lamps make each table glow. The kitchen's tandoor oven,
wood-fired grill, wok and rotisserie turn out a great variety of food. There is live jazz on Sunday afternoons.
harbour kitchen & bar

7 : \\\
Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 B1
Especially lovely by day, when the bustle of Circular Quay can be fully appreciated and ferries pass close by the wall
of windows. There are good-value lunch and pre-theatre deals. Modern high tea is served in the more casual kitchen,
which is a better choice for children.

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