TRAVELLERS’ NEEDS - Sydney - page 177

MCA Café

7 : Δ \\\
Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 B2
The menu is full of Sydney favourites such as slow-braised lamb shanks, crisp polenta spinach and gremolata, and
its fabulous location on the Circular Quay side of the MCA building, makes this restaurant a good choice (see p195) .
After satisfying your sweet teeth with crème brûlée , diners head upstairs to the galleries to absorb the art.
Sailor's Thai

Δ \\\
106 George St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 B3
Located at the historic Sailors' Home, chef and Thai food expert David Thompson continues to oversee the menu
at this restaurant. Highly recommended are the crispy fish and green papaya salad, and braised beef ribs spiked
with chilli. The cheaper Canteen, upstairs, is open for lunch and dinner too.
The Wharf Restaurant

7 Δ \\\
Sydney Theatre Company, Harbour end of Pier 4, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay Tel [phone] Map 1 A1
A wonderful setting in a restored wharf offering an unusual view of the Harbour Bridge. Directly opposite, Luna Park
provides an glittering backdrop of night-lights. Try the braised duck leg with rice noodle rotollo and Asian greens.
Plan to dine after 8pm to avoid the theatre crowd. Disabled access should be arranged in advance.
Wildfire

7 Δ \\\
Ground Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, West Circular Quay Tel [phone] Map 1 B2
This glamorous restaurant has views of the Opera House when there is no cruise ship in port. Great for a big night
out or a snack after a show. Enjoy a range of offerings from the wood-fired Brazilian churrasco grill or pull up a seat
at the Sea Bar. Mixologists create some of Sydney's best cocktails at the intimate bar, Ember.
Altitude

7 \\\\
Level 36, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 A3
One of the few places in Sydney that requires guests to look smart, anything less would clash with the super-slick
decor. Those who arrive early might sip on one of a great range of apéritif cocktails in the blu horizon bar before
supper. Altitude serves modern Australian cuisine inspired by European influences.
Aria

7 \\\\
1 Macquarie St, East Circular Quay Tel [phone] Map 1 C2
With uninterrupted panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Bridge, there are many options
here, from a seven-course dégustation to a set price one, two- or three-course lunch, pre-theatre meal or supper.
Fish and seafood star in many dishes.
Guillaume at Bennelong

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Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point Tel [phone] Map 1 C2
You cannot beat the excitement of dining in the Opera House, especially in such a romantic, elegant space. An
emphasis on seafood produces dishes such as the steamed Murray cod served on braised baby endive. A cheaper
way to taste chef Guillaume Brahimi's food is by ordering tapas-style served from the cocktail bar.
Rockpool

7 : \\\\
107 George St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 B3
Neil Perry opened his Sydney fine-dining institution in 1989 and invented modern Australian cuisine with his fusion
of European and Asian flavours. Recently refurbished in olive greens and golds, choose between a dégustation
menu of nine courses, a set course menu or á la carte.
Quay

7 Δ \\\\\
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, West Circular Quay Tel [phone] Map 1 B2
Another spectacular view, and food to match, with star chef Peter Gilmore making magic out of the best and
freshest produce and combining ingredients in suprising ways. Try the confit of pure-bred Suffolk lamb. The
famous chocolate cake is to die for.
Yoshii

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115 Harrington St, The Rocks Tel [phone] Map 1 A3
Ryuichi Yoshii is one of Sydney's top sushi chefs and the author of a sushi cookbook. His restaurant serves dinner
in the kaiseki style, a series of unique small dishes that gradually warm the stomach like a small stone (a Japanese
precursor to the hot water bottle). Though pricey, this is excellent value. Lunchtime bento boxes are cheaper.

CITY CENTRE

Bodhi in the Park

7 Δ \
Cook & Phillip Park, 2-4 College St Tel [phone] Map 1 C5
This is a wonderful place to come for lunch on a sunny day, or for dinner on a summer's night, when you can sit
outside. You will be amazed by the realistic vegan versions of fish and chicken. The sang choy bau (not-pork) is
excellent, as is the signature dish, a skin-and-all vegan Peking duck. There is also a good wine and cocktail list.