Sydney - Australia 2004 - page 126

What's the Restaurant Surcharge?
Some Australian restaurants charge surcharges on public holidays and
Sundays. Typically this can amount to an extra A$2 to up to A$6 or more
per person. Restaurants argue that it's difficult to get staff to work on
these days so they need to provide them with a cash incentive not to call
in with a hangover from the previous night.

In the Hotel Inter-Continental, 117 Macquarie St. (enter from Bridge St.). & 02/9240 1210. Reservations
recommended. Pasta A$11-A$17 (US$7-US$11). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 5:30-9:30pm; Sat 5:30-10:30pm.
CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar SEAFOOD Just before you reach the Sydney
Opera House you'll notice a couple of small shedlike buildings with tables and
chairs set up to take in the stunning views of the harbor and the Harbour Bridge.
The first is a Sydney institution, serving some of the best oysters in town. Light
meals such as Asian-style octopus and seared tuna steak are also on the menu.
No. 1 Eastern Esplanade, Circular Quay East. & 02/9247 2937. www.sydneycoveoysterbar.com. Main
courses A$25-A$35 (US$16-US$23). 10% surcharge weekends and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat
11am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm. CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
MODERATE
Rossini ITALIAN This cafeteria-style Italian restaurant opposite Ferry
Wharf No. 5 at Circular Quay is wonderfully positioned for people-watching.
The outside tables are perfect for breakfast or a quick bite before a show at the
Opera House. Breakfast croissants, Italian donuts, muffins, and gorgeous Dan-
ish pastries cost A$2 (US$1.30), and bacon and eggs A$8 (US$5.20). Wait to
be seated for lunch or dinner, make your choice, pay at the counter, take a ticket,
and then pick up your food. Meals, including veal parmigiana, cannelloni, ravi-
oli, chicken crepes, and octopus salad, are often huge. You could easily get away
with one meal for two people—ask for an extra plate—and while not the best
Italian you'll ever eat, it is tasty. Coffee fanatics rate the Rossini brew as average.
Shop W5, Circular Quay. & 02/9247 8026. Main courses A$10-A$15 (US$6.50-US$9.75). Cash only. Daily
7am-10pm. CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
INEXPENSIVE
Portobello Caffé PIZZA/SANDWICH Sharing the same address as the
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar (and the same priceless views), the Portobello Caffé
offers first-class gourmet sandwiches on Italian wood-fired bread, small but deli-
cious gourmet pizzas, breakfast croissants, snacks, cakes, and hot and cold
drinks. Walk off with sensational ice cream in a cone for around A$3 (US$1.95).
No.1 Eastern Esplanade, Circular Quay East. & 02/9247 8548. Main courses A$8 (US$5.20). 10% surcharge
Sun and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Minimum credit card purchase A$30 (US$20). Daily 8am-11:50pm.
CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
IN THE ROCKS
VERY EXPENSIVE
bel mondo NORTHERN ITALIAN With its uncomplicated northern
Italian cuisine, bel mondo has deservedly positioned itself alongside the best of
Sydney's upscale restaurants. At this family-run affair, chef Stefano Manfredi is
helped out in the kitchen by his mum, Franca, a pasta diva in her own right. The
restaurant is large and long with high ceilings, and the energetic pace and the

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