Good dining around the Sydney Harbour area

[Cyclogenesis]

Ok... I was going to ask about good "Value" dining.. I do understand everything around there is going to be at a premium...

+1 and I scored (miraculously!) tickets to Mahler's 8th tonight at the opera house so we are looking for some where to dine before hand...

So I am not after something cheap (happy to pay ~150+ for a dinner for two) but I am looking for something tasty where I am not ripped off on a **** bottle of wine because it is at a swanky place...

Any suggestions most welcome

 

[Homer]

One problem you will find is getting a table at the good places. Both Aria and Guillaume at Bennelong do pre-theature dining well, and both are just a few minutes from "the House", but I don't like your chances of getting a table for tonight. Also both would likely exceed your budget (Aria by a small amount, Guillaume by more) unless you drank only water. Quay is slightly further away but would also work well, again if you could get a table and, again, if you could stretch the budget.

But there's so much within a 10 minute walk that you might find some options by looking further afield. What about the bar at Rockpool Bar & Grill? They don't take bookings and, because it's a bar menu, it will work within your budget. And even the original Rockpool on George Street or the excellent Est just up the road have been known to have a table at short notice for a 6pm sitting - however, again, your budget will be tested.

I would ensure you avoid all the bog-standard stuff at the horribly named "Wharfies" and, similarly, before someone suggests it, I would rule out places such as "Cafe Sydney". You are paying almost fine dining prices for what is, essentially, just bistro food that you can find in any suburb or any laneway/good restaurant in other Australian cities.

Lastly as a wildcard entry, if you can't get into a good modern Australian and if you like Thai food (though it doesn't immediately seem to match the occasion, I know) there's the excellent Sailor's Thai at about the same walking distance as Quay. If you can't get a booking downstairs in their fine dining restaurant then Robert and the boys would take care of you upstairs in the canteen (no booking required).

 

[Andyzx]

I don't like your chances of getting a booking tonight either

Try
The East Chinese Restaurant. Shp 8/ 1 Macquarie St. (02) 9252 6868
Towards the end of the Bennelong strip.

Great food, cheaper than the others and generally good service. Wine is average to expensive but reasonable selection. They also have live seafood at mkt prices. Ring and book.

If you're interested my wife is singing in the choir, she is in the organ gallery centre left.

Enjoy

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Thanks for the advice! Will check em out!

 

[Sprucegoose]

some comments posted about how hard it masybe to get tables.

If you are Amex Plat then they always have a spare table at most of these places, as a suggestion.

Their concierge is quite expert in this part of the market.

Hotel con could also be of some help depening on their level of expertise.
cheers and happy dining

SPUCE

 

[Homer]

If you are Amex Plat then they always have a spare table at most of these places, as a suggestion.

Good point, although I didn't mention this because the Amex Platinum (and Centurion, for that matter) tables are only held until 10am and in most restaurants there is only one of each so as soon as the table is reserved by another member then it is no longer held. Also in my experience it can still be very difficult to get one of these tables on a Friday or Saturday night.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Yep... this is now apparent... might head to the rocks and try for an earlier dinner (6pm sitting) as the concert starts at 8pm..

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Oh and no I am only a lowly Visa Gold card holder

 

[ejb_nz]

Another option is the Opera Bar, under the House.

Casual but quite nice, and being a bar drinks are reasonably priced.

The tasting plate is always good.

ejb