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SYDNEY
Sydney's fine dining scene is renowned for its culinary diversity and sophistication, featuring a blend of innovative and classic cuisine set against stunning backdrops. Chef-led venues such as Nel Restaurant, with its imaginative themed menus - and Cafe Sydney, combining exquisite seafood with panoramic vistas, further elevate the city's gastronomic landscape. This vibrant scene highlights fresh, local ingredients and a commitment to culinary excellence.
Images courtesy of Chanel Belej
La Riviera Dining
Cuisine: Italian and French | Best for: Private Dinner and Events
La Riviera Dining excels in its specialty for French and Italian cuisine – probably why I had one of the best butternut pumpkin ravioli dishes to date. Operating in true all-day brasserie style, La Riviera welcomes you for breakfast right through to à la carte dinner as well as an aperitivo menu in between for the happiest of happy hours. The venue features elegant decor with curved plum chairs and a hand-painted seascape mural in fruity colours for a Mediterranean feel. Add a luxurious banquette while you munch on your amaretti ravioli and buonissimo!
Address: 170 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000 | Website: bambinitrust.com.au/la-riviera | Phone: 02 9418 4431 | Email: bambinitrust.com.au/contact-us | Instagram: @larivieradining.sydney | Facebook: @Bambinitrustrestaurant
Images courtesy of Chanel Belej
L'Heritage
Cuisine: French | Chef(s): Julien Audibert | Best for: All day dining & private events
Stepping into a cosy Hampton's-inspired French abode, with aromas wafting through the air-palpable, we knew we were in for a treat. Once home to navy veterans in the 1900s, the space has been transformed into a dimly lit French bistro with a romantic charm. Be invited to experience the authenticity of the cuisine, including a bespoke selection of truffle from Western Australia. And if you're a wine lover, that's perfect, since L'Heritage serves some of Sydney's smoothest grape varieties.
Address: 7b Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 | Website: https://lheritage.com.au/ | Phone: 02 9968 1658 | Email: info@lheritage.com.au | Instagram: @bistro.lheritage | Facebook: @bistro.lheritage
Images courtesy of Nel Restaurant
NEL
Cuisine: Modern Australian | Chef: Nelly Robinson | Best for: Fine Dining
On a level of feeling satiated to completely mesmerised, NEL – much like the latter– well surpasses good. Sitting down for a fine dining menu sure has its perks, but with a Disney twist may I add, we enter a whole new world. Of course, during our visit, Alladin did work its way into the setlist – including several classic tracks that provided the perfect ambience. The irony the dishes bring with their complex flavours and impeccable presentation, is a testament to the art Chef Nelly and his team produce. Each of these Chapters last for around eight weeks with select dishes set to appear in another concept subsequently, then it’s onto the next. You must see it for yourself - for you never know which delectable scene from Chapter 5 will make its return.
Address: 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000 | Website: nelrestaurant.com.au | Phone: +02 9212 2206 | Email: info@nelrestaurant.com.au | Instagram: @nelrestaurant | Facebook: Nel Restaurant
Images courtesy of Chanel Belej and Café Sydney
CAFÉ SYDNEY
Cuisine: Modern Australian | Chef: Sarahjane Brown | Best For: All day dining & private events
Perched atop Customs House at Circular Quay, Cafe Sydney offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and has been a distinguished dining destination for over two decades. Celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, innovative Australian wine list, and impeccable service, the restaurant presents a seasonally driven menu emphasising premium seafood and meats. For an exquisite experience, savour the Barramundi, complemented by grilled cos lettuce and cornichon caper butter sauce, resting on a bed of parsley oil, all enjoyed alongside the iconic Sydney harbour vista.
Address: 5th Floor, Customs House31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, NSW, 2000 | Website: https://cafesydney.com/home | Phone: +61 2 9251 8683 | Email: reservations@cafesydney.com | Instagram: @cafesydney | Facebook: Cafe Sydney
Luna Lu
Cuisine: Modern Asian | Chef: Pier Davide | Best For: Pan-Asian cuisine with stellar views of the Sydney Opera House
While Luna Lu isn't exactly a fine dining restaurant, it does promise top level quality in its menu and supreme views of the Sydney Opera House and iconic harbour to match. This Asian fusion spot features crowd favourites like the golden crispy premium duck infused with luxe Chinese rose wine, daikon, fresh scallions, 24 hr tamarind jus and tuscan kale, free range crispy chicken, dragon fruit, purple cabbage powder and nori, and small bites like the red crystal dumpling. Cocktails are a treat as well – be sure to come here during sundown for the perfect backdrop.
Address: Campbells Cove, Ground Level, Bays 4 and 5, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia | Website: lunalu.com.au | Phone: +61 2 8220 8401 | Email: reservations@lunalu.com.au | Instagram: @lunalutherocks | Facebook: Luna Lu The Rocks
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