Sydney NYE - Restaurant recommendations needed
We're going to be in Sydney for NYE this year and we're looking for a recommendation for a restaurant where we will be able to watch the fireworks.
I know that we're going to have to pay a LOT of money but we'd rather pay for the once in a lifetime experience than spend hours staking out a "free" spot. And for this night, we're putting more emphasis on the view than on the food.
So far, we've looked at the restaurant at Sebel Pier One. Any other suggestions are welcomed!
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You're going to pay a fortune for this night and the hotels that flank Circular Quay probably have their guests reserved for the roof bit there is the swank "Café Sydney" on the rooftop of the old Customs Hall :http://www.cafesydney.com/
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PhilD
Aug 29, 2011 02:33 PM
Well the Sebel isn't on the best side of the bridge so isn't ideal but will put on a good meal. Other options here are the Waters-edge function centre on the end of the same pier which may have better views.
My recommendation is either the Royal Botanic Gardens Trust which has pop up restaurants in good spots last year one was more formal the other a posh picnic both in perfect spots(tickets go on sale in Oct). And if money is no object head for the Opera House for perfect views. Best food is at Guillamene which will have a multiple course meal, funkier options are at the Opera Bar which last year had a 70's Disco on the concourse or a Beach Party on the upper level. Both have food and drink packages and both great locations - they aim at slightly different age groups. The Opera House also has a new casual restaurant area so it will be interesting to see if that does anything. Note the Opera Bar is a separate company so the packages won't be on the main Opera House site.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal will have lots of options. Quay is the best and most pricy, Cruise bar will be OK but again not the best orientation for the bridge. Another option is to look at the islands (City of Sydney website) some of these have pop-up restaurants. I think Fort Dennison is the best location with a sit down meal in it's semi permanent site.
Boats can be an option, probably the safest choice are the big commercial operators like Starship Sydney, Sydney Showboats, Captain Cook, Glass Island, or Majestic Cruises all are reasonable options there are also lots of smaller yachts etc that do specials (highly variable quality). You need to book a boat that is in the "lights procession" as this means you sail around the harbour and don't get stuck in a boat parking area. Food here will usually be seafood buffets which can be OK - but don't expect great value. There are also some of the old sailing boats the James Craig part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet which has options (book early) that feel less commercial.
You may be a little early to see many of the options in restaurants as a lot won't be on sale yet, some sell out but usually not until closer to the date so start looking in early Oct for most. That said some of the boat options are on sale now with early bird specials.
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re: PhilD
I'll second PhilD's excellent reply.
You could also try Aqua
http://www.aquadining.com.au/#
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