Eats in Sydney

[feizhu]

Hi everyone,

I'll be dropping by Sydney in the next couple of months and there are a few restaurants that I would like to try out. Unfortunately time is not on my side and I have to choose 3 out of the 4 that I have shortlisted.

1) Quay
2) Claude's
3) Tetsuya
4) Glass Brasserie

Honestly this is my first time to Sydney so whatever information I know comes from the world wide web. Would anyone be kind enough to recommend which of these restaurants should I be considering or are there any better places around? If it's of any help, I'll be staying at the Hilton Sydney.

Thanks a bunch!

[Danchez]

Quay definitely. Sepia however, have impeccable staff who make the dining experience a pleasure (that's not to say that Quay doesn't!).

Mid range & Others, Duke Bistro, Four In Hand, Ms G's, Universal, Sixpenny, The Apollo.

[feizhu]

Thanks for the replies folks! I'm now having a tough time deciding between Sepia and Quay. Sepia seems cheaper ($220 at Quay vs $150 at Sepia). But while price is not a major consideration, it would make more economical sense to pay lower dollar for something that's on par? Thanks!

[mr_gimlet]

Quay is the best restaurant in Australia. Period.

[BeanTownGolfer]

If it's either/or, Quay is definitely the right choice.

[Beach Chick]

Quay is fab and so sad to hear about Tet's not up to par...back in the day, he was imho, better chef than Thomas Keller from the French Laundry.

[Darrius]

Have dined at Quay and Sepia. I found the food in both restaurants was on par in excellence.
Quay's degustation menu focussed on lighter seafood flavours and Sepia's degustration menu was more robust.
Sepia's decor is subdued and Quay has the advantage of the view.
I would certainly return to both restaurants.

D:

[Onara]

I'd second the decision to give Tetsuyas a miss, but would recommend Quay

[BeanTownGolfer]

Quay is definitely worth it. The food easily matches the view at night.

I'd pass on Tetsuya's. I wasn't very impressed when I went. It seems to be resting on it's history rather than progressing.

I had a very good meal at Sepia a few weeks back. Has some Japanese elements to the meal, but certainly Aussie. Very unique wines as well to go with the multitude of courses.

If you're looking for some lower range meals, I'd consider checking out the Duke. I do really like Ms. G's as well for a laid back mix of Asian cuisines. There are some very good mid range restaurants if you don't want all high end.

[feizhu]

Thanks for the reply! I did think about Sepia but it does seem a little too molecular for my liking. I'll definitely be talking to Quay's about a reservation though.

Cheers!

[BeanTownGolfer]

You were looking at http://www.sepiarestaurant.com.au right? I went back over the degustation menu last night (still online as well with minor changes) and the only course that I'd consider "molecular" was the pre dessert which was very good and refreshing. It was a liquid nitrogen shell of a strawberry filled with a strawberry powder.

None of the other courses had any noticeable modern technique to them. There may have been some stabalizers in the sauces, cremes and gels. But those were minimal at most.

[feizhu]

Sorry I must have mixed it up with another restaurant I was looking at. The degustation looks good. I'll try and see if I can get a reservation. Thanks again!

Cheers!

[PattyC]

Duke looks good. What are some other low/mid range options?