Sydney - Nice Restaurants with BYO for Next Weekend - Recommendations?

SaberX on 24/02/2017 - 20:47

Hi all,

Travelling over to Syd end of next week. Hoping to celebrate the mrs early birthday there on either sat or sunday night.

Hopefully more options than over in Perth but can anyone suggest a good restaurant that does BYO wine (we can bring our own wine from WA) with corkage or none - not fussed (unless corkage is like $20 a pop, although most places are pretty reasonable).

It doesn't have to be super fine dining, but either ala carte or a decently priced degustation. Views particularly, special décor or an unique vibe would be great - as any travelling foodie would appreciate.

Not looking for those super expensive $150+ a person style restaurants… may consider if it's close, but would like to keep the per person cost below $150 (degustation), if not ala carte at the usual $30-50 something a main would be great.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations! We will google once we hear what the locals recommend. We're staying around world square off George Street. so smack bang CBD.

Travel

Comments

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 24/02/2017 - 22:02
    +1

    Next Saturday is Mardi Gras Parade and the city and surrounds may be crowded as a result … just a heads-up!

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 03:53

      Great! We didn't know - thanks!! Too late now.. we booked for the long weekend… we'll be in world square smack bang cbd, george street. I assume we'll get the full brunt for all our eating and culinary adventures in the weekend!

  • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2017 - 22:49

    Yep it's Mardi Gras everywhere will be packed…. take a trip to the North Shore, Crows Nest has some great places to eat. Though it will be busy too. Plus I guess you have to get back into the city.

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 03:55

      any suggestions in the cbd area? We are world square bound (ibis area) and so anything from george st/pitt st area all the way south down to haymarket area, darling harbour, and surrounds would be ideal. I don't think we can afford or be bothered to go into the suburban areas as we'll mostly be on foot and easy public transport. ANd we are hoping to stumble back at night - would north shore/crows nest be easy to get to?

  • Peck on 24/02/2017 - 23:10

    I agree with Crows Nest, but it depends where the OP is staying.
    Kobe Jones Sydney and Imperial Peking Harbourside are on Livingsocial.com and seem good but I have never been. Note neither are BYO.

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 03:57

      We're staying around the World Square area (where IBIS is), so we are pretty much george st/pit st bounded in the main CBD area. Happy for something walkable or nearby traffic wise, so anywhere from darling harbour, haymarket, all the way north to where we are, abit west etc. Let's assume a walking distance radius (i.e. under 30 minutes), a few kms etc.

      Is Crows Nest far?

      If there's no BYO that isn't an issue, but it would be great to bring a special bottle of wine over from WA to celebrate. If it's easier given the Mardi Gras I could move the special night to Sunday, that way Saturday can be a more relaxing dinner at wherever we can find given the events on…

      • Peck on 28/02/2017 - 11:43

        Too far to Crows Nest, and so I would recommend stroll around Darling Harour. Lots of nice restaurants, but I dont know about byo.

  • mskeggs on 25/02/2017 - 01:03

    Sydney is full of overpriced, but fairly consistent quality restaurants.
    The Mardi Gras means places east of Parramatta Road will be super busy, but you should be OK in other parts of Sydney (maybe not the inner CBD as there are international visitors too, but that is not the place to go for dinner anyway).
    If you want fine dining (waiters with serviettes over their arm and starched linen tablecloths) you will pay global prices, and by that I mean London/New York, not Saigon.
    If you take local recommendations for a place I would take the spouse for a tasty dinner as part of a night out (i.e. not the main thing, like a degustation meal is) I have some cost effective suggestions.

    Where are you staying, what kind of night are you hoping to have?

    E.g. if I was staying at my friends in Leichhardt, I would go for casual Malaysian at Mamaks in the Chinatown end of the city (close by) then go for a cocktail at a Surry Hills hipster bar (search the web or email me for a 40yro sad take).
    If I wanted to do suit and classy, I would go cocktail at the horizon bar in the rocks at the Shang-gri la, then $350 dinner at Tetsuyas degustation (price for two, I think ex wine, no BYO). There are literally no restaurants in the inner city that are good value unless you prize quality over absurd pricing.
    Kings Cross/Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are where Sydney people go for a city dinner night out. Newtown if you want grungy hipster. St Leonards if you think middle age starts at 55 (I'm kidding you north shore party animals).

    • AlienC on 25/02/2017 - 09:58

      Do any good deals pop up around Mardi Gras both food and otherwise?

      Long shot ozbargain question.

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 04:24

      We're circa World Square… so smack bang CBD george st/pitt st. Happy to walk north, south, east west within a radius…

      We're on our usual few days foodie trip - so for us we'd be abit lack of sleep that morning, but we'd usualyl have dinner and try and hit up the 'go to' places for cool bars. You know, the sorta 'cool' stuff as a tourist you usually hit up in terms of well known bars, unique bars, or those that have a 'reputation' as far as a tourist goes as a must check out. Apart from that we have no 'plans' like seeing a show or anything. So I'd imagine a mid ground 'nice' restaurant, followed by a night out checking some cool bars out. Cocktails or wine bars are good with us.

      I think she has tried Tetsuyas when younger. GIven we're on mortgages now our days of $150 degustations each + $100 matching wines are probably at an end while we save! :(

      So i am looking for your standard restaurant up to a 'nicer' restaurant. So it doesn't have to be cheap and casual like mamak, or korean bbq, but a restaurant that serves ala carte, up to an affordable set menu or degustation. Probably would avoid (for cost wise) the big hitting 'fine dining', which comes with a tetsuya price tag and white linen draped over waiter arms haha.

      That said we still don't mind a nice restaurant, if the food is affordable then better still, but as it'll be for her birthday a little nicer is fine, and we can go for a more 'casual' restuarant that locals may frequent from weekend to weekend e.g. french bistros, tapas styles restaurants etc.

      If there's a talk of the town, must go to tapas bar, french place etc. then we are still keen - good/unique food is more important than candle lit tables and 'so so' food :)

      DO you think our world square location and surrounding radius will be impacted by the mardi gras? In terms of hitting up the 'go to' talk of the town cocktail bars, wine places etc that a typical foodie tourist would want to check out?

      Thanks for recommendations in advance!

  • dcuksuop on 25/02/2017 - 01:40

    Chippendale area got some decently priced degustation: Kensington St Social, Automata, Ester, and Silvereye maybe?.

    • nerdycat on 26/02/2017 - 18:17

      Note silvereye is now closed

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 04:07

      Thanks. We'll check out the Chippendale area. It doesn't have to be just degustation, as that sometimes pushes us above the budget, but ala carte style would be fine.

      We mostly enjoy trying things which have nice food that is alittle off the track, or done very well, or the look, view or restaruant is 'different'. In other words we'd like to pass on a classic bistro that does your standard steak and red wine jus, fish grilled with lemon and the usual suspects. Basically can be typical dishes but as long as it has something 'different' to it, being we're not local and only have a few meals to try different establishments.

      Do you reckon i could get a booking in those sort of suggested restaurants for this sat or sunday night? Are most restaurants closed for service on sundays (The nicer ones) as a rest day in Sydney? or is that usually a Monday night?

  • nerdycat on 26/02/2017 - 18:28

    Most sydney restaurants make most of their money off the sale of alcohol so most nicer restaurants wont be byo… tetsuya is but they charge $30 for the first bottle…

    I'd suggest Chat Thai for some really great Thai food. It can get a little crowded on weekends so will be a little noisy.

    If you are willing to not byo would be able give you more options. Is byo a must?

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 04:04

      I can do away with the BYO if it means degustation or just ordering some meals and a glass on the side. THe bYO was just a desireable.. but if it is that hard to get a BYO place as it is in Perth (particularly in this upcoming Sat or Sunday) then I'll take what we can get.

      Unfortunately we've already tried Chat THai on a previous trip, so something else would be great. We're within the typical radius of the CBD - so Wordl Square area on George/Pitt St. So pretty much all the adjacent areas from Darling Harbour to Ultimo, Surry Hills and around would be great start? Basically anything we can easily get to on foot or public transport,a nd back too safely, after a few good drinks .

      • nerdycat on 28/02/2017 - 15:20

        Ok that opens a lot more doors. Except most standard degust places would be booked out already.

        There is no harm in calling up to see if they have any late cancellations though.

        All below are easy to get to by public transport and within budget.

        Id suggest:

        Billy Kwong (Chinese with australian native ingredients - they have a great set menu for $78) - there is always walk in seating at the bar if they are booked out just dont go too late
        Raita Noda (awesome japenese degust) (typically booked at as its a small restaurant but you might get lucky)
        Rockpool Bar and Grill (steak modern australian)
        Steel Bar (steak modern australian)
        Ester
        Toko (Japanese)
        Porteno (South American)
        Nel
        Kepos and Co (Middle Eastern)
        Bistro Papillon (french)
        Bistro Guillaume (french)
        Hubert (French)
        Indu (coastal indian)
        Mr Wong (chinese - better for sharing and more people, but still doable for a date night)
        Acme (Pasta)
        Lumi (Pasta)
        Tokyo Bird (Japanese Yakitori)

        You will have a few choices at Bangaroo too but i havent had a chance to go to many yet so wouldnt directly recommend anything.

        If you have any particular cuisine aiming for let me know. might be able to come up with a few more suggestions

        • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 15:59

          Thanks, I'll have a look at the list tonight when I get more time and their menus to see if there's any we like. Hopefully if sat is booked out I could get away with a Sunday , then again if it's a long weekend it's likely to be pretty hectic on both days.

          There's a fair few Asian influenced restaurants in that list I noticed? I guess if it is different then no harm. As foodie tourists as long as it serves up good food. If it's got a spin on it that would be preferable. e.g. plenty of good ramen stores, but it's still ramen, if that makes sense? We'd leave that to any other meal for the trip, just we'd like to hit up something abit different (and preferably affordable). I agree with degust being generally booked out by now, given Perth standards, fingers crossed for a last minute cancellation. If not we might need some standard ala cart restaurants.

          Probably not so much the 'modern' Australian style steak, lamb. Interesting Italian, Spanish tapas, and other cuisine styles you don't get often are always a positive. Then again modern Australian and western style throw up some interesting meat combinations at times. Really it isn't so much the cuisine style but the uniqueness. So it could be Asian but with some interesting pulled pork crossed with delicacies as opposed to standard Asian fare. She's Asian anyway so standard Asian isn't too out of the norm for us.

          Edit: most likely I would rule out indian though at this point. Although I have never found indian to be 'different' apart form the usual suspects. SO usually we just have a good indian when we're in the mood once every blue moon.

        • nerdycat on 28/02/2017 - 16:16

          @SaberX: Its not a long weekend in Sydney so you should be ok

        • nerdycat on 28/02/2017 - 16:27

          @SaberX: The Indu one listed isnt the typical indian fair… hence why i listed it… you wont find butter chicken there.

          Sydney is pretty good in terms of asian food as a lot of the migrants like to move to where their family also are and they tend to move to sydney.

          The ones I have listed are places I would go with my husband as treat dinner not typically something for casually dining. We typically dont eat a lot of fusion eateries as they can be very hit and miss. Rockpool has things other than steaks but typically thats what its classified as and known for. A lot of the websites would probably say to go to a Merivale restaurant they pay a lot for advertisement but id avoid this if you want to choose something special.

          I have a longer list of casual places if you need breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner places…

          I found when I went to Perth last year things were a lot more expensive that Sydney in general.

          Id also add Pazar but its pretty difficult to get to by public transport.

        • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 17:12

          @nerdycat:

          Oh, just in WA then! I guess that's why Sunday will be easy to get a meal in.

          I'll check out Indu's menu tonight then rather than strike it off. Billy Kwong has sunday reservations but no Saturday, so it looks like I have a backup plan for Sunday if no other restaurants work. I'm just worried given her Asian background that Chinese may be a disaster or absolutely brilliant, if pulled off well. Our main worry is typical Chinese dishes given the old 'western polish' - as in absolutely breathtaking to unbeknownst westerners, but quite normal for Asian foodies.

          I agree about the Asian food though - having tried chat thai, and also Madang (Korean bbq). THere's a fair few of those there. We haven't had much Japanese though - unfortunately Tetsuyas she's tried before and it's out of the budget. Once I see some of those Japanese ones you recommended I might find a gem.

          Thanks for the list. That suits well then. If you'd only goto them for a treat they're most likely going to be restaurants a tourist foodie would love to checkout. We go to Melbourne every year or so recently so we love the likes of Cookie, Hardware Societe and a variety of their coffee and brunch cafes, French and Italian restaurants etc. THinks like Movida, Mamasitas etc. are all what we consider 'unique' for a first time visit. So we are out to find a first time 'unique' style restaurants on this trip to Sydney.

          I would love to hear your casual places for all of those time slots, as we arrive sat morning (pre 7am) so we need to cover off sat, sun and mon (mon night/evening flight) for food slots.

          The only thing the mrs has requested so far is Grounds of Alexandria. So some other affordable, cool brunch/breakfast places would be great - good coffee, and some nice breakfast choices. No problem with typical breakky choices, but a lot of Perth restaurants serve your typical eggs, spinach, salmon, toast, poached eggs etc. So looking for more of the unique style places that serve up pork bellys, kimchi xxxx mixed with this for breakfast, brisket with some sort of special sauce. You know, big hearty, 'could be lunch/dinner options but at breakfast' style cafes.

          Generally they come with high ratings/popularity anyway, so we typically find them through the usual zomato and yelp. Sydney just has so many restaurants and scale that we're finding it difficult.

        • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 17:14

          @nerdycat:

          Agreed with Perth prices, I took the mum out for breakfast and it came to about $62 or something for the two of us. Nearly the cost of our big Japanese dinner the previous night for 3 ($88). We just ordered two juices ($8 each - which IMO I think juices are overpriced) - and then each breakfast item was $23-24 a pop :O

          We don't mind paying this in Melb or the rare hipster places where it's the likes of some exotic meat mixed with unique items, but typically they're stereotypical breakfast fare: Poached eggs, or some other eggs, mixed with your usual greens, salmon, baked beans, or the like.

        • nerdycat on 01/03/2017 - 11:24

          @SaberX:

          Billy Kwong is not your typical chinese restaurant no sweet and sour pork on the menu. The chef Kylie Kwong is pretty famous for using native australian ingredients and sustainable meats/vegetables. She also has wine that is specially made for her. Think spring onions cakes but using native australian greens like salt bush. Yabbies stir fried with xo and sea greens. Try looking her up on facebook shes pretty prolific about posting up pictures and the weekly specials. on the other hand mr wongs would probably be more your typical chinese restaurant style dishes just done a bit more posh + $$$

          Madang has gotten bad of late. Eastwood which is more inner west is better for korean, its a bit far from the city. But for other nice asian places in the city try Mamak, Hawkers and New Shanghai. Those are always easy to get into so use them as a backup plan/last minute thing.

          Warning about Grounds it will be packed like crazy packed and full of families… They are opening one up in the middle of the city soon but still under contruction

          Breakfast Brunch Places: (kind of sad i cant share my google engine map of cafes anymore)

          If you want something on the different Id recommend Edition Coffee Roasters they won cafe of the year a couple years ago
          If you dare to venture out west to castle hill The Baron does a kimchi style fried rice

          Places in the city Id recommend (you'll need to check opening times - city lots of things tend to close on weekends due to no office people, I've tried to note down where possible of not open sat/sun)

          Highly recommended
          - Pablo and Rusty - unique style of breakfast food, pretty hearty fare, they do awesome breakfast quiches (open saturday and not sunday)
          - Hill Bros (its inside an office building in martin place) - not as hearty and big dished as pablo and rustys but usually have the beef brisket you are looking for - week days only
          - Mecca coffee (grace hotel) - great coffee only small selection of food, open weekdays only
          - Mecca Alexandria (bourke road) - great breakfast food and coffee (might be a tad harder to get to, i prefer this over grounds personally)
          - Brewtown Newtown for cronuts and they used to have fried eggs and black pudding not sure if they still do
          - Cornersmith all their ingredients are sourced locally and from people trading with them
          - Kepos St Kitchen breakfast with middle eastern spin

          If you are heading out to bondi i recently tried Nelson Street Tuckshop and they had awesomely big dishes but your typical ingredients

          Other places to try
          - Single Origin (York st) - do great toasties (weekdays only)
          - Gumption Coffee (in the strand - only serve coffee)
          - Central Baking Depot Bakery (Erskine St) - all your baked good needs (not open sunday)
          - Black Star Pastry (various locations)

          If you like Movida, Porteno is probably on the same sound wave. We havent been venturing out to dinner as much as we used to so I have many more brunch recommendations than dinner places.

        • SaberX on 02/03/2017 - 03:09

          @nerdycat:

          Thanks for the new list! I've chucked your original list of finer establishments into my spreadsheet and these. Looks like you've covered alot of the typical inbetween establishments I would have asked about: coffee, brunch, breakfast, lunch and the inbetween 'interesting' things to visit: dessert etc.

          Would love some more cocktail and wine bars and places where perhaps it is a nice atmosphere or 'interesting'. Probably nothign too crowded and busy like we went to Palmer and Co last time we were there - just standing room only. As we'd like to grab a drink and chill, chat etc.

          We've booked Billy Kwong on Sunday evening for now just to get our foot in the door. Hopefully there will be some fine australian ingredients and 'outside the box' style dishes (i.e. yabbies than say typical asian food like dumplings with a slight different take) on the day, and that Kylie is cooking! Interested in the 'special made' wine , we are pretty big wine drinkers despite our young Gen Y age! So we take some big red style of wines - more so me than the Mrs - but would be keen to see what Kylie has specially made! Any further suggestions for framing some nice bars, cocktails or wine perhaps, in that area? or is Potts Point pretty dull on a Sunday night? Or if we typically walk home is it worth heading back to the CBD area to be safe and visiting bars etc there? As Potts point seems a good 30 minutes away from World Square area? I am not sure how safe the route between World Square area through to Potts point is - is it generally safe for tourists to wander aoround that area?

          Last time we stayed circa Wentworth avenue area in the Best Western hotel and that felt pretty quiet at times around there.

          Will Mardi Gras affect both Sat and Sunday? The mrs reckons we should stay away from Darlinghurts (just south of Potts Point)? Would we get caught in the 'traffic' in Surry Hills and the like during the weekend? Or should we migrate further south and focus more around Newtown, Chippendale etc.?

          If you visited Perth and had Tuck Shop - that's an example of a breakfast-lunch place style of food we'd love to try. Not just your standard eggs and toast but some real 'hearty', thought provoking options.

          Oh, that's a shame that Madang has gotten bad recently. Someone did recommend the KBBQ above Mrs B which is opposite where we're at (World Square area). We are sort of avoiding Mamak for now given we have it in Melbourne a few times and the style of food is quite Malaysian Chinese, which we had alot of in our travels in January there. But have noted Mamak, Hawkers, New Shanghai etc as 'emergency backups' haha.

          Speaking of which - any late night haunts/eats if we get pekish at or after midnight near World Square? Or worth noting? I think last time we were further towards the water side of George Street and struggled to find anything past 10pm open (it might have been a weekday, or weekend, but I remember VIvid light show was on)

          We've booked Grounds of Alexandria for circa 11am on Monday so that way we won't have the rush. Any suggestions what to do for Sat breakfast or brunch? Given we arrive 6am, i assume we'd be at the hotel and bags dumped by 8am… is it too early to roam around Newtown? Or checkout Reuben Hills in Surry Hills? Not sure what else we can do inbetween eating though, given the rain as well? Suggestions? Perhaps Surry Hills through to Chippendale then Newtown? As I believe that's the geogaphical order of the areas coming from the CBD area?

          The mrs found a few places for sat night dinner: have you heard or been to Koi? They have a degustation dessert menu, although abit pricey , $66 for 4 court dessert, yet dinner degustation is $77. She found a degustation at Bishop and Sessa for circa $77 which is around the same price as Billy Kwongs. Any thoughts?

          Thanks for the sat/sun breakfast-brunch-lunch sugestions in the CBD! Would have thought a big city like Sydney would stay open on the weekends for food, but will do some checking before we go to ensure we pick right.

          Coffee only stores are fine :)

          We have tried Adrian Zumbo's at The Star on our prior trip, but any dessert or interesting store suggestions would be appreciated. As mentioned the mrs noticed Koi, so things like that would be good for filling between main meals and checking out?

          If you had further dessert and drinks suggestions that circle our dinner areas: i.e. if Bishop and Sessa - Surry Hills, Sat night, and Billy Kwong - Potts point area - Sunday night that we can slot in afterwards while we're nearby, that'd be great? We headed to Palmer and Co last trip but found standing room only style bars that are bursting at the seams too much. As a couple we much prefer a table, seating, or at least enough space to breathe if standing so we can chat and enjoy the ambience or view (or drink haha).We have been to Eau Da Vie in Melb, and also liked 1942, Gin Lounge etc. Manchurian was another strong favourite (big hits), GOld Dragon Mountain etc - so if you have explored that side of Melbourne we'd love to hear some of the funky, cool cocktail bars , wine bar equivalents of Sydney.

          We did enjoy a wine bar that was on a rotating floor in a commercial building off George or Pitt street? 20 or 30 floors up? A good bottle of wine and a sofa seat by the window was great. Did cocktials at Vue De Monde's bar while rotating in Melbourne too.

          THanks for putting up with the excessive questions, placing heaps of suggestions and the like! If you need Perth suggestions again next time, hit us up! Although compared to Melbourne and I'm sure Sydney, it is much harder to find good choices we find. While Sydney has its share of overpriced and decent priced places, Perth i find is generally overpriced or 'standard fare' meal choices. Museli, poached eggs with salmon etc. haha.

        • nerdycat on 02/03/2017 - 13:45

          @SaberX:

          Kylie Kwong doesnt actually cook anymore she runs the kitchen. You'll here her tapping every so often with her wooden sticks. The kitchen is very open plan so you can pretty much see everything that goes on in it. Have a look at the menu and if you order the set menu you can ask for them to include a few you really want, the set menu is random, but contains a nice mix. the set menu comes with a dessert.

          In terms of cocktails/whiskey I would suggest, also highly recommend trying some of the small bars(being small bars they may get full quickly but there a lot of them around), wish we had more speakeasys here:
          Bulletin place bar - near circular Quay - my favourite cocktail place
          Shirt Bar
          Baxter Inn
          Stitch
          Zeta Bar (more expensive since in the hilton)
          The Barbar Shop

          Sorry more of a scotch girl than a wine girl. Wine we typically go direct to wineries for.

          Circular Quay has opened up a few new areas so you can go exploring there too.Bangaroo precint has opened up with a lot for restaurants and a few bars maybe go explore this new area. There is the rocks markets to explore but nothing to special i found last time.

          You can easily get to Billy Kwong via a bus (311) or train (kings cross station). Potts point isn't as seedy as it once was but there isn't too much interesting happening there. I would head back into the city for some nicer drinking places. Its safe to work around but if you are a bit nervous there can be a few homeless people around. There isn't much to see or do in Potts Point particularly on a Sunday more just restaurants everywhere.

          Mardi Gras is only Saturday night/early Sunday morning blocks off all of Oxford Street. Yes probably best to avoid that end of town will be crowded and pack. Lots of drunks around as well. Sunday night nothing is on most are recovering from hangovers.

          Lol i don't stay out much past midnight in the city on weekends, just clubbers and drunks around. Your typical kebab/fast food will be open that's pretty much it. Just remembered Frankie's Pizza is open till 3am most nights. they do awesome pizza and lots of different types of beers.

          Also Sydney city has a 2am lockout rule.

          Ahh yes reuben hills is great. hill bros is actually an offshoot of theirs. Walking around Newtown would be good as its mostly covered. There are usually some street markets open. Newtown Brewtown is a good place to eat. There are also a few nice coffee places around. ie campos coffee Also try pie tin if you like pies. As a foodie i like going to explore the everleigh markets which is in redfern (they are open Saturday 7am-1pm, billy kwong has a dumpling store there)

          Koi is nice but I did find the desserts a little disappointing when i tried some stuff from their shop, each was lacking a certain something or one part of it was a fail textually or tastewise. So havent booked in to eat in their restaurant yet. Havent been to Bishop Sessa yet so cant comment. Messina does a great degust but they book out months in advance and probably above your current price range, but something to think for next time.

          Dessertwise:
          There is the Japanese Cheese Shop on George St (mr tetsu cheesecake), aqua s in the same building, n2 closer to china town. No one has gotten close to beating the flavour of zumbo's macarons yet (i even had them as bonbonierre for my wedding). This just opened up havent had a chance to visit yet (http://www.goodfood.com.au/eat-out/just-open/burch--purchese…). Messina or Cow and Moon have ice cream/gelato too. With degust we normally get dessert so dont normally then make an additional trip for extra dessert. Most places have their own dessert menu and not many nice standalone dessert places.

          Really need to head out of city for a nice mix of food. But understand it isnt easy without your own mode of transport.

          Thanks for the offer. We loved Perth for its very relaxed attitude and the big kings park. My good friend lives there, so will probably be back soon. And also hoping to visit the Quokka next time :-) We went to Restaurant Amuse last time. We try to only do one or two nice restaurant each trip or it gets very rich. Degustation meals in the USA are definitely the most expensive so far, but we did go to restaurants on the world top 50 list.

        • SaberX on 02/03/2017 - 17:05

          @nerdycat:

          Afternoon @nerdycat!

          Oh, shame we don't get to try the chef's cooking. I guess I always feel like more value or quality for money when the restaurant's name/owner is actually cooking. Although we did like Gazi in Melbourne (and George Colombari was definitely not cooking there haha). Nice spin on a cuisine (Greek) which is the type of restaurant /food experience we're after.

          I found the high rise revolving restaurant we visited back in 2013: I believe it was O bar and Dining. At first I thought it was 360 Bar and Dining, but I couldn't find the sofa like chairs/couches we sat on until I found O Bar and Dining's pictures on google. That and the location is Australia Square, which I remember reminded me of a Perth location or landmark. Not sure if you have any other recommendations as I assume these two are the only bars/cocktail joints that serve high in the air or with such a view?

          I used to drink whiskey - still do - but because of the social crowd I tend to drink a lot more cocktails now and wine since they don't. Plus I feel 'healthier' going the wine route (antioxidants? haha at least that's how I Justify it). If the bar has whiskey as a specialty and some great side drinks that would keep the mrs happy. We quite liked variety bars like '1942' in Melbourne that operated similar to this, in terms of variety.

          Happy to be recommended as many small to medium bars as you want. It can be large too, but yes speakeasy is definitely preferable. Given it is just us two and not a crowd of friends, the emphasis will be on at least being able to talk, enjoy the view, unique ambience or setting etc. As mentioned: Palmer and Co with sardine room , noisy and hard to move feel wasn't exactly our tourist idea of relaxing. Maybe on a normal night out if we were local?

          Have noted down the few cocktails/whiskey/small bars you wrote. Will google where they are - assuming CBD rather than Surry Hills, Chippendale, Newtown and Pott's Point etc?

          We've done abit of walking around Circular Quay but never stumbled across great bars, food and other joints - so if you reckon it's worth exploring as it's revitalized then we can check it out? Never been to Bangaroo either? Thought it was quiet as that's where James Packer is building the new Casino? A lot there already?

          It's probably too off the track but I think the mrs went to a nice boutique clothing retailers near Paddington Market area. I don't think there's much worth going out that way is there (food, drinks, dessert etc) apart from the clothing stores? So not much detouring there just for that is there?

          Duly noted about Potts Points being abit dull on a Sunday - maybe we'll head back to George/Pitt street main areas then and have a few nice drinks (or back at O bar to enjoy a bottle of wine) and stumble home. Safer too I guess.

          Oh, I googled Oxford Street - is it the intersection where Hyde Park is? Meets with COllege STreet too. This is where we stayed last time (Best western - which shows on google maps). So while Oxford Street is closed, does the parade and festivities travel north of this through Darlinghurst? Or more West towards the CBD/George St area? We should probably find some sort of source that maps out where the key areas of the parade will be so we don't get caught. ANd yeap, we would like to avoid the crowd or drunks/troublemakers as we're just here to relax!

          Unfortunately clubbing isn't our thing now too - haha we will venture into a bouncing place if the drinks and reviews are high on the list of 'to see'. But alas we're in and out pretty quickly once we've had a drink or two and ticked it off the list :)I guess there is always Mamak or the like if they open to late?

          Forgot about the 2am lockout rule! Is it no entry across all bars and venues basically? Or after 2pm they stop serving drinks? I still remember being young and ordering a reasonable drink (either a shot of something mixed) and being told we couldn't, despite it being pretty 'early' in the night. Had to buy a Smirnoff black to get that alcohol hit instead… That was an eye opener!

          If you had to choose between Reuben hills and Hill bros?

          Didn't know Newtown was covered. That might work well on Saturday. Especially as we'll be zombies from the red eye flight and not in the mood of trudging through bad weather. Does your wind and rain get pretty intense there? We're packing our convenience store bought (in asia) portable umbrellas.

          Pies sound good - I think we went to Bourke Street bakery last time and enjoyed that. Was abit of a walk from memory.

          Just looked up Redfern - it's next to Chippendale. Although it sounds like Newtown has more brunch/coffee to dos during the day? So sounds like reversing the journey and starting far: Newtown, before making our way to Chippendale, Redfern, then finishing off Surry Hills (for dinner that night as Bishop Nessa) as opposed to the reverse?

          Thanks for the Koi feedback. Didn't know they have a shop? I think the mrs just pulled up the restaurant. Messina - was that messina gelato that does the degustation you referred to?

          Back in Melbourne, '1942' did cocktail degustation set menus too paired with food. We are probably too late to book into these things now, but does any good bars/restaurants do a similar thing in Syd? We left it a bit late - but luckily there's so many restauants we could snag sunday night at Billy Kwongs, and hopefully Bishop Nessa on Sat. Rest of the meals will probably be walk ins, finger crossed. I assume it isn't the norm booking brunch places?

          Dessert suggestions - noted! Brunetti in Melbourne was pretty huge and eye opening - does Syd have an equivalently well known dessert place? Mr Tetsu sounds interesting. Zumbo's dessert store was an eye opener - what a good bonbonierre choice - mustn't have been cheap though? I have his macarons book but haven't been game enough to 'try', as something in my kitchen means I can't even get the premade mixes to work, let alone from scratch. It works fine in the mrs kitchen though for some odd reason. Might be my oven!?

          Yeah, without transporting heading out isn't easy. But I assume for some light 'travel' the whole Newtown, Chippendale, Surry Hills etc. is our best bet? Where do you usually go for further out travels?

          Amuse is actually closing or closed down! Sadly! I think they threw the towel in, despite being one of the premier fine dining degustation venues in Perth. Lucky you got to try it while you were here! I still haven't! The CO-Op dining restaurant is another more 'local' and friendly ingredients by the local chef, does some interesting degustation pairings. Worth a try when you're next here. We had yabby or bugs which were cooked live on our table on a giant Himalayan salt block heated up. Pretty interesting! A few other places too - so if you remember to write back here when you next visit I can throw some suggestions! Although I certainly struggle compared to Melbourne and the like to find good places!

          Unfortunately things aren't central CBD like Melbourne either. Maybe some good coffees, and bars, but unless your staying with your friend and transports easy I find restaurants (good ones) aren't CBD based.

          When we went to New York we got to try a Michelin star: The Modern (attached to the MoMa - museum of modern art), and another one for lunch. I definitely think the prix fixe menu at the lunch MIchelin tasted better and got me more bang for my buck/taste buds than dinner. The MOdern was great, but after doing the set menu, a bottle of wine, and tips between us, I think it came close to 300 or so USD or AUD? It's amazing how a $250 something place becomes $60 in tips or something just because it's a 15-20% standard. I could have been tired having just arrived in the USA/New York (in fairness) to enjoy The MOdern. And rushing to eat and get to The Lion King (first broadway show). Luckily I was more 'loose' with money then. With a mortgage now - no way!

          I assume Sydney doesn't do cool food trucks or anything like you'd find in New York, LA and San Fran a lot?

        • mskeggs on 02/03/2017 - 18:03

          @SaberX:

          That and the location is Australia Square, which I remember reminded me of a Perth location or landmark. Not sure if you have any other recommendations as I assume these two are the only bars/cocktail joints that serve high in the air or with such a view?

          The Shangri-la hotel in the Rocks (5 min walk from Wynyard station) has the Blu Bar on the 36th floor.
          It doesn't rotate, but has magnificent views of the city lights and harbour.
          http://www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/dining/bars-loung…

          But this is at the other end of the city from World Square. Worth checking out though. It is open late should you be at a loose end after dinner, especially if the weather is a bit dicey for out door alternatives like the Opera Bar.

        • nerdycat on 02/03/2017 - 19:32

          @SaberX:

          Need to go home to reply to the rest of the above but just remembered a wine bar.

          Hickson wine bar - they do a to die for cheese platter and the sommelier quite knowledgeable.

          Its close to Bangaroo so you can walk there and end up Hickson for a night cap.

        • nerdycat on 03/03/2017 - 11:38

          @SaberX:

          I dont think i have actually seen any chef cook in a big name restaurant.. most of them look after plating and serving.

          360 Bar & Dining is the one in centrepoint tower. I guess they are a bit of a tourist trap and i prefer to quality of drinks than the view itself. Any near circular quay will have a nice view but from ground level.

          Yep all the ones i gave you are great whiskey + have other cocktail bar so your mrs will have a good choice of drinks.

          The not so crowded is why i prefer the small bars as they have maximum capacities. I wish sydney had more speakeasy but maybe im just not in the know enough. Loved the one in perth we went to cant remember the name, it was behind some chinese restaurants. Small bars are kind of hidden so there wont be much of a view to the outside. All the small bars i listed are in the cbd as the sydney council was is only handing out new liquor licences for these types of bars at the moment.

          Surry Hills cocktails try Toko, Tokyo Bird, absinthe saloon (if you like the traditional french absinth very strong licorice flavour). Chippendale old clare hotel. Newtown kuletos for cocktails. Darlinghurst Owl House. Have heard about but personally not been to Love, Tilly Devine.

          Circular foodwise nothing casual that is great. There are some nice bars though. ECQ Bar and Bennelong Bar which is inside Peter Gilmore's Bennelong restaurant, we did an Opera house tour a few months ago and they had some great cocktails there, probably will have the nice view you are looking for. Bangaroo has a whole new restaurant/bar precinct, yes a lot has popped up in the last few months. Shirt bar has a new brother bar open there too. There have been some articles in the good food guide about things that have popped up. Belle's fried chicken is greasingly awesome, i saw on the weekends they do a fried chicken waffle been meaning to go.

          Yeah paddington is mainly just boutique clothing shops.

          Yep main city is definitely safer as they have security people and police patrolling the public areas normally.

          Yep thats the start of Oxford Street. See http://www.mardigras.org.au/parade-accessibility/ for more details about the parade. It is crazy crowded fun in the beginning then it gets a bit dull as all the drunks come of the bars as they close.

          The legislation requires 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks at bars, pubs and clubs in the Sydney CBD entertainment precinct. The precinct, defined in regulations, is bounded by Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Cockle Bay, The Rocks and Haymarket.

          Lol guess it got earlier…

          Oooo Reuben vs Hills hmmm I really like the different dishes at Hills Bros feel like they have more experimental food at hills, there will be slightly more choice food and drinks at Reuben since is not just a weekday thing, Reuben will be more relaxed as well but also probably more of a line.

          Another Cafe in Surry Hills Devon Cafe. They so some really over the top waffles. And the asian influence brunch dishes.

          The main king street part is covered. Offshoot roads wont be. Def try to visit Black Star Pastry, Im not saying you have to only try the watermelon strawberry cake (its pricey) their other baked goods are good too. Sydney weather has been a bit all over the place the last few weeks. There will be periods of heavy rain for maybe 10-20 mins then just light drizzle. Plenty of places to duck into for cover in newtown. I love Bourke Street Bakery too, CBD bakery is same owners and more convenient but not as much choice. Pie tin have a huge variety of pies. It is a short walk off the main street, easily to google.

          Redfern has a lot of cafe places too. Eg Brickfields. But yes that plan sounds good. Surry is better for the nightlife/drinking/eating.

          Koi's shop is just under the restaurant. its all in the old brewery site. Also there is Old Clare Hotel, Automatat and a few other things to explore.

          http://www.gelatomessina.com/au/creativedepartment - this is the messina thing. I would save it up for the next special occasion where you can book it in. It will blow your mind on the idea of dessert and degustation. We did it last month and my dessert hating friend even turned around about hating all desserts. And the ice cream shop is next door.

          Most brunch places arent bookable. Be prepared for maybe 10-15 minute wait on weekends.

          I think the owl house does cocktail degustation. Havent been there in a few years but food was great the last time we went. We only ordered a cocktail on the side not the degus.

          Not in CBD but we have Pasticceria Papa - http://ppapa.com.au/ they do the best ricotta cheesecake. Some places in the city stock their cakes but im not sure which. The bonbonierre didnt end up that expensive like $5 per person we order 150. Everyone got 2 macarons representative of something from our relationship. They had them all boxed up and someone just had to pick them up. Probably could have gotten cheaper macarons but as something take home we wanted to give people something nicer. Whereas the wedding cake would have loved to have Black Star Pastry Croquembouche but we couldnt justify the enormous cost and ended up with a commercial baker from out west.

          Another dessert place - though they only do one thing is Knafeh, if you can find it. They are a bunch of bearded men in a container who make a baked semolina pudding. (http://knafeh.com.au/). Have also chased them all over Sydney. Over holidays there were luckily in sydney westfield.

          If you like nutella you can try Tella Balls Dessert Bar various locations not in city. Totally forgot about MS G'S, potts point do some cool cocktails (think bubble drink kind of ones) and some very one off desserts.

          Could be oven, also moisture in the air, also over mixing, eggs whites not dry enough. The macarons really need to dry out to form that food at the bottom. I made macarons to woo my current husband even though he was oblivious at the time.

          Lol im probably the wrong person to ask about travel. I made my husband drive to Penrith (50 mins by car) so i could eat a burger.(http://www.goodfood.com.au/eat-out/just-open/michelintrained…). We have gone to bowral to eat at Biota (fine dinign) (they have a hotel next door you can stay at). Recommend this for a romantic trip away. The restaurant also serves brunch the next morning.

          In terms of normal every day eating we live inner west. So pretty easy to get anywhere by car. Parramatta has some good food/cafes, but not much to sight see.

          Oh Noo! Will note that for next time. We are heading down to Melbourne in April to eat at Attica, im looking forward to it a lot. Need to make a list of new cafes to try this time, we've already been to hardware societe. My husband wanted to try Brae the transport is whats stopping us, probably a trip for next time.

          Hahaha yes the tips + service charges are the worse. Just tell me the total cost. Yeah we totally yoloed on out 2 month trip. We went to French Laundry, Eleven Madison Park, Saison, Benu, Aterlier Crenn, Blue Hills at Stone Barn, Per Se…. we were truly fooded out by the end of the trip.

          Sydney has tried but failed miserbly at the food truck thing. We have some food trucks none I would highly recommend. They are more like shopping centre food court places in a truck. I really miss the variety of food trucks from the US.

        • SaberX on 03/03/2017 - 14:44

          @mskeggs:

          Hi mskeggs - we've been to shangrila on our last trip there a few years back actually. So probably not on this trip, thanks!

          That said, would we get away with decent pants, a tshirt and some nice comfy shoes (mine are runners but they look more like a trendy/good looking shoe). Or are Sydney bars and the like all about preppy shoes, pants and button up shirts (i'v epacked one shirt, but hoping to get away with my comfy tshirt and jacket on top)?

        • SaberX on 03/03/2017 - 15:33

          @nerdycat:

          Your right, I guess when you've made it big there's no need to do the dirty work haha.

          Fair enough - we'll avoid 360 Bar then if it's a tourist trap. Views are good but better drinks or food, and more affordable prices are more important. Reminds me of aqua bar in hong kong. Great views of the harbor - drinks in this case were special/good, but gosh expensive! Walked out with a good $100 something aud bill for 3 drinks between two of us (cocktails), some pizza nibbles and I think a small arrancini or something platter. By that time I gave up on our idea of checking out ozone bar (another water side bar in Hong Kong with great views and reviews according to online).

          ah, abit hard for the perth one - was it a password to get in? If so it was sneaky tonys - you go down a driving lane inbetween shops in northbridge (where you're most likely to have come across Chinese restaurants).

          Ok , great. So all the bars you listed are generally 'small bars' in terms of max venue and speakeasy compliant?

          I had TOko and Tokyo Bird down under your prior suggestions - I thought these were food joints? Or are they worth a visit just for drinks?

          Speaking of drinks, can I get away with pants and a decent tshirt and jacket as an outfit? I tend to prefer that then the old button shirt in my younger days. I wear a nice flashy running shoe, as it's a mizuno, but I'd describe it as reasonably preppy for a shoe. I can pack my laced up shoe from Aquila otherwise. Good thing about being in Asia travelling is provided I wasn't in shorts and thongs, singlets, the commonsense stuff, tshirts and pants got me into everything. I assume Syd is in the same vein as Melb and Perth, so strict to say?

          Thanks for the further recommendations along Circular and the like. I've noted them down. We have some preliminary itineraries of things to see and do which I'll list shortly, but I'll note your suggestions and see what we can cram in. Helps for backup too.

          How is the weather at the moment? From over here it seems it is pouring down and mayhem? Are we expected to be in for some pretty brutal rain, and a lot of problems with walking around from Sat onwards? I assume the Mardi Gras celebrations may be dulled if so.

          Thanks for the writeup on Hills vs Reuben hills. I found Reuben on an old 2013 itinerary we drafted so clearly we still haven't been!

          With black Star Pastry - oddly enough the partner was dismissive of trying it as supposedly the night markets here in Perth brought it over? Whether they resell it or it was Black Star Pastry setting up shop themselves I'm not sure? But she mentioned it wasn't that great, and we have it here already? I'll bring it up again anyway - as perhaps over there the quality is a lot better?

          Pie tin sounds convenient for a quick snack! Although we are trying to get off our 5/6 meals a day routine on holidays haha. Hopefully we'll actually eat just main meal times and the odd in between lunch and dinner.

          Interesting that gelato messina does degustation! I would have only thought they did gelato… I guess that's my judgemental self! I'll try and book us in next time we're there! Speaking of which, gelato messina recently announced they were coming to Perth!

          Happy to wait 10-15 minutes wait for brunch. Might need to bring a book so we can sit around if it's raining! Although maybe they'll want us out asap anyway.

          Sounds like an awesome wedding gift! I don't know if we could stretch to that much? Maybe we aren't used to planning costs but $5 x 150 persons sounds like a lot to what we imagined it would cost? I am sure as we plan more it will make more logical sense haha. For now just the venue is killing us, and some we live are up to 140/150 guests (similar to yours) but the budget of people is steadily increasing. Particularly her side, as the parents keep adding in 'must invites' , which frankly I doubt they are. But you know how these things are… hopefully the mrs can be disciplined and forceful in culling the list abit. Not sure what we will do as far as cake goes given our limited choices. I definitely am not a fan of those stories of 2 or 3 tier cakes costing $1000-2000. To me, any cake is not worth more than $1,000… unless they have gold flakes in that ingredients haha.

          I thought ms g's was opposite us in world square? Or at least that's where the recommendation of KBBQ about mrs gs was made? Could be a different one?

          haha crafty plan - does he know now about your macarons? The problem I had was rising then just caving in or cracking/going to shit really. It looked fine up until then. I can't work out if it's my oven or hand mixer. If the box recommended 10-15 minutes, I was still hand mixer'ing 30-35 minutes in before it thickened? The funny thing is a friend has done macarons from scratch (not out of premixed boxes) and surely a hand mixer would mix just as fast/well, yet hers are fine.

          Its more odd because the mrs does it at her house and I've watched and help, and the only differences being a) her more powerful mixer, the one that you have to flick up/down from a fixed position and put a bowl underneath (whereas mine is the hand beater, with two removable mixing blades), and her oven. Her shells come out formed fine, whereas mine start off well then cave in/crack. It has put me off trying to make them from scratch from Zumbos book - but I am so curious to try all the flavours listed: coca cola etc!

          I think I saw attica and Brae listed under a magazine article (which I can't find in order to see the Syd recommendations) on top 100 or whatever fine dining restuarants. We have gone a few times to Melb so have a list each time that we narrow down on a reasonable basis of votes and online popularity if your interested?

          Some of the ones we haven't tried that look good/are on the list are Supernormal (looks packed and great). I booked us in and people liked the cosy Italian: il bacaro cucina e bar. We had the burgers in Glen Waverly (name escapes me) but it was great. I remember going all out post road trip to Mornington Peninsula that day and ordering the big, fatty burger (came with double patty of beef I think, fried chicken patty , and a host of stuff inbetween).

          That's a lot of Michelins and the like that you went to! Eleven Madison reputation is huge, so bookings look even harder, but the price tag was the hardest part! Maybe one day..

          That's a shame about the Sydney food trucks. I loved even the pop up drinks food trucks. Had some great coffee from the coffee trucks in the financial district/Wall Street while on tour. San fran always reminds me of a fusion Japanese burrito outfit. Stumbled across it when I solo travelled, basically a sushi burrito with spam and all sorts of yummy, extravagant stuff: from blue swimmer crab, to tempura prawn, and most importantly my love: spam, mixed with other stuff, in a sushi style burrito roll. Mind blown, affordable, $7-13 I think most choices, which I thought was reasonable for Aus office lunch standards, and nice!

          See all those fancy food trucks on masterchef and the like (pulled pork etc.) in the US, looks great!!

          If you need any more Melb eateries or bars we have a few from our lists I can list out?

        • SaberX on 03/03/2017 - 15:39

          @nerdycat:

          Oh, and as for our preliminary plans - without fitting in some of your recent suggestions:

          Day 1 - arriving syd on sat:

          Hoping to check in, and providing there's no rooms to early check in and nap, we'll head out and try and grab GUmption coffee (think they open by 9am).

          Head to Newtown for breakfast. Brewtown opens at 8.

          Chippendale next, brunch/lunch options: Café Giulia (café/brunch style per the mrs notes), Brickfields bakery, Something for Jess (sandwitches) , The House Specialty Coffee and Ippudo (ramen). A lot of those I don't recognize so I think the mrs has dug and put them in.

          Snack: Koi dessert bar?

          Then onto surry hills - dinner at Bishop Nessa hopefully? No plans after but I'll list some Surry Hills bars you mentioned in to her?

          I think pre surry hills we'll try to make our way back to check in finally, get an arvo nap in, then set out for dinner.

          Sunday :

          Plan is to hit up Surry Hills properly. Reuben hills and four ate five are listed (assumingly brekky/brunch choices)

          Then onto Oxford St - Darlinghurst, onto Paddington (guess she wants to go back to those boutique shops!)

          Coffee: Edition Coffee Roasters
          Food choices:
          Buffalo Dining Club - Darlinghurst (italian)
          Phamish - Darlington (Vietnamese)
          Kepos Kitchen (Middle Eastern Brunch) - Red Fern
          Lucio Pizzeria - Darlinghurst

          Then capping off the night, we've got Potts Point down. She has just listed some 'choices' as she doesn't know what the surprise Asian restaurant is yet!! Billy Kwongs.

          Potts Point

          Bars
          The Roosevelt
          The Powder Keg
          The Butler
          Monopole
          Gazebo Wine Garden
          Mrs G's (looks like she has this down already)

          Monday will then be casually making our way to Grounds of Alexandria as they took bookings for brunch/lunch, then just chilling around the CBD until our post 7pm flight. Dinner choices there: Alpha, Madang, Arisun - I think she's just listed a few 'easy' choices as we need an early dinner.

          She had a few places she liked but found out they only opened for dinner after 5pm etc, whereas I think we'd have to set off from CBD pre 5pm due to work traffic right (if our flights just after 7pm)?

          What do you reckon? :)

        • nerdycat on 03/03/2017 - 16:31

          @SaberX:

          Yes Sneaky Tony sounds right.

          Yes, except for Zeta that is in the hilton hotel.

          Toko and Tokyo bird also have a bar section. We have def gone to Toko just for drinks before.

          Yes. Smart casual is ok. Maybe the only one that would reject you is establishment but its not a fun bar to just hang out in anyway.

          My husband and I have gotten into most of the bars with converse shoes on. If they get packed they may make up an excuse about clothes just try for the next place, plenty of choices in the middle of the city.

          Todays actually been pretty wet. Suppose to be a storm tonight and then calm down for tomorrow.

          Hills Bros is very convenient for work breakfast so I go there often.

          Pop ups are weird sometimes they are good sometimes they just fail. I love black star pastry's pastries more so then their cakes.

          Maybe just share a pie :)

          Yes the Messina thing is newish. Im just abit worried about when things go national. Zumbo is now actually made in a warehouse in lane cove instead of in the balmain shop!

          I know other who spent way more on bonbonierre. For something a little bit more affordable people do chocolates. My friend in perth did small jars of honey from the House of Honeys. I had 70 that were just my family… my husband barely had 15.

          Cakewise yes im not a fan at all of icing which is disgusting to eat. Ive done cake decorating classes and ive seen too much. We did croquembouche which ended up about $2.50 a person. Cause it was one profiterole per person and they were decent sized. We already had dessert provided in the main meal. Most of the time people wont eat much cake so try not to worry and put too much investment into it. Another idea is to have a cheese wheel cake, but issue is asians arent really into cheese. Another idea is you can try personalised cupcakes into a tower which would make it a little bit cheaper again. If your partner still insist on a nice cake you can get fake tiers so like only 1 tier is edible. Also can get personalised groom and bride sugar figurines made to go with a simple cake. If you contact nearby cake supply warehouse they will normally have contacts who could do figurines and such.

          Thats a different one. http://merivale.com.au/msgs. same people as palmer and co.

          He found out when his housemade made it obvious it wasnt a random gift. sounds like not enough volume in your mix so probably not mixed enough. Yes its a fragile batter but still needs to be solid to give the biscuit some shape. I tend to hand mix the almond meal/eggs together so i can judge the texture. I havent baked macarons in at least a year cause i dont really enjoy eating them…. Sound like you might not be mixing your egg whites enough. I prefer the kitchenaid hand beater cause its super quiet and quite strong.

          We are slowly working our way through http://www.theworlds50best.com/. We have also watched a few on Chefs Table. yep you can send me via PM, happy to have a look.

          Yeah we went through the top 50 list and literally picked out everything then slowly whittled out way down the list when we got 2/3 bookings in one state we didnt go further down the list for that area. Eleven Madison Park was the best food experience yet. Yes booking was near impossible we ended up with a late late booking. I think we were last out of the restaurant that night. That trip was our big bang before settling down to start a family so we went all out. A tip for restaurant bookings is trying to get Visa Platinum to book them for us they have been quite successful in other places like Europe/Austalia (where timezone and language is an issue), America we decided they also speak english and with all the weird opening times for bookings safer to do it ourselves.

          Happy for any suggestions havent starting planning too much yet.

          Ippudo is good. Just be aware its pricey.

          Kepos St Kitchen actually has two restaurats not. Kepos and Co and the kitchen one. Check out the menus online to see which you would prefer.

          Yep most food places dont start dinner till 5pm.

          Just a few more casual eat places we enjoy

          Im not sure if you are into northern chinese food. Kiroran Silk Road Uygur Restaurant does the best lamb and cumin skewers. With some other more spicy chinese dishes. Its not known for its decor. Pretty cheap too.
          Other ramen places are Ichi-ban Boshi and Gumshara in eating world food court (the thickest soup you will ever find). Yayoi is a very nice Japanese place that does a great grilled eel and rice pricier than ichi-ban. Chinese Noodle House (there are 2 shops one is on bathurst Street) cheap cheap dumplings.

          My current favourite Ramen places at the moment are Manpuku (they have a shop in kensington and Chatswood) and Ryo in crows nest.

          Also if you are feeling lazy yes a cope out but Foodora now deliver for a few of the nicer restaurants around town great alternative to hotel food.

        • SaberX on 04/03/2017 - 08:27

          @nerdycat:

          Heya! Morning. Sorry havent had a chance to reply yet but we have arrived! Just got off the bus in newtown, just made brewtown, lucky they open at 8! To say im dead tired and a zombie would be an understatement! It was either that or take two single beds for early check in and a nap haha.

          The struggle is real already: i haven't tasted the food but from the menu there's at least 4 or 5 dishes i want to try!! You don't get this sort of dishes in Perth:

          Coffee rub beef brisket with mushroom. Caramelised onion, hommus etc.

          They also have a squid ink tempura fish with pink tartare and a milk bun.

          Add another one or two interesting choices such as squidink brewnut eggs benedict etc…

          The cronuts look amazing. Nutella, mango and raspberry etc, let's see how our tummys go after breakfast!

          It's definitely great to see all day menu choices that go beyond plain oats, porridge, eggs and toast etc. Although it has some simpler choices for those sort of simple early morning eaters. Haha not for us foodie tourists, despite the 8am tag.

          Will try to reply to your last msg when i get a chance. Might be hard now without a propery keyboard and computer but ive certainly noted it down! :)

          Is reuben hills and hill bros etc. Similarly mind blowing menus as brewtown? I would struggle living here given how many menu choices there are!

          Is it easy and cheaper to get an opal card than buying single tickets from the driver?

        • nerdycat on 04/03/2017 - 15:16

          @SaberX:

          Yes get an opal card can get from 7-11. Though you are only here for a few days so won't hit any of the bonuses where you get money off but you can take advantage of the maximum daily spend on transport, can't remember exactly amount.

          Hills bros is slightly more mind blowing than Reuben in terms of dishes. Both are great choices.

          Yes we try to go once a week but it's a struggle trying weed out which would be good to try.

        • SaberX on 05/03/2017 - 10:14

          @nerdycat:

          Hey! No worries we've gotten the opal card anyway.

          We stopped by bishop nessa last night and had the degustation menu set menu, we quite enjoyed it. Might be worth a try! Sign up to a newsletter on the website before you eat and get two cocktails (fixed one) free.

          We're currently at Reuben Hills waiting for a table, next one up which isn't too shabby!

          Koi dessert bar was really nice too. Unique looking dessert, or maybe because ause we're foodie tourists haha

        • SaberX on 15/03/2017 - 19:25

          @nerdycat:

          HI nerdycat! We're back from the trip and thanks for all the recommendations. I wouldn't rate Billy Kwong honestly - as per the Mrs too, but we did enjoy Brewtown.

          As mentioned, our hotel room was ready so we headed back to Ibis to gcheck in and therefore we threw our entire schedule out. Mrs didn't get a chance to then go back with me to walk around newtown, we did see abit of Chippendale… but we weren't sure if there was much else to see in Chippendale and Redfern so we didn't walk around much.

          We tried to get back to the Redfern markets on Monda before realizing they're only open on Sundays! :(

          Reuben was not bad but we weren't too impressed with the inflexibility. We were about 10% short due to our pooling of money (rather than split billing) and out of principal the other couple (Sydneysiders we caught up with) didn't want to pay the card fee. I don't blame them - 3% for any card: even eftpos, mastercard etc. is blind robbery. So instead they'd rather us sit there while they went to the ATM (in this case to their car to grab $10 of coins).

          I understand split billing, but surely they could have paid cash, then just put the rest on card. Clearly they wanted us out asap due to being busy, so surely this was a much faster way? As we lamented - probably able to get their way due to their popularity. Shocking that 3% was even applicable to eftpos bank cards though, I'm pretty sure the charge on those are a penny in comparison.

          Grounds of Alexandria was great. We had a booking which I don't see why people don't do more of on Mondays. The line was huge! I didn't realize it was a big collection of areas and that we could have potentially booked outdoors, which was a totally different menu to indoors. We got seated indoors anyway. Their shakes were definitely an eye opener. I had some morning riser or something - berries mixed with yoghurt and granola or whatever that breakfast stuff is (that I never eat) and it was real odd. But it grew on me, and I quite liked it by the end!

          Not cheap, as per the fries we ordered (a handful) - but worth seeing. I can't believe there's a pen and a pig just lying there! Flowers was a great thing to nosy around.

          Luckily the rain gods parted for us that Monday. In fact all weekend it parted well. We brought umbrellas but only used it for light rain at times. While we were in Billy Kwongs it was pouring, but again stopped by the time we got out.

          We went to Eau Da View on Sunday, which was great. Might be post Mardi Gras but there was a fair few of said couples which is a good eye opener (in Perth you don't see much of this). My only disclaimer is that regardless of orientation, I think the straight making out on the couches by some heated lesbians was abit much (let alone any couple). haha the mrs later proclaimed they were doing some 'naughty' stuff in the toilet cubicle on the way out - but I digress!

          Mardi Gras night was not too busy - we probably missed the main action given where we were (Bishop Nessa that night). As I mentioned it's worth a try - definitely give it a shot and sign up to the website for the free cocktail voucher before hand.

          Thanks for your comments, tips and tricks - be sure to hit me up if you're back in Perth and need recommendations! Won't be nearly as great or plentiful as Sydney , but I'm sure there'll be one or two good ones to checkout.

        • nerdycat on 16/03/2017 - 16:06

          @SaberX:

          I think cause you are looking for the more unusual dishes hence why Billy wasnt quite up to expectation.
          Sydney had a few really good affordable places last year but lots of them were just pops up or closed as they werent sustainable. Cafe Paci was awesome but alas they shut down their pop up.

          Nicer places in Sydney require a bit more planning for bookings which is sad. Its hard to go ut for a random nice dinner. We usually book months in advance. Try to get into Acme next time.

          No there isnt much to see in Chippendale other than the broadway shops. Its kind of a uni district, Sydney University takes up a lot of it.

          Yep Sydney markets are sadly only weekend things. And they are literally popping up everywhere now.

          The extra card fee is a normal thing in Sydney, even for nicer restaurants. Probably to make it cheaper for people paying cash, which a lot of people do. No split billing is also becoming common. Eftpos fee is actually not a few pennys having worked in the banking industry, at least not for small fry restaurants. The big supermarkets get better deals in these cases.

          Can wait for grounds of alexandria to open up in the middle of the city.

          Sydney city if definitely a lot less family friendly than Perth.

          Will do!

          If you have any recommendations for Melbourne cafes that would be much appreciated.

  • Ozjoey on 28/02/2017 - 11:57

    New Shanghai in Westfield, Pitt Street or Dee Thai Fung at World Square, George Street

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 17:05

      We would probably skip on Din Tai Fung - with her Asian background dim sum is quite common, and we've also had the original Din Tai Fung in Taiwan in January - can't beat that :)

  • Saveyouabit on 28/02/2017 - 16:03

    Abdul's, Surry Hills, BYO - no corkage (Lebanese food).

    • SaberX on 28/02/2017 - 17:06

      Thanks! Happy for some decent restaurants even if no BYO :) I've expanded abit, although BYO is a plus - it seems like I wasn't getting far with it as a preference.

  • Ozjoey on 28/02/2017 - 17:27

    Reuben Hills, Surry Hills

    https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.zomato.com/sydney/reuben…

    • SaberX on 02/03/2017 - 01:42

      Thanks! Seems like Reueben hills has been recommended more than once - we've put it down on the list to checkout online to whittle down :)

  • jrad0 on 01/03/2017 - 22:34

    Newtown resident here. Plenty of good walk in BYO decent restaurants around here (pastizi, Greek olive, little momo) but in the city I would recommend in your area Encasa on Pitt st, really nice Spanish food. There is an excellent Korean BBQ above Mr B's hotel. My favourite of all time is Din Tai Fung, located in world square. Their Michelin starred Xao Long Bao dumplings are a must and it is BYO. Mamak as recommended previously is very good and byo I believe. You will find Sydney is on another level than anywhere else in terms of restaurants and food affordability if you know where to look. Jump on a train and visit cafe shenkin in erskinville (2 stations from Central) for breakfast (Israeli big breakfast or the bite) and excellent coffee. Lovely chilled village style area too. Grounds of Alexandria is a great place for a look but on weekends it gets verrrrry busy past 9am. A good alternative diagonally across the road for breakfast is Cooh. Again for food and excellent coffee is don campos on fountain st or Bread and circus, same complex if in that area. Ruben hills in Surry hills is also a favourite.
    The best coffee in the CBD is at Gumption in the strand arcade off Pitt st Mall. The food court on level 5 in the Westfield there is also very good.
    Opera bar for drinks never fails to impress tourists. Or the Glenmore in the rocks.
    Remember all public transport is $2.5 capped on Sundays incl all ferries so get out and about! If you go to Bondi eat at Harry's for breakfast and coffee - you won't be disappointed.
    Enjoy this amazing city!

    • SaberX on 02/03/2017 - 01:52

      Hey jrad0! Great to hear from you. We've never ventured that far south from the CBD, i assume we can walk there past chat thai (haymarket) and surrounds into newtown? The only issue is this saturday through to monday is pretty much all rain! Jeez lucky us! We've never quite experienced melb and syd seasonal weather in Perth, but funnily enough it's more like t-shirt/shorts weather to me (20-28c).

      I've placed all your recommendations into my spreadsheet, thank you very much! We would normally try Din Tai Fung but we've just had the original in Taiwan and having an asian heritage I guess we're not missing too much in this short trip by skipping. Not to mention Mamak we have also had it in Melbourne, and I've just come back from a trip to Malaysia, so i have had so much roti I could drop (very nice!). So we will probably skip on Mamak.

      We will check out the urbanspoon listings of all of the suggestions :) The spanish Encasa sounds interesting! I think we may book Grounds of Alexandria on Monday as supposedly they accept bookings then. It just leaves us with trying to find a good breakfast, brunch or lunch place on saturday and sunday - any ideas? Probaly ones where we have a better chance of getting into on the weekend than Grounds? We arrive 6am this Sat so I am sure saturdays cafe would be great if it served good coffee with it!

      Never thought about Israeli food - never had it! It might be hard to get to but will make a note to check it out.

      Someone else mentioned Bondi for some food, I can't remember if it was Harry's! I'll haveto check! Is it easy to get to Bondi from world square? I assume just a bus or train best? Although given the rainy weather best to avoid the coast do you reckon?

      Thanks for the bars suggestions. Happy to take some cosy wine or cocktail bars? We have been to a fair few fancy ones in melbourne and provided they dont' come with a ridiculously high $20s price, those cocktails with some bizarre creations and mixtures are what we're after (not your standard run of the mill stablishments). So any suggestions would be great!

      We did enjoy a revolving wine bar/restaurant once further along george or pitt street, forgot where. but it was the 20 or 30 something floor?

    • SaberX on 02/03/2017 - 01:54

      Also keen for fillers inbetween restaurants. Like dessert, cakes, icecreams, you know little stores.

      I think the mrs mentioned Koi's dessert bar for example? 4 course degustation? Anything unique, although even standard in your face gelato isnt out of the question for us if it is popular :)

    • SaberX on 02/03/2017 - 03:11

      Sorry to spam, but if we rock up to Sydney on our flight early (6am), get to our hotel and drop the bags by 8, 9am. Given it's too early to check in, do you reckon there'd be any good breakfast places and things to do post -breakfast by heading to Newtown area? Or are we better that early in the AM spending our day in Surry Hills, Chippendale, Bondi or something?

      Given the rain too as a consideration of not being able to walk around as freely?

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