It's that time of year again! Australian Gourmet Traveller has just unveiled their pick of restaurants from around the country and Sydney's Quay restaurant has won the top gong for the second year running.There was a time when my lovely husband and I used to delight in doing the rounds of the latest foodie hotspots...these days, though, we're more likely to pick something low key and local.
There are a lot of the usual suspects on Gourmet's list of three-hat restaurants...we've been to four of the nine Sydney hotspots and they all deserve their place. Without a doubt, the most amazing dining experience I've ever had was at Tetsuya's...everything (food, wine, service, ambience) was sublime and truly unique.
BUT. What about the other great restaurants out there which don't have million dollar fitouts or harbour views but still have great food? C'mon, share your absolute favourite place to eat...
11 comments:
For the past year or so my favourite local has been Glebe Point Diner. They do the most wonderful food, the service is always spot-on and they have a perfect mix of local cosiness with top quality everything. Great wine list, the atmosphere is buzzy and fun and they do the most amazing roast chicken I've ever had. It's like the best home cooked roast chook you've ever had but taken up a few notches in preparation.
I'm salivating.
Saw the Gourmet Award results today too. Is it just me or is it always the same guys getting the gongs? I guess that's why they are who they are.
=D
There is a really lovely little Italian restaurant in Glouster that we sometimes (read: any time my brother isn't with us) stop at on the way down to visit Dad's family. They have really yummy food, and it's run by an incredibly nice Italian couple, who had a great time teaching mum and me how to complement food in Italian last time we were there.
I used to love going to Sel et Poivre in Darlinghurst - snails, beef daube and creme brulee, every time.
And in the Gong, my favourite spot for lunch is tiny little Bento, with great sushi and noodles (and cockroaches!). And Epano, a fabulous Greek restaurant with live music, for dinner :-)
I'm cheating, I have a few...
Without a doubt top dog is Red Lantern in Surry Hills (Vietnamese). I just love thir everything. And all that red decor looks quite foxy.
El Buli in Surry Hills has some amazing tapas too. And hunky but sort of stange waiters.
I'd also rate Moretti's in Leichhardt and Napoli in Bocca in Haberfield. Brilliant and absolutely consistant Italian.
And then? Our little daggy Indian place down the road called Neelam's Indian Restaurant. They do a rockin' everything. I also love that the 'meat' section on the menu reads 'From the meadows'. Too kitch.
That should read 'strange waiters'. It's been a long, long day...
For me, Yoshii. I have said that for the past few years and nothing else has swayed me. Although I do love Guillaume at Bennelong, we had our wedding there but Yoshii is my very fave. Wanted to have our wedding there but decided most of the annoying old guests would turn their nose up at such "unusual" dishes. LOL
Look west people and try Star Anise in suburban Perth. (Haven;t seen the Gourmet Traveller list so perhaps Star Anise is included)
Everything from the moment you walk in the door is faultless. It was written up in The Australian magazine last week (or maybe the week prior)....
Well you know its still La Scala in little old Griffith, the food, the never changed decor, wines that aren't all local. When we get to Melbourne we love Donovans just cause its so friendly, great spot and they do great seafood for me and an Angus Tbone for Hubby which is still his fav. And when in our fav holiday spot, Narrabeen its the seaside eatery.
One of my favourite places to eat is Punch Lane wine bar restaurant in Melbourne (on Little Bourke St). Tiny place but fantastic food, wine and cheese. And friendly, knowledgeable, efficient service. I'm hungry just thinking about it!
http://www.punchlane.com.au
The Captain Torres in Liverpool St, Sydney - simple, beautiful Spanish food; warm, but not overly familiar waiters, definitely no view. Try the Spanish beer or wine or the Sangria. Off there for lunch next Friday.
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