LOCATION
Situated on Level 36 of the Shangri-La Hotel in The Rocks.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Views! When you first take the elevator to the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel and walk into the super stylish Altitude Restaurant that is the first thought, and quite likely the first word, you will utter (and perhaps even repeat for some time). Through five-metre-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the restaurant shows off a one-of-a-kind Sydney cityscape, so you’d better prepare to dine with the Harbour Bridge, Opera House or – if you are headed for the sleek, curved private dining room – both. The restaurant itself is styled in light cream colours, with clean lines and intricate glass chandeliers lending subtle regality.
The menu will depend on the night you come to dine – Monday to Thursday offers the “epi-curious” (degustation) or a la carte menu, while on Friday and Saturday nights a four-course weekend menu takes charge. The one thing that remains a constant is chef de cuisine, Steven Krasicki. Weaving his work together with the strength of local produce, he creates a seasonally-evolving selection of modern Australian dishes that resonate with diners as well as with the fine-dining elements of their spectacular setting. On his menu, you may spy entrees like handmade tortellini of spanner crab and sea scallops with peas, confit tomato and shellfish bisque, while inventive mains may include terracotta clay baked beef which is actually cracked at your table. Each menu also has a vegetarian counterpart and finds a soul mate in the wine list. Exceeding more than 260 varieties, this follows the commitment to Australia with a strong focus on local (particularly NSW), boutique wine. It doesn’t lack in international flavours either, boasting drops from as far as France, Italy and South America. Altitude has also recently introduced cheese wine flights (a selection of cheeses paired with wine) that make a delightful end, or beginning, to a meal.
Agnes Gajewska, March 2010
DETAILS
The decor is sophisticated and contemporary. Diners enjoy the spectacular view through 5-metre floor-to-ceiling windows, which run along the entire length of the restaurant.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Chef Steven Krasicki has created an inspirational Modern Australian menu with European influences. In addition to a superb à-la-carte menu, Steven Krasicki has designed a seven course degustation or tasting menu to reflect the finest local and international flavours. Altitude boasts an impressive wine list, managed by knowledgeable sommelier. 90% of the wines from a list of over 260 are from Australia and New Zealand, and the remaining include some of the best and rare of Old World style, representing good value and a unique selection.
PRIVATE DINING ROOM
Altitude Restaurant’s oval-shaped, glass encased private dining room seats up to 16 guests and offers unsurpassed views from every angle. A sheer veil can be drawn around the room for added privacy and soft lighting radiates from under-lit flooring.
* Altitude has a wheelchair access.