LOCATION
Cafe Sydney is on the top level of Customs House at Circular Quay.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
To put it quite simply, Cafe Sydney is spectacular. Sitting atop the historical Customs House at Circular Quay, this casually elegant fine diner encompasses cutting edge design, million dollar views and a menu of contemporary classics that defines Sydney’s love of drinking and dining. Elevators smoothly shuttle diners up to the fifth floor, where the doors slide back to reveal a lively hub of activity. The super-stylish Cafe Sydney Lounge beckons with a tempting list of cocktails and a birds-eye view of the action in the open kitchen. Yet it is on the main dining floor and through to the open air terrace that the inspired menu and breathtaking views of the harbour await.
Cafe Sydney opens from midday every day, except Saturday, and lunch seamlessly rolls on through to dinner. Executive chef, Matt Bates, has designed a smart menu that is based around seasonal produce, with an emphasis on seafood. Freshly shucked oysters on ice with an eschalot and caramelised cabernet vinegar will get you in the mood in more ways than one, while seared scallops with tomato, pickled cucumber and lemon are another tastebud tempter. The use of a wood-fired grill and Tandoori oven lend a unique flavour to the mains menu. Peppered venison with roast eschalot and beetroot tart tarin, horseradish cream and jus is a delicious departure from the seafood offerings. You’ll be looking for a reason to linger on, so order the dessert platter to share and settle in to finish your wine as you watch the city lights reflect off the harbour.
Amy Looker, May 2008
LOCATION
At Circular Quay, close to Sydney Opera House.
DETAILS
Cafe Sydney's interior is an elegant mix of dark brown timbers, ebony hues and hints of stainless steel. The restaurant wraps around the central atrium of the building and has been built on split levels to maximise the view. Patrons dine at exquisite oak tables and relax in chairs upholstered in the finest fabrics imported from New York.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
With spectacular harbour views and a relaxed, modern interior, Cafe Sydney prides itself on using the freshest seasonal produce on a menu featuring modern classics with a focus on seafood. Special features include a wood-fired grill and an Indian tandoor oven. An ever-changing menu with daily food and wine additions ensures variety.
Cafe Sydney Sunday
Cafe Sydney Sunday long, lazy and live every Sunday - Cafe Sydney showcases smooth, ambient and soulful grooves teamed with a versatile menu of seafood and fish from the wood grill.
Havana Bar
Comfortable seating and atmospheric dimness make this an intimate, yet lively, destination. Serving a selection of delicious cocktails, Havana Bar is perfect for cosy chats or cruisy cocktails.
Cafe Sydney Lounge
Since its launch in June 2005, Cafe Sydney Lounge continues to shine as one of Sydney's most sought after cocktail venues. Featuring interiors by Sydney basked design firm BKH, the lounge compliments and invigorates the restaurant. Cafe Sydney Lounge offers the ultimate lounging experience. Intimate and low lit, the Lounge features glowing tables by Korban Flaubert and Italian chairs in black can and white leather by Vittoria Bonancini set against glowing orange carpet and a dramatic feature mirror wall.
Bask in the energy of one of Sydney's liveliest restaurants with the buzz of the Cafe Sydney kitchen and city skyline providing the perfect backdrop for crafted cocktails and an extensive wine by the glass list. Feast on snacks such as warm, crumbed green olives with aioli through to wood grilled Balmain Bugs and pate with cornichons whilst relaxing to house, jazz and soul beats.
Open from 5pm Monday to Saturday.
Cafe Sydney Private
Cafe Sydney's private dining room is the epitome of style. Located on the end of the terrace it boasts the same spectacular views as the main restaurant. With a view from every angle and the finest of table settings and surrounds, it is the perfect venue for an intimate dinner or cocktail party. Seats a maximum of 14 guests for dinner or up to 60 for cocktails.
FUNCTIONS
Cafe Sydney is available for both group reservations and exclusive private hire. Cafe Sydney offers the flexibility to accommodate any function group whether it is a breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktail reception or launch tailored with total flexibility to your needs.
WEDDINGS
Cafe Sydney is one of Sydney’s most stylish venues available for Wedding Receptions. Its sun-drenched outdoor terrace is perfect for drinks and canapés and the romantic backdrop of Sydney Harbour sets the scene for an exquisite and memorable day. Cafe Sydney is available for Saturday lunch Weddings and can accommodate 120 guests seated and up to 350 stand-up.