LOCATION
Occupying the southern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Level 2, Cruise Restaurant enjoys breathtaking views of Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, as well as the commanding skyline of the lower CBD.
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It is not the view of the Opera House that first steals attention at Cruise Restaurant, but the bright red chandeliers and leather chairs. This vibrant hue may not be a typical accent colour for a waterside restaurant that overlooks cyan skies and indigo waters, but Cruise Restaurant brings a vivacious edge to this area of safe, tourist-focused restaurants. This fire and water setting is offset with dark banquets and walls.
Bright colours follow through to our entrée with purple-stained sauce the base colour for textures of beetroot. Personality bubbles through the dish with beetroot foam flanking the vegetable pickled in its gold and red forms, while crème fraîche and hazlenuts neutralise the bright accents. Crisp matchsticks of Granny Smith apple top pan-seared Canadian scallops which are pleasantly sweet, and accentuated with apple balsamic and celeriac rémoulade. For main, tender pan-fried loin pieces display soft, rosy pink centres atop baby vegetables and a moat of herb-infused lamb jus.
Our all-female table is excited at the idea not only of dessert, but pre-dessert – a palate-cleansing meal we agree should be introduced to all menus. Summer berry sorbet and vanilla panna cotta whisper zesty citrus accents, while the main act of chocolate soil topped with poached fruit and a sprinkling of flowers features protruding chocolate coffee sticks.
Passion and colour abound unashamedly at this restaurant where the enthusiasm of waitstaff is contagious. Cruise Restaurant stands out from Circular Quay’s tourist dominated strip with fine dining standards at less pretentious prices.
Edwina Storie
DETAILS
You have to admit it – the sight of Circular Quay at night is pretty spectacular. Flanked by the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, this part of town is a destination for posh dining that often results in a bill that reflects the million dollar views. But at Cruise Restaurant, you don’t have to take out a personal loan to finance your fine dining habit. Set on the second floor of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Cruise has a vista to match that of its neighbours, with opulent decor and an impeccable (yet affordable) menu of contemporary fare made with fresh Australian produce.
The split level restaurant seemingly hovers over the water, where diners have the best seat in the quay for drinking in the view. Cruise’s cocktail lounge is worth a tipple, too – the bartenders have a way with spirits that will ease you into the evening with style. Tip:
Arrive in style with
Water Taxis
Personal Statement
The award winning Cruise Restaurant presents a modern interpretation of Italian cuisine complimented by breathtaking views over Circular Quay & the Sydney Opera House.