Hickson Road Bistro

LOCATION
City north, close to Sydney Theatre and The Wharf Theatre.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
What with the Sydney Theatre on one side and The Wharf Theatre jutting out over the water, Hickson Road has a wondrous dousing of culture. And with Hickson Road Bistro nestled beside the Sydney Theatre, the culture doesn’t stop at the fine arts but extends into the realm of fine dining. Flaunting a menu that adds an extra contemporary twist to its modern Australian dishes, this beautifully set restaurant is the venue of choice for theatre-goers who wish to turn their night of drama into an indulgent affair. Embracing an elegant white and gold theme, the dining room has comfortable banquettes that run along the walls, framing the tables that splatter the floorboards. There are some lovely outdoor tables too, which take best advantage of the leafy street and provide the perfect opportunity for people watching.

With show times in mind, Hickson Road Bistro opens two hours before performances and remains open for post-theatre soirees. Salt and pepper calamari with chick peas, roasted capsicum, roasted tomato, chorizo and lime aioli begins an evening with a kick if you’ve chosen to sidestep the fresh figs with Serrano jamon, watermelon and aged balsamic. Follow with a roasted eye fillet with crisp eschallot rings, hot-buttered spinach and Madeira jus, or pancetta and garlic pangritata-wrapped corn-fed chicken on saffron angel hair pasta with rocket, currants, dill and pine nuts. I’m sure you’ll agree that coconut ice-cream with sour cherry and chocolate trifle will draw any meal to a close with decadent style before making your way to your theatre seats, or taking a stroll along the wharf precinct.

Annabel Wise, February 2009