LOCATIONOn the main drag of Potts Point, 10 minutes from the CBD and a short walk from Kings Cross Station.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIANestled among the bustling restaurants of Macleay Street, Opium Den exudes a mysterious charm from within its deep, dark interior. Upon entering, the dining room unfolds into a number of smaller rooms, each dressed in dramatic reds and blacks. Feature walls of timber and mirrors pop up unexpectedly, oversized lamps dangle from the ceiling and giant bowls of oranges form centrepieces. Slide up to a neighbour at one of the dark wood communal tables or get cosy in an intimate setting for two and get those chopsticks poised for the feast.
The extensive menu has all the Thai favourites, a good vegetarian selection and an array of additional dipping sauces and relishes. Dip an entree of steamed prawns wrapped in gow gee dumpling pastry into soy sauce for a tasty pre-meal nibble. The popular stir-fried duck with fresh ginger and mixed vegetables is an aromatic and delicious main, as is the flavoursome soft shell crab salad. Choose from an array of rice varieties, including Thai black, sticky, black sesame and turmeric. With surprisingly low prices and BYO, Opium Den makes for a good value meal out in Potts Point. Pop in for lunch or dinner any day of the week, or if the no-bookings policy has left you without a seat, simply take away. Note that Opium Den is cash only.
Lauren Barker, January 2009