Sanctuary Hotel Bistro

PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA

Standing smartly on the corner of Liverpool and Kent Streets, the Sanctuary Hotel Bistro salutes those looking for a delicious bistro meal within fashionable surrounds. Merging classic style with a funky vibe, the venue sports chandeliers, designer wallpaper and tin sheeting-covered columns which bring a little razzle dazzle to the room. A lounge area invites guests to sprawl on thick armchairs and soft pouffes, drink in hand, while over yonder there are a couple of pool tables for those who fancy pushing the bigs and smalls around before dinner. Taking up one side of the venue, the bistro has a jumble of dark wooden tables which spill outside to an under-covered area and onto the street front; perfect for alfresco dining and for watching the passing inner-city parade.

It’s an order at the bar, receive your buzzer and collect your meal kind of deal yet the kitchen serves up wonderfully modern Australian pub grub with hints of Mediterranean influences. Try the oven-roasted kingfish with caramelised eggplant and garlic, tomato and chive vinaigrette or twirl your fork through one of the favourite pasta dishes such as the linguine with chilli prawns. The real focus here, however, is on steaks with a choice of three different prime cuts, cooked to your liking. The bar is suitably stocked and flaunts a very tempting wine and cocktail list, and there is a very svelte VIP room tucked away to one side. Here’s another huge plus – the restaurant is open until 2.30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to sate any late night hunger pains.

Annabel Wise