LOCATION
17th Level of the Hotel Tower, Star City. Ten minutes' west from the CBD. Close to Darling Harbour.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
High above the rolling dices and shuffling cards is a dining oasis with one of the grandest panoramas of Sydney's city, bridge and harbour. Astral, run under the capable hands of head chef Sean Connolly, stands proudly on the seventeenth floor of Star City, delighting its national and international guests alike with five-star modern French cuisine. The restaurant itself is dressed in neutral tones allowing the view and gastronomy to beautify the dining room, but the most coveted position is within the private dining room which juts out seemingly over the edge of the building.
Each dish is a work of art that goes beyond taste and into other realms of texture, colour and theatrics. Unexpected flourishes that crack, foam or bubble make dining at Astral extra special and exceptionally delicious. For a decadent beginning to what promises to be a divine meal, start with some fresh caviar which is presented superbly with traditional garnishes and hand-made potato blini. Venison tartare, open ravioli, pickled baby pear and hazelnut marry perfectly, if not uniquely, together as an entree. Follow with twice-cooked pheasant with piquant ragout, chestnut gnocchi, morel and asparagus, or confit of Hiramasa kingfish, foie gras, brussel sprout leaves with a smokey red wine jus. The sommelier is quick to offer a suggestion and will often bring out special drops that aren't mentioned on the wine list to flawlessly complement your palate and your meal. Finish sweetly with the vibrant colours of rhubarb sorbet, mandarin olive oil sponge, vanilla cream, and ginger and orange jelly, or make a selection from the cheese trolley. Impeccable service rounds up this wonderful experience leaving all diners with a supreme sense of sensory satisfaction.
Annabel Wise, August 2008
DETAILS
It has, more so than ever, a refined, yet chilled atmosphere, a gourmet dining experience to make every meal a true feast of the senses, and still possesses the best views of Sydney's beautiful Darling Harbour. Nestled on the peak of Star City, its unique 270 view of Sydney can be enjoyed whilst either sipping a cocktail on Astral's two elegant terraces, or sampling fine cuisine in the sophisticated dining room. The views span from over Sydney's CBD, down past The Rocks to Sydney Harbour and the Bridge, then over to Anzac Bridge and around to Botany Bay.Astral's new plush interiors in rich chocolate and bronze, complement the must-see chandelier and a towering 4m wine wall, which is well stocked with more than 450 wines of the world. With an enviable view over the city and harbour, an exceptional wine list and a mouth watering menu, the sensation that is Astral with stay with you long after your lobster, coral trout and elderflower have disappeared.
PRIVATE DINING ROOM
Astral's private dining room is one of the most stunning in Sydney with views from every seat.