Kitchen confidential

Why go there

Harbourside locations, the world’s second largest seafood market and a bounty of fresh produce grown locally continue to inspire Sydney’s most dynamic chefs. Hot new trends emerging right now are tasting menus when you try small-size servings in a multi-course meal and spectacularly creative desserts. Some of the desserts that are emerging from Sydney’s kitchens are so fabulous you could frame them.

The new kitchens

ivy, City

Latest creation from hotelier Justin Hemmes, the two restaurants of this mega-venue are taking the torch to Sydney’s palates. Prime beef is elevated to an art form downstairs at Mad Cow while sushi supremo Shaun Presland reworks the Japanese classics at Teppanyaki on the floor above.

Berowra Waters Inn, Berowra Waters

Uber-chef Dietmar Sawyere is dragging Sydney gourmets to his stunning, sumptuous waterside restaurant by the taste buds and they’re loving the passionate, Mediterranean-influenced menu.

Fat Olive, Bondi Beach

A new modern Mediterranean/Australian restaurant has just opened right on Bondi Beach. Specialising in a selection of shared plates in a rustic, bistro style atmosphere, Fat Olive is the place to be.

Civic Dining, City

Peter Conistis is proving that there’s always a place set for Greek cooking at the round table of great world cuisines, seen at its best at this snazzy, polished, mid-city restaurant.

Emmilou Restaurant and Tapas Bar, Surry Hills

Supremo mixologist, Ioannis Benardos, serves up funky cocktails here and there’s a tapas menu served until 1am. 

Restaurant Arras, Walsh Bay

Dine on traditional English fare such as crab bread and butter pudding and 'Rack on black' in this charming former wool store.

The hot kitchens

Rockpool (fish), The Rocks

Neil Perry has renewed his famous Sydney seafood-fusion restaurant with a lighter touch, but the tastes still hit the high notes of the culinary repertoire.

Universal, Darlinghurst

Celebrity chef Christine Manfield elevates small-plate dining to an art form, drawing rave reviews for the firecracker flavours she dishes up in Darlinghurst.

Tetsuya’s, City

Tetsuya Wakuda continues to bend the culinary rule book with his own take on East-West fusion food, but the result is always balanced, masterly, satisfying and sublime.

The Bentley Dining Room and Bar, Surry Hills

Tapas to die for and a bright and splashy colour scheme make this shine like a jewel on the crowded Crown Street dining scene.

Jonah’s, Palm Beach

Plenty to sigh over here – from the panoramic ocean views at your feet to George Francisco’s French-influenced slow-food menu, and the huge deck makes this the perfect choice for sunny day lunches.

Don’t miss

• The ethereal desserts at Pier Restaurant created by pastry chef Katrina Kanetani.
• The sake sommelier at Toko in Surry Hills, pure Zen.
• Bourke Street Bakery in Surry Hills, crammed with artisan breads, pastries and tarts. Try the pork and fennel sausage rolls!
• Yum! Dessert is back on centre stage on Sydney’s fine dining scene.