Category Archives: Reviews

For those of you who may not have yet noticed, Summer Hill is establishing itself as an emerging culinary postcode lately. Apéritif & Co. is the latest addition to that trend this year, a European inspired Wine and Cocktail Bar by hospitality veterans Valerie Deeks, Versha Gupta, and Camille Bahier. “This transformation isn’t simply aboutContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Apéritif & Co. | 14.5/15”

One undeniable lesson I have learned in food reviewing is to assume absolutely nothing, and to always keep an open mind. Dodici is located at the Newgreens development in Chatswood, an impressive premium lifestyle wellness precinct, featuring a newly redesigned 12 hole golf course set to open in early 2026, 105 luxury residences, pool, gym,Continue reading “Fine Dining Review: Dodici (15.5/20)”

We are amidst an economically driven hospitality paradigm, and savvy Managing Director of the Rivage Hospitality Group Andrew Becher has acknowledged that with the opening of Le Frérot. The lovely intimate space was previously occupied by Palar which was one of my top dining experiences in 2024. It pushed the boundaries with Group Executive ChefContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Le Frérot | 14.5/15”

In any reviewing year, there will be a restaurant that catches you off-guard. Mezepotamia was definitely my pleasant discovery of 2025, even though it originally opened in Leichardt in 2021, before its relocation to Redfern post pandemic. It’s a celebration of Turkish and Middle Eastern culture with experienced Chef Burak Yildirim at the helm, deliveringContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Mezepotamia | 14.5/15”

There has been a lot of hype recently about the new food precinct at Wunderlich Lane, and from a quick first look, it’s pretty impressive both in terms of scale and quality. However, slightly shifting away from that media focus, only a block and a bit away is Nawabi, also well worth a visit ifContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Nawabi, Surry Hills | 13.5/15”

The history of Iranian, or often also referred to as Persian Cuisine, dates back some 3500 years, depending on which historical source and cultural influences you are referencing. More unequivocally, it is a rich cuisine layered in spices and textures, and sadly it has been somewhat hard to find authentic iterations of it in SydneyContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Shila Kitchen | 14/15”

There are some Head Chef appointments which you know will make a difference. Luke Davenport’s at Franca was one of those. His stellar CV includes training under Rene Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen, and Brett Graham at The Ledbury, giving him exposure to Michelin starred Restaurant experience. Executive Chef José Saulog of the Rivage HospitalityContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: Franca | 16/20”

The roll call of past Chefs at NOUR is impressive to say the least (Roy Ner and Paul Farag), and that legacy is set to continue with new Head Chef Ibrahim Kasif (ex Stanbuli). He had been running recruitment for the Esca Group until Co-Founder Ibby Moubadder pleaded and convinced him to get back onContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: NOUR | 15.5/20”

If you have not already noticed, French brasserie style dining is trending in Sydney, as part of a wider move away from more overcomplicated dishes back to far simpler and gratifying flavour driven food on our plates, and I say Amen to that! Armorica, along with Franca flew the Francophile flag earlier than the moreContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: Armorica | 15/20”

There is some mighty fine Italian cuisine on offer in Sydney at the moment, if you are prepared to look beyond the poor facsimiles, and Sella Vinoteca is another exceptional example of that. Passionate owner Fabio Dore makes no apologies for his proud Sardinian roots, and the recent addition of Head Chef Stefano Gaspa (exContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: Sella Vinoteca | 15/20”

It is far too easy to approach restaurants with pre-conceptions based on location or their culinary style, and Me-Gal is the perfect example. That it is located within the Taronga Zoo precinct is a unique feature, and certainly not a gimmick, and it is not just the breathtakingly beautiful view back to the Sydney skylineContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: Me-Gal | 15/20”

The history of Din Tai Fung dates all the way back to 1972 with a humble stall in Taipei. Some 52 years on, its become a global brand, opening its first restaurant in Australia in 2008, and subsequently has ten venues in both Sydney and Melbourne. The key to their success has been the consistencyContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Din Tai Fung (World Square) | 14/15”

Niche Mosman is many things to many people. In the morning it opens early as a bustling Neighbourhood café to the Village, offering a healthy styled breakfast menu that covers all the bases. It then transitions into Bistro mode with its all day menu with extensive brunch and lunch options, before settling into a RestaurantContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Niche Mosman | 14/15”

First opening in Balmain in 2012 under Chef Jane Sangpoowong with the concept to showcase contemporary Northern Thai Cuisine using Australian produce – and do so with a duty of care. It has subsequently expanded to Barangaroo (2022) and South Eveleigh (2021), and plans are afoot to open another. Making it through COVID, only emphasisedContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Pepper Seeds -Boutique Thai Bites | 14.5/15”

Location, Location. This was a prime CBD venue crying out for some TLC, and the new Sydney based hospitality group, Sunday Co. has provided exactly that without diverting too far from the DNA established at this site. Renowned previously for its impressively comprehensive Oyster selection, that remains an ongoing commitment, with everything shucked freshly toContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill | 14.5/15”

Let’s get something clarified from the get go, forget what perceptions the name may imply to some, this is a Restaurant and Bar, and it is a very good one. Located below The Bavarian on George Street, although both use the same street level entry point, you enter by stairs directly on your left. WhatContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Hustlers SYD | 14.5/15”

The appointment of talented Chef Jason McCauley in October 2022 (ex Banc, Carpaccio & Metisse Group) has elevated Jaaks to another level. Its current degustation is amongst the finest showcasing of Greek and Cypriot cuisine in the country. The new Chef’s synergy with respected owners George Christodoulou and Diana Valsamis, and Restaurant Manager Harry SarantidisContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: Jaaks Restaurant and Bar | 16/20”

When you step into Iberica, the stunning interior design of Lisa Wright, takes you instantly from the seaside culture of Bondi straight to the Mediterranean! Its from the same ownership team at Ikaria on Campbell Parade. Pitched as a Spanish Mediterranean Restobar that pays homage to the Balearic Islands, talented Executive Chef Ivan Sanchez (exContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Iberica | 14.5/15”

Firstly, Momoto is a lot of fun, even for a seasoned diner. Now in three locations (World Square, Westfield East Gardens both in NSW, and recently opened at Mt Gravatt in QLD) they describe the offering as blurring “the lines between traditional and modern fusion sushi”, and that ambition is not too far off theContinue reading “Casual Dining Review: Momoto (World Square)”

Nothing gives me more pleasure then when I see a restaurant fulfill its potential, and this current iteration sees Bar Patrón doing exactly that. It’s not just the revamped menu for Summer, or the refresh of the cocktail game, its about their whole team fully standing behind, and embracing the new concept – and itContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Bar Patrón | 14.5/15”

At a time when the cost of living is spiraling out of control, I am not sure if Head Chef Jasminder Singh’s expansive banquet menu priced at $52 (per person) can be beaten for value with so many diners feeling the pinch of the current economic heat. Having said that, the à la carte menuContinue reading “Fine Casual Dining Review: Itihaas (Turramurra) | 13.5/15”

There are many in the industry who know about and respect the accomplished career of Chef Darren Templeman, who has worked for the likes of legendary Chefs Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay and Bruno Loubet. That somewhat brutal era in the competitive Michelin fueled kitchens of London were definitely not for the faint hearted, howeverContinue reading “Fine Dining Review: Izy Aki | 16/20”