Bistro Papillon (Sydney)

A group of us went to Bistro Pap in the centre of Sydney on a cold Friday night – perfect evening for some comfort French cuisine in a warm, intimate dining room.

The quality of the food was spot on – pay attention to the blackboard specials. The large portion of Toulousain sausage was full of flavour, as was the Duck Confit. The desserts were also excellent – both the pear tarte tatin and crème brulee were well received. We left the place very satisfied.

Details:
Bistro Papillon
Ground Level, 98 Clarence St 
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.bistropapillon.com.au/

Bundu Khan (Crows Nest)

We took up Bundu Khan’s cudo voucher offer of a set menu dinner for 2 at $49. The set menu consists of a mixed entrée platter, 2 curries (consists of 1 meat and 1 vegetarian), unlimited rice and naan bread, and dessert. After a day of bushwalking, we certainly could do with a fulfilling meal.

The standard of food just met our expectations of a supposed heavily discounted meal. While the entrée platter kicked off the meal well, the curries were blend. And the dessert was too sweet.

Details:
Bundu Khan Restaurant
344 Pacific Hwy 
Crows Nest NSW 2065
http://www.bundukhan.com.au/

GPO Cheese and Wine Room (Sydney)

I have been to the GPO Cheese & Wine Room only for corporate events until recently, where we paid a visit for the newly launched fondue menu. For $36 we had bread and potatoes to dip in to the melted cheese, as well as a sample of hams and prawns. There was also chocolate fondue available.

The portion size is on the small side but the quality of the cheese was very high. And the quiet and comfortable dining area made us ordered an extra pate platter, which was also excellent.

Details:
GPO Cheese & Wine Room
No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia 2000
http://www.gposydney.com

The Vineyard (Crows Nest)

I always walked past Vineyard Restaurant at Crows Nest to find that they are already fully booked for the night. On a quiet weeknight the family was finally able to get in. The restaurant was able to duplicate the vineyard atmosphere. The menu offers a good range of fare but always refer to the blackboard special.

The family enjoyed the meal. The lamb was perfectly balanced with the beetroot. The steak was cooked perfectly. And the special farfalle with prawn and asparagus was excellent where the hand-made pasta really stood out.

Details:
The Vineyard Restaurant Lounge
104 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest NSW 2065
http://www.vineyardrestaurantlounge.com.au

Altitude Restaurant (Sydney)

I always pick restaurants with a view when treating guests from overseas. 2 weeks ago we went to the one-hat Altitude Restaurant at the top of Shangri-La Hotel. The view from level 36 genuinely impressed our guest as she had a direct view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Quality of the food matches the view. The 4-course $110 menu provided a good balance of choices. The lamb and the suckling pig mains were succulent and perfectly cooked. While the dark chocolate dessert rounded out a satisfying meal.

Details:
Altitude Restaurant
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Level 36, 176 Cumberland St
The Rocks NSW 2000
http://www.36levelsabove.com.au/

Sapporo Restaurant (Crows Nest)

A good meal can turn Thursday night shopping from a rather boring routine to an event to look forward to. Last week we went to Sapporo Restaurant at Crows Nest for the wagyu sukiyaki special.

For under $40 there was plenty of wagyu beef for two with generous portion of vegetables on the side. Cooking next to the hot pot certainly brought comfort on a very cold night. For good measure we ordered the special mega sushi. The sushi rolls were as wide as the length of a credit card and stuffed with all the ingredients you can think of.

Details:
Sapporo Restaurant
94 Willoughby Rd 
Crows Nest NSW 2065
http://www.sapporo.com.au/