Xanthi (Sydney)

Overseas guest is the perfect reason for a gathering over food. To satisfy the big meat eaters, I have chosen Xanthi inside Westfield Sydney for some Greek fare.

The famous spit roast pork was nice and tender, even when it has gone cold well into the meal. And the crackling was gone within seconds. The other meat dishes such as lamb skaras and roast duck with quince were also fantastic. Surprise of the night was the truffle mousaka which was sufficiently creamy without being too heavy – and not watery when you cut into it like other places.

Details:
Xanthi
Westfield Sydney, Level 6
Corner Pitt Street Mall & Market Street
Sydney 2000
http://www.xanthi.com.au/

Bon Bon Fine Chocolate Cafe (Sydney)

Needing a hot chocolate fix on a cold night, we ventured to the Bon Bon Chocolate Café on Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall. The café is actually downstairs from the beautiful chocolate shop at the Strand Arcade, and a very comfortable place to take a break.

The hot chocolate was nice, thick and really satisfying. We also had the double waffle which came with a generous serving of ice-cream and shaved chocolate.

Details:
Bon Bon Chocolate Café
Shop 33, Strand Arcade,
Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.bonbon.com.au/cafe.html

Spiedo (Sydney)

With most restaurants in the Sydney CBD closed on a Sunday, it was difficult for us to find a table for 4 at dinner time. Fortunately Westfield Sydney was opened and we dined at Spiedo Restaurant on level 6.

The restaurant specialises cuisine from Northern Italy and the dishes were perfect for a cold winter night. My orecchiette gorgonzola was rich and satisfying. The lamb rump main was perfectly cooked and very tender. It was ashamed how quiet the place (and the whole floor of restaurants) was despite the quality of food. The tiramisu was also worth a try.

Details:
Spiedo Restaurant & Bar
Westfield Sydney Level 6
77 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.spiedo.com.au/

Westfield Food Hall, Charlie & Co Burgers, Ragu Pasta... and more (Sydney)

We decided to visit the Westfield Food Hall on a Thursday night after all we have heard about it (but never managed to find time to go during lunch). Occupying level 5 of the shopping mall, this premium food court was fairly crowded at dinner time.

We had a good variety of food: juicy wagyu beef burger with onion rings at Charlie & Co, pasta from Ragu Pasta & Wine Bar, drinks from Chatime, and gelato and lemon/hazelnut dessert from Via Del Corso Pasticceria. The meal overall was not cheap – just a touch under $70.

Details:
Westfield Sydney Food Hall
Level 5
450 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.westfield.com.au/sydney/store-profiles/sydney-room/

Chinta Ria Mood for Love (Sydney)

On a busy Thursday night leading to the Christmas shopping week, we caught up with a friend from Canberra for a meal at Mood For Love in Westfield Sydney – a new venture of Chinta Ria. We got seated outside of the rather dimmed dining room.

The excellent fried chicken entrée gave us an exciting start of the meal. The reputed beef rendang was available – meat was tender and the sauce went very well with the fragrant coconut rice. The cassava cake was simple and not too sweet.

Given its prime location, the girls went straight to shopping after…

Details:
Chinta Ria Mood for Love
Westfield Sydney
Level 6, Shop 6009
188 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.chintamoodforlove.com/