Travel: 7 Restaurants You Need To Try in The Rocks
The Rocks is a fabulous place to imbibe the best Australia offers; a superb destination for modern arts, bustling markets, chic restaurants, cafes, upmarket shopping, and iconic views. Did we say iconic views? (Pretty stoked with the photo above).
Check out these 7 restaurants that we love and think you should try (not to mention Quay as an icon)...
1. Sake Restaurant and Bar
Just off the water and up the hill on Argyle lies the sexy Sake Restaurant and Bar, one of the best Japanese restaurants around. This is chic dining at its best featuring traditional favourites as well as smart modern Japanese with a twist. Imbibe the edamame, Japanese charcoal grill skewers, the crispy chicken karaage, Sushi set, and creamy tasty prawn dumplings and wagyu dumplings, to start. Then embrace standout mains such as Pan seared Ocean Barramundi, Grain fed Wagyu Teriyaki and the Glacier 51 toothfish. Kudos to Sushi Master Shaun Presland and his team. Perch near the front entrance on a stool or grab a spot in the sunken table setting or a private dining area.
2. Sailor Thai
Sailor Thai is another chic restaurant in The Rocks, featuring canteen style with long table and a menu that reflects fast, fresh and inspired renditions of food sold on the streets across Thailand. We find the restaurant intimate and the staff engaging. Authenticity of flavours is paramount; they don't dumb down the heat or spices. Standouts include the famous Slow cooked pork belly, Pad Thai, Aromatic southern style chicken (southern style being Thai southern style) and Stir fried spicy barramundi. Rewarding and nuances of romance.
3. Pei Modern
Pei Modern is found in the charming Four Seasons Hotel; a modern dining experience to impress. Allow yourself several hours to imbibe, with Mark Best in the kitchen, a fabulous selection of dishes from standout oysters to Spanish style tapas, through to the stunning meat options. We've enjoyed some of the best steak/meat dishes in Australia with a penchant for Wagyu. Cheese options also raise a smile, particularly the Holy Goat fromage.
4. Scarlett Restaurant
We're enamoured with Harbour Rocks Hotel as the perfect place to stay in Sydney and The Rocks. It's part of the MGallery collection of hotels and features a killer library in the lobby and fabulous suites with views. Scarlett Restaurant is intimate and boutique. Stop for a drink in Eric's Bar then make your way down the stairs to Scarlett Restaurant. Soft leather seating and heritage stone walls await you, as well as superb dishes such as Miso Glazed Salmon and Confit Pork Belly.
5. La Renaissance
Sydney is a frenetic city but nestled away in The Rocks is the tranquil courtyard of La Renaissance. French style treats abound too numerous to mention. We're captivated with the pies, Fresh baguettes and the fine pastries, cakes (as above) and macarons with kudos to Jean Michel Raynaud. A quirky feature is the keen Rosellas who steal the odd sugar packet. You'll need to order at the counter with an inevitable line up wait out the door; putting your faith on the line that you'll actually score a table. But it's worth it!
6. Creperie Suzette
We're loving the French style food offerings in The Rocks and Creperie Suzette is a bright indulgent option for breakfast and lunch. Imbibe French style Galettes and Crepes from the menu including the Nutella and Banana or Nutella and Strawberries (above), or the popular La Tasmanienne (Smoked Tasmanian Salmon). Part of Harbour Rocks Hotel, Creperie Suzette delivers on ambience with modern fit out in a heritage building and boasts the authenticity of French crepe makers. The coffee here is stunning (Double Roasters) and the pick of coffee in The Rocks precinct.
7. The Rocks Friday Foodie Market
Markets abound in The Rocks and the main market The Rocks Friday Foodie Market excites as a fresh food open air market. In terms of food options the nearby cafes and restaurants figure highly, including crusty bread, olives, gelato, chocolate, lunch dishes, cured meats and fresh produce. The Rocks boasts the most stunning markets around and you can dedicate a few hours to explore high quality food and market offerings. Combine this with a stroll around the precinct with Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge always present.