5 May 2010

SYDNEY RESTAURANTS

I have been in Sydney for a week and here’s my list of places where you’re sure to be happy.

• THE TRIED AND TRUE

Buon Ricordo, 108 Boundary Rd, Paddington ph 9360 6729 Traditional Italian fare, beautifully presented in cosy surroundings. A place to go to be cosseted and cooed over, with a splendid wine list and totally delicious plates made with the finest Italian ingredients. Best dishes; Entrée of potato layered with olives, marinated fish, fennel and sesame on a salad of frisée and orange segments (pic) , and anything with pasta.

Bistro Moncur, 116 Queen St, Woollahra ph 9363 2519 Damien Pignolet may be one of France’s best exports to Australia. His modern French bistro in the Woollahra pub continues to the first choice of locals who feast on superb house made charcuterie, wonderful light meals or hearty true country style cooking, presented with flair and style. Good wine selection.

Fratelli Paradiso, 12 Challis Ave, Potts Point, ph 9357 1744 A visit to Sydney would be pointless without lunch or dinner at FP. Remains one of the hottest places in town, with a daily blackboard menu of real Italian treats. Love the calamari, the bresaola, the farfalle ragu, the bistecca (thin wagyu) and everything else on the menu. And an amazing wine list including organic wines from the clever Occhipinti sisters in Sicily. Casual, wonderful and no bookings.

• NEW AND HOT

La Scala on Jersey, cnr Jersey Rd and Melrose Lane, Woollahra ph 9357 0815 Upstairs in a corner pub on Oxford St, this place already bustles with the smart set after four weeks. Light, airy and fun with a great cocktail bar. Chef Darren Simpson’s fabulous modern food is approachable and beautifully put together. Roast chicken with organic veges, the best salad I have had in years and a well selected wine list.

Toko and Toko Noma, 490 Crown St, Surry Hills, ph 9357 6100 Very trendy Japanese restaurant in the heart of the fashionable eating district of Sydney. Toko simply heaves with locals and those who want freshly made sushi and sashimi, robata grilled meats and other small Japanese dishes. Very noisy and no bookings at Toko, but the more sombre lounge Toko Noma, next door, is more spacious, has amazing cocktails and serves the same food as Toko, from the same kitchen. And you can book tables there.

• BEST VIETNAMESE OUTSIDE VIETNAM

Red Lantern, 545 Crown St, Surry Hills ph 09698 4355 Once you get past the surly woman manning the front desk, you’ll be heaven with the light delicious fresh salads, the greats election of slightly spicy vegetarian dishes and the authentic Vietnamese specialties served in this small but atmospheric restaurant. Don’t miss the wonderful quail salad, the fresh rice paper rolls, the steamed fresh fish parcels with a smear of yellow curry and the best banana fritters imaginable. And the tight but perfectly formed wine list totally suits the food. Superb service from the wine-enthusiast waiter.

AND IN A PLACE OF THEIR OWN

Berowra Waters Inn, and Quay. See separate reviews.