Sydney - Quay
Winter 07/08
Frank's view 
'check the cruise ship schedule before you book'
Sydney has several restaurants which offer exceptional cuisine, two being Rockpool and Quay. The restaurants are a few minutes walk apart, but their positions could not be a greater contrast.
Whereas Rockpool (probably Sydney’s most famous restaurant), is in the heart of ‘The Rocks’ tourist area on George Street, with no view whatsoever, Quay has arguably the most stunning location of any restaurant anywhere in the world.
Quay is based in a small round tower at the end of Sydney's International Passenger Terminal on Circular Quay. Downstairs is Doyle’s restaurant, but prime position belongs to Quay.
Originally Bilson’s, the restaurant changed hands and name in 2001, and now is the showcase for chef, Peter Gilmore.
As you would expect, the food is beyond criticism. The four course a la carte dinner is Aus$145 (US$ 133). The three course lunch is AUS$ 85. Neither is a bargain but neither should they be, as you enjoy the world’s top view whilst savouring some of the world’s best restaurant cuisine.
One small note of caution, however.
On the most recent occasion we visited Quay, we dined by the window (ask for a window table when you book) and wondered at the Opera House before us, the Harbour Bridge to our left and the lights of Sydney’s City Business District to our right. We were staying at The Park Hyatt hotel, a few minutes walk away.
The next morning I awoke to find the largest cruise liner I have ever seen docked alongside the Passenger Terminal.
The table we so enjoyed the previous evening now offered a full frontal view of cabin portholes on the side of a ship.
The Opera House was nowhere to be seen.
Quay Restaurant
International Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay
Sydney
Whereas Rockpool (probably Sydney’s most famous restaurant), is in the heart of ‘The Rocks’ tourist area on George Street, with no view whatsoever, Quay has arguably the most stunning location of any restaurant anywhere in the world.
Quay is based in a small round tower at the end of Sydney's International Passenger Terminal on Circular Quay. Downstairs is Doyle’s restaurant, but prime position belongs to Quay.
Originally Bilson’s, the restaurant changed hands and name in 2001, and now is the showcase for chef, Peter Gilmore.
As you would expect, the food is beyond criticism. The four course a la carte dinner is Aus$145 (US$ 133). The three course lunch is AUS$ 85. Neither is a bargain but neither should they be, as you enjoy the world’s top view whilst savouring some of the world’s best restaurant cuisine.
One small note of caution, however.
On the most recent occasion we visited Quay, we dined by the window (ask for a window table when you book) and wondered at the Opera House before us, the Harbour Bridge to our left and the lights of Sydney’s City Business District to our right. We were staying at The Park Hyatt hotel, a few minutes walk away.
The next morning I awoke to find the largest cruise liner I have ever seen docked alongside the Passenger Terminal.
The table we so enjoyed the previous evening now offered a full frontal view of cabin portholes on the side of a ship.
The Opera House was nowhere to be seen.
Quay Restaurant
International Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay
Sydney
+612 9251 5800
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
