By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
In a city where harbour views and high style regularly collide, it’s only natural that the dining scene in Australia’s unofficial capital of glam also serves up a little boujee with every bite.
From caviar-studded burgers to delicious desserts drenched in liquid gold, Sydney’s most glamorous dishes dazzle, delight and demand to be Instagrammed.
Here are eight truly extravagant ones:
Kittyhawk New York brings the pulse of Manhattan’s after-hours scene to the heart of Sydney; starting with a revamped menu that celebrates Italian-American decadence and spotlights the signature raviolo as the star. Bursting with velvety pumpkin, earthy oyster mushrooms and nutty Manchego, this singular pasta is a vision on the plate - folded and finished with a hint of chilli heat.
Beautifully constructed and artistically plated, it resembles a delicate floral, blooming on a dish, strongly encouraging you to stop and smell the (rose-resembling) raviolo, before digging in!
Glimmering under the lights of Liverpool’s industrial-chic precinct, The Paper Mill Food's Fairy Floss Martini is the very definition of glitzy indulgence. Topped with hand-woven pink Persian pashmak, this dazzling, pretty-in-pink drink is almost too special to sip. Almost.
Photo credit: Kera Wong.
Sitting pretty on the water’s edge, Harbour Bistro at Pier One is the epitome of sophisticated Sydney dining with a royal French twist. The utterly extravagant Caviar Cheeseburger is one of its crown jewels. Crafted with a juicy Wagyu beef patty, molten cheese and an opulent 10-gram scoop of Sturia caviar, it’s a regal reimagination of the humble burger. Show-stopping yet still satisfying, this high-end creation is pure Paris-meets-Habour-City magic.
Henrietta is jumping on the viral Dubai chocolate trend by delivering a decadent dessert that is worthy of inclusion on Sydney’s most glamorous dishes list. This luxe take layers crisp, golden kataifi pastry with silky chocolate mousse and a generous scattering of roasted pistachios. Rich and radiant, it’s a textural marvel that teases the senses and is a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy and classy.
The Egg at Izy.Aki is a refined creation by acclaimed Chef Darren Templeman that marries traditional Japanese technique with a modern, gilded twist. A soft hen’s egg is filled with silky white onion puree, rich foie gras and smoked eel, then crowned with glimmering golden trout roe.
Served in the intimate setting of Sydney’s first Kappo Yakiniku omakase experience, it’s a dish that is equal parts elegant and experiential dining.
Espresso soft serve drizzled in extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt might sound simple, but, Bobby’s turns it into a classy, covetable treat. The Crema di Caffe is the embodiment of beachside elegance: smooth, subtly salty and surprisingly chic. Cool and creamy with a touch of Mediterranean glam, it’s the kind of stylish indulgence you’d expect to find poolside on the Amalfi Coast.
Bringing a splash of Latin flair to Sydney’s eastern suburbs, The Butler’s Crudo Platter is a seafood lover’s dream wrapped in refined, Potts Point polish. A shimmering selection of half a dozen oysters, scallops and glistening Ora King salmon delivers a fashionable take on coastal dining.
Aalia’s Smoked Buffalo Labneh is edible art in motion. With every dip, swirls of deep pink beetroot molasses and creamy strained yoghurt emerge, revealing a canvas of colours and flavours. The refined smoky tang of the house-hung labneh is met with the earthy sweetness of molasses and the bright crunch of wild sorrel.
Radiant, bold and beautifully balanced, this mezze dish is a show-stopper on every level. Proof that sophistication lies in the details…and in the swirl!
