1. 1821 – Made in Greece
I can unreservedly proclaim that 1821, located at 122 Pitt St, Sydney, is the most glamorous, opulent and satisfying dining experience on offer in Sydney’s central business district.
Over three levels of Athenian inspired interior design, paying homage to the Greek revolution against the Ottomans, designer Dimitris Economou has established a unparalled and awe-inspiring venue that is both opulent and sophisticated. Paying tribute to the traditions, heritage and future of Greece, attention to detail is obvious in the design and execution of the interiors, food, staffing, etc.
“I employed a designer from Greece and flew him in to design it,” Kospetas says. “He is a highly regarded in Greece. The whole essence of 1821 is that we want it designed and built in Greece so it actually is a Greek interior.”
Backer Jim Kospetas — who drove the opening of the successful Alpha restaurant in Sydney’s CBD Hellenic Club — says the fitout costs are climbing but added that he is confident the project will have a midyear start.
“It’s been very expensive,” he says. “I don’t think we’re going to get much change out of $2m. It may even get up as high as $3m. But we’re taking Greek food to the next level.”
The stunning high ceilings, powerful columns, detailed white horses mounted to the venue entry and wide windows creates an unrivalled eatery appropriate for formal gatherings, and/or casual Friday night drinks with colleagues.
Whether you are enticed by the delights on the desert menu, the finger-licking good main dishes or the reasonably priced (yet ever so fancy) beverages, 1821 has to be next on your ‘to go‘ list!
Ph. (02) 8080 7070
2. Gemelle Ristorante Italiano
Hidden in the side streets of Liverpool sits a fine-dining white tablecloth experience that will not disappoint you (or your purse strings). During a weeknight, Gemelle provides sensational dishes thriving off fresh ingredients, attention to detail and exceptional unobtrusive customer service. On a weekend, Gemelle has proven to be a suitable location for parties and events, oozing an undeniable sense sophistication and charm. Frankly, Gemmelle is the George Clooney of the suburban Italian food restaurants.
Recent interior upgrades such as the addition of stone walls, an impressive glass clear on restaurant floor and winding staircase leading to an upstairs function centre are individual features of the eatery. Down-lights and jazz music add to the flair and up-scale ambience of the restaurant, particularly on busy Saturday evenings.
Whilst dishes are arguably slightly dearer than counterpart restaurants, the overall dining experience and quality of the produce and foods are unrivalled, transporting you from the back streets of the western suburbs to the most elegant eatery in Sydney. In the event that you are searching for alternative locations for a date night or event outside of the central business district, ensure 79 Bathurst St, Liverpool is at the top of your list.
Ph: 02 9602 5294
3. The Public Dining Room
Okay, so perhaps this suggestion is cheating as Balmoral’s The Public Dining Room isn’t necessarily ‘underrated‘, however, on the basis that I knew nothing about it until the moment I ate at the restraunt, for arguments sake, it’s underrated.
The Public Dining Room is an incredibly upmarket venue that boasts unobstructed breathtaking views over the picturesque Balmoral Beach. Having only eaten at the restraunt on Valentine’s Day 2016, of which I cannot recall whether there was a set menu for the evening, the lasting impression of the food was that the kitchen delivered.
Whilst prices are on the higher end, The Public Dining Room is not a venue that one would dine at on a regular basis, instead it would be reserved for special occasions. Considering the beauty of the venue, the professionalism of staff, abilities of kitchen staff and opulance of the interiors, one can make an exception and for-out $40(ish) dollars per meal every so often.
Ph. (02) 9968 4880
Happy dining!
Whilst I was advised that the tea will stay hot for 6-8 hours, a claim that I was sceptical about, I found that tea could stay hot for much longer. I can confirm that these claims are not mere puff and they are completely and unreservedly worth the money.
