DeziGal

A-Z

Aki’s on Finger Wharf: One of the best Indian meals outside of India, this place is not to be missed! As good as Vij's in Vancouver! The menu is a mix of north and south traditional enough for the true Desi, but modern enough for first timers. Well adapted fusion menu encorporating local seafood. Try the calamari salad, chicken kebabs, okra, and dal. Yummy with a capital Y. The waiter could be dish himself :)

Australian Hotel: Historic hotel and pub in the Rocks serves up delicious pizza with crazy toppings such as emu, kangaroo, and tandoori chicken, all recommended with a different beer. The inside takes you back to the time when scruffy sailors and convicts came here after a hard day. It is quite a lunch favorite for locals and tourists wanting a leisurely outdoor lunch. The pizza itself had a thin and crispy crust highlighting the toppings above. Favorite toppings: Tandoori chicken with yogurt sauce (raita) and the grilled vegetables with goat cheese.

Doyle’s by the Beach: Casual seafood dining on Rose Harbor. Beautiful views of Sydney skyline. This place has been around forever and is popular with locals and tourists. Great for big groups and families.

Golden Century: Family Style Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Open late. Don’t miss the green means in special sauce and the salt and pepper tofu.

Iceberg’s Dining Room & Bar, Bondi Beach: Perched above one of the oldest swimming clubs in Sydney, this chic eatery is all about location, location, location. Floor to ceiling windows and a wraparound balcony with outdoor seating open out to the best views of semi-circular Bondi beach and its hilltop homes. This is hottest table in Bondi. The place to see and been seen - (personally spotted Jerry Seinfeld on a power lunch with studio execs), so it’s really not about the food – which is just a hint above mediocre. The modern Mediterranean cuisine is served by snooty waiters with bow ties and rumpled white jackets. The innovative cocktails and salads are worth a try.

The décor is a palate of cool aqua blues and greens mirroring shades of the pacific outside. Mod light fixtures hover above in form of giant overlapping circles. Aluminum, steel, and colored plexi panels make for linear icy-cool furniture. One tip – Dress upscale casual lest you want indifferent service – fanny packs, coach bags, white sneakers are not welcome J Verdict: Not to be missed. Best for a lazy afternoon lunch. $$$$ but worth the view.

The Mix: Restaurant at the Shangri-La. Excellent breakfast and lunch buffet. Better than most places in Vegas, the buffet capital of the world, in terms of quality of food. Very geared towards asian food - chinese, japanese, and Indian. The Indian was especially good --- best Indian as part of a hotel buffet. The cappucinos were to die for.  

Sailor’s Thai: partly owned by David Thompson, award winning London restaurateur, of Naam fame, this two part eatery occupies the historic Sailor’s house on George Street overlooking Circular Quay. Casual dining is at the Canteen on the street level and downstairs is better for a lingering dining experience. Dominated by a communal table and open kitchen, the dimly lit but naturally airy canteen is ideal for lunch on a hot day. The food at $20 and up for an entree, though pricier than your average lunch at the neighborhood Thai takeout, is worth it (20$ up for an entrée). Favorites: Papaya salad with mini prawns and pork (ask for it on the side if you’re veggie); minced chicken with chili, kafir lime leaves, and basil run, and deep fried chicken with chili, lime, and ginger dipping sauce.

Zaffraan: traditional Indian fare on Darling Harbor. Touristy place with average food. Give this a miss and try Aki’s instead.

Other recommendations:

Tetsuya’s, Pier, Summit, Est, Quay, Longrain