Eat: Bennelong
Dining under the sails: a favorite amongst all favorites.
Sydney, Australia
Strategically placed in the smaller set of sails facing the city and harbour itself is Bennelong, the fine dining restaurant experience at the Opera House. But, tourist restaurant it is not. And, having been to many starred venues all over the world, I consider it easily one of the best dining experiences ever—and not just for the surrounding architecture.
Of course, the space is incredible, with the towering concrete shells forming the soaring roof above, while it seemingly floats lightly on the glass that prevents it from touching the ground. Such glass gives a 270-degree panoramic vista of the iconic cityscape, from the skyscrapers to the Harbor Bridge. I suggest setting your reservation about 1 hour before sunset, so that you can witness the change in color from day to night through those windows.
And, then there’s the service – which is incredibly thoughtful. I emailed the reservations team nearly a year in advance to tell them how special my visit was to me as an architect, and not only did the maitre’d remember a year later, but he personally selected and escorted me to a table with the perfect view of the building. When I sat down, I realized that my view, and my camera, were EXACTLY perfectly centered in the space…not even an inch off. I was thoroughly touched.
Unique cocktails were so elaborate – smoking cloches and all - that they caught the attention of other diners as the glasses arrived at the table. Each dish was an artwork, worthy of a photograph, including the very special pavlova of white sails served at the very end, a reflection of the Opera House herself. Its namesake, Bennelong, refers to the Aboriginal heritage of the restaurant location, and accordingly, local produce and special indigenous plants were a significant part of the menu, making the experience all the more Australian.
Bennelong is certainly worthy of an iconic celebration, one that I will always remember, perhaps fitting given the very iconic location itself.
Bennelong Point, Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW 2000
Photo Source: Syllogi
Every publication will feature one unique restaurant, hotel, activity, or other travel discovery that stood out in our research. Some of these are established institutions that deserve repeat merit, while others are hidden gems that are often off the radar of most.
