Circular Quay’s New Dining Precinct Opens
A spate of eateries has opened in the new Gateway Sydney development at Circular Quay, writes Alex Greig.
The harbour may be the jewel in the sparkling crown that is Sydney but it’s been relying on its good looks for too long. A dearth of casual dining options at the city’s most-photographed location has consigned visitors to hot chips or high-end fine dining, with very little in between – until now.
Encompassed by Alfred Street, Loftus Street and Reiby Place, Gateway Sydney is a multi-level glass and sandstone space that is now home to 25 eateries. The first stage of the $60 million development opened in September. To whet your appetite, here’s a sample of what’s on offer.
Din Tai Fung
Taiwan’s Din Tai Fung began in Australia with one restaurant at Sydney’s World Square in 2008. But after its dumplings were described (by none other than renowned chef Ken Hom) as the world’s tastiest, it made sense to spread the love around. The new outlet at Gateway Sydney is the city’s ninth. Sydneysiders have taken to Din Tai Fung in a major way – one taste of a soup-filled dumpling explains why.
Burger Project
We don’t know how Neil Perry manages to produce such high-quality burgers for less than $10 but we’re content to let the staff at his Burger Project do their thing. “The people’s burgers” are made from grass-fed Cape Grim beef; the secret sauce and pickles are made in-house. So is the ice-cream that goes into milkshakes and sundaes such as the Bounty Hunter: vanilla ice-cream with Valrhona chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue.
SEE ALSO: What’s Cooking at Neil Perry’s Burger Project
Zumbo
Patissier Adriano Zumbo first came to national attention on MasterChef when he made a famously elaborate croquembouche that the contestants had to emulate. Since then, Zumbo’s cakes, tarts and, of course, famous Zumbarons (“Zumbo-fied” macarons) have found a place in all our hearts – and stomachs.
Chat Thai
Chat Thai has been serving the flavours of Bangkok to Sydneysiders for more than 25 years but the proliferation of Thai restaurants that followed its opening has done nothing to diminish its charm. The sophisticated Thai dishes still pull in round-the-clock queues at the original Haymarket establishment. You’ll find the latest eatery, with its street food-inspired menu, on level one of Gateway Sydney.
