Q Dining has some of the finest dining in Sydney with wonderful waterfront views across Circular Quay but I bet you’ve walked past it numerous times without even realising. Discreet luxury is a key feature of this criminally unsung restaurant, located on the mezzanine level of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. Ringing bells yet? That’s right, it’s the elegant dining area you pass on the way up the sweeping staircase to Cuban-inspired bar of the moment, Hacienda Sydney.
Do yourself a favour next time and stop off at Q Dining to sample the culinary passion of award-winning Executive Chef, Stefan Brademann. The decor is subtle with steel, concrete and muted tones leaving the floor to high ceiling windows showcasing the fabulous views across to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you can, book the far corner table – it has the best views and will make you feel like serious VIPs!
Q Dining focuses on locally sourced, seasonal produce alongside well-chosen imported specialities. I usually ask for staff recommendations for both food and accompanying wines so decided upon the house speciality – charcuterie – and let the talented wait staff select her favourites. It’s a policy that has never failed me and it certainly didn’t this time. The rabbit rillettes (rabbit slow cooked in duck fat) was deliciously silky, rich and sweet – perfectly balanced by the crisp, tangy pickles. The highlight was a 2012 vintage iberico de bellota; the Joselito Jamón Ibérico Puro. Oh. My. Word. The deeply savoury, meaty flavour with its silky fat certainly held up Joselito’s reputation as the best ham worldwide. The BF chose Merimbula oysters and they were the freshest, plumpest crustaceans I have tasted in some time (I stole one!). All this perfectly accompanied by the recommended glass of Holly’s Garden sparkling.
For main courses, Q Dining showed its mastery of modern cuisine, with the Rangers Valley Flank being cooked just to point and with a strong almost gamey flavour which the beetroot and eggplant balanced perfectly. The BF’s Ocean Trout was the opposite – light, delicate and again, perfectly cooked with a delicious citrusy ricotta to add zest. He declared it the best fish he’d ever had. A special mention goes to the mixed leaf salad, perfectly dressed with just enough vinaigrette. Again, the glasses of wines selected for us to match the food were different and way better than those we would have chosen.
We had just enough room left for dessert – my White Rocky Road with passion fruit and banana jam was seriously sweet and deliciously chewy but the piece de resistance was the BF’s Aerated Chocolate Parfait with sorbet and raspberries. Dusted in gold this not only looked spectacular but tasted divine. Darkly chocolatey with a luxurious feel in the mouth and the raspberries providing just the right acidity for cutting through.
The distinguished Q dining is truly one of Sydney’s finest restaurants but the prices are reasonable for the food’s quality. It’s perfect for both a special dinner or a quick, casual pre-theatre supper with 2 courses costing from only $70.
I highly recommend taking the time to check out Q dining’s new Autumn Menu – my favourites are definitely the Flinders Island lamb rack and Black Angus tenderloin but do not miss out on the Macadamia nougatine with Milo!
And if you’re still searching for somewhere special to take Mum this Sunday then get booking! With spectacular views, unparalleled luxury and impeccable service in the heart of Sydney Harbour, Q Dining is the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day. Each 3-course lunch includes a glass of Veuve Ambal sparkling wine on arrival and every mum who dines will receive a beautiful bottle of L’Occitane perfume.
WHAT: Q DINING
WHERE: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, 61 Macquarie Street , Sydney NSW 2000
WHEN:
Breakfast: 7am – 11am
Lunch: Monday – Saturday 12pm – 3pm Sunday 12pm-2:30pm
Pre-theatre: Monday-Saturday, 5:30pm-7:00pm .
Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 10pm
MOTHERS’ DAY:
WHEN: Sunday 14th May, 12.30pm – 15.00pm
COST: $99 per adult I $49 per child 2-course lunch including non-alcoholic beverages (12 years and under)
BOOKING/ENQUIRIES: 02 9256 4044 or qdining.sydney@accor.com
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