Where to experience world class harbour dining this Winter

The best things come in threes. Like it’s namesake, The Ternary, derived from the latin word, “ternarius” – constitutes three elements; bar, wok and grill with three dishes on this Winter Warmers menu.

Located in the Novotel, Darling Harbour, the soft hues of flamingo pink reel you in as you ascend into the space, the warmth of the fireplace provides sanctuary from the winter cold as its flames and embers whisper distinctly through the bustling main dining area.  

The walk to our table takes us through the ‘ternarius’ core, heading past the award winning bar, Asian kitchen and tandoor and finally passing the sizzling grill. 

We’re reminded of our fondness of this venue with its world class rationale of creation, with the panoramic backdrop of Darling Harbour.

Pan seared scallops with thai sauce and hot smoked salmon served on betel leaf and nam jim sauce are beautiful bite sized bursts of flavor comes as one of the common canapés on their functions menu. It was an outstanding prelude to the showcase of new items.


A selection of locally sourced and imported cheeses are accompanied with a bottle of McWilliam’s Shiraz Wine in the ultimate Winter board.  Taking sanctuary in the lounge area, the slow paced grazing excites with a complexity of flavors from the different stages of cheese maturation that’s been assembled.

After several visits to The Ternary over the years, there’s one thing we know.  When they make a dish, it’s made with intention and truth.  This winter you will find that attribute in their Penang Prawn curry.   A multi-layered assault of pungency in salt, fish sauce, thick creamy coconut and peanut sweetness with eye watering fire the dish in its original form was designed yet beautiful streaming through the sauce in perfect waves.

The pièce de résistance and only luxurious roast fitting for this 4.5 star rated hotel establishment is Wagyu. It’s exquisitely tender texture and luxurious taste can be accompanied with a choice of sauces including: shallot red wine, green peppercorn, mushroom, truffle mustard butter or garlic herb butter.  Resting on a bed of potatoes and spinach, this dish is recommended with a pint of Furphy Ale.

Easy access to the venue up the escalators, it is a destination not only for visitors to the city but also for nearby locals and workers ready to embraces the best version of dishes of classic favorites. 

Their Winter Warmer menu is available until the end of August.  Ranging in price from just $35-$49 including a glass or pint of alcohol, it’s a very reasonable night out for a world class harbour dining experience.

Joseph Lloyd, Contributor
Photo Credits: @sydneyfoodfreak_  Ben, @pixbyash