Q Dining, residing on the second floor of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, a level below the famous Hacienda bar is a beautiful place to enjoy lunch or dinner by the harbour.
Recently renovated, the restaurant is stunning. Floor to ceiling class windows to take in the view of the harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour bridge, watch the ferries sail in and out and simply admire the oceanfront views. The location also provides natural light into the space, and perfect to watch the sunset. The space feels luxurious and we feel that the colour palette, with its green and peach tones oozes modern sophistication. Green leather couches, marble tables and wooden chairs all blends nicely. Especially with the contrast of the sparkly and enormous pendant lights.
The restaurant has also seen the implementation of a brilliant new menu as well as their first-ever high tea menu. This comes to us curated by their new Executive Chef, Steven Hartert (previously of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth). The focus of the dining menu is the use of sustainable, ethical and seasonal ingredients, something we strongly align with. In addition, the inspiration of their menu items are native ingredients, a very on trend perspective is also something we love.
The ala carte menu offers a selection of small, large and share plates. We begin with some olive bread, served with Pepe Saya butter. We really like that the venue uses bread from the “bread and butter project”, a social enterprise which provides employment and training for refugees and asylum seekers. Kudos to the restaurant for including this supplier.
Following this, we shared a charcuterie platter, which comes with a range of air died and cured meats, pickled vegetables and mustard. This is a lovely artisan spread that’s a good option for sharing. We opt for the small size since we are keen for a range of other foods too.
The menu has a good mix of items from the land and sea. From the small plates we order the perfectly seared scallops, served in a lovely arrangement with thyme and garlic oven roasted Jerusalem artichokes, artichoke pure, lightly crisped brassica cabbage leaves and Japanese seaweed dressing. Intricate presentation with a variety of textures and flavours on the plate.
The Poached Queensland spanner crab marinade with lime sour cream is simply stunning, both in taste and presentation, topped with thinly sliced avocado, avruga smoked roe and salted cream. This is such a pretty little dish and a great choice for summer.
In addition, they have oysters, marinated olives, wallaby or even seared tuna. We recommend ordering a few small plates to share and a large plate too. There’s a few large choices; whether it be pork, Oxtail or linguine. From this section of the menu we loved the beautifully Poached cod with celeriac, bay leave foam, Avruga caviar and coastal herbs. A soft piece of fish that has been poached to allow the flavours of the natural fish to shine through and enhanced by the herbs.
If you’re here sharing like us, there’s two even larger options, an ethically sourced Victorian grass-fed beef rib sirloin and NSW (Cowra) pasture-raised slow cooked lamb shoulder. We selected the beef rib, 400g pasture fed, topped with Cafe de Paris 48 buttered and herb sauce. The meat is cooked medium rare as requested and it is certainly a quality piece of meat. This is extremely good value at $48.With this we have a creamy mash, cauliflower, green sand yellow beans to balance it all out.
If you’re here with a group of 4 or more, we’d recommend the tasting menu, at only $59 per person, it’s super reasonable and gives you a great way to try an array of dishes.
Overall the amount of food we ordered was perfect for three of us. We would say it was light and refreshing and the chef has prepared it well. Cooked perfectly and presented with care and deliberation.
Drinks wise, there’s a lime cello Spritz and lychee mojito, beers, ciders, spirits and wines. We tried the ‘passion spritz’, made with Passoa, Passionfruit syrup, Prosecco and soda water as well as the ‘Sprose Spritz’ Rose, Strawberry syrup, Prosecco and soda water. Both nice light options for summer.
We cannot go past ending on a dessert and we try the Caramelised chocolate and coffee cream tart, with rich chocolate, topped with caramelised chocolate ice cream and topped with shards of caramel and chocolate. In fitting with the nature theme, we feel this reminds us of a native gum leaf. We pair this with a dessert wine. A great end to an amazing meal.
Given the iconic views and comfortable space, we feel it is also a great venue for high tea, which Q dining have recently added to their menu offerings here. Available daily from $55/pp (including a selection of premium teas) and $65/pp (including a glass of sparkling wine). The three-tier serving set features savoury and sweet small bites such as; Roast beef, horseradish and cornichon sandwiches, Traditional scones and Crème brûlée. Just getting you a taste as to what’s on offer.
Check out their website for events coming up; theatre shows (and their pre-theatre menu), Melbourne Cup and New Years Eve!
Thank you to all staff for their hospitality and to Pendulum Communications for arranging our visit.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
61 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Hours
Breakfast – Mon-Sun: 7–11am
Lunch – Mon-Sun: 12–3pm
Dinner – Mon-Sat: 5:30–9:30pm | Sun: Closed