If you thought it was hard to find casual fine-dining that celebrates local flavours around Circular Quay then take a visit to Q Dining. Celebrating local native flavours, and boasting stunning harbour views, you won’t find this restaurant within the tourist-hustle bustle along the promenade. Instead, take a step inside the luxury Pullman Quay Grand where a relaxing and delicious dining experience awaits.
After a major refurbishment, Q dining is drawing on its inspiration from two local Sydney icons – the Harbour and Botanic Gardens. Cool and contemporary with a flare of elegance, the space channels sleek themes of glass, soft pastels and native botanical flourishes. A charming ambience is met with natural light flooding through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, framing a spectacular view over East Circular Quay. It’s peaceful, unpretentious and a perfect spot to dine overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Views aside, the food led by executive chef Brett Humphries is what will have you excited. Modern and creative, the plates reflect the restaurant’s strong appreciation for native Australian flavours and rare artisanal ingredients. Seafood reigns supreme on the menu. While soaking up your waterfront views, start with natural oysters served with a classic piquant mignonette. For something different try the cucumber granita & finger lime dressing to add a light earthy nuance to your oyster flavours. From the sharing plates, try the pan-seared scallops with burnt vanilla butter for that melt-in-your-mouth moment of silky soft textures and subtle hints of sweetness.
Meaty yet tender and beautifully presented the 12 Hour Port Lincoln Octopus is paired with bold creamy flavours of romesco sauce and pickled basil leaf. Main of Patagonian toothfish is accompanied by seared scallops, saltbush leaves, and carrots with a light drizzle of bisque. The crunch of candied muntries and macadamia crumb pairs nicely with soft textures of the fish. To satisfy carnivorous cravings, you have options of roasted Hunter Valley pigeon breast with Sous Vide leg, pepper leaf pancetta, nameko mushroom and lemon aspen. For a hearty bite order the 52 degree King Island tenderloin with chestnut mushroom, cashew nut espuma and shallots.
The creativity flows into desserts with intriguing unique and native ingredients. Try the textures of chocolate – a smorgasbord with feral plum, strawberry, eucalyptus oil and warm chocolate fudge, and the almond milk pannacotta with green ant meringue, pumpkin caramel, ginger cake and wild fennel.
For both local and tourist alike, Q dining is an inviting space to eat and appreciate local flavours to the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic harbour. And if you find yourself thirsty afterwards, head upstairs where funky cocktail bar Hacienda will take care of your post-meal beverage.
Address: Sydney Harbour, 61 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: Qdining.com.au
Opening Hours: Lunch – Mon-Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm; Dinner – Mon-Weds: 5:30pm – 9:00pm, Thurs-Sat: 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Sun: Closed.
