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Dining in Darling Harbour

Whenever I stay in Sydney, I have made it a habit to stay at the Four Point Sheraton on Darling Harbour.  But I don’t just stay here because of it’s reasonable rates, comfy atmosphere, and friendly staff.  Like in real estate, Location, Location, Location!  The hotel lies between the bustling intersection of Town Hall and the scenic waterfront area of Darling Harbour.  While Darling Harbour may not have the iconic Opera House or Harbour Bridge, it offers up plenty of great shopping, museums, access to mass transit, and the irresistible Star City Casino.  But all this fun can work up an appetite, and luckily, this area offers up some of the best dining in Sydney!  And don’t let the touristy vibes of this promenade frighten you away; it is always important to not judge a book by its cover!

1.  Waterfront Grill

Across Pyrmont Bridge at the Harbourside Mall, a wide array of restaurants await your pick.  And while it is something of a tourist trap, not every place here is as usual as the food court that exists on the lower level of the mall.  This steakhouse is the place to go if you are a “meat and potatoes” kinda guy.  A selection of cuts of meat paired with their chunky-style chips is always a gut-pleaser!  In addition, you can also get a side sauce to accompany your choice of meat.  I recommend their spicy bbq sauce or their decadent blue cheese.  The former gives the meat a spicy and juicy kick, while the creaminess of the blue cheese works well against the savory meat.  Pricewise, it is a bit much; a typical meal with run you about A$40 to A$50 dollars, but for tender steaks and chips, it is hard to beat their meat!

Steak and Chips, anyone?
Steak and Chips, anyone?

2.  Dragon Boat

Dragon Boat
Dragon Boat

With so many Asian expats living in Sydney, and with such proximity to the vast continent, finding great Chinese food in Sydney is as easy as pie.  And while Chinatown in Sydney offers up some exotic eats, this lovely casual-dining place gives you plenty of bang for your buck.  Step inside and be greeted by fish tanks (you pick out your favorite catch!), black-laquered chairs, and hanging chandeliers.  Okay, so the place may have the appearance of a vintage Chinese restaurant, but do try their Mongolian beef and pan-fried noodles!  Mix them together, and really enjoy!  And with low menu prices, especially during lunch, it won’t break your wallet!

Golden Dragon Pan Noodles
Golden Dragon Pan Noodles
Golden Dragon Mongolian Beef
Golden Dragon Mongolian Beef

3.  Toros

Toros: Best Tapas in Sydney
Toros: Best Tapas in Sydney

Alongside Dragon Boat and Waterfront Grill, this Portuguese eatery dishes out the best tapas in all of Sydney!  These little dishes, a popular dish that originated in Spain, provide diners with little bites that come in all shapes and sizes.  Think of them as appetizers that never seem to end, or appetizers that act as your main course.  Dig into the spicy chorizo sausage with peppers and potatoes, topped with breadcrumbs.  Savor the veal meatballs in a sweet tomato sofrito.  For my pick, sink your teeth into rich, potato croquets; potato filled sticks coated in breadcrumbs, topped off with a goat cheese creme.  It is starchy, creamy, filling, and SO GOOD!  But if you don’t fill up on the tapas, do order their tender beef cheek on a bed of celeraic mash.  It is so tender, you can cut the beef with the back of your fork!

Toros Chorizo
Toros Chorizo
Toros Meatballs
Toros Meatballs
Toros Potato Croquets
Toros Potato Croquets

4.  Criniti’s

While you may be halfway around the world from the boot-shaped country, this cool, Italian eatery in Harbourside mall offers up a long list of items that could impress even the most snobbish nonna from Calabria.  The place combines a look that feels both very modern and upscale; dim lighting, brick-oven cooking, wine bottles, brick interior, a spectacular view of downtown Sydney from the windows, and a Ducati motorcycle that guards the entrance.  Yes, a Ducati!  Atmosphere aside, pair a bottle of wine from the Hunter Valley with their mouth-watering lasagne or their decadent alfredo.

Lasagna a la Australia
Lasagna a la Australia
"Tortellini in a cream sauce.  Mangia!"
“Tortellini in a cream sauce. Mangia!”
Creme brulee, anyone?!
Creme brulee, anyone?!

5.  Baia

Welcome to Baia
Welcome to Baia

Though the name is the same as the famed region of Northeastern Brazil, this place is straight up Italian.  It’s hard to say which is better: the food or the view of Darling Harbour.  The spaghetti bolognese is fantastic, and perfectly portioned that it fits on your spoon as you twirl it into your fork.  If you’re not interested in the pasta, the menu features burgers and chips, but do stick to the spaghetti.

Dining at Baia
Dining at Baia
Baia Spaghetti Bolognese
Baia Spaghetti Bolognese

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