Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

WHERE TO DINE 119
Finds A Great Place for Picnic Grub
If you’re looking for something to take with you on a harbor cruise or on
a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can’t go wrong with Quay
Deli, E5 Alfred St. (next to the pharmacy under the Circular Quay CityRail
station, facing the road; & 02/9241 3571). Everything is fresh and tasty,
and there are all sorts of goodies, including gourmet sandwiches and
takeout foods such as olives, Greek dishes, pasta, salads, meat pies, and
the best English-style custard tarts around. Lunch items go for A$1.80 to
A$4.50 (US$1.25–US$3.15). It’s open Monday through Friday from 5am to
6:45pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm. No credit cards.
Asian and Mediterranean cooking have had a major influence on Australian cuisine,
with spices and herbs finding their way into most dishes. Immigration has
brought with it almost every type of cuisine you could imagine, from African to
Tibetan, from Russian to Vietnamese, with whole areas of the city dedicated to
one type of food, while other areas are a true melting pot of styles.
Sydney is a great place to try “Modern Australian,” or “Mod Oz,” cuisine,
which has been applauded by chefs and food critics around the world. Modern
Australian cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and a creative blend of European
styles with Asian influence. (Some foodies complain that some restaurants
use the label “Modern Australian” as an excuse to serve skimpy portions—like
one lamb chop atop a miniscule mound of mashed potatoes sprinkled with
curry sauce.) At its best, Modern Australian food is world-class, but you’ll probably
have to go to the best of Sydney’s restaurants to really see what the scene
is all about.
Australians think American-style coffee tastes like ditch water and largely
favor a range of Italian-style coffee creations. Ask for a latte if you just want coffee
with milk. “Bottomless” cups of coffee are very rare in Australia. By the way,
in Australia, the first course is called the entree and the second course the main.
NEAR CIRCULAR QUAY
City Extra ITALIAN/AUSTRALIAN Because this place stays open 24 hours,
it’s convenient if you get the munchies at a ridiculous hour. It’s also nicely placed
right next to the Manly ferry terminal. The plastic chairs and tables placed outside
make it a pleasant spot to while away time over an inexpensive meal. A
range of pastas are on offer as well as salads, pies, steaks, ribs, fish, and Asianinfluenced
dishes. There’s also a fat selection of desserts. Still, the food is much
nicer and an even better value next door at Rossini (see below).
Shop E4, Circular Quay. & 02/9241 1422. Reservations not accepted. Main courses A$13–A$26
(US$8.45–US$17). 10% surcharge midnight–6am, Sun, and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 24 hr.
CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
Portobello Caffé PIZZA/SANDWICH Sharing the same address as the Sydney
Cove Oyster Bar (and the same priceless views), the Portobello Caffé offers
first-class gourmet sandwiches on Italian wood-fired bread, small but delicious
gourmet pizzas, breakfast croissants, snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Walk
off with sensational ice cream in a cone for around A$3 (US$1.95).
No.1 Eastern Esplanade, Circular Quay East.& 02/9247 8548. Main courses A$8 (US$5.20). 10% surcharge
Sun and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Minimum credit card purchase A$30 (US$20). Daily 8am–11:50pm.
CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.