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

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CHAPTER 3 . SYDNEY
Rossini Kids ITALIAN This cafeteria-style Italian restaurant opposite Ferry
Wharf No. 5 at Circular Quay is wonderfully positioned for people-watching.
The outside tables are great for breakfast or a quick bite before a show at the
Opera House. Breakfast croissants, Italian donuts, muffins, and gorgeous Danish
pastries cost A$3 (US$1.95), and bacon and eggs A$9 (US$5.85). Wait to be
seated for lunch or dinner, make your choice, pay at the counter, take a ticket,
and then pick up your food. Meals, including veal parmigiana, cannelloni, ravioli,
chicken crepes, and octopus salad, are often huge. You can easily split one
meal for two people—ask for an extra plate—and while not the best Italian you’ll
ever eat, it’s tasty and filling. Coffee fanatics rate the Rossini brew as average.
Shop W5, Circular Quay. & 02/9247 8026. Main courses A$10–A$15 (US$6.50–US$9.75). Cash only. Daily
7am–10pm. CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
Sketches Bar and Bistro PASTA Sketches is a favorite with people on their
way to the Opera House and those who know a cheap meal when they taste one.
Here’s how it works: After getting the barman’s attention, point to one of three different
size plates stuck to the bar above your head—the small size is adequate if
you’re an average eater, the medium plate is good for filling up after a hard day of
sightseeing (and no lunch), but I’ve yet to meet a man who can handle the large
serving with its accompanying bread, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Then, with
ticket in hand, head toward the chefs in white hats and place your order. There are
12 pastas to choose from and several sauces, including carbonara, marinara, pesto,
vegetarian, and some unusual ones to dishearten pasta purists, such as south
Indian curry. Meals are cooked in front of you while you wait.
In the Hotel Inter-Continental, 117 Macquarie St. (enter from Bridge St.). & 02/9240 1210. Reservations
recommended. Pasta A$11–A$17 (US$7–US$11). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Fri 5:30–9:30pm; Sat 5:30–10:30pm.
CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar SEAFOOD Just before you reach the Sydney
Opera House you’ll notice a couple of small shed-like buildings with tables and
chairs set up to take in the stunning views of the harbor and the Harbour
Bridge. The first one you come to is a Sydney institution, serving some of the
best oysters in town. Light meals such as Asian-style octopus and seared tuna
steak are also on the menu.
No. 1 Eastern Esplanade, Circular Quay East. & 02/9247 2937. www.sydneycoveoysterbar.com. Main
courses A$25–A$35 (US$16–US$23). 10% surcharge weekends and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Sat
11am–11pm; Sun 11am–8pm. CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
IN THE ROCKS
VERY EXPENSIVE
G’Day Café Value CAFE According to the manager, about half the tourists who
visit Sydney visit this little place in the heart of The Rocks. That’s not surprising
considering it offers simple but satisfying food at around half the price you’d
expect to pay in such a tourist precinct. The interior is uninspiring, but out the
back there’s a pleasant leafy courtyard. Among the offerings are focaccia sandwiches,
hearty soups, salads, burgers, lasagna, chili con carne, and beef curry.
83 George St., The Rocks. & 02/9241 3644. Main courses A$3–A$7 (US$1.95–US$4.55). AE. Sun–Thurs
5am–midnight; Fri–Sat 5am–3am. CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
The Gumnut Café Kids MODERN AUSTRALIAN A hearty lunch in a
courtyard shaded from the sun by giant umbrellas—ah, heaven! With a great
location in the heart of The Rocks, this 1890 sandstone cottage restaurant also
has an extensive indoor seating area, so it’s a perfect place to take a break from