Restaurant Review, On the RoadJustin ParkerSeptember 14, 2017Sydney, Australia, Opera House, travel, fine dining, BennelongComment

Opera Fine Dining

Restaurant Review, On the RoadJustin ParkerSeptember 14, 2017Sydney, Australia, Opera House, travel, fine dining, BennelongComment

Situated in the Sydney Opera House complex is a culinary gem tuck within an architectural jewel. Bennelong’s, the restaurant inside the opera house, is named for the tidal rock island within the Gadidal lands was once the site of an aboriginal shellfish harvesting grounds. This area has long been associated with the joys of dining, and that tradition carries on today. Bennelong’s Bar and Restaurant is truly an experience for all of the senses. To begin with, you’re dining at the Sydney Opera House! Firstly, you’re greeted with a spot on welcome complete with a line of service staff and warm greetings from every person you encounter. As you make your way to your table, you are treated to a 180 degree view of one the most lively and picturesque harbors I’ve ever seen. The plush ambiance coupled with the view truly is your amuse-bouche.

This being a celebratory meal, the gloves were off when it came to dining cohesiveness. We started with a tightly wound octopus that looks like it was caught while frolicking in an ivy patch. Tender would be an understatement with the orchestration of this dish. The slightly bitter leaves lends an earthy nuance which worked well with its distinct briny yet buttery taste.

One of my favorites dishes was a fantastically inventive duck breast finished with poached grapes, Sure it resonated fall, but I would order this succulent course year round!

For our next course, we whole heartedly welcomed a pork tenderloin with a sweet potato hash which truly made our Australian autumn. The sweet and savory fall flavors of course made us do a double take it being March and all.

One of the most intriguing and meta in its own right moments was the dessert course. A baked Opera House meringue within a restaurant, within the Sydney Opera House greeted us after our meal. The attention to detail was striking and the passion fruit coulis was elevating. This culinary oeuvre d’art was a show stopping encore to one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life.