Melbourne may like to self-proclaim itself the foodie haven of Australia but Sydney is more than able to compete with its Victorian neighbours. There is an abundance of options to suit all budgets and tastes. But why not up your foodie game and give degustations a try? They aren’t intended to be consumed on a weekly basis, but a degustation is set to impress, intended for indulgence and take away the difficulties involved with choice.
Degustation menus are intended to be a journey for your tastebuds. Why have just one meal when you can sample six? Many of these menus are paired with drinks so you don’t even have to pretend to impress with your sub-par wine knowledge. Take the stress out of eating and try one of these places.
The Owl House
The Owl House is proof that degustation menus are for everyone. They offer two types of menus, one vegan and one non-vegan, and they even let you tailor the menu depending on your food needs. The dishes are about quality not quantity and won’t leave your belt bursting at the end.
The drinks on offer are no slouch either – each menu item is paired with either a cocktail or a wine. A particular favourite is the Duck Cassoulet that is paired with a smooth Buttered Old Fashioned.
Menu: The six-course degustation is $135pp.
nel.
nel. knows how to do degustation. In fact, it’s all they do. Every six weeks their eight course menu changes to be in line with seasonal produce. The chef is Nelly Robinson, who opened nel. when he was just 29 and his restaurant is a regular feature in ‘Best Restaurants in Sydney’ lists.
nel. offers up a luxurious yet playful tasting menu that incorporates all manner of tastes. Each meal is paired with a wine, for an extra fee.
Menu: $108pp, with matching wines +$80pp
Messina Creative Department
Why have a dinner degustation menu when you can have a dessert one? Messina has filled a gap in the market that you never even knew existed and has created a seven-course dessert menu.
The menu is not just seven types of ice-cream, but instead a well-thought out creative menu. The inspired menu ranges from a Thai Basil Sherbet to a 67% cocoa Chocolate Souffle. One thing they all have in common though is how photogenic they are.
Menu: $130pp
Sixpenny
If you never thought you would go to Stanmore for a luxurious night out, then Sixpenny will change everything. This small restaurant packs a serious foodie punch, serving fresh produce from their own farm in Bowral.
The dishes are brought to the table by the chefs themselves and are paired brilliantly by their own sommelier. The entire course is designed to inspire and delight which it does in spades. Save room for their delicious aged lamp rump which is perfectly cooked.
Menu: Small menu + wine = $200
Full menu + wine = $250
Slide
If you like Cirque Du Solei and you like food then you are going to love El’ Circo. Hosted by Slide, El’ Circo is a nine-course degustation inspired by the wild and whacky world of Parisian cabaret.
The meal is only one part of the dinner. Rather than pairing food with wine, El’ Circo serves each course with show-stopping performances featuring dancers, acrobats and even pole performers, making it a night to remember!
Menu: From $109.00pp
Image Sources: The Owl House, Urban Chic Guides, Messina Creative Department, Sixpenny, Pinterest.