Hungry For More?

For a city so grand in size, many of us venture so little into Sydney. For the most part we barely scratch the surface of this sprawling suburbia's culinary world. If you ever doubted the extent to which this is a multicultural city, look no further than its cafés and restaurants as a measure.


Whether you're visiting or a native, here are five eateries to try in Sydney:


5. Coco Cubano - http://www.cococubano.com/ - is situated in King's Cross' heart; what better place to start a night out? Think of a mix between Max Brenner, Havana and Underbelly and you'll be on the right track. Once you get past the price (almost $8 for a small hot chocolate but justifiable when you're on Darlinghurst Road) you'll be welcomed into a place very different from the norm; how many Cuban-themed cafés can you think of? And how many do you know with a humidor, each cigar with suggestions of what drink best to accompany it?
Its stylish interior is at odds with the bustling Cross, the perfect place from which to people watch with a cocktail, ice cream or chocolate-based snack in hand.
This is a fairly new establishment but already a Taylor Square branch has opened; a sign of success or eagerness? Either way it's worth a try for something different or if you feel like channeling the spirit of Fidel Castro ... oh scratch that, he's not dead yet.
Note that the Coco Cubano website is under construction. Call 02 9816 4777 for more info.


4. Twisted Noodle could be at the more populated end of Dixon St but perhaps that's its advantage, appealing to the Karaoke crowd who want something a little more secluded after belting out several Bon Jovi classics. This informal restaurant has a menu with customisable options for beef and rice noodles which in itself may be fairly standard but it's the quality of food and attentiveness of staff that place it on this list.
There are a couple of surprise options for dinner (Pig blood with chives is one) but overall it's pretty simple food from a limited menu with sour and chilli options ranging from nil to extreme (judging by the strength of medium chilli, extreme can only be a joke).
Hearty food and more relaxed than much of Chinatown.
No website currently exists. Call 02 9267 2327 for more info.


3. La Guillotine - http://www.laguillotine.com/ - has been around for over 40 years which is surely a long stretch for a French restaurant in Sydney. The website proudly boasts it's "still as intimate" and rightly so, this Kent St venue is metres from busy George St but cosy, dark and slightly messy in a controlled sort of way. The staff wear mismatching t-shirts which says something of its personality. It's stylish but doesn't have to prove it and for a moment you feel like you could be a local in a Parisian eatery.
Foodwise it's what you'd expect from French stereotypes: Pâté de campagne aux foie de poulet et lardons (Chicken liver and pork pâté) or Escargots cuits dans leurs coquilles avec un beurre a l'ail (Snails with garlic and parsley butter) for starters and Tournedo Rossini servi sur un lit de pomme lyonnaise (Beef with Foie Gras) or Magret de canard aux griottes confites au kirsh sur un gratin de pommes de terre (Duck with Cherry and Kirsch sauce) for mains. Specialties include mussels and omelettes and a considerable wine list is available before you catch a movie at the cinema complex behind. Just don't watch that new one with Sarah Jessica Parker, it's enough to put you off your meal.


2. Stuyvesant's House - www.stuyvesantshouse.com - has its origins in Grossgartach and Frankenbach in Germany, where head chefs Rudi and Max Dietzles learned their trade. Their motto is "good food makes good people" which on the surface seems absurd; surely good people are made from the same things as bad: flesh, blood, hair, etc. But I suspect this is not meant to be taken literally. It makes more sense after sampling the moustached duo's menu which contains ten varients of schnitzel (including salmon), five sorts of lobster, four sorts of oyster, clam chowder and Gloria's cousin haringsla vanderbilt (Herring marinated in apples, gherkins and sour cream). There's a sprinkling of Indonesian in the mix (not sure why) with all the German meat dishes you could wish for.
The restaurant's external appearance makes you feel as though you're entering someone's home and Rudi and Max along with their staff are so welcoming you feel like you've been invited over for dinner.
One of Sydney's most authentic German restaurants and definitely a highlight of the north shore.


1. Sydney Cove Oyster Bar - www.sydneycoveoysterbar.com - is undoubtedly the best place for breakfast, lunch or dinner if you want a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and surrounds. From Circular Quay it is simply amazing to gaze unobstructed across the water as you finish off 2, 3 or 7 oyster shots whilst the sun sets above you.
Their menu and wine list are everchanging so there is plenty to keep you coming back for, not least of which the formentioned shots containing an oyster and spirit or liqueur (try the mango puree).
On the menu you'll find many types of exotic fish and crustacean dishes as well as duck breast and black angus sirloin but it's not vegetarian-friendly with a lone tasting plate the mains option.
Judging by the price of coffee - four dollars - it's reasonably priced for its location but not hard to rack up a sizeable bill. Advisable to make friends with the Swiss tourists on the next table and tell the waitress they're paying ala Dumb and Dumber.