Bennelong

Benjamin★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

Bennelong is a truly magical place. The setting is absolutely stunning and unlike anywhere else. I kept taking photos throughout the evening, almost forgetting what was on my plate because the room itself is so spectacular. The service was flawless: warm, professional and perfectly paced. My mocktail was excellent too. The food was good, although perhaps not quite as memorable as I expected given the reputation. I had some better meals elsewhere in Australia, but Bennelong is really about the full experience. The location, the atmosphere and the service make it a very special evening. Also, do not hesitate to go solo. I did, and the staff and the place itself made it feel completely natural and memorable.

April P★★★★★★★★★★5.02 weeks ago

Excellent experience celebrating a birthday. The restaurant still iconic and spectacular inside the Opera House making the ambience reciend and decadent. The host and staff were friendly and welcoming, and the food was divine, better than what I remember from years ago. The spanner crab dumpling - absolutely smooth, silky, melts in your mouth tickling with flavors (am still dreaming about it), the persimmon salad was also delicious and fresh, and my Angus steak was cooked to perfection - delicious, although swirling in too many flavors and condiments unnecessarily in my humble opinion. The cod was simply gorgeous. And desert, pavlova with its meringue opera sails was just the icing on the cake of a splendid dining experience. Staff were great, warm, friendly, and were attentive. We were not in the best seats, in the corner next to service station, but still had a nice view, Vivid lights reflecting over the sky. I had been to Bennelong years ago, but did not think much of the food then. This time, however, I was delighted. Five star deliciousness.

Duncan Strathie★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

A uniquely wonderful experience. Nestled within the concrete and glass of the Sydney Opera House this restaurant delivers a dining experience to match its location. We enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail in the comfortable bar and were then shown to our table overlooking Circular Quay. The magic of the night view enhanced the ambience of this one-off place. Originally we had a reservation at Quay and were looking forward to Peter Gilmore's tasting menu but as that restaurant has now closed, we enjoyed the three courses that Benelong offers. I chose the scallop and crab dumpling in brown butter emulsion with golden tapioca. I was expecting a rich filling encased in silky pastry - what I got was a light and airy dumpling made from the smoothest mousse and steamed as a whole - no pastry required. The emulsion and tapioca were wonderful accompaniments. Main course was Black Angus steak with parsley, kombu , horseradish and maitake mushrooms served with a side of salad and roasted potatoes. The beef was beautifully tender with a rich taste that was reinforced by the jus. It was superb. For dessert I chose creme caramel with coconut, pineapple and vanilla. A perfect way to round off and outstanding meal. If you are in Sydney and want an unforgettable dining experience, Benelong is the place you should head.

Cecil DJ★★★★★★★★★★5.06 months ago

Having a show in the concert hall after our meal they ensured the dinner service timing was perfect to get us there with a few minutes to spare. The 3 courses were executed perfectly. Started off with the berry pie mixed drink which truely tasted like a berry pie. Each course was fairly substantial because it was only a 3 course whoch was nice. I've never had cod with crispy skin like that before, i thought i was eating pork belly crackling and the sauce was perfect. The potatoes were crispy, salty and creamy on the inside. The fat on the pork chop was full of flavor and melted in my mouth. Then finally the berry berry berry dessert was like nothing i had ever eaten. The cream was so rich and the little crystals on the raspberries were a delight to eat. If you can afford it the meal is worth it just know you're paying for quality. One nice aspect is they aren't jumping on the trend of having "chef recommended" add ons. I hate that new trend in fine dining because it boosts the cost by creating fomo and i respect Bennelong for not partaking in that.

Niki Vasiliadis★★★★★★★★★★5.02 weeks ago

We snagged seats at the bar area as we not had just over an hour before the show started. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite and enjoy a cocktail pre-show. The prawn toast is a rockstar dish, best prawn toast hands down. The cocktail list is fabulous, inspired by native Australia ingredients, it’s different and interesting. The melon-pan cocktail was so good, crisp and refreshing 🍸