Set menus mean no cooking, no deciding, no worries!
You arrive at a restaurant, open the menu and get completely overwhelmed. What do we eat?! Which items are the most popular? “I wish someone could decide for me!” Foodies, we’ve got your back – here are the best set menus Sydney has to offer.
Alpha, Sydney
Are you ready for a big fat Greek feast? The set menus on ‘Yia Yia’s Table’ are for a minimum of 4 people. Yia Yia’s menu 1 is priced at $65pp or the Yia Yia’s menu 2 at $75. Yia Yia’s table set menu includes a selection of olives and dips with taramosalata, humous and melitzanosalata. Then enjoy slow cooked lamb shoulder and spit roasted chicken with delicious Greek potatoes and horiatiki salad. Finish with chocolate hazelnut baklava with chocolate metaxa sorbet and a sour cherry ice cream. For more information on Alpha, head to their website here.
238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 9098 1111, Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Anason, Barangaroo
On the shores of Sydney’s Barangaroo is where you will find one of the tastiest Turkish set menus. Anason is a traditional Turkish mezze bar offering a feast menu for $88pp. Taste your way through Turkey with house baked Turkish bread, humus and cacik with labna garlic, cucumber, mint, dill and broad beans to start. Sample your way through rock oysters, salmon pastirma and finish the feast with smoked eggplant and Hunkar Begendi with lamb loin, burnt leek puree and pencil leek. Book your spot by clicking here.
5/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000 (02) 9188 1581, Sunday – Saturday: 11.30am – 11pm.
Annata, Crows Nest
Enter the nest and ask for Annata. That is where you’ll find a set menu full of innovative flavours. With the best of seasonal produce, Annata offers two set menus: The Short Menu (a five-set course sitting for $69pp or with matching beverages for +$74pp) plus The Annata Menu (a seven-course sitting for $89pp or with matching beverages for +$94pp). Start with the likes of Sydney rock oysters, fried maccheroni with manchego custard and dried tomato before moving onto more substantial mains such as Albacore tuna, Torello Farms Rosé Veal Tartare and slow-roasted cauliflower with popcorn polenta, smoked almond and comte. Ready to book your spot? Click here.
69 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065, (02) 9437 3700, Monday from 4pm, Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – late, Friday: 12pm – late, Saturday: 3pm till late.
Bistro Papillon, Sydney
For a simple and classic taste of French food, try the ‘Prix fixe menu’ at Bistro Papillon for $79pp (minimum of 6 people required). With entrees to share, enjoy an assortment of French specialties like classic escargots and charcuterie. Main course, the ‘plats de resistance’, offers French classics coq au vin and other duck and beef options. No matter your protein of choice, the les garnitures is a guaranteed inclusion. Choose from four classic desserts – crème brûlée, profiteroles, an apple tarte tatin or a selection of imported French cheeses of course. Find out more about the venue by clicking here.
98 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 9262 2402, Open Monday – Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturdays for dinner only.
Char & Co., Double Bay
Bringing Gaucho culture to the Bay is Char & Co with their $55pp all-you-can-eat set menu. Smell the South American barbecue as you wait for your waiter to step up to your plate. Yes, they come with options of churrasco skewers in hand, ready to be placed upon your plate. Rubbed with seasoning, marinades and more, there’s every chance you’ll ask for it all. Fire-roasted meats, poultry, seafood and sausages. Char & Co.’s set menu enhances this forage of flavour with saucy sides and condiments. Match your meats with chimi churri and salsa, polenta, beans and salads. Dive into all of the fire-roasted meats by clicking here.
15 Knox Street, Double Bay NSW 2028, (02) 9328 5542, Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm till late and Sundays for lunch from 12pm to 3pm and for dinner 5:30pm till late.
Cirrus Dining, Barangaroo
For $110pp enjoy a set menu featuring dishes from the sea to the valleys and across the vines. Sea selections are a plenty with ocean trout, roasted tiger prawns and Hiramasa kingfish with grilled cucumber, buttermilk and mint. Be led to the land with a Rangers Valley Rump Cap with mustard, with sides of chips with aioli. Last to hit the Cirrus shores is the chocolate cake with poached pear and tonka cream. Not only is the food worth fighting for, but the location is not to be missed. Nestled in the curvaceous shoreline of Sydney Harbour, is where you’ll find Cirrus.
10/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000, (02) 9220 0111, Sunday – Saturday: 12pm – 10pm.
Eastside Grill, Chippendale
Cross on over to the Eastside and feel the full throttle of American and Japanese fusion. Think New York’s Meat Packing District meets a Japanese Binchotan charcoal grill. For $105 per person receive a 6-course tasting menu. Start at the sea with Sydney rock oysters before moving onto Japanese-inspired kingfish sashimi. You’ll also be treated to Southern-style calamari plus a hearty 300g Striploin stea with hand-cut fries and truffle mayo. Finish on a sweet note with a scoop of sorbet and chocolate brownies with salted caramel popcorn and toasted vanilla ice cream. Ready to book? Click here.
2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale NSW 2008, 9212 0900 , Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5:30pm to late and lunch Friday and Saturday from 12pm until 2:30pm.
Ester, Chippendale
Ester is a simple looking establishment with a seemingly simple menu. Voted no. 12 in The Sunday Telegraphs Delicious 100, Ester is a two-hatted masterpiece. For $92pp, Ester’s set menu takes you on a modern Australian tasting safari. Ester’s set menu is a range of tantalising treats including fermented potato bread, roasted oysters, and scallop with mandarin koshu. How about a blood sausage sanga? With four more savoury options to conquer, make sure to leave room for TWO desserts. Find out more about Ester by clicking here.
46/52 Meagher Street, Chippendale NSW 2008, (02) 8068 8279, Open for lunch Satuday from 12pm onwards and Sunday from 12pm to 4:30pm and dinner Monday to Saturday from 6pm till late.
Fred’s, Paddington
Nobody knows the menu better than a venue’s head chef. So, that’s exactly why Fred’s have let Head chef Danielle Alvarez curate a delicious five-course set menu, showcasing seasonal, sustainable produce. For $120pp (or with matched beverages for +$90pp), you’ll sample your way through a considered menu of paddock to plate dishes. Start with wood oven fougasse and yellowfin tuna tartare, before moving onto heartier mains like ravioli with ricotta and braised shoulder of lamb with roasted carrots, mint salsa verde and snow pea. Plus top it all off with two sweet treats (did someone say rhubarb, strawberry and frangipane tart with vanilla liqueur cream?). Book your seat at the table by clicking here.
380 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021, (02) 9240 3000, Tuesday – Thursday: 5.00pm – 12am, Friday – Saturday: 8am – 11am and 12pm – 12am, Sunday 12pm-12am.
Long Chim, Sydney
Long Chim literally means to come sample and taste, so live the Long Chim way and order the set menu! Dive into their Maa Long Chim set menu ($68pp or with paired beverages for $98pp) and prepare for 9 dish journey through the best of Thai cuisine. Expect spicy cashews with tamarind fish sauce, chilli and spring onion, pineapple pork curry, sitr fried Siamese watercress and mango sticky rice to fiish. For more information about Long Chim’s set menu offering, click here.
Corner of Pitt Street and Angel Place (Entrance in Angel Place), Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 9223 7999, Open Monday to Friday from 12pm to late and Saturdays for dinner from 5pm.
Lotus Dumpling Bar, Dawes Point
Along what used to be known as the Hungry Mile, is Lotus Dumpling Bar. If you’ve got at least 3 other people with you, say hello to the Lotus set menu! At $69pp for a minimum of 4 people, this set menu takes you on an oriental journey. Nodding to its dumpling bar status, this banquet begins with a trio of dumplings. Last on the dumpling variety will be pot stickers and Peking duck pancakes. Next, it’s time to share classic flavours of chilli and ginger with beef, fish, eggplant and more. Have it all paired together with the lotus fried rice, tossed with duck and asparagus. For the full tour of the set menu at Lotus Dumpling Bar, check out the website here.
Shop 3/16 Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000, (02) 9251 8328, Open Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm, Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm, Sunday 12pm – 3pm & 5.30m – 9pm
Mama’s Bưởi, Surry Hills
If eating is your favourite hobby, hop on into Mama’s Bưởi. Honouring all that his mama taught him is self-confessed mama’s boy, Bao Hoang. As his mama used to say, “eat, enjoy and never leave the table hungry!” So, listen to this mama and order Mama’s Bưởi set menu. The ‘Feed Me Banquet’ ($45 pp, minimum of 2 people) includes a selection of small shares and large shares served with rice. On the smaller side of the set menu scheme are pork belly skewers and pulled duck pancakes. Fill up on the larger shares like the steamed barramundi fillet or the Saigon duck curry. Finish off this home-cooking Vietnamese feast with your choice of a salted caramel brownie, coconut and lime panna cotta or mixed gelato. To taste what your mama never gave you, book your table at Mama’s Bưởi!
116 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, (02) 9281 9993, Open Monday – Wednesday: 12pm-3pm & 5pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-10pm.
Mekong, Sydney
Can’t decide on your favourite Asian cuisine, but you are really craving those oriental spices? Mekong will be your taste bud travel companion through the Indochine provinces. Follow the flow of the Mekong river. Snake to the heights into Burma and the sand on your toes at a Thai sunset. If you are not the most geographically gifted, follow the guiding Mekong set menu ($69-$89pp) share map. Both set menu options include 3 entrees, 3 mains, and 2 sides. The proof of the price difference, rests in the hands of the ingredients. Particularly the proteins. With meals in the $69pp set menu use proteins or chicken, pork and barramundi. You can see why the $89pp menu is a little more. Using the likes of soft shell crab, chunky beef brisket and plump king prawns, it is a worthy price hike. Ending this taste tour, both menus feature a Mekong dessert platter. Join this Mekong foodie migration here.
2/14 Kensington St, Sydney NSW 2008, (02) 9282 9079, Open for lunch 12 – 3pm, Thu – Sat and dinner 6 – 10pm, Mon – Sat.
Mercado, Sydney
Meaning market in Español, Mercado has a whole lot of fresh flavours for you. Reviving old processes such as meat curing and cheese making, Mercado is a food respecting venue. And here, you have 3 set menus to choose from ($65, $80 or $100 pp). Each showcases the best of Mediterranean cooking and move effortlessly between dips and starters to larger share plates and meats fresh from the grill. Plus, end the night on a sweet note with a dark chocolate semifreddo with pistachio and raspberry. To find out more, head to the Mercado website.
4 Ash Street, Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 9221 6444, Open Monday – Friday: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 11pm, Saturday: 5.30pm – 11.30pm.
Mr Wong, Sydney
Mr Wong’s is a contemporary influenced, Cantonese-style menu, offering over sixty options. Now that’s a lot to choose from. As a two levelled, 240 seater restaurant, it may be a little overwhelming for some. But, have no fear, Mr Wong makes everything right with a set menu. Available are two banquet menus both requiring a minimum of four people. The $84pp set menu includes nine savoury share options followed by a choice of two desserts. The second set menu at $123pp adds on another savoury sensation using higher market priced produce. For a flavour frenzy, begin with the mixed dim sum selection. Be treated to tasty morsels of sea scallops, Angus beef cubes and so much more! Do right by Mr Wong, and check out the full range of set menu options.
3 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 9114 7317, Open Monday – Wednesday: 12pm – 3pm & 5.30pm – 11pm, Thursday – Saturday: 12pm – 3pm & 5.30pm – 12am, Sunday: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm.
Ms G’s, Potts Point
Flow through neon fluorescents under a jam jar ceiling. Find your seat among four separate dining levels, amongst darkly dimmed lighting. Go straight to the cocktail menu, as Ms G’s already have the food side covered. At $69 per person (minimum four people), Ms G’s has a treat for you! With everything to be shared, reach out like a hungry hippo to snatch up the goods before they are gone. Taste your way through their Cheeseburger spring rolls, kingfish with aged ponzu, kombu and chives plus soy-glazed chicken wings and so much more. Make sure to leave room for dessert. Their Stoner’s Delight part 3′ features a decadent serving of doughnut ice cream, raspberry curd, peanut dulce de leche, peanut and pretzel brittle, crispy bacon, mars bar brownie, potato chips plus deep fried Nutella. Seriously. For all things Ms G’s, head to her website here.
155 Victoria Street, Potts Point NSW 2011, (02) 9114 7342, Open Sunday: 1pm – 10pm, Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 12am, Friday: 12pm – 12am, Saturday: 12pm – 1am.
Queen Chow, Enmore
Now, who can say that they’ve chowed down with Queen Chow? It is time you conquer the Hong Kong dim sum at Enmore’s Queen Chow. How best to conquer? Take down the whole empire. Queen Chow’s empire rests in her set menu offerings. Here is where she lays out a taste of all it is she has to offer. And it could be yours for lunch and dinner, every Friday till Sunday. Requiring a minimum of four people, you have the option of a $67pp menu or an $85pp menu. Both including a selection of steamed dim sum and Cantonese roast meats it also feels like a sit down yum cha. If you’re ready to bow down to Queen Chow, head over to her website now for more set menu details.
2/167 Enmore Road, Enmore NSW 2042, (02) 9114 7333, Open Sunday: 10am – 10pm, Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 2am, Friday: 12pm – 3am, Saturday 10am – 3am.
Spice Temple, Sydney
Enter Neil Perry’s red and black temple for a modern Chinese set menu affair with ‘The Golden Banquet’. At $59pp this Yum Cha baquet set menu takes you through many flavour combinations. Expect prawn wontons with black vinegar and chili, pork and garlic chive steamed buns, spice fried chicken wings and so much more. Ready to experience this menu for yourself? Find out more about Spice Temple here.
10 Bligh Street, Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 8078 1888, Open Sunday: 5.30pm – 11pm, Monday – Wednesday: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm-10.30pm, Thursday – Friday: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm, Saturday 6 – 11pm.
Sunset Sabi, Manly
Manly’s favourite Japanese foodie destination Sunset Sabi will have you shouting “shit balls!” Oh yes, that’s on the menu. It’s their take on yaki nigiri, rolled with pickled shitake mushrooms and parmesan. You’ll find it on their $45pp set menu along with the dank roll, filled with crab, scallop, avocado and crunchies, it is what’s on top that really counts. Torched mentai mayo and sweet sunset soy perch the heights of the dank roll. For dessert, expect a sweet burger held together by two sweet potato doughnuts. In-between, find Japanese whisky cream, matcha white chocolate and fresh strawberries. Book your table at Sunset Sabi by clicking here.
26-28 Pittwater Road, Manly NSW 2095, (02) 9977 7461, Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30pm till late and Friday to Sunday from 4pm till late.
Chiswick, Woollahra
Chiswick’s menu is inspired by fresh produce, generally grown from their kitchen garden. Chiswick’s four course set menu ($80pp with the option to add matching wines for +$45pp) is designed to share between a minimum of 4 people. Items include the wood-fired focaccia with cherry tomato and basil oil and beetroot with honeycomb and garden leaf. A whole roasted chicken and lamb shoulder to share. Finish with chocolate, fresh coconut, candied macadamia or a strawberry ice cream sandwich with pistachio. Find out more about the Sydney city gem in the heart of Woollahra here.
65 Ocean Street, Woollahra NSW 2025, (02) 8388 8688, Open Sunday: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm, Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm, Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm.
This guide is current as of October 2019. Has a venue we’ve mentioned closed? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you: newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com