Great food, great views and great atmosphere await you at the Strangers’ Restaurant
The NSW Parliament House is soaked in history. The atmospheric quality is almost tangible and the minute you walk through its doors you experience the rich heritage of the years gone by. When the Parliament was first formed in 1829, the privilege of dining within its doors was extended only to political folk and aristocratic milieu such as The Royal Family. But today, you and I are more than welcome to step into those same quarters and enjoy a mouth-watering meal at the Strangers’ Restaurant. (Featured image: Supplied/ Strangers’ Restaurant.)
Overlooking the pristine Domain Park, the Strangers’ Restaurant is a beautiful hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Sydney. Despite its location it remains quiet and peaceful, offering a delectable menu with a wide variety of scrumptious dishes, picturesque views and an overall atmosphere of sophistication.
The menu is seasonal and changes monthly to provide diners with a wide variety of dishes and cuisines. What stood out early in the three-course meal when we visited, is the well-executed dishes with an obvious flair for plating and an overall fine technique. Entrees include an assortment of dishes, from the intricate crispy pork belly on a celeriac puree with a sour pink love apple, fennel and lemon salad to a lively assembly of NSW rock oysters with red wine vinegar and eschalot or lemon dressing. The menu is consistently rich and elaborate and a gritty nod to fine dining.
The dish that shone brightest the day we dined was chicken marinated in lemon thyme and garlic, pangrattato, corn puree, asparagus and soft herb salad which was replete with flavour and a stunning creation that food gourmands are certain to fall in love with. Also on the menu is the elegantly done smoked trout with kasaundi pickle, turmeric potatoes, light curry lobster broth and crunchy eggplant. There is also a vegan option which is a delightful surprise for those who lean towards more of a plant-based diet. It is the high level of precision and the gratifying blend of finesse and flavour that makes The Strangers’ Restaurant one to reckon with.
Satisfy your sweet tooth and take your pick for dessert with selections that include a variety of different delicious sweet treats. You can check out their entire menu here.
We recommend giving yourself enough time at the Strangers’ Restaurant, to fully take in the vibe and the delectable food. An additional incentive to book a table right away is the free tour of the Parliament House that follows the meal Monday and Friday at 1.30pm. That’s right, it’s not simply an in and out experience, you get to fully absorb the place and it’s rich history by walking through the same hallways some of our stellar leaders walked in the past and continue to do today.
Pro tip: Set aside a few hours for the meal and don’t forget to visit the gift shop and enjoy the featured items on display from rural New South Wales after your meal to really take in the elegant setting and memorable experience that promises to be second to none.
Christmas in July themed Lunch: $72 per person
With paired wines: $98 per person
Available dates: Monday to Thursday in July 2021
Location: 6 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Find more information on dining at the Strangers’ Restaurant here