Sydney's Most Impressive Spots for When You Finally Meet the Parents
Dining spots that will set the tone and put you in their good books.
Sydney's Most Impressive Spots for When You Finally Meet the Parents
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Dining spots that will set the tone and put you in their good books.
It's something you're hoping you only have to do once (more) in your life, you're probably not looking forward to it and your entire future is riding on the outcome. And yet this outing — the one where you first meet your partner's parents — might also be one you look back on fondly around shared dinner tables for years to come.
To set your day or night on the right trajectory, the perfect backdrop is key. Nothing too fancy or cool; you want a place that will put everyone at ease, you included. We've partnered with American Express to scour Sydney for ten such spots, all of which will make a solid impression on any potential future in-laws. These restaurants are easy to enjoy, take bookings, accept Amex and give you the best chance of winning over the rentals. They have personality, charm and are serving up some great food and booze to help the sell.
Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
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A local favourite, Apollo has been The Place for Greek food without the fluorescent lighting since the moment it opened. Chef Jonathan Barthelmess serves saganaki fried cheese and lamb shoulder alongside Sam Christie’s intelligent, approachable wine list. Atmosphere, quality and consistency make this one of our favourites.
Image: Nikkie To.
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9
In a great concept, Camperdown’s once-dilapidated bowling green has been turned into a beautiful urban farm and restaurant. An attached yoga centre, community program, garden and a shipping container that serves takeaway food provide ample conversation starters. The Hamptons-style interiors match the beautiful and simple menu. Go for the slow-roasted porchetta with seasonal veg — comfort food stepped up a notch.
Image: Rory Unite.
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8
A new and exciting opening, Rosetta is a perfect stage for a fun first impression. If you’re looking for something after work in the CBD, it ticks a lot of boxes: Beautiful space designed by Melissa Collinson. Reputable chef Neil Perry behind the food. Beautiful Italian cuisine with familiar flavours.
Image: Katje Ford.
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7
The provincial French-style fully exposed kitchen is literally at the heart of Fred’s, one of Sydney’s most ambitious openings. Surrounded by much hype, Fred’s has an air of understated glamour and is our pick for when you want to impress – but look like it was an accident. The wine list is one of the best around, and if things are going well, you can head straight down to Charlie Parker’s cocktail bar below.
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6
You won’t be the only mixed age group at Bistro Moncur. Located in the heart of the well-heeled suburb of Mosman and adjoined to The Buena hotel, Moncur is not your average pub bistro. After a relaxed but classy redesign, it projects the feeling that you’ve chosen somewhere lovely, without it being stuffy. They do a mean steak frites, and the staff temper any awkward vibes with genuine warmth and hospitality.
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5
The Paddington is everything you could want from a local. Rotisserie chicken is the hero dish, providing great midweek comfort food that’s a step up from a schnitty. Like most Merivale venues, it’s popular and consistently good, with a solid craft beer and cocktail selection to settle the nerves.
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4
Confident and uniquely Australian, Nomad has done great things for Sydney dining. It champions local wines and produce, the space is beautiful, and the open kitchen has a hero charcoal grill. There’s also a charcuterie room and some seriously zucchini flowers with honey and pecorino.
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Set a few blocks up from Bondi Beach, Blanca is all sharp white Scandi design meets bold contemporary Asian cuisine. It’s good family-friendly food, meant for sharing and provoking commentary on the unusual flavour combinations — like pork ribs with miso caramel, togarashi, pork crackling and spicy baby gem lettuce.
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Situated in the new Barangaroo precinct on the west of the CBD, Cirrus is an ambitious seafood-focused restaurant from the team behind Bentley. Known for its extensive and innovative wine list, the minimal design and waterside location, Cirrus is best enjoyed during a long lunch.
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Here’s your sophisticated Sunday lunch without the washing up. Set off Ocean Street in a beautiful garden, Chiswick is a perfect spot to take the rentals. Matt Moran’s lamb shoulder has been on the menu since it opened and is well worth making the visit for.
Still searching? For even more spots where you can drink and dine with your American Express (and reap the sweet rewards of being a Card Member), click here.
