Overview
Intercontinental Sydney has refreshed one of its dining options, launching Pont Dining Room. Pairing with the luxury hotel's expansive accommodation, rooftop bar and spectacular views, the restaurant is dedicating its menu to celebrating the diversity of flavours on offer within Australia, opening its doors on Tuesday, April 9.
Located inside the heritage-listed Treasury Building, and making high-quality local produce the star of its menu, Pont Dining Room operates under Chef de Cuisine — and ex-Mount Lofty House alum — Kanishka Amunugama. He brings a plethora of experience, as well as a sustainability-forward approach to celebrating the country's culinary flavours.
"We're excited to welcome guests into the new restaurant," said Amunugama. "Whether that is for a catch-up with an old friend, a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, guests can expect an approachable and sophisticated dining experience from start to finish."
The restored interiors of Pont Dining Room feature ocean-blue walls with arched, white windows and rum-coloured timber flooring, creating an inviting space with a rustic elegance. Plants are also littered throughout, complimenting the restaurant's leaf-inspired chandeliers with pops of green.
Food-wise, Pont Dining Room's menu takes cues from Sydney treasures, iconic landscapes and recognisably Australian influences. When perusing the restaurant's offerings, you'll spot plenty of seafood-starring dishes and grilled meats, including a black onyx brisket and tenderloin, Bangalow sweet pork paired with Vegemite butter and chorizo jam, and a bluefin tuna dish that takes inspiration from the Botanical Gardens adjacent to the venue.
Plus, there are signature dishes like the kimchi-fermented fries with gruyère sauce; a ricotta mille-feuille with orange blossom syrup; and sourdough crumpets accompanied by white anchovies chutney, whipped goat's cheese and lemon thyme. For dessert, a must-try chocolate mousse comes with raspberry crisp for additional tartness.
"We wanted to create a menu that maximises the potential of every ingredient, leaving no element wasted and spotlight sustainably sourced, seasonal produce," said Amunugama.
For sips to pair, the wine list spans tipples from organic to biodynamic, and from locally produced to internationally exported vinos. As for the cocktails, some utilise elements of the Australian landscape, with the Garden Walk incorporating bush mint and eucalyptus, and the Pont Sour starring Davidson plum.
Find Pont Dining Room inside the Intercontinental Sydney at 12/117 Macquarie Street, Sydney from Tuesday, April 9 — open from 5.30–10pm Tuesday–Saturday.
Images: Steve Woodburn.