Great location, great space, with one of the best views in the world. But they are the only positives. This restaurant seemed to have a good buzz about it, but I couldn't find anyone who actually liked the food. Personally I haven't eaten food this bad in many years. Everything was fatty, overly creamy and phlegmy. I couldn't even swallow my pork dish and had to spit it out in the rest room. How one could make pork taste like the fatty foam that you clean out of the dishwasher filter is beyond me. Even the desert tasted like it had cleaning product cooked into it. Someone else described it as tasting like urea. Service was also bad. The wait staff knew nothing about the dishes and took people's half full wine glasses when they were not watching. I talked to the chef who was pleasant and earnest in the food he was creating, but his intention and my food experience were polar opposites. It saddens me to be leaving such a negative review, and I held off to regain some objectivity, but the food was terrible and experience lacking. read more

Honestly didn't love it. The service was great let down by the overpriced over rated food. The views this place is known for is only for those lucky enough to be seated by the windows. Will not be back. read more

Not impressed. This was the only high end restaurant that we visited in Sydney, so it's hard to judge it against a local standard, but it was pretty lackluster compared to meals I had elsewhere. The food was well-prepared, but I wouldn't call the menu innovative (one star for the quail egg which was fun), service was meh, and the portions were abysmally small. Full disclosure that we were only given the option of a four course meal since our reservation was a late one, but it appeared that we were given the same tiny portions as those who had the nine course menu. I had the congee, and marron, lamb, and snow egg, and my husband had the smoked wagyu and marrow, lamb, and snow egg - each dish was just a few bites and none were memorable. What I did remember was that the lamb for our main course was about 1 cm thick and maybe 6 x 9 cm in length; I almost cried. We ate everything on our plates, and each had a few glasses of wine, and a few slices of bread, and STILL WALKED HOME HUNGRY. Service was stuffy with the servers hovering a bit too closely (also one scolded me for using my soup spoon to scoop up the oyster and broth from my amuse bouche. Really? Yes, I am aware it was for the congee, but I'll do what I want, thank you.). Also, it took way too long for each course to come out. End point: Save your money, go elsewhere for the same or better and more food. I get the impression people come here to impress their guests with the view? Surely Sydney has better dining establishments than this? read more

Great location, stunning views but overpriced. The dining area is also freezing cold which made the 3h tasting menue experience less enjoyable as we were hoping for. read more

Spectacular views and an impressive wine list are the highlights along with excellent service. We did the 8 course tasting menu which I would recommend. The only course that we weren't impressed with was the cod which lacked flavor and texture. The snow egg was probably over hyped so while I enjoyed it I have to admit it didn't live up to my lofty expectations. This is a big ticket meal and was the perfect choice for our anniversary dinner. Plan far ahead, I made our reservation about a month in advance. read more

Quay Restaurant - Snow egg - Modern Australian Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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My wife an I had the tasting menu and I had the premium wine flight. Combinations were impeccable. The lobster with tapioca was wonderful. The sommelier was knowledgeable. Tasting notes were spot on. The wait staff was good. The view was spectacular. Overall, a great dining experience read more

Had our lunch time wedding ceremony and reception in the private room above the main restaurant. Even though there was a cruise ship at the terminal and it blocked the view of the Opera House, we didn't care. The service, the food, the wine list and Sommelier were beyond outstanding. Oh and the view in the other direction to the bridge more than made up for the view we lost. A true 5 star experience. read more

Was traveling through Australia about 2 years ago and had to suck it up and pay for this meal so I didn't regret at least giving this place shot. Boy was I happy I made that decision. The pork jawl was one the best things I have ever had. Ever. It was so good, I started laughing after the first bite. I still think about that meal today. The snow egg dessert was crazy also. My biggest tip here, and really anywhere else. Don't go in with presumptions and if you're game for it, let the servers dictate what you get because they know more than anyone what's good. That's what I did here and I had the best meal of my life. As someone from California, I find myself thinking at least once every few months about planning a trip back with this being one of my many stops to revisit. Awesome. Too bad there aren't 6 stars available. read more

This was a restaurant on our to do list, and had been for quite a while. I'd heard a lot of hype about the restaurant, particularly, the three hats it had received over the past few years and was, therefore, expecting amazing things. I dined at Quay on a beautiful day with the view and entrance into the harbour being breath taking. We decided on the four courses option for lunch. In reflection I would say that one dish of the four courses was 'just ok' for both diners as they were lack lustre in flavour, however, the rest of the dishes were very good and delicious. Unfortunately, I didn't get that 'wow factor' that I was expecting with the food. Also, I was disappointed that an oyster course was not offered at all in a seafood inspired menu. I felt as though the food was undersized for four courses especially the course before desert as I felt it wasn't substantial enough in size and we left the restaurant still not completely satisfied. I would say the flavours of each dish are more on the lighter side of the palate and but still very good and flavoursome, however, they left me wanting a little more in substance and size. The deserts - chocolate cake and snow egg were amazing and the cheese course was great as well. For the service it was good but not to the standard I was anticipating of a top level restaurant that I have previously had with other fine dine establishments. The wine was matched well with the courses. There were a lot of little things that impacted our dining experience like: the communication between staff wasn't fluid or as attentive as it could have been, we could see dirty dishes being stacked up at the station and at times staff were ready to deliver dishes to patrons and the previous courses dishes hadn't been cleared away. Some of our dishes were dropped without an explanation of what it was or the ingredients in it. Our dining experience wasn't 'bad' by any means but it wasn't amazing at the same time. I couldn't help but compare Quay to Sepia, which, is on same level of stature and reputation, however, Sepia blew me away a lot more in food flavour, texture, technique and presentation also with the service received. Overall, I felt Quay didn't live up to all the hype of a three hatted restaurant but it was still a very good special occasion dining experience. read more

I got very lucky with my reservation for Quay. The hubby and I decided that we should go and have a really nice dinner somewhere. And we decided this 3 days before we were set to leave Sydney. So I started making some calls, fully expecting to get laughed at. But I got lucky. I called Quay and asked them if they had anything available that night, they actually said yes! I think it helped that it was a Tuesday night and there was a cruise ship in town (which meant the view was blocked). From the moment we walked in, everything was perfect. The staff was incredible and the food was possibly some of the best I have ever had. Not that $170ish a head is cheap or anything, but I have definitely had dinner at places with that price tag where the food was no where near this amazing. Everything from the presentation to the textures and flavors of the food were perfect. I loved the way that all the dishes used texture. It really made the eating experience fun. The dessert egg was, of course, a must try. My hubby got the egg and I got the most delicious, thick, rich, chocolate thing ever. I ate about half and, although I wanted to keep eating, I just couldn't. It was too delicious to waste, but it was so rich, I just couldn't do it anymore. The egg was really something amazing though. It was perfect, from form to finish. This place was really amazing and I wouldn't hesitate to come here again. A note: If there is a cruise-ship in Circular Quay, your view will be totally blocked. Luckily, the staff at Quay have the ship schedule many months in advance. So make sure you ask if there will be a ship there when you call to make your reservation. read more

Been here numerous times over the years and absolutely loved it. I have seen the same trend here as with other sydney restaurants that got famous on Masterchef and, over time got progressively worse :-( this is no exception and I wish that would change. I am a Peter Gilmour fan and love his cooking and combination of intense flavours and superb presentation. Will definitely return but not in a hurry. read more

One of the most well-known fine dining restaurants in Sydney. There's no doubt you're in for an elegant and classy evening overlooking the magical landscape of the harbour and Sydney Opera House. Despite it being fine dining, the portion sizes were quite substantial. However, I found most of their dishes resonated with a smoky flavour throughout. Nonetheless, the snow egg dessert seriously lives up to the hype! It is absolutely divine! read more

One of the finest, most incredible restaurants I have eaten in. Everything, from the first pre-first course, to the very last sip of dessert wine, was superb. I honestly do not have a single complaint about this restaurant. The staff take their jobs very, very seriously, and it feels more so like an art exhibition of individual edible masterpieces than a meal. I myself am not a huge fan of fish or seafood. However the methods in which they prepare every single dish including seafood, will leave you in tears. This meal will make you emotional. By the time we had the Snow Egg (seriously, believe the hype, it's magical) I felt like I was being transported to a tropical island underwater planet. I would recommend doing the (mostly) Australian wine pairing with the tasting menu. Their wine selections are literally perfect, and you will leave the restaurant incredibly happy and with insane, existential thoughts regarding the universe on your mind after you have your meal. It is that mind blowing. My only regret is that I couldn't stay at this restaurant for more than three hours. Simply one of the best nights of my life. God bless Australia, god bless Sydney, and god bless this restaurant. Regarding the price, if you can afford it, it is so worth it. Dinner for three people with the wine pairing, plus tip and tax cost about $1500. If I make a lot of money when I'm older, I would make it one of my life goals to come back to this restaurant and experience that meal once more before I die. read more

Quay Restaurant - The famous snow egg. - Modern Australian Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Now this is how to end a vacation. Amazing view of the harbour and opera house. Impeccable service. Very expensive for lunch ($125 for 3 course or $145 for 4 course tasting menus) but why not? Amuse bouche was a bright sashimi (local fish) with mandarin orange, nettle, and almond. Bread was delicious; we had the sunflower and polenta, came out warm too. Fabulous wine. The dishes are gorgeous, extremely picture worthy. I had the salad of preserved cherries to start; the creme fraiche, beets, violet and black truffle were awesome compliments. My husband started with the sashimi of rock flathead with wild oyster cream and abalone, very nice. Second dish for me was the braised prawns, octopus, clams, urchin, squid, was like a seafood soup, so good. My husband's second was the partridge breast with the amazing confit egg yolk, so cool looking. Final dish for me was hapuka, really nice fish with creme fraiche, awesome Tasmanian pink potatoes and almonds. My husband's was really good, the squab with crunchy quinoa, which was the special of the day. But, the ultimate was the best dessert we have ever had, literally ever, which was the Jersey cream, salted caramel, prunes, walnuts, presented as "ethereal sheets." After the waiter presents you with this gorgeous dish, you are then instructed to smash all the sheets into an gooey decadent mess of goodness. Awesome silly fun. Perfect end to a lovely lunch. read more

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Snow eggg ... believe the hype. Amazing food but sell ur kidney in advance to pay for the meal. Enjoy the view my friends.

Some of the best views in Sydney. They use very complex combinations of flavors and textures which are wonderful and hard to anticipate. The mud crab congee is just wonderful and is one of their signature dishes. The quail in broth as a second course is excellent with a wonderful broth and flavors. I tried the duck and was not disappointed. read more

ambiance//***** intimate seating with mirrors strategically placed to enhance the space gorgeous wraparound view of the harbour with the sydney opera house our view was originally blocked by Queen Mary II, which was disappointing until we got an awesome time lapse video of the ship leaving port our spectacular evening ended with a fireworks show behind the opera house to send off the cruise~ it only happens once a year, but it made our dining experience even more unforgettable! service//***** the service was impeccable...exactly what you would expect of a top 50 restaurant experience the team was very observant and customized the delivery of the food to our pace of dining food//***** 8 course pre-fixe menu with the wine pairing is AMAZING my favorite discovery was this wine from serbia~ the others ordered the non-alcoholic pairing, which was also exceptional in its own rite as the dishes are rotated based on season, nothing i say may be applicable the wagyu rye crisps and raw funghi are deliciously plated uni and koshikari rice are served in a rich broth lastly, who can forget peter gilmore's signature snow egg? it's beautifully presented ~*~ top 50 restaurant is enough a reason for anyone to want to try this place yay for memorable get togethers~ thx cozzies!! we know the fireworks were really for us ;p read more

Overall, this place was great. The views are amazing and customer service is hands down top notch. My wife and I did the tasting menu. Overall, it was good, and it was great to try out modern Australian cuisine on our trip. Their signature desert is perhaps one of my all time favorite desserts. As far as the food, some courses were really good and others were just not my taste. I think anyone in Sydney should give this place a try. read more

This restaurant is over price , even the snow egg is really amazing but still not worth the money for it. The waiter is very snob and rude. We went to lots high end restaurant and including Daniel in NY is even so much better then this place. There's no comparison between those two. We will not come back to here again. read more

Loved this restaurant. The food was delicious and the portions were just right. Nothing too large so we were able to enjoy every taste. Service was excellent as well. Of course, the view is spectacular!! read more

Amazing place to dine. The food is exquisite and full of flavour bursts. The tasting menu on your first visit. They are more than happy to swap out the snow egg for the seven layer sinful chocolate dessert.make sure you book months ahead. read more

I do love Peter Gilmore, and I loved every plate I had, especially the snow egg. We had the tasting menu for dinner. It took us almost 3 hours to finish, and we were so full in the end, we could hardly walk home. We all loved it, and can't wait to go back. read more

Had dinner last night (1/2/2015). Simply superb! Outstanding food, outstanding wines, and excellent service. From the moment we walked in we felt welcomed. We had the tasting menu and classic matched wine set, and nothing was a disappointment. Highlights were the duck and the snow egg. Well done Quay! read more

Pretty special location, beautiful view with food to match. Service was attentive but not overbearing. Bill was a lot but thats what you expect. read more

This restaurant has so many good memories :) I have always experienced excellent service and the food is amazing. Excellent wine selection. Very special occasions restaurant :) Gorgeous view also. Wallet will take a nice hit for dining here ;) read more

This has to be by far one of the most luxury and classiest restaurants I've ever been to In Sydney...

There you can have a unique dining experience. The food is tasty and innovative, but not cheap at all. However, I can guarantee that you will have really pleasant memories from this restaurant. read more

deserving of it's top 50 best restaurants in the world. some of my pictures are from here. the meal was impressive and unique and priced accordingly. great view during the day. read more

No wonder I've never heard of the San Pellegrino Top Restaurant List... Completely, miserably, underwhelming. This place does not belong on any list with Per Se or Le Bernardin. I can get better cooking at Aldine and Vernick's in Tier 2 Philly. Simplistic, un-inspired flavors. No pop. Zero complexity. No creative wedding of ingredients. Beautiful products - butchered, rather than highlighted and enhanced. Heavy on the salt. Rubbery duck. How bush league is that?? Chef School 101 - don't send out a rubbery magret. The waitress opined afterwards that Aussie duck is not always the best... Well, then, don't put it on the menu, then!! Worst tasting menu I've experienced in a few years, maybe ever. Poor value, too, when you compare this to say ABaC in Barça. For reference, I'm an American who regularly eats in New York, Miami, LA, SF, Montreal, Barcelona and Paris. Maybe Michelin doesn't want to come 'down under' officially, because they'd rather not write an asshole review like this... Dining room has a great front row view of the Opera House, but that's the only nice thing I can say. That, and good service. Chintzy mirrored ceiling - am I at a nightclub? Can't win 'em all... read more

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Great views and World class, best fine dining restaurant in Sydney and globally. Great service. Highly recommended.

Overall a very good meal. I had lunch at the Quay on a Thursday for lunch. Now Michelin does not give stars out in Australia, but Quay is considered at such a standard by locals. First course was the congee with mud crab. This was the highlight. Perfect flavor and tender crab bits. The egg yolk emulsion really puts it over the top. Course two was the pig jowl. Tender pork with nice flavor. This dish reminded me of a summer BBQ except way nicer. Course three was the Wallaby tail. This was good. Not my favorite. The wallaby had a fine cook, but I would go with the duck on this course. Finally, the snow egg (of course.) This might as well be the only dessert because it sure was the only one I saw coming out of the kitchen. It is an interesting way to end a meal. The snow egg could be described as a high end slushy with a marshmallow on top, but that would be an injustice. It is light way to end a meal, which is good, because by now you will have eaten quite a bit. I could describe it more but I won't. Just get it. Now the bad news. They coffee course after such a fine meal was a disaster. Before our dessert came the waiter asks, "would you like the coffee with the dessert or after?" We answered, "With the dessert." Dessert comes to the table. The coffee does not. "Why did he ask before or after?" Dessert is then cleared and still no coffee. Finally, the coffee arrives some time later. I wonder, "Where are the Petit Fours that come with the coffee?" They forgot them. Almost another ten minutes pass and they arrive. So now I am ready to enjoy my coffee. Sadly after the first sip I realize I will not be enjoying this cup. Quay, I believe, brews Campos beans. The same company that is served in many coffee joints around Sydney. This bean though was burnt and boiled into a painful sludge that was a chore to drink. Point being, go for the food but skip the coffee. At the end of the day, if you are willing to spend it Quay is worth it. read more