Eating Down Under: an Overview of Restaurants in Australia

Australians are known worldwide as a passionate people with a zest for life and living. They are famous for many outdoor activities both on water and on land. Australians are renowned as a cultured people as well, which makes sense considering the diversity of nations which surround the continent, such as New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. It should be no surprise that a list of the best restaurants in and around their most populated city, Sydney, would be impressive.

Diversity

A visitor to Sydney will immediately notice the various kinds of food available to them. Vietnamese fare as well as Malaysian and even Japanese food are prominent in Australia. Longrain, a Thai-Chinese establishment located at 85 Commonwealth Street in Sydney, offers a multitude of delicious combinations. Of course, there are many fine restaurants serving native Australian delicacies such as barramundi and kangaroo fillet

Lebanese Fare

One of the biggest surprises may be that a Lebanese restaurant, Abduls, located on 563 Elizabeth Street in nearby Surry Hills, scores consistently well with the customer's who have dined there. In many cases, the biggest raves are reserved for the falafels. However, a closer look will reveal that there are a large number of restaurants serving Middle Eastern fare in Sydney. At last count, there are well over 50 restaurants in Sydney that cater to those who enjoy Lebanese food. Also, while almost all the visitors love the food, there are also raves about the décor and friendly service.

Homespun Food

Still, there is a good chance that if you are going to Sydney to eat then you will want to sample the best fare the locals have to offer.

In order to understand what you may be getting yourself into, you will need to know a bit about Australians particular likes and dislikes. The nation's population has many avid sportsmen and women who love the water. Keeping that in mind, it should be no surprise that one of the nicest restaurants in Sydney is called The Australian 18 Footers, located at 77 Bay Street, and is named after the skiffs that they race.

The restaurant is located right on the waterfront on Sydney's Double Bay and it boasts a relaxing bar and dining area as well as some of the best seafood the area has to offer. The décor of the restaurant includes many reminders that you are in a country of passionate sports fans. The Australian 18 Footers restaurant offers to big screens to watch all the races and a special ferry on race days.

Modern Cuisine

Some of the best restaurants in Sydney serve up a delicious dish dubbed "Modern Australian Cuisine". A good example of this is can be found at an establishment called Amanda's On the Edge, located at the Windsor's Edge Vineyard on McDonalds Road. At Amanda's, you can feast on delights such as scallops wrapped in pancetta and more familiar fare such as pork with potatoes. The dessert caramel and banana tart draws raves as well. The more modern places tend to have upscale menus and names like 55 on Collins and Addiction Food located at the Cammeray Golf Club.

"Modern Australian Cuisine" is based on the British style of cooking and fare that was introduced to Australia via colonization. As the country became more and more multicultural, different food types made their way from locations such as Asia and Europe. The result is a combination of cultures and flavors that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Italian Fare

Many of the restaurants that are among the finest in the Sydney area specialize in Italian delicacies. Sydney, being a cosmopolitan center, attracts world-class chefs. It is no surprise that Sydney has a large number of Italian restaurants to choose from, and Al Ponte Ristorante is a great choice. Overlooking Darling Harbour, Domenic Moio's Al Ponte Ristorante serves "Modern Australian Cuisine" mixed with traditional Italian favorites. The restaurant is just a short walk from Sydney's CBD or you can get there by the monorail or light rail.

Another unique Italian restaurant located in the Sydney area is Café Sopra. Vegetarian and Italian at the same time, Café Sopra, located at 7 Danks Street, is known for its Frittata of Asparagus as well as the Ragu Alla Bolognese, as well as its fresh ingredients and friendly, quick service.