Sydney harbours a plethora of amazing experiences.
Some are well-known, others are truly hidden away and known only by the initiated, and there are those in plain sight yet overlooked by many, thinking it’s too flashy or expensive.
The Sydney Cove Oyster Bar is certainly in plain sight, and a Sydney institution on the Circular Quay foreshore with spectacular views of Sydney harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House.
Over the years the menu had been updated many times, but the Oyster Bar remains a consistently loved Sydney jewel. We have been eating here for over a decade now, and it is one of our favourite spots in the city.
Given it’s a primarily outdoors restaurant, Sydney’s summer is the perfect time to try the Oyster Bar but, thanks to our wonderful climate, it’s a great spot all year round. Whether you need to treat yourself, or would like to surprise a loved one, or amaze an interstate or overseas visitor, this is a spot not to miss.
The oysters are always the freshest and juiciest you will find in town, and usually you will have at least three choices. The Sydney rock oysters from the South Coast, Pambula or Merimbula are recommended natural to savour the flavour, while the Smoky Bay Pacific oysters from South Australia are also offered old-school Kilpatrick.
If you are feeling particularly indulgent, check out the farmed Spanish sturgeon caviar.
A nice glass of bubbly, champagne or prosecco is a nice addition to your oysters or caviar, and the menu offers excellent choices by the glass or the bottle.
The ‘Small Bites’ menu is delicious, and I urge to not to go past the lobster slider, which is a delectable flavour explosion with lobster sourced from Queensland and crispy prosciutto. Then there is a grilled scampi that pops, and a range of other options.
The ‘Share Plates/Starters’ also contain a few favourites of mine, such as the hot-pot baby octopus and seared sea scallops with crisp pork belly, shemiji mushroom, and more …
The shellfish selection is also outstanding and the plate or the platter, depending on how hungry you are, will keep you happily busy.
Warning, side effects may include a delicious loss of track of time!
The main selection also caters well to seafood lovers, but also offers a few grilled meat options.
However, my favourite is the seafood hot-pot – if it’s on the menu, do not miss it!
After you finished your lunch, sit back, enjoy the view and the sounds of the harbour, ask about the cocktail specials, have a few more drinks, a nice dessert, coffee, and so on …
This place gets packed out, so booking is a must, especially if you would like one of their fabulous water-side tables. When booking, make sure to ask for a table by the water and clear your schedule, because you will never want to leave …
The Sydney Cove Oyster Bar
Lot 1 Circular Quay E
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Open:
Monday to Friday 11am till late
Saturday and Sunday 9am till late
Phone: +61 (0)2 9247 2937
Email: info@sydneycoveoysterbar.com.au
The Vue Post 