Kristien Wilkinson asked:


So deciding where to have dinner may not exactly qualify as one of humanity’s most crucial choices but it doesn’t mean that you should just pig out at the nearest dining dumpster either. Food, after all, is not merely a physiological necessity; it also happens to be one of life’s greatest pleasures and should be thoroughly enjoyed in the best possible manner. Thus, it is only appropriate that the choice of a restaurant be given its rightful consideration.

Let’s start off with the basics. One of the most important criteria in choosing a dining spot is cleanliness. Before even bothering with star rating, a restaurant must at least pass sanitary requirements. You don’t want to worry about intestinal disorders while having dinner, do you? Be wary of flies hovering around, messy tables, stinky smells, or spilled food stuck on the floor. A filthy bathroom is a very bad sign. If a restaurant doesn’t look clean in the areas you can see, then imagine the sanitary conditions in the areas you can’t see, like the kitchen for instance.

Another indicator of the quality of a dining establishment is the number of its customers. Restaurants who have a steady stream of diners are more likely able to provide good food and great service. You may also ask your friends for recommendations. It is also helpful to consult restaurant reviews for a more professional opinion. Keep in mind though that the respectable opinion of your friends and the food critics in your local newspaper are based on their own palates and may not agree with your own unique taste.

If the dinner you’re planning happens to be a romantic date or an important business meeting, it would be worth your while to conduct your own reconnaissance of the restaurant. Befriend the bartender or the maître d’. Check out the menu and the wine list. Take note of the lighting, amount of noise, and interior design. And make sure to make a quick trip to the restroom before you leave. Of course, it’s not always possible to make an advanced personal inspection of each restaurant you want to eat at but doing so would definitely increase the certainty of an excellent meal.

These days, most restaurants, especially the fancy ones, already maintain their own websites. These sites usually feature the menu, house specialties, wine selections, additional services, and some even cater to online reservations. There are also sites which contain comprehensive listings and reviews of dining spots in a particular city or community. With the wealth of resources about restaurants on the internet, it’s much easier for you to check out the eateries in your area without having to step out of the house.

Finally, your choice of a dining spot ultimately depends on the kind of dining experience you want to have. Are you aiming for a gastronomic adventure or would you prefer a more familiar and comfortable dinner? Do you want to taste a specific cuisine? Or a certain specialty perhaps? Your particular preferences, as well as those of your dining companion/s of course, are invaluable in coming up with that all-important decision of choosing where to eat.

Antonia Parelli asked:

As one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, Sydney, Australia offers an array of fine dining options that will accommodate even the most divergent of palates. Pleasing ambiance, great service, and delectable bites of perfection can be found on any block and represent fine cuisine from all over the world.

Are your taste buds tingling in anticipation of a taste of Thai? Yok Yor is calling your name. Consistently rated one of the best overall restaurants in Sydney, Yok Yor delivers the goods time and again, redefining spice and giving traditional Thai food an edge. With a romantic atmosphere and attentive wait staff, what more could you ask for? Recommended signature dish: Fried Barramundi.

If you’re in the mood for Greek, you can’t go wrong with Nostos. The menu offers a large selection of traditional Greek fare, and the knowledgeable and friendly wait staff will ensure you leave satisfied. Known for subtle, fresh tasting food, Nostos is perpetually perched at the top of restaurant review lists. Stop in on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and you’ll get the added bonus of live music. Recommended signature dish: Keftedes (Greek meatballs in feta dip)

Tetsuya’s offers the best of two worlds. Japanese flavors are enhanced with classic French cooking techniques, directed by Chef Tetsuya, who is known for his innovative approach to food and the wide variety of an ever-changing menu. He uses fresh, seasonal foods to create unforgettable dishes that wow customers and keep them coming back for more. Recommended signature dish: Confit of Tasmanian Ocean Trout.

Sweet tooth? Don’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in the tastiest of treats at La Renaissance Patisserie. Serving up generous portions of French cuisine and delicate pastries, La Renaissance Patisserie has been a favorite of tourists and Sydney residents for years. For something truly decadent, check out the catering menu. You can order an assortment of desserts for parties and get a nibble of every variety. Recommended signature dish: Black Forest Cake.

Another notable French restaurant is La Pelican. Housed in a smallish sandstone structure, La Pelican has a cozy, old world feel. Large groups are accommodated in the inviting courtyard at the back of the building, and private rooms are available for small parties. The chef gladly adjusts dishes for customers with special dietary restrictions, and customer requests are always greeted with a smile. Recommended signature dish: Lamb.

Times on the Park is hands down the number one place to go for a good steak. Not only are the steaks tender and flavorful, but customers also get to dine while looking out at the lovely view of Hyde Park. Add in the superior wine selection and friendly staff and Times on the Park is a serious contender for the best restaurant in Sydney list. Recommended signature dish: Chateaubriand Wagyu Aged Steak.

In all, fine dining restaurants in Sydney maintain a high standard. Keep an open mind and try out all the cuisines Sydney has to offer–your taste buds will thank you.