Quayside Brasserie, East Circular Quay

Quayside Brasserie, East Circular Quay
Friday 16 December, 2005

Located underneath ARIA in East Circular Quay, this brasserie has an amazing view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It is hard not to be impressed with the view. The outdoor area can tend to get a little windy so sit inside by the window for dinner.

For the location, the prices are excellent. For a quick bite before the ballet (tonight we loved the final Australian ballet of 2005 - Sleeping Beauty), it is much nicer & better for the cholesterol levels than the rich food offered by Guillaume @ Bennelong.

Our waitress was super keen to take our order. She visited the table three times before we were ready with an abrupt, 'are you ready to order?', 'are you ready to order yet?'; 'can I take your order NOW?'. Gee, relax a little.

We had both had big lunches so ordered salads off the entree menu. I enjoyed the prosciutto, rockmelon, rocket & parmesan salad drizzled in honey and my ballet buddy enjoyed the caesar salad with a poached egg. They were both great.

For dessert we splurged and I had the warm apple crumble with ricotta and apple, balsamic gelato (it definitely wasn't gelato but it was still good) and my ballet buddy enjoyed the chocolate, orange & hazlenut bread & butter pudding with hazlenut ice cream. They were delicious.

It was very affordable and we were hesitant to tip because the waitress had a permanent scowl on her face. What is it with service in Sydney???

Quayside Brasserie - Shop 1/2 East Circular Quay, Circular Quay - (02) 92510122

http://www.quaysidecafe.com.au