Nobody wants to visit on old, run down, daggy restaurant no matter how amazing the food might be. Just like a good outfit or nicely decorated home, a restaurant needs to represent the intended image, kept to high cleaning standards and have a classic touch of style. Here in Sydney, a lot of our streets look the same as do the restaurants on them, not too often do we come across one that has a style of its own and a unique atmosphere.
Located in Sydney’s East, Darlinghurst is a brightly coloured, modern and popular restaurant venue called Universal. A wonder woman when it comes to the desserts, Christine Manfield continues to keep desserts as a highlight of her many recipes she has learned and taught over her hospitality career.
Modestly sitting in the Inner-Western suburbs of Sydney is our own ‘Little Italy’, also known as Leichhardt. This is one of Sydney’s favourite spots to eat out of a weeknight or weekend, with over 50 places to wine and dine or just pick up a take away meal, these restaurants cater to everyone’s tastes – restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bars and deli’s all add to the vibe of this ideal food destination.
This restaurant ticks all the boxes when it comes to ambience, service, food and location. When you approach the wharf it is hard not to have high expectations. Taking advantage of the beautiful surrounding city skyline, Manta is situated on Wooloomooloo Wharf, Sydney. It is perfectly placed slightly out of the city centre, giving diners the view of the Centrepoint tower and accompanied skyscrapers, without the hustle and bustle. Manta fits in effortlessly to the up-market vibe that is of one of Sydney’s wealthier areas, expressing class and elegant dining. The layout is crisp with white tables, tablecloths and chairs, brightened by candlelight and tall gas heaters in winter. The restaurant provides enough space for corporate events, small wedding receptions and birthday celebrations both inside and outside the venue. It is also excellent for couples, with smaller tables set up comfortably throughout. Although presentation is important, if the food isn’t excellent it is practically pointless. Manta seems to have taken into account the importance of top-notch food, providing a menu of both seafood and meat, which are both fresh and flavoursome. Don’t forget to take a look at their cocktail menu, the Manta Martini with freshly crushed lychees and lemongrass syrup shaken with Belvedere vodka and apple juice, is refreshing and works well with their seafood dishes. The staff only mirrored Manta’s efforts to impress their diners. With gracious, accommodating waiters providing you with frequent yet not suffocating service, suggestions and assistance. Expect to pay for the excellent experience; it is not cheap but worth it when you consider all of the above. As Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to live in, it would be naïve to anticipate in-expensive dining on the harbour. All in all, a great night out with excellent food; an impressive way to spend time with friends, family, colleagues and loved ones.