Sydney has two magnificent landmarks which are admired around the world. Located in Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are architectural phenomenona that appear in the background of postcards and on commercials. If you’re looking for dinner in Circular Quay, there is an obvious choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant with a view. The East Chinese Restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, both of which provide a clear view of the world-famous Harbour Bridge. Oh and their food? It’s classic Chinese with delightful attention to flavour and presentation, writes Garry.
Ideal spot for dinner in Circular Quay
If you’re planning a meal before or after a musical session, The East is a restaurant near the Opera House which you can count on for traditional Chinese food. It serves a variety of à la carte and banquet options to suit any occasion, whether it be eating at a Chinese restaurant for date night, a wedding occasion, or entertaining business partners. The interior design is elegant, with antique wooden finishings, which contribute to an authentic atmosphere.
The framed art featured along the walls tell a tale of how long The East has been serving waterside dining in Sydney. The restaurant has overseen many developments in the Circular Quay area! Whilst enjoying the historical signficance, you will also notice the artistic patterning of the walls. Together with golden dragon symbols, diners at The East step into a nostalgic time in classical Chinese-Australian history.
Experience Chinese fine dining in Sydney
Whilst we’ve definitely experienced fine dining with portions that are just abysmal, The East serves plates that won’t leave you hungry after. The food is not something you would be unfamiliar with if you have a Chinese-Cantonese background, but it is served with grace and flavour. The staff at The East were friendly and attentive to our requests. They even offered their photography skills! If you’re looking to settle into Sydney, you know which restaurant to feel comfortable at.
We ordered a banquet menu which included a large proportion of seafood. Our dishes reflected the diversity of cooking styles under The East’s chef expertise. Steamed, braised, fried … the variety of textures kept us hungry throughout the meal. The food tasted great, and reflected cooking techniques refined by a knowledgeable kitchen. Looking further into the menu, there are flavours to cater for everyone. Sweet, sour, savoury as well as aromas that bring the best out of the ingredients used, fill your imagination.
A classically-themed restaurant with a view
A Chinese restaurant for date night isn’t a tough choice. The question usually comes to which restaurant. For waterside dining in Sydney, and finding a restaurant with a view, it’s difficult to find a worthy competitor to The East. If you’re seated outside, you’re literally next to the Harbour Bridge. Your next Instagram picture will certainly be something to marvel at. You’re also less than 100 metres away from the Opera House. There’s something grand about dining next to a world-heritage site, isn’t there?
You can check-out more of The East Chinese Restaurant, and reserve your next meal, here. For other cuisines, you can read about our Sydney food guide recommendations.
