BTWN — Restaurant in Sydney

Went there to try out the restaurant for dinner. Atmosphere for our table was decent enough, we were given a round table for 3 and the table itself was spacious enough. I noticed some couples were seated at the corner with a table only good enough for one. Lights were bright inside the restaurant, so at least you could see what you ate. The avant garde decor was not my cup of tea though. It was more like a bowling alley crossed the Bullet Train neon lights kind of setting.

Food was really just OK to below average for a fine dining restaurant. We ordered scallops for snacks, and they were fresh (so should naturally tasted good), but it was the brussel sprouts that stole the night. Very well cooked delicious. We then ordered rib eye to share. With the $150 mark for a 1 kg rib eye, you shouldn't expect much. It was not very flavoursome and the meat was on the tough side even when we requested a medium finish. It was rather embarrassing because we had to ask for salt and pepper to continue. We didn't have dessert at BTWN, instead we went to the Dessert Bar on the same floor. Desserts were good, but since it was on the outside of the restuarant and situated at a quasi open lobby style area, it was a little underwhelming. One could easily walk past without noticing the Janice Wong Dessert Bar at all. The Dessert Bar opened till 2am and could have alcoholic drinks to go with the desserts. I reckon it would be good for couples on a date and having nowhere to go.

Service in general was again ok. All servers were very courteous, which would be expected. It was the finer details that discredited the restauarant. While clearing the table after our scallops, one of the shells dropped on the table. The serveuse picked up the shell off the table leaving a bit of sauce behind, but did not wipe it off right away, nor for the rest of the night! Further points were deducted when clean plates were distributed to us for the main to be shared, the first plate put down had the scallop sauce on the rim (probably transferred from her fingers), then the second plate down had her thumb print on the plate (a big no no).

Not sure whether this was a lack of training or just too busy and not enough servers, but these practices of serving clean plates and wiping off the left overs on the table are quite standard for a 5-star hotel restaurant, so I can't really give any higher score. The only saving grace would be the smiles on some of the...

BTWN at the W Sydney: A Detailed Review

BTWN at the W Sydney offers an upscale bar experience that is both vibrant and modern, making it a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts. Here's a closer look at what makes this venue stand out:

Cocktail Selection

The cocktail menu at BTWN is nothing short of spectacular. Each drink is crafted with precision and flair, offering unique flavors that justify their steep price tags. At around $30 per cocktail, these drinks are indeed an investment, but one that delivers a delightful experience. The menu features a variety of innovative concoctions, ensuring that there's something for everyone, whether you prefer classic tastes or bold, adventurous mixes.

Service and Snacks

Service at BTWN is exemplary. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to recommend a drink or help with pairing suggestions. Their friendly demeanor and professionalism add to the overall positive experience. Complementing the drinks are the bar snacks, which are as enticing as they are delicious. These snacks are a perfect accompaniment to the cocktails, making for a well-rounded and satisfying experience.

Ambiance and Decor

The decor at BTWN is sleek and contemporary, embodying a modern aesthetic that is both comfortable and stylish. The ambiance is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. The seating is comfortable, and the overall layout of the bar is designed to encourage social interaction.

The View

The only notable downside to BTWN is its view. Unfortunately, instead of a picturesque cityscape or serene waterfront, the bar overlooks a busy motorway. This can detract slightly from the otherwise luxurious atmosphere, but it is a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar experience.

Conclusion

Overall, BTWN at the W Sydney offers a high-end bar experience with exceptional cocktails, great service, and a chic setting. While the view is not ideal, it doesn't overshadow the many positives this bar has to offer. With its delicious drinks and inviting ambiance, BTWN earns a solid...

BTWN is a fancy restaurant with modern Australian food with tiny hint of Asian. It’s located in the W hotel, does buffet as well in the morning and dinner but we chose a la carte. Seems like there are fresh oysters and some choices in the buffet, looked nice. The view was spectacular, looking out Darling Habour, windows right next to the road from Anzac bridge toward CBD, watching cars driving past with the harbour background was very special. We ordered the special menu, the 4 course meal with many entree dishes and 1 main and 2 different dessert. Shame it was hard to take the picture because poor lighting and food came out one by one. They were all excellent and well presented, and potion size for exh food was good as well (if you believe fancy restaurant means pizza afterwards, BTWN is not) The quality of food was set high, each ingredient goes well with sauce, other food and not super sweet or spicy. We loved deep fried eggplant the best among all entrees and the main - chicken, was cooked to perfection. Dessert was somewhat weakness, as it didn’t have any special kick, just bland. Service was excellent, the staff was friendly and helpful, but was hard to understand because their voice was too small to hear. Also we couldn’t see the menu properly because of poor lighting and small print… perhaps we are too old. lol Overall it was excellent friday night, I would...