Dear Sainte Éloise — Restaurant in Sydney

Dear Saint Eloise is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the dining scene. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with an ambiance that effortlessly blends sophistication with a welcoming, laid-back charm. But it's not just the atmosphere that sets this restaurant apart; it's the impeccable service, exceptional food, and an Australian Riesling wine list that's truly unparalleled.

Let's start with the wine list—specifically, their collection of Australian Rieslings. It's a testament to the thoughtfulness and expertise of the team behind Dear Saint Eloise. Each selection is a journey through the diverse terroirs and styles of Australian winemaking. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning to explore the world of wine, the staff's knowledge and enthusiasm ensure that you'll find the perfect bottle to complement your meal.

And speaking of meals, the food at Dear Saint Eloise is nothing short of extraordinary. The menu showcases the best of Australian cuisine with a modern twist, using locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. From the delicate seafood starters to the hearty mains bursting with flavor, each dish is a testament to the chef's skill and creativity.

But perhaps what truly sets Dear Saint Eloise apart is its service. Despite its reputation as a top-tier dining destination, there's an unmistakable warmth and familiarity to the staff that immediately puts you at ease. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you're made to feel like part of the family from the moment you walk in the door.

In conclusion, Dear Saint Eloise is more than just a restaurant—it's an experience. With its exceptional wine list, outstanding food, and welcoming atmosphere, it's a place where memories are made and culinary dreams come true. If you're looking for a dining destination that's equal parts refined and relaxed, look no further than Dear...

We came for the set menu booking on a Friday evening (you definitely need to book to reserve a seat; the space is intimate and tailored for small group bookings). Each dish was dainty but delicious, and perfect for sharing in a company of two.

The set menu featured: 🫒 Marinated olives 🥖 Romesco dip, fried capers, sourdough 🐟 Angelachu andhovy, brioche, pickles 🥗 Brussel sprouts, pickled currants, walnuts, reggiano with Leaf Salad 🥩 Blank Angus Tri-Tip Au Poivre 🍮 Flan, bitter yuzu caramel

The highlights for me where the romesco dip and the brussel sprouts. The lowlight was the flan, which was too bitter for my liking. Overall, the flavours worked well together and I hope to visit again and try something new (I’m not sure if the set menu is seasonal!)🍴

The wine menu is my real drawcard for wanting to return. As my company was late, I enjoyed reading each of the pages, including the story of Dear Saint Elouise, and all of the details in grapes, wine varieties and the extensive selection to choose from 🥂

For the adventurous, you can pick a mystery wine, which is on the house if you are able to pick the grape and location 🍾 My only qualm was that I choose this option, but because we were rushed by the wait staff with the bill at the end, I never got a chance to share my guess and will forever live in ambiguity of knowing whether I was given a riesling or not…

Aside from this oversight, the staff were lovely and the atmosphere was fantastic. Perfect for a romantic evening or for catching up with dear friends 🥰 My only other observation is that the set menu is quite pricey for the quantity of food you get, and despite it being a $75 flat fee we got charged $92 each (the gap did not add up to what one glass of wine...

Our Valentine’s Day dinner at this restaurant was a complete letdown. I will never return here. Despite a reservation for 8:30 pm, we found ourselves standing in the rain from 8:30pm until 8:45, with no one acknowledging our presence which was ridiculous. When we were finally acknowledged, we were told to sit outside where it wasn’t completely covered in the rain to wait for tables. Even with a 10% mandatory service charge, basic etiquette was lacking. We finally sat down at 9:10pm, (40minutes after we arrived) leaving us extremely disappointed after my partner had booked the Valentines dinner a month in advance.

Our total bills was nearly $400 for two set menus, which offered ridiculously small portions. We were also surprised with an extra charge of $35 per glass of champagne, which we assumed was included as they didn’t ask our preference and asked us to start with champagne. The lack of transparency added to the frustration.

Our starter consisted of only 2 oysters (one each), a tiny brioche, and a tiny dip of burrata curd with two cucumbers and two radishes. The main course was a shared flathead fish, smaller than my palm. To feel full, we had to order extra chips. The overall experience fell far short of our expectations and left us questioning the value for money and the special occasion we had anticipated.

The worst was the disappointing in the service we received. Heard great things about this place but if you would like to book this place for a special...