Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formally Empire Lounge) — Restaurant in Sydney

A Magical Night at The Empire Lounge Rose Bay Sydney

I recently had the pleasure of hosting an event at The Empire Lounge, and I cannot express enough about how seamlessly the entire experience unfolded, from initial planning to the enchanting party itself.

From the very first contact in planning our event, the team at The Empire Lounge demonstrated a level of professionalism and attentiveness, setting the tone for the entire evening. The staff was not only accommodating, but they went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was taken care of, making the planning process a breeze.

The venue’s location, built in glistening water overlooking the vibrant Sydney Harbour in Rose Bay, was simply breathtaking. As the night unfolded, the twinkling lights reflected off the water, creating a magical backdrop that added a touch of romance and sophistication to the event. The atmosphere was alive with joy, dancing, and laughter, creating an unforgettable ambiance that perfectly complemented the stunning surroundings.

The culinary offerings, the delectable canapés, served throughout the event, were not only delicious but also beautifully presented, showcasing the expertise of the catering team. The attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience added an extra layer of sophistication to the night.

What truly set The Empire Lounge apart was the seamless service provided by the attentive staff. From the moment guests arrived until the last dance, the team attended to every need with grace and efficiency. The level of service contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the evening, allowing both hosts and guests to relax and immerse themselves in the celebration.

In conclusion, my experience at The Empire Lounge exceeded all expectations. It was a delightful evening filled with wonderful memories, and I am grateful to the entire team for their dedication to making every aspect of the event seamless and memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend The Empire Lounge to anyone looking for a venue that combines stunning views, impeccable service, and a touch of magic for their...

Sydney Seaplanes is not just a place for a plane ride over the harbour, it also has a bar and restaurant and you can visit the empire lounge simply for a meal and enjoy the beautiful harbour scenery. Outdoor seating on the verandah or inside near the bar, come here for a relaxing setting. Although the outdoor temperature was a bit cold on the day we visited, they have outdoor heating and blankets to keep us warm.

They have a top cocktail list and we began with one each. The flavours of these were lovely and refreshing and the presentation also fit the setting. Brunch always has to have a Bellini and this one was a nice mix of Champagne with white peach and vine peach liquor. The skyline swizzle was a mix of rum, açai berries, raspberries, fresh lime and bitters. Gin, pineapple, lime and bitters made up the Honolulu cocktail and it was awesome.

Food wise, we left it in the hands of the waiter to order us an array of foods, beginning with some beautiful oysters and a vinaigrette.

The menu is predominantly seafood, a natural choice given the proximity to the sea. From the sea menu, we tried the Balmain bug risotto, which was cooked just as risotto should be, and with the addition of nice small chunks of Balmain bug. Beautifully presented with edible flowers, Creme fraiche and edamame, this was a popular dish amongst our group.

We also tried the yellow fin tuna tartare with avocado, black sesame and ponzu, accompanied by some rice waters.

The kale and avocado salad with quinoa, chickpeas, seeds, pine nuts and mint was so refreshing and nice and light to go with the meal.

We also had the swordfish steak special with sugar snap peas and a romasco sauce, a seafood lasagne and a side of bread and butter.

It’s a perfect location, lovely food and...

We booked a Champagne Brunch Sydney Seaplanes experience in May for a special milestone birthday celebration. The Seaplanes experience was totally awesome in all aspects cannot fault the staff at all. The same however cannot be said for the restaurant side. Despite informing the Restaurant Manger (Antoine Dargere ) of our experience (at the time and via email) he or his team have failed to respond. We had to ask for our Champagne Brunch as we were initially given the Restaurant Menu to choose from. We were seated at the small round tables which could not accommodate the tray of food and drinks once they arrived. We had to ask for dining plates as we had nothing to eat off. We had to ask for clean ones for the sweet options. We did have a word with the restaurant manager (Antoine Dargere )but he failed to accept or acknowledge any difficulties or issues with our experience and any aspects we highlighted to him. He didn’t engage with us, he looked over us rather than at us, and did not seem at all interested in what we had to say . He refused to take ownership for the poor service we experienced, rather his responses were to keep pushing the various situations we highlighted to him back on us, saying we should have said please move us etc. It’s not for us to advise on how to train your staff or advise on your procedures and processes. There seemed (for us) to be a lack of continuity between the experience side and the restaurant side. There didn’t appear to be a seamless link between the two sides. **We have held off from writing a review in the hope that the Restaurant Management Team would have replied by now (it’s been 6 weeks) to our initial email sent after our experience. Perhaps they thought we might...