The Grounds of the City — Restaurant in Sydney

“IF CAFÉS WERE BEAUTY QUEENS, THIS ONE WOULD TAKE HOME THE CROWN.” — TIME OUT

On the warm pastel background of its homepage, laid this quote. Amidst the other reviews done by thousands of pleased customers who had galvanized their senses, the near 10-year anniversary in 2022 would be a crowning achievement for ‘The Grounds in the City’.

For the occasion, we were celebrating my mother's 30th year at her work (a feat in and of itself) and I wanted to treat her to something exciting and unique.

We took public transport to Town Hall station and from there, a short, leisurely walk to the galeries (next to the popular QVB). We strolled around the galeries which was directly connected to Town Hall station in an underpass. To get to the grounds was extremely convenient for those catching the train.

With our booking at 1:45 pm, we received a notification 15 minutes earlier stating that our table would be received as it was ready for us - this made us even more tantalized as our urgency increased with each step along the galeries.

From the beginning of our experience at the grounds, we were greeted with a very warm welcome by Adrianna, the service lady, who acknowledged us immediately. Adrianna even made mention of the special note that I had typed up during the online booking regarding mum's 30 years in the industry - her relatability and inviting personality exceeded our expectations as she proceeded to show us to our own, private booth.

For those noise-prone, the grounds provides a clearly distinct chatter that is typical of the grit and energy of city life. This seemingly clamorous sound is quickly alleviated by a tasteful, intended jazz and swing soundtrack that really pulls you further into the unique décor, sparking every corner of this warmly lit environment.

The wooden veneer, rustic charm, cutlery and flower-ornamented environment is sure to back up any claims of its beauty and candor. While pictures can provide a hint of its elegance, the embodiment of such charm can only be experienced in person - a surprise that is delightful.

We were served and helped by a few waitresses who were all attentive, helpful (for when you need that group photo or food suggestion) and mannered in a way that even a high-class Sydney restaurant prompts. Mirina and Anna were both exceptional in service and were great to deal with.

When the food did come, it wasn't shy of being too long nor too short for waiting. Considering the amount of hustle that the restaurant was generating on a Friday work afternoon, the quality, taste and look of the food was above reasonable and well cooked.

I had the ‘summer raw bowl’ with seared beef whilst my parents leaned towards 'jack's creek flank steak sandwich' and 'grilled wagyu rump steak', cooked just right and with palatable tenderness. Supported by a ‘clean green’, ‘lemon bitters’ and ‘morning sunshine’ to accomplice the trio of dishes, our lunch was completely satisfied.

Once we were full however, an extra surprise came our end as exceptional hospitality reared its beautiful head once again. My mother was presented with a celebratory on-the-house lavishly pieced cake by the lovely Adrianna, our hostess and go-to person for any queries, questions and faq's.

We all agreed that this place had outstanding customer service, beyond our expectation. Without a doubt, while the food, ambience and decor were all excellent, it was Adrianna's hands on approach, charm, generosity and down to earth personality which really made our experience shine and memorable - on this note, we hope that she goes far with her work, gets special attention from management and that she continues to excel in her abilities and talents.

Thanks to the grounds team at the city once again for making it a delicious and memorable experience for my mother and us: we look forward to another visit at...

Viewed as a landmark restaurant representative of CBD's charm, the majorly glowing reviews about it will raise anyone's expectations of this place. So when we came around for lunch, we were left dissatisfied and desiring more from its attractive reputation. I believe you're paying for an entry fee into an antique shop rather than a well-rounded restaurant experience. The aesthetic of a classic and quaint diner is undoubtedly captivating when you're snugly tucked under intimate, dim lighting. However, it is extremely claustrophobic to the point where if you open your arms to the side, you are guaranteed to hit the other table in the face. While a busy restaurant indicates good business, I would say it works the opposite for this place. During the pandemic where omicron is still at its peak, the receptionist tried to seat us at a two-seater only a few inches away from the other table. So when we asked to sit at a four-seater to abide by social distancing rules, she turned sour and refused to serve us afterwards. Due to unwavering customer traffic, the staff all seem disorientated in refilling water and supplying the right amount of cutlery but surprisingly, food comes promptly. We ordered a Mediterranean bowl and beef brisket sandwich along with a cappuccino. The salad bowl was pleasantly presented with a tasty combination of yoghurt, halloumi and melt-in-your-mouth roasted vegetables. An alarming sign was the pile of fries appearing greater than the actual sandwich itself, though I liked the authentic touch of leaving the potato skin on the fries. The construction of flavours in the sandwich was pleasant with the sting of the Russian dressing and pickles balancing out the robust taste of the brisket, if only there were more or larger onion rings to unite it all. Despite the praise surrounding its coffee, the cappuccino was nowhere near what it was supposed to be. It was alright, at best. What really dampens the mood is the steep prices for such mediocre service and food, even for the CBD! Tourists, mind your wallets in the CBD and never fall for...

NOT HAPPY I provided feedback in person as a courtesy but they didn't listen so here it is.

I am here every 2nd day or so on my work trips. The quality has significantly dropped. They are constantly finding ways of cutting corners and removing ingredients which differentiates themselves from other places to "save on costs". Take the example of the ever evolving crumpets from 2018 to today. The cost has increased higher than CPI however the product is proportionately not any better.

I run businesses and have extensive experience in food and beverage and hospitality. When there is a cost of living crisis or when there is a recession people have less disposable income. But they also want more 'bang' for their buck. So in times like this you increase your offerings not reduce it. Take the example of Buffet A- during a downturn in the mining boom, the owners took away oysters from the buffet. They lost all their customers. They ended up bust. Buffet B on the other hand, maintained their prices and also added more offerings to the menu. Everyone saw value for their precious $ and flocked there. The venue ended up making double their profits. Take this from someone well versed in business and consumer behaviour.

I don't even mind if you increased your price and put the berry compote back on the crumpets. It's that perceived value.

On another note- I arrived Sat at 1130. Was told breakfast was closed. So decided to order steak sandwich no steak add egg so I can actually eat breakfast. 10 mins after my food arrived, the people sitting next to me were delivered a full breakfast from the breakfast menu. But hang on a second? I was told that breakfast service was over and everything had been packed...