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Cafe Opera, InterContinental Hotel

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Decadent dining takes centre stage at Cafe Opera in the InterContinental Hotel, where city views form the backdrop and sumptuous food plays the lead. The grand interior sets the scene for opulent feasting, bringing class to the ever-popular buffet option. Three stations overflowing with fresh delights stud Cafe Opera's charming interior. The buffet's offerings change each night, navigating the cuisine of France, Italy, Spain and Asia. But the kitchen's deluxe seafood buffet remains the star attraction, offering an underwater food fix each weekend. Watch chefs perform their magic at live cooking stations, who bring a bit of theatre to the evening. The dessert buffet beckons with a mouth-watering array of sweet delights - which look far too good to eat… almost.

While the buffet remains a popular choice, with tantalising a la carte options such as Sydney rock oysters with lemon and the kangaroo tart of cauliflower, macadamia nut puree and beetroot relish, you may have a tough time deciding between the two. The a la carte menu covers the gamut from grills, pasta and risotto to lighter snacks, vegetarian fare and desserts. Team your premium grain-fed Australian Angus or Wagyu beef with prawns or grilled lobster tail, or satisfy the belly rumbles with a club or steak sandwich. Sweet treats include rhubarb and peach crumble, mixed berries and caramel ice-cream or the hazelnut creme brulee, Spanish madera pear and chocolate macaroon. You're bound to find the perfect thirst-quencher on the restaurant's extensive wine list, which offers more than 50 Australian and New Zealand wines. Café Opera can be found on level one of the InterContinental Sydney, an elegant hotel hemmed in by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Lauren Barker, September 2008