Getting the gang together and looking for a suitable venue? Look no further than these 10 restaurants, all of which serve up mouth-watering feasts, have excellent wine lists and are well versed at catering to large groups. Words by Kirsty Fanton.
Chef Milan Strbac bumped Coogee’s culinary scene up a notch when he opened Sugarcane back in 2016. The made-for-sharing Asian menu, long tables and private dining room make it ideal for groups. Just make sure you order enough Waygu Rendang Curry for everyone or there will be fights. 1/56 Carr St, Coogee, sugarcanerestaurant.com.au
This Greek establishment is a long-term local favourite, thanks to its all-day dining, convivial atmosphere and melt in your mouth lamb shoulder. The saganaki cheese with honey and oregano is also worth writing home about. Make ordering easy by opting for ‘The Full Greek’ banquet menu – which includes both these dishes – and don’t forget to wash it down with a glass of ouzo. 44 MacLeay St, Potts Point, theapollo.com.au
Hidden within the suburb’s uniform brick terraces, this local legend is known for its traditional renditions of Lebanese street food classics. Start with spicy hummus topped with crispy garlic and chilli and baba ganoush, made from fire-roasted eggplant lightly mashed with tahini and garlic. The parsley and citrus heavy tabouli is some of the best in town. Emma’s Snack Bar is taking bookings from October 19. Book now here emmassnackbar.com.au.
If you’re after a restaurant with an intimate dinner party feel, look no further than Farmhouse on Bayswater Road. It’s tiny, filled with one long table that seats up to 22 people, and serves a five course set menu that changes every fortnight. They offer two seatings a night: pick the 8:30pm if your group is likely to want to linger on the post-dinner wines. 4/40 Bayswater Rd, Rushcutters Bay, farmhousekingscross.com.au
The Commons has won many a Sydneysider over with its welcoming vibes, warm interiors and focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Groups can choose from one of the long tables in the main part of the restaurant or the private dining room, which seats up to 16. Once the eating is done, we strongly suggest heading to Downtown – the venue’s bar – which is located in the 165 year-old larder underneath the dining room. 32 Burton St, Darlinghurst, thecommons.com.au
Efendy is chef Somer Sivrioglu’s original Sydney venue and, in our opinion, still his best. The entire team here is Turkish, serving up exceptional food and hospitality. For a group meal with a difference, try the restaurant’s breakfast feast. It’s $32 per person and includes more than 30 breakfast delicacies from Turkish pastries to cheeses and apple tea. 79 Elliott St, Balmain, efendy.com.au
This sleek modern venue offers gourmet Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed to be shared. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton is in charge of the menu, meaning you can expect good things. Tempt your tastebuds further by booking in for Sunday lunch and experiencing the joy of the restaurant’s espresso martini trolley first hand: yes, you can design your own version of the cocktail and yes, the trolley comes to you. 3 Kensington St, Chippendale, kensingtonstreetsocial.com
The Fratelli franchise is built on the idea of the Italian family table, where delicious food, good wine and great conversation come together. The Macquarie Street venue has a distinctly subterranean feel, perfect for long lunches that stretch into the twilight hours. Order a la carte to secure your favourites or make things easy with one of the generous group menus. 229-231 Macquarie St, Sydney, fratellifresh.com.au
It’s fitting that this waterfront restaurant, just across the bay from Sydney Fish Market, specialises in seafood. While most of the menu changes with the daily catch, the famous Snapper Pie is always up for grabs, as are an impressive selection of oysters. There are also some great land-based dishes on offer, just in case anyone in your group is not sold on seafood. 123 Ferry Rd, Glebe, boathouse.net.au
Kylie Kwong is one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, widely respected for her innovative take on Chinese food. Banquet menus are mandatory for tables of 10 or more, but with dishes like Steamed Mini Pork Buns and Crispy Skin Duck with Orange and Plum, you won’t be complaining. 1/28 MacLeay St, Potts Point, billykwong.com.au
