Circular Quay Restaurants - Best Lunches Sydney - Fine Dining

Wildfire Restaurant Review

Located in view of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House, this architecturally inspiring restaurant with its a-la-carte and signature Brazilian Churrasco menus, dazzling seafood bar and creative cuisine is one of Sydney's best dining experiences.

Ground Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West,
The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
(02) 8273 1222

Bus & Ferry: Click Here

Train: Circular Quay

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Review by Shane Ullman

With prime waterfront views of an iconic Sydney Harbour and Opera House, architecturally inspiring interior, signature Brazilian Churrasco menu featuring a selection of spit roasted seafood & meats, owner Tonci Farac's (of Auckland Cin Cin fame) Wildfire restaurant is a world class dining experience in an unmatched venue. No wonder it was  voted 'Best New Sydney Restaurant' by Vanity Fair magazine upon opening in 2002. 

Wildfire's crackling wood fires and rotisseries, ‘Seafood Bar’ and modern Australian a-la-carte menu, award winning wine selection and capable staff promise more than a meal- it's an experience.

In one of Sydney’s most beautiful locations, you will find one of our best restaurants. Wildfire is situated at the waterfront in Circular Quay with a prominent backdrop of the Sydney Opera House. Let me dress the scene...

It’s a sunny afternoon as we prepare for a degustation lunch...

Wildfire Circular Quay Sydney Menu - Entrees

Entrees average around $26 and mains are from $41-71. First up for us is the Tuna Tartare ($25). Endearingly named “CAN OF TUNA” on the menu, it was served in an 80's era pressed glass bowl, perhaps taking the joke just one step further. It was delicious; the chef responsible for this dish is not afraid to be creative with presentation, because he knows the food will speak for itself. The ocean trout ($25) was next.

With so many items on the plate, the ocean trout maintained itself as the main body of flavour. A cucumber granita accentuated the freshness and coolness that made this salad another standout.

The pork belly ($27) with blow-torched rockmelon gave off a mouth-watering aroma, but for me the two didn’t mix perfectly. Aerated yoghurt worked well with the rockmelon and the pork, but the rockmelon seemed to overpower the delicate flavours I’ve come to enjoy in my pig.

Sydney Wildfire Menu - Award Winning Wines

The Indigo Wildfire Pinot Gris went well with the entrees, I stuck with the 80mL glass, because I wanted red with my steak (and it was only lunch time). The main event had to be the Wagyu Sirloin ($71), which was absolutely fantastic. You can have béarnaise with your Wagyu, can you believe it?

This restaurant gives steak the attention it deserves, and it comes on a platter sliced and served to minimise the time it takes to get it into your mouth. The sommelier matched Vinaceous Shiraz and hot mustard coleslaw were the perfect compliments.

The Comte Cheese ($24) followed the steak. Although it is listed as an entrée, this dish helped to cleanse the palate and prepare us for dessert, which was an event unto itself. My choice, the carrot cake ($17) is unlike any you or I have ever had before. I didn’t know what I was getting, and when it came out, it looked like a roast pumpkin salad. My mind could not compute why I was tasting sweetness, when all I could see was a savoury salad garnished with carrot pieces and celery leaf.

Luke Stepsys, Wildfire Restaurant - Executive Chef

Luke Stepsys, the Executive chef, is so creative with his presentation. If you want the same old thing you’ve come to the wrong place. If you want an experience, this is it, wow. Luke is a down to earth guy who puts his ego aside, and he’ll fight the suppliers to get perfection.

“Don’t compare us with other restaurants, we want, no, we have to be different,” acclaims Chef Stepsys.

I visited Wildfire for lunch, when I think the view is at its very best. With stunning interiors, world class views, creative cuisine and a uniquely Australian sense of adventure, Wildfire has caught fire with locals and visitors alike. Well worth a visit, I highly recommend Wildfire.