Cafe Opera

Buffet. The mere word seems to fill most Sydneysiders with horror. I guess growing up here; the word did become synonymous with Sizzler. In my mind though, I’m always leaving Las Vegas in a post-Elvis wedding haze, savouring the taste of the world’s most perfect raspberry jube from Bally’s Sterling Buffet. If that’s out of your reach, this is Sydney’s best attempt to reach for those lofty heights. First stop seafood, and whilst the Midweek Buffet ($65/head) certainly contains a good selection, an eye-catching but underwhelming spanner crab makes the Friday/Saturday ($95/head) additions of lobster and a chocolate fountain tempting. If you’re on the corporate account, head for a Brian Croser/Jacques Bollinger joint project, the 2001 Tapanappa ‘Tiers’ ($165/bottle) and you’ll forget everything. It goes nicely with cold cuts, as you ponder groovy overhead LED chandeliers. It’s a pal to Pepe Saya, Aussie butter king, on a range of lovely bread. You’ll like it with the carvery, or any of the constantly restocked and tempting tajines. This venue gets the simple things right – temperature, presentation, cleanliness and speed. Staff are so attentive they remove plates before you even feel guilty about waste, allowing you to cake, cheese and pudding yourself into oblivion. Rooms are just a waddle away…

Café Opera
Intercontinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Circular Quay
Ph: (02) 9253 9396 www.icsydney.com.au/dine-drink/cafe-opera/
World $$$