Charlie & Co. Burgers @ Opera Kitchen

Finally the Sydney Opera House gets the food it deserves – fast, casual dining suited to a pre-theatre dinner or a post-theatre snack. Venture to the lower concourse to order at the counters of a range of dining options spanning Japanese, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, fish, decadent sweets, pastries and quality burgers. Your meal is conveyed to the table by a team of impossibly handsome staff, accentuated by flimsy white t-shirts. I cornered Michael who jokingly explained he “just had to send in a photo” to get the job – clearly untrue, as he was competent as well as pretty. Plonked squarely between two of the country’s most iconic structures, this is premium real estate. While prices keep this in mind, they’re still unlikely to break the bank. Justin North’s Wagyu & Co. Burger ($21.50) with beetroot relish, pickled gherkin and aged cheddar comes on a nice-looking, tasty brioche bun. His Hand-Crafted Chilli Crab Burger ($21.50) is delightfully crabby, with Asian greens and a splash of lime. My only quibble – take the fries off the burgers, because after trying both, everyone needs the better Parmesan and Truffle Fries ($10). You can even get a beverage; my Ketel One Vodka ($9) went down a treat. Fast food has never looked so inviting!

Charlie & Co. Burgers @ Opera Kitchen
Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Ph: (0450) 099 888 www.operakitchen.com.au
Burgers $$