Rockpool

Some places stay with you, no matter how much time passes. It’s been close to 12 years since my last visit, back when they were on Bridge Street, and returning to the Hunter Street dining room felt instantly familiar. Still one of the best places in the country for steak, this is a restaurant that knows exactly what it’s doing and does it exceptionally well. We ordered four steaks and far too many sides, most of which I didn’t manage to photograph because everything landed on the table at once and I felt bad for the hungry guests on my table! Every cut was cooked to perfection, each side thoughtfully executed, and not a single element needed adjustment. There are no salt or pepper shakers on the table for a reason. Everything arrives seasoned exactly as it should be. The room is as striking as ever, from the opulent green marble and art deco details to the seamless service throughout the space. It’s refined without feeling stiff, impressive without trying too hard. The food was outstanding, but the service really stood out. Warm, polished and genuinely attentive, it’s the kind of experience that reminds you why Rockpool continues to be so highly regarded.

The venue was fabulous and the staff were attentive and friendly. The food however, was a bit of a letdown. The jamon did not taste fresh, and the steak was not cooked to the desired doneness. This would have been fine but it also contained lots of gristle, pretty much in every slice. Overall the food lacked some refinement - steak cut thick and not cooked properly, potatoes were dripping with grease and burst in the mouth, salad had too much dressing. Wine and oysters were delicious though.

i had an incredible dining experience at rockpool bar & grill and it absolutely lived up to the hype. i ordered the rangers valley dry aged rib eye on the bone (800g, 53 days) and it was genuinely one of the best steaks i’ve ever had. perfect crust, beautifully pink inside, rich flavour and amazing marbling. at $260 aud, it’s a premium cut: but absolutely worth it. easy 100/10 dish. the starters were just as impressive. the freshly shucked sydney rock oysters from camden haven were immaculate: cold, briny, clean, and paired perfectly with the mignonette. solid 10/10 and easily some of the freshest oysters i’ve had in sydney. to top it off, the espresso martini was excellent:smooth, well-balanced, not too sweet, and at the price it was a great way to round out the meal. 9/10. service was polished and the atmosphere matched the elevated dining experience. if you’re after world-class steak and premium seafood, rockpool bar & grill is a must-visit. highly recommend. 👌-jerwin parker

It was my first time visiting a restaurant with such an elegant interior, and the atmosphere felt quite grand upon entering. The seating was spacious and clean. However, the service staff seemed a bit understaffed, so it took some time to get assistance. For the food, the highlight for me was the Moreton Bay bug pasta — well-balanced in flavor with a pleasant seafood taste. The roasted bone marrow was rich and flavorful, though a bit heavy after a few bites. The filet steak was my favorite among the meats; very tender and full of flavor, definitely recommended. The least impressive dish for me was the sautéed cabbage with prosciutto. The prosciutto was quite tough, and the cabbage tasted undercooked and lacked seasoning — a simple salad might have been better. Overall, it’s a very good restaurant and a solid choice for dates or celebrations. The prices are on the higher side, but the experience is generally worth it.