25 Martin Place Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s newest lifestyle precinct unites theatre and dining drama in equal measure.
Since redevelopment of Sydney’s 25 Martin Place (aka MLC Centre) began, more than $170 million has been injected into preserving late architect Harry Seidler’s vision on Castlereagh and King Streets, while at the same time giving it a deft modern touch. The original circular Theatre Royale entrance, for example, now features a dramatic all-glass entrance, drawing visitors in to glimpse Seidler’s original commissioned art before sitting down to watch a show. And a curated selection of restaurants and retail outlets occupy curvaceous spaces enveloping two storeys of the plaza, also with swathes of glass.
Among the dining highlights is three-level Botswana Butchery, a Queenstown import that focuses on the finest cuts of protein: meat, fish and game cooked to perfection, and served with indulgent sauces and house-made condiments. Everything’s cooked over fire, rather than gas, and the wine cellar houses more than 1,000 labels. Meanwhile, L’uva is seriously sexy –all pastas are made by hand, daily. Don’t miss the tagliolini al granchio, studded with Yamba prawns.
The design drama at Kazan is the perfect complement to delicacy on the plate. Think, tempura prawns with dashi soy and house-made salts. Or maki (sushi rolls) with shiso-laced shibazuke (pickle) salsa and crisp curry leaves. Everything is plated to perfection. The best way to describe White + Wong’s? Colourful, in its interior design and creative menu. East-meetswest bites include Fijian-style kingfish sashimi with heirloom tomatoes, chilli, lime, coconut cream and coriander. Or kung pao chicken with green beans and peanuts.
Meanwhile, Aalia transports you across the Middle East and North Africa, through Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt and Turkey – and further afield. Dishes hark back to ancient traditions, and then shuttle you forward to the future. And that’s just the food. Then there are the wines, which hail from unexpected locations like Syria, Jordan and Morocco. 25martinplace.com.au