How about Doyles on the Quay in Centre next to the bridge and opp the opera house. Been once 3 years ago and had a great meal. Do try the Morton Bay Bugs.

Some locals may post otherwise, but the opinion of family and friends in Sydney, is that Doyles is very much a "tourist trap", and to be avoided at all costs. I'm afraid I cant recommend anything in that sort of price bracket, as it's a bit beyond our pocket, on our regulat visits. Alan

Thanks for that. Feel free to offer any recommendations you may have. In an ideal world I won't have to go anywhere near that price bracket anyway. I just want to find somewhere that has a great ambiance, great food, and service to match (something that you usually don't get in the more expensive places too!).

Cheers

Mark

An old mate has just recommended the Sydney Cafe in Circular Quay. Has anyone ever been here before?

Hi Pantsman,

I was in Sydney two years ago and wanted to have a special meal on one particular night. I booked a Captain Cook Harbour cruise and, to be honest, thought in my ignorance that it would be a small affair on a decent sized boat circling the harbour.

I didn't know when I booked that the Harbour has a 27 mile coastline and that the "cruise" would be exactly that. The meal had seven courses and all wine and other drinks were in the price. There are various options when booking and I went for, if I remember correctly, the Gold Star package. This meant we were in the first group to board and were served Champagne with canapes on the top deck while all other groups were boarding.

It leaves from Circular Quay, so views as we sailed around the harbour were fantastic, starting obviously with the Bridge and Opera House, but there was lots to see up top at any time in the trip.

I would certainly recommend checking it out as an option. Here is a link to the relevant page on their website: http://www.captaincook.com.au/home.asp?pageid=1661F5DD27C61DDC&destinationid=55F0AB3672931FB9&cruiseid=50A623E2ECCD4742

It's priced inside the budget you quoted, so you would have some cash left over for drinks in town when you get back on land.

Hope this helps,

JJ.