Elemental Dining: Restaurants That Are Closely Connected To Nature
The four classical elements — water, earth, fire and air — not only form the basis of our world, but also signify balance, energy and transformation. Interestingly enough, these are the very same forces that serve as the fundamental inspiration behind the development of culinary art in kitchens across different cultures. Chefs employ these elements to prepare food which not only provides the necessary nutrients to the body, but also portrays the tale of nature and artistic genuineness.
All these eateries, be it a cafe with an ambience of natural greenery or a dining experience where you can relish your meal with a view of the changing tides, reflect the core of their elemental source and offer you a beautiful spectrum of dining experiences in Sydney. So, if you are eager to sample the best dining in Sydney and find out the true essence of the relationship between food, atmosphere, and nature, then this is the perfect place for you.
Water: Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
The Sydney Harbour lunch cruise, among these elemental experiences, is the most water-centric one.Lunch cruises on Sydney Harbour are definitely more enjoyable when they are in sync with the gentle rhythm of the harbour waters. Don’t hesitate to lose yourself on the open decks as you get the full feeling of the sea breeze, listen to the sound of the water hitting the hull of the boat and admire the stunning views of the Sydney landmarks appearing one by one.
Although there are numerous dining cruises, the common feature for all of them is that water and views are always there. If you’re looking for the best dining experience in Sydney, lunch cruises on Sydney Harbour would be at the top of your list. It brings you moments of calm and connection to the harbour that stays with you long after you are back on land.
Earth: The Grounds Of Alexandria
Nature is truly in its element at The Grounds of Alexandria Cafe, a quirky urban oasis of lush greenery that is a perfect fit for the earth element. Leave your busy life behind, right here in a lovely garden with a nice atmosphere, enjoy excellent coffee, and eat fresh local and seasonal produce-based dishes. I mean, is there anything better than having all this - cafe, restaurant, bar, coffee roastery, bakery, florist, market, and farm under one roof?
It is totally up to you whether you come in for a slow breakfast, a delicious lunch, or even the after-work cocktail sessions. The earthy vibe of the place is such that you can completely immerse yourself in nature.
Fire: Firedoor
By using local ingredients and cooking them over wood fire, the Firedoor Restaurant in Surry Hills can be considered as a tribute to the Australian tang. This jewel of the Harbour City is really a celebration of the raw beauty of Australian produce. Rather than gas or electricity, its kitchen is powered solely by fire in all its varieties. The restaurant has two wood-fired ovens, three grills, and a wood-burning hearth.
The Firedoor Restaurant is well known for its Australian dishes and steaks, but it doesn’t stop at these. The flavours of the dishes are harmoniously balanced — smoky, yet deep. A meal at the Firedo or is not merely dining — it is a delight of the fire, passion, and the skill of the chef.
Air: Infinity
At Infinity in Sydney Tower, Mark Best and his team prepare each dish solely using Australian produce and then bring it to you at the sky’s edge for your delight. Held 81 floors, the dining experience at Infinity is both literally and figuratively lifted to another level. With its chic ambience and revolving views of the city skyline and harbour, it is truly the perfect Australian dining experience.
There the air itself transforms into the most ethereal dishes which are served in a restaurant that seems to be defying the laws of gravity itself. Complemented by a wine and beverage list featuring the best of Australia, each bite and each sip is proof to Australian excellence. If you are after fine dining in Sydney with a view, then this Sydney Tower restaurant cannot be easily outdone.
Final Thoughts
By the conclusion of our elemental journey, it becomes apparent that each restaurant not only honours their chosen element in taste, but also in emotion. In fact, these four journeys together demonstrate that drawing inspiration from the natural world results not in meals but rather in conversations between human creativity and elemental forces that are of a much higher order. Whatever experience you might be craving for, Sydney has a table ready just for you!
