Why Aussies are flocking to this luxe hideaway for the ultimate world class fine dining experience (without the eye-watering bill)
A luxurious, 26-storey retreat with breathtaking views over Sydney now offers one of the city’s most exclusive dining experiences, for less.
The Bar at Oncore by Clare Smythset in the opulence of Crown Sydney, has just launched a tasting menu of one of the most awarded menus in the world.
Clare Smyth is a British chef who has worked with Gordon Ramsay, earned three toques and is the only woman in the UK with three Michelin stars.
And her Australian chic restaurant, Oncoresecured a coveted spot on the luxury restaurant rankings, La Liste, crowning it one of the world’s 50 best restaurants.
While menus in the main dining room start at $350 per person, the tasting menu costs $150 per person and features Clare’s signature dishes.
This surprising addition includes small plates of WA marron royale with caviar, potato and roe with seaweed beurre blanc and wagyu beef with Sydney rock oyster.
The divine meal concludes with the ‘core-teser’, Claire’s hugely popular chocolate, malt and hazelnut variant of the Malteser, which featured in the 2024 MasterChef final.
Guests can also opt to add a cocktail of their choice for $80 per person and order a la carte favorites like fried chicken with caviar.
Clare Smyth, who has earned three chef hats at Oncore, is now offering a tasting version of her world-famous gourmet menu for $150 per person
A striking dish from the affordable tasting menu is the Australia wagyu with oyster
Clare Smyth spoke to FEMAIL about the inspiration behind the tasting menu, her childhood on an Irish farm and the magic she brings to each dish.
“I designed the mini tasting menu to create a unique experience where guests can enjoy the bar in a more relaxed atmosphere… and at their own pace,” she said.
“When Crown approached me, I knew it was a great opportunity and one I couldn’t pass up. The iconic location of the venue and the breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world were undeniably appealing.
‘Sydney holds a special place in my heart, having lived there for a while as a youngster and always having a great love for Australia, this combination made it the perfect setting for Oncore.’
She said the “carefully crafted” drink pairings, such as the Port Philip abalone with the Gilder cocktail, are combined in a truly exceptional way.
The internationally acclaimed chef added that the key to creating a brilliant tasting menu is ensuring each dish complements the next.
“The flavors have to be carefully balanced so that no one course overpowers the next. The menu has to build as it progresses,” she said.
The ‘Core-teser’, an elevated version of the humble chocolate and malt Malteser, is Clare’s signature dessert and appeared in the final of MasterChef 2024
The opulent interiors of this Sydney fine dining hotspot overlook some of the city’s best views
Why The Crown is the ultimate (and super luxurious) weekend getaway for foodies right now
TABLE FOR TWO DEAL
Now from $799 per night You can enjoy one of the country’s best restaurants, such as Encore, Nobu or a’Mare, with a $250 credit, before retreating to the modern comforts of your room with stunning harbour views and a bottle of chilled Piper Heidsieck champagne.
The next morning, enjoy a buffet breakfast full of seasonal fruits and handmade treats, served on open tables against the backdrop of breathtaking Sydney.
SUITE ESCAPE
By For $849 per night you can experience the ultimate romantic escape in the hotel’s beautifully appointed Executive Suite.
It also includes a complimentary breakfast for two at Epicurean, valet parking, and a late checkout until 1pm, so you can feel completely relaxed when you leave.
a’Mare is one of the most sought-after Italian fine dining establishments in the country. The restaurant is currently offering 50 percent off its signature menu for all Friday lunches through September
Clare’s passion and ‘deep respect’ for quality produce comes from growing up on an Irish farm and being deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the British Isles.
‘I’ve always had a soft spot for the simplicity and honesty of British and Irish cooking, where simple ingredients are celebrated and transformed into something truly special,’ she said.
Clare said she has noticed a significant difference between restaurant goers in Australia and those in her home country.
“Generally speaking, they prefer to eat earlier in the evening than people in the UK,” she said, adding that they “prefer to savour their meals and take their time to enjoy the experience.”
And the chef’s Australian fans can’t get enough of her ‘extraordinary’ take on fine dining.
“This was without a doubt the best dining experience we have ever had – and by far,” said one.
‘Oncore is an experience in itself…the experience of eating here is indescribable to me…with every bite you experience true joy and pleasure,’ added another.
And the announcement of the new tasting menu with a more affordable price tag was good news for Sydney residents, who said they loved the new concept.
“My stomach and diet need this,” someone said.