Sailmaker’s Serene Sails: A Darling Harbour Cullinary Delight
Review by Axel Ritenis/Text corrections and formatting with Gemini AI
Sydney, 05 march,2025
Stepping into Sailmaker at the Hyatt Regency Sydney is akin to boarding a luxurious, culinary cruise. The restaurant’s design elegantly captures the essence of its harbour-side location, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking views of Darling Harbour. The warm, inviting ambiance, coupled with subtle nautical touches, creates a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.
And for $95.00, their Sailmaker’s Choice Menu offering three courses and access to the impressive Mediterranean Tapas Bar represents remarkable value, a veritable voyage of flavour.
“For the absolute best panoramic views of Darling Harbour, I’d also recommend a pre or post-dinner visit to the Hyatt’s rooftop Zephyr Bar. Their cocktail selection is excellent, and they boast a well-curated wine list, making it the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere.”
My Sunday visiton a quite Post Sydney Mardi Gras evening , following a morning of swimming down at the hidden gem Greenwich Harbour Beach,.., began with a refreshing Premium Lager from the Sydney Beer Company. The crisp, clean taste was the perfect antidote to my exertion, setting the stage for the culinary journey ahead.
The arrival of warm, crusty spelt bread, accompanied by a decadent fig-goats cheese butter and thyme, was a delightful prelude. A quick and very enjoyable visit to the generously stocked Mediterranean Tapas Bar yielded a generous portion of fresh, delicate kingfish, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients. The tapas bar itself is a highlight, offering a variety of fresh and flavourful options to start your meal.
For my entrée, I opted for a duo of oceanic delights: Appellation Sydney Rock Oysters, perfectly balanced with a raspberry and rose vinegar, and succulent Skull Island Prawns. The recommended pairing, a Philip Shaw Riesling from Orange NSW, proved to be an inspired choice, its crisp acidity and floral notes complementing the seafood beautifully and the wine had a good intensity refreshing the palate between bites.
The main course presented a tough decision, but on the recommendation of the astute and helpful waitstaff,.. ultimately settled on the Merimbula Swordfish. The perfectly seared swordfish, was adorned with an Asian inspired sweet soy sauce, coconut rice and lime, was a masterpiece of flavour and texture. The accompanying Quilty and Gransden Sauvignon Blanc, also from Orange NSW, provided a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savoury dish.
No meal is complete without a sweet finale, and Sailmaker certainly delivered. The Ube Flan with nata de coco and coconut crisp was a vibrant, exotic dessert, while the Spiced Chocolate Kiss, a decadent combination of milk chocolate ganache, raspberry coulis, and almond shortbread, satisfied my chocolate cravings. A soothing pot of lemongrass tea provided a calming conclusion to a truly memorable meal.
Sailmaker offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
The stunning views, impeccable service, and thoughtfully curated menu, including the fantastic Mediterranean Tapas Bar, combine to create a dining destination that is both elegant and approachable.
Whether you’re a local looking for a special occasion spot or a Tourist or visitor (of which there are many staying at the Hyatt Hotel) seeking a taste of Sydney’s culinary scene, Sailmaker at the Hyatt Regency Sydney is a must-try.
The $95 deal is a fantastic way to experience the best of what they offer. You won’t be disappointed.
Restaurant Hours:
Seafarer Dinner is open Thurs-Sun from 6pm-9:30pm