Aria marks a quarter century of excellence
The harbourside venue will unveil two exclusive birthday menus for the month of Septembe
Posted 15 August 2024/refreshed 15 march 2025
Matt Moran’s Aria Sydney marks a quarter-century milestone this September, celebrating 25 years of fine dining, world-class wine lists, celebration and collaboration; 25 years as a key part of Sydney’s fabric. In celebration of the significant milestone, Aria will offer two exclusive menus for the month of September that pay homage to the venue’s storied past, including a 25th birthday tasting menu of reinvented legacy dishes and a bar snack menu created by Aria alumni.
“A restaurant is nothing without its people. Since 1999, Aria has been more than just a restaurant; our guests have filled our space with joy, choosing to celebrate their special moments with us. Our incredible staff have brought our vision to life with passion and innovation; and our exceptional suppliers have provided the world-class Australian produce and wines that have been the foundation for our enduring legacy. All of these elements make Aria what it is, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to celebrate that, together,” says Matt Moran.
Curated by Matt Moran and Aria’s executive chef, Thomas Gorringe, Aria will serve an exclusive 25th birthday tasting menu with each dish inspired by standout legacy dishes from its 25 years. The seven course menu will be $290pp and will feature modern interpretations of some of Aria’s most beloved dishes, with standouts including: yellowfin tuna, daikon, bergamot & dashi (a tribute to the earl grey salmon dish of 2010); scallops, Moran Family Farm guanciale, apple & elderflower (a tribute to pork belly which appeared on Aria’s menu in some iteration between 1999 – 2016); and the chocolate delice, sherry and hazelnut that graced the Masterchef pressure kitchen.
Guests are invited to enhance their dining experience with Aria’s carefully curated wine pairings, with classic, premium and non-alcoholic selections available. Complementing the wine offer will be a collection of new cocktails including: The Gin Martini (Never Never, vermouth, brown butter); Tropic Spritz (pineapple rum, Pineau de Charentes, green mango, ginger, Thai basil); Breakfast Cobbler (Hendricks Gin, Muscat, earl grey, toasted sourdough); and Lamington Milk Punch (Red Mill Rum, NoDo Coconut, Muscat, raspberry, cacao). The new cocktails will be available both in the main restaurant and at the bar.
The restaurant’s commitment to nurturing talent remains a cornerstone of its enduring legacy. Throughout its illustrious history, Aria has been the training ground for numerous talented chefs, sommeliers, and service staff who have gone on to achieve significant success in the culinary world. Notable alumni including Matt Abé (chef patron at three-Michelin starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay); Ben Turner (general manager of food, Redcape Hotel Group); Jason Staudt (executive chef, Stokehouse Precinct); Elvis Abrahanowicz (founder, Paisano & Daughters group); Simon Sandall (owner and chef, Boronia Kitchen); Jake Kellie (co-owner and executive chef, arkhé), and Paul Baker (co-founder and executive chef, Chefs on Wheels) will return to the restaurant to mark the occasion.
As part of the celebrations, alumni have come together to create a bespoke snack menu to be available exclusively in the bar for the month of September. Each chef has created a snack for the menu, which will rotate weekly and features interpretations of some of Aria’s best-loved dishes and proudest creations. Menu highlights include: earl grey and kombu cured salmon (by Ben Turner); comte, prune and truffle tart (Elvis Abrahanowicz); lardo, fino sherry and bee pollen (Matt Abé); yellowfin tuna belly, melon croustade (Jason Staudt); scallop, XO and pickled daikon (Simon Sandall); grilled Peking duck dumplings (Jake Kellie); pork croquette, cipollini onion, apple mustard (Ben Turner); and bug boudin, potato, rouille (Paul Baker). Limited bar seats are available to reserve, bookings can be made via Aria’s website.
Aria’s 25th birthday celebrations honour the stories and people who have shaped its journey; from the chefs who have created magic within its hallowed halls to the guests who have chosen to celebrate their special moments with the Aria family. These special menus will be available from 2 – 29 September, with bookings available via the Aria website.
