PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Before our food was frothed, squirted and piled precariously high over the plate, fine dining was all about demure sophistication. Darcy's has withstood the test of time and remains the kind of place you would take your in-laws or your boss. The service is professional, the atmosphere warm, and the setting sophisticated. Don't let the elegance fool you, this corner terrace has seen its fair share of wild nights; Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe's wobbly autographs frame the remnants of a section of plasterboard, brought down during a big night at the restaurant.
The menu offers all the extravagances you would expect at a fine dining restaurant, without the unnecessary flourishes that seem to adorn so many plates these days. Start with carpaccio of beef or the Tasmanian smoked salmon with capers and onion. For the more adventurous, yet still classic palate, snails are served with garlic, parsley and sherry. Main courses feature dishes such as grilled scampi with lemon sauce, or the pan-fried spatchcock with garlic, rosemary and sage. The house specials include a divine angel hair pasta with mushrooms and truffles. The wine list is expansive, with an incredible cellar full of some sensational wines, their labels carefully collected and on display in the wine list. This is classic dining at its absolute best.
Before our food was frothed, squirted and piled precariously high over the plate, fine dining was all about demure sophistication. Darcy's has withstood the test of time and remains the kind of place you would take your in-laws or your boss. The service is professional, the atmosphere warm, and the setting sophisticated. Don't let the elegance fool you, this corner terrace has seen its fair share of wild nights; Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe's wobbly autographs frame the remnants of a section of plasterboard, brought down during a big night at the restaurant.
The menu offers all the extravagances you would expect at a fine dining restaurant, without the unnecessary flourishes that seem to adorn so many plates these days. Start with carpaccio of beef or the Tasmanian smoked salmon with capers and onion. For the more adventurous, yet still classic palate, snails are served with garlic, parsley and sherry. Main courses feature dishes such as grilled scampi with lemon sauce, or the pan-fried spatchcock with garlic, rosemary and sage. The house specials include a divine angel hair pasta with mushrooms and truffles. The wine list is expansive, with an incredible cellar full of some sensational wines, their labels carefully collected and on display in the wine list. This is classic dining at its absolute best.
LOCATION
Darys is located in the eastern suburb of Paddington, 8 k's from the CBD.
DETAILS
Before our food was frothed, squirted and piled precariously high over the plate, fine dining was all about demure sophistication. Darcy�s has withstood the test of time and remains the kind of place you would take your in-laws or your boss. The service is professional, the atmosphere warm, and the setting sophisticated. Don't let the elegance fool you, this corner terrace has seen its fair share of wild nights; Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe's wobbly autographs frame the remnants of a section of plasterboard, brought down during a big night at the restaurant.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The menu offers all the extravagances you would expect at a fine dining restaurant, without the unnecessary flourishes that seem to adorn so many plates these days. Start with carpaccio of beef or the Tasmanian smoked salmon with capers and onion. For the more adventurous, yet still classic palate, snails are served with garlic, parsley and sherry. Main courses feature dishes such as grilled scampi with lemon sauce, or the pan-fried spatchcock with garlic, rosemary and sage. The house specials include a divine angel hair pasta with mushrooms and truffles. The wine list is expansive, with an incredible cellar full of some sensational wines, their labels carefully collected and on display in the wine list. This is classic dining at its absolute best.
From the walnut bread to the leather bound menus, to the pepper on the left and the salt on the right, the attention to detail here is flawless. Darcy's serves stunning Italian cuisine that doesn't give itself over to fleeting trends.
The Visitors Book is more like an autograph collection. Shirley MacLaine, Mel Gibson, George Michael and Frank Sinatra have all eaten at Darcys, and you'll often see the same autograph twice or even five times.
And then there's Manuel- the straight-faced waiter from Barcelona. You'll get a kick out of making him smile and believe me it's easier than it looks. An ear-to-ear grin will crack over him like an egg and you'll see the sunshine in his fingers and toes.
Attilio took us down to his vintage cellar between courses and showed us his collection like a schoolboy showing off his soccer trophies. With over 9,000 bottles of wine he has every right to be proud.
Darcys is highly recommended as you can have a business meeting or a romantic dinner here as you wont have to raise your voice a few decibals as in many Sydney restaurants.
PRIVATE DINING ROOM
The upstairs private dining room at Darcy's is one of the most intimate dining rooms in Sydney with rich timber furnishings, crisp white table linen, soft lighting and a juliette balcony leading out through the French doors. The upstairs main area is suitable for corporate dining, private parties for up to 35 seated and 50 for cocktails.
WINE LIST
After dinner we recommend a glass of Fragolino wine - a sweet liqueur made of wild strawberries from the fertile valley surrounding the famous volcanic Lake Nemi in Italy.
