Great bar with an awesome selection of spirits, draught beers and cocktails. Decor was awesome, I'm not a designer but would say 1920's-30's? Food was amazing, and prices you would expect for a restaurant like this. Oh, and the girl at the door on the street was hilarious, in a good way!
Gowings is somewhat of an institution. Everyone knows it but I suspect most haven’t been. It is naturally a bit pretentious, a bit over priced, but it is definitely worth a visit.... if you have cash to burn. It is not that it is super expensive, it just not the kind of place where you order a wine that is less than $100. You are eating not just the steak and drinking that wine, but the haughtiness. The restaurant decor is quite modern and edgy. I like it a lot. Will I be back? Probably not for a while.
Great place for a late night catchup, as it is conveniently located in the CBD, however it is a little hard to find, which adds to its exclusivity and overall experience. The drinks made really well here, and the food is great quality and is obviously made fresh.
Gowings is a great cocktail bar/restaurant to pop into if you're heading to the theatre downstairs. The cocktails are innovative and often, delicious!
Dining here was also pleasant, although I recommend you book ahead to avoid disappointment, as it can become quite busy - especially if there is a show on. Really enjoyed the expansive menu and the way the cocktail bar is separate from the restaurant, so it feels more intimate. The service overall was great, although had to ask for our drink order a few times, as there was a long waiting time between ordering and receiving them.
Ultimately, a great cocktail bar and restaurant and would definitely recommend if you're in the area!
Love the pork belly, it's slowly cooked which is very tender and juicy, the bbq seafood mix is kinda ok, the rib eye is also a good choice with red wine.
We stayed at QT for our anniversary and had the pleasure of enjoying the room service menu for dinner followed by breakfast at Gowings.
Dinner was the hot dog, steak and chicken salad - which were all delicious options. The chicken salad was definitely a stand out for me and my husband said the hot dog, though a little small, was his favourite meal of the weekend. Sadly we were too lazy to take pictures!
Breakfast was the farmhouse breakfast (huge and all components were extra tasty ... except the toast which was a little un inspired) and the salmon omelette which came recommended by the waitress and didn't disappoint!
I've eaten at Gowings before for a work dinner and everyone loved the dinner menu. I think pricing is quite reasonable given the quality of the food! We would definitely return!
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Highly recommended dining here.
We came late on Saturday night without a booking, which was no issue as we were given a table almost instantly. Inside the restaurant it is dimly lit and feels romantic, would be a good date night restaurant.
Some complimentary bread was served, toasted nicely and still warm to the touch.
We didn't know what wine to choose since our order was a mix of seafood and meat so we left it to the waiter to choose. Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc 2016, not bad not bad in deed. Was really smooth, light and not overly sweet.
First came a dozen oysters, 6 Pacific and 6 Sydney Rock. Nothing to fault there, they were juicy fresh and the condiments gave it a little extra kick.
We also shared octopus, tuna tartare, and kingfish crudo. The octopus was so tender, soft and flavourful, almost felt like it was sausage that I was eating. Tuna tartare was a little bit spicy which masked the tuna taste, overall wasn't a bad dish. Loved the kingfish crudo! Only six pieces of fish for $24, on the expensive side, but enjoyed every bit of it.
We ordered 3 rib eye steaks, medium rare $144 it came with a side of shoestring fries.
Steaks were cooked perfectly, was presented nicely and every bit was demolished.
Even though this restaurant is more on the expensive side, it's a pleasant dining experience with great food and knowledgeable waiters. Cant wait until my next dine here
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Located conveniently in the most busy of Sydney's Central Business District, Gowings Bar & Grill boasts an impressive seasonal menu and an equally impressive customer service. In other words, a perfect target for this foodie's adventure comeback.
From the conceirge at the front desk to tasteful interior decor, this Bar & Grill is certainly more refined than your average bar and grill. The dim lighting and the abundant display of glassware created a soft and intimate atmosphere - perfect for a date night. Through out the night the staff were attentive and we found no difficulty flagging them down.
We ordered the tuna steak and half roasted chicken to share, along with the lemon tart and peanut and caramel mousse. The tuna was seared perfectly with an array of tri coloured tomatos adding colour to the grand sized plate. The sauce was a touch too strong for my liking but that was expected given my relatively bland palette. Likewise the chicken was roasted to perfection with a crisp outter skin and moist inside. The mash was creamy and abundantly seasoned. If I were to be critical, then again it was a little heavy on the palette and needed some greens to freshen up the protein.
As for the deserts this foodie has never really been a big fan of sweets, but alas one must accommodate for ones sweet toothed dining partner. The lemon tart was nice and fresh and tasted good while the mousse was too sugary for my liking. This was all washed down with a glass of freshly made almond milk and I must admit was really the highlight of my night. Must thank my dining partner on that note. It is no secret that this foodie has an obession for her almond milk.
One thing I've come to realise as I have matured is that the dining experience becomes just as important as the food itself - if not more. As young working professionals it is not easy to schedule dinner plans that align perfectly with everyone's timetable. Lack of attention from staff, long waiting times, incorrect billings are all factors that in the past that have spoilt an otherwise wonderful night. Which is why one must always factor in the "feel good factor" when paying for the price attached to a plate of food and for the rating they give.
Overall feel good factor 4.5
Girls night in this beautiful atmosphere bar,staff is friendly and foods is awesome with a good price. Surprised in the choc and the creme brûlée ....
In the old Gowings department store in the QT hotel. The service is prompt, the coffee good but a bit on the small side and the food tasty. The truffle eggs were strong in flavor but perfect in taste.
After indulging in both dinner & breakfast at the Gowings Bar & Grill - I'll happily tell you that you will not have any regrets eating here!
They have friendly service, sexy vibes and good portions. It is above average on price but the quality and experience is worth it.
I recommend staying at the hotel too. So sexy and unique if you enjoy boutique, dark vibes - QT Hotel. I had fun with M eating and dining here.
Rodney - Villa D'Este
+4.5
Special occasion dinner for 19 of us in the private room upstairs. Pre dinner drinks in our own mezzanine area overlooking dinners downstairs. Funky lounge chairs and fittings. The long dinning table was set beautifully. Our personal maitre d Toby was non stop ensuring arriving guests had a drink and more importantly kept them topped up. Our dinner and wines were selected days earlier. Entree share and main plates arrived in rapid succession by a team of waiters directed by the maitre d. Excellent service, food and ambience. Felt like the rich and famous. Hang on we are, lol. Highly recommend this venue for special celebrations with your closest family and friends.
Quirky decor. Love the atmosphere. Very helpful and friendly bartenders and staff, very accommodating. Had a wonderful evening here catching up with best friends. Even go to witness a proposal here, which made the night even more special. Much better than that Morrison Oyster Bar which had absolutely disgusting service.
Best stake ever!! Like the chips. Bit surprised with the lemon. Cuz every time I need to request couple pieces of lemon for my stake. Stake with lemon are perfect.
Service was friendly and accommodating. We were a group of 8 on a Monday evening. Our mains came out pretty fast but dessert was almost an hour wait.
I enjoyed my steak but it was on the rare side. Despite others at the table ordering the same medium rare steak, there were inconsistencies between the plates.
The profiteroles were underwhelming and lacked chocolate sauce.
The flavour of the pork belly here and the cured egg were beautiful and the atmosphere was very lively and staff were quite attentive. Would definitely want to come back and try the other items on the menu
Beautiful decor and super friendly staff. We came here as a group of 3. Ordered the steak with sides of mash and seeet potato. Had the profiteroles for dessert. Food was delicious and wine was great. Espresso martinis were excellent. A bit on the pricey side though for what you get and also, if you don't like seafood, your options are extremely limited
Best hotel in Australia. Best hotel breakfast in Australia. Love staying here in my home away from home. Gowings Big Breakfast is BIG on taste and BIG on value!
Such a lovely dining experience. The breakfast was to die for. Try the truffled eggs.
Their ingredients were fresh and the meals well executed.
For dinner, all six of us were impressed with the chef's execution and the staff's attentiveness.
Seriously amazing bartenders, they know how to make a cocktail! Really lovely dinner - one of the best I've had. Great quality produce. The service was OK in the restaurant - not overly attentive, but the food made up for it. Outstanding experience In the bar + a great place for a pre-dinner drink
Not the cheapest place for breakfast in town but you'll certainly get some interesting options on the eggs benny! I had mine with caviar on top which was fabulous. The big breakfast was a little less inspiring, but I don't know why my husband ordered that anyway when the other options all looked way more exciting!
Breakfasts! fantastic the flavors and combinations are well excuted . Great American chic dining experience and good service . I went hoping to have the pancakes which unfortunately they have taken off the menu however was delightfully charmed by the 'Rockerfella'.
Lively super pack 'em in style restaurant with a nightclub track list. Overall a solid performance but loses points on price. Mains hover around $30-$40 for a very standard menu. We had the half-chicken and the mac n cheese, both good but not knock your socks off. Good variety of wine. Profiterole ice cream was a highlight. Excellent service and decor.
Nice environment.
Seafood are really fresh.
Doesn't like the sauce of oyster tho.
Recommend seafood fish but not steak.
Ordered lavender tip which is a lovely cocktail.
Princess Greedy Guts
+3.5
I love this place for the buzz & hearty food. There always seem to be more men then women here, all in power suits whether its for lunch or dinner. The bar in the middle is a great place to start with a cocktail & a nibble, watching the open kitchen busy at work. The food is rich & substantial with decadent schnitzels, meat dishes, fries & mac n cheese as sides. Dessert is underwelming & an after thought almost but the affogato is good. Probably as they think everyone will be too full to go that extra sweet mile. Not a cheap place as you do get carried away also with wine & cocktails but it is prime location & a beautiful historic building.
Been on the wish list for a while so was super excited to finally get here. Wasn't disappointed-the venue is super funky with a great atmosphere. Wait staff was super helpful and the friendly. Great wine selection and the menu is extensive. Crab cakes were amazing and the minute steak with anchovy butter had great flavor. Only let down of the night were the beignets- over cooked boarding on burnt and a little dry. Was offered chocolate sauce to go with them and was given the smallest little jug which was only half full. Definitely disappointed but the rest of the meal was so good I can totally overlook and I would definitely go back.
Gowings Bar and Grill is situated inside the very trendy and quirky hotel (QT Sydney) where the elevator sings lonely songs to you if you are alone, or party anthems if you are in a group. As you walk into Gowings from the QT reception floor, you can't stop but feel excited as the room itself also has similar quirks and trendiness like the rest of the hotel with its nice decorations and smart-casual DJ.
I need to come back here for proper dinner, as I was only here for a short while for some pre-drinks and snacks.. But from the snacks I have to say their tartare spoons were delicious (I really wanted more though!!), as well as the octopus balls I ordered alongside an espresso martini.
I'll definitely be back to try rest of the menu out.
(visited in November 2015)
We had dinner at QT Hotel’s restaurant Gowings on our first night in Sydney. Mainly because nothing else was open on a Sunday night. (What the hell, Sydney!! How are you a major city and yet all your restaurants are closed on Sunday, and most are closed again on Monday!!) But Gowings was awesome anyway.
Do: the pork belly. Quite yummy but the crackling didn't live up to expectations. The pepper steak was also nice.
Don't: over stuff yourself on the delicious warm bread and butter. So good.
Tip: make sure you book early and leave room for dessert. The lemon meringue tart was very lemony and delightful to look at.
I ordered the Black Angus Steak, Oysters, and Sea Urchin. It was great I loved the atmosphere and vibe and service was top notch. It does get a bit loud but I guess it's part of the atmosphere.
What a classy establishment. Beautiful food, decor and service. Such wonderful choices on the menu.
The food was impeccable and the whole experience felt on another level, rarely seen in restaurants in Sydney.
I would definitely recommend you attend, and I promise you will be back for more!
I do especially recommend for an anniversary or special occasion as it has that glamorous atmosphere.
Pretty delicious food - we had fresh fish and salad and some naughty desserts. I wouldn't say it was outstanding, as some people absolutely rave about it, but it was good and the mains were very healthy and tasty. Atmosphere... very busy, and very loud. We were there for a business meeting and practically had to sit on each other's laps to hear.
Overall, Gowings offers a pretty top-rate dining experience. Our meal was necessarily quick as we didn’t have a reservation, but I can see how it would be a great place to enjoy a long meal over several excellent cock/mocktails. The bill does start to add up though and before you know it, you’re shelling out three figures per person – so I would reserve this one for special occasions only.
Gowings Bar and Grill is located in the QT Hotel, in the heart of the CBD and is the perfect place to escape the busy streets below. The entire hotel has transformed what was once the old Gowings department store and part of the State Theatre into a flawless wining and dining experience. It’s edgy contemporary design meets the style of a European brasserie – a concept created by acclaimed Sydney restauranteur Robert Marchetti.
Gowings is one the iconic Sydney restaurants frequented by countless celebrities from Angelina Jolie to Redfoo and Robert Pattinson. . Located inside QT hotel, just above the State Theatre, the restaurant features a flamboyant design with stunning art deco doors. . As you head up the stairs to the restaurant, you are greeted with a large kinetic digital installation emanating a post-modern feel to the decor.
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We started our lunch by having a drink at the bar as we were waiting for friends. The staff who was there was very friendly and offered tastes of wines that were available by the glass.
When our friend arrived, we moved to our table and was saddened that the lunch menu was short and concise, the dinner menu has more variety and had items I really wanted to try. Still my husband and I tried their crab cakes which were well cooked and flavorful (3 small pieces) and then we both had the minute steak which came with a salad and French fries. Simple but done well and we couldn't complain. Even though their dessert menu options were out of three choices. I decided to be swayed by the table across who sat across from us ordered their profiteroles, so I decided to get that as well. Small profiteroles which chattily and ice cream inside. While it was nice, it wasn't amazing or something I would order again for the price you are paying.
Service was friendly and professional from all the staff and it's a spacious restaurant who had many large groups of families with young kids/babies. I'm glad I got to try this place but probably go at night for the dinner menu.
This is one of my top 5 places to eat. Great ambience, stylish decor, cool modern vibe. Great food, staff (who wear cute outfits) and a cool bar! Even if you don't come here to eat, you can lounge in the bar and enjoy the scenery and cocktails.
First night in Sydney and decided to head here for some steaks and wine. First off the room is really well set up. Private enough but you still have people around which gives off a good vibe.
Ordered the Rib Eye 100% Black Angus 320g. And when they say 320g, they mean it. No bone. Also had the Mac and Cheese with truffle as a side and it was perfect. The waiter recommended a few different wines though we went with the Pooley 2013 and Claus Preisinger Zweigelt 2013. Both were fantastic.
Finished it off with a cheese board of gruyère, goats and blue and we were done.
All in all a great night and friendly service.
Staying at QT hotel, Gowings on site is very good, groovy bar, minute steak I was warned was brilliant and they were right, the profiteroles also top notch. Good job. Will be back. Hotel side of things great as well.
The Peckish Connoisseur
+5
Quite alot of seafood tonight. My mate had the line caught SA snapper. Pan fried, classic lemon butter sauce, frisee, mint shallot salad. I had a bit and never knew how good grilled snapper can be! I ordered the beef rib and when this came i thought hmmm…. bit odd. It was for out other friend fortunately this didn’t look as appealing as the other dishes. “Old School Chicago Veal” which was topped with mozzarella, mild red chilli, baked in tomato passata, marjoram, black olive capers, splash of brandy.
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This morning I had the great pleasure of experiencing some of the new additions to the menu at the highly acclaimed Gowings Bar & Grill, located right in the heart of Sydney CBD on Market Street. Mr Fit Foodie and I have promised ourselves a dinner there since it opened some time ago, but given our busy schedules, have not had chance to book in. To my delight, I was invited to enjoy a breakfast to sample their new healthy options available to both hotel guests and general public alike. I have to admit, I don’t generally think of hotels as my first breakfast choice, but this little gem has a genuinely luxe but relaxed vibe, perfect for both an impromptu latte or something a little more substantial for anyone and everyone in need of a morning pick-me-up. You may have read from a previous blog post that I struggle to find healthy eateries on my doorstep, and actually finding somewhere that remains open on a weekend (catering for more than just suits and city-slickers) is a whole other challenge in itself. However, I’m pleased to say this place might be just what I’ve been looking for. Serving breakfast from 6am, 7 days a week, it even kindly plays along with my unforgiving body clock. On arrival I’m greeted by the enchanting decor of the original Gowings building, lovingly restored and celebrated by it’s new inhabitants. The building is listed to protect it’s original features, and offers a wonderful sense of old-world character that I miss from the abundance of heritage buildings in the UK. Gowings dining area The ground floor houses Parlour Lane Roasters – a casual drop-in cafe serving freshly brewed coffee and light bites by day, and by night, wine and bar snacks to hoards of pre-theatre goers. To my joy, I learn this place has free wifi, and immediately pledge to get out of the apartment regularly to blog here and enjoy a spot of people-watching over my afternoon long black. The first floor houses the Gowings Bar & Grill, which is whe
Gowings Bar & Grill is hidden away in the quirky QT hotel on Market Street. The menu is huge, covering red meat, seafood, poultry, salads, sweets and much more. With such a varied menu, it was a very hard decision to decide on my meal, but eventually I chose the Roast Gruyere Crumble Beef Fillet and Paris Mash.
10 very satisfied tummies rolled out of Gowings Bar & Grill that night and though we didn’t kick on downing cocktails in the bar that evening (food coma), I do think that the majority of us will be returning to this shiny new thing as soon as we can.
Little Lauren's Adventures
+4.5
For my main I chose to have something off the grill, partly to be healthy and partly because the waitress recommended it. The meat was lovely and tender and cooked perfectly. As with all more, how shall we say, fine dining(?) restaurants they tend to cook meat a lot pinker than we do at home so I asked for medium which came out to be what I would consider medium-rare, which was exactly what I wanted.
This place has been on my 'to dine at' list since it first opened last year. Something about the menu attracted me. Upon reflection the food described in the menu didn't sound fancy, quite down to earth actually. Plus there had been a lot of hype when it first opened in the new and trending QT hotel. So I finally got a chance to dine here with 2 good friends, who I consider to be part of my 'family'. When we got out of the lifts, there was a rather flash reception area (which felt like a hotel reception). We then realised that we had to walk up a flight of stairs to get to The Bar and Grill. As we walked up to the stairs I was quite distracted by the amazingly brightly coloured wall facing us. Quite striking and it did set the mood for what the Gowings Bar and Grill would feel like. I liked it! It felt new and vibrant, it looked like a place which had been heavily invested. It was very much an image driven environment. Why would I say that? I think it will be more obvious as I describe
I had the 'fish of the day' which was mahi mahi, rubbed in fennel seeds, coriander and rosemary and had a side accompaniment of a tomato salad.
The bar and grill is not obvious from the street but it was only breakfast time. Located on the second floor of the QT hotel and next door to the iconic State Theatre, it can be impressive that Gowings B & G opens its doors as early as 630am, considering that people do party at the same venue rather late the evening before. There is always a smiling young woman or man at the street level entrance to the QT itself - and this person often is a traveller from Canada or Europe with a friendly countenance. The rooms at the QT are on the high side of pricing, already for a city that asks for much in hotel accommodation. Once you come out of the lift, you are settled into the rather cosy and cocooned world of the Gowings. This name once referred to a department store but memories of that Australian business is carried on through association in the very building which once housed sales of clothes and accessories. Breakfast can be a sophisticated affair, suggesting of early morning money deal
The breakfast menu that's included in the hotel package is slightly different to the a la carte breakfast menu, but it nonetheless provides a good spread of delicious food.
Does My Bomb Look Big In This
+4.5
While my Xmas mantras are ‘buy local’ and ‘buy artisan’, if you are determined to brave the CBD madness, you’d best do it well fortified.
Right in the thick of things, Gowings Bar & Grill offers up an extensive breakfast menu that caters for all tastes and proclivities, including those healthy types who like taking the yolks out of their Super Food Omelette ($21).
The decor is very "Great Gatsby"!! A group of us enjoyed a fabulous lunch on the weekend, the service took a little time to warm up but was acceptable. We all loved the food and found it reasonable for what we had, which was a lunchtime feast! I'm going for the a la carte breakfast this weekend, can't wait!
Professional yet warm service. Very accomodating with special requests for a farewell party for 17 adults and 1 baby. Amazing food, good portions. Definitely recommended.
Came here for a work lunch with six colleagues. Food was incredible, service excellent. All in all was a superb place and everyone had a great time. Will be back.
This place hasn't changed a bit, in a good way. Maybe the menu, slightly.
It's been a while since I've been back and made a reservation (recommend) beforehand.
However, flaw of the evening was the lamb rack which was a bit under, despite the sous vide taste. My steak was marvelous as I remembered it to be.
Staff were happy and helpful to be back and complemented a minor error with a cheesecake - I'm not usually a cheesecake fan but it was amazing.
For a side dish, I recommend the truffle Mac n cheese, cos it's legit truffle and not oil BS.
Extensive wine selection for the lovers out there too!
We arrived in Sydney and are staying at QT. With not having much breakfast because of our early flight we decided to treat ourselves to Gowing which is the fine dining restaurant inside the hotel on the 1st Floor.
My lovely wife order for us and she started off with the Burrata. We both haven’t tried this before but we both love cheese. We expected it to be heavy but it was so light and fresh !
We continued our meal with the Caesar salad which is present with a show of them making it in front of you. Our waiter Irnesto put on the show and his lovely charisma made it fun and delicious. Our meals was followed by duck fat potato’s and the handmade pasta Mafaldi.
I really enjoyed our fine dining experience with the team at Gowings the service was fun and professional and the food came out quick and presented nicely. I have visited the bar every night since my stay at QT and I love the energy and the ambience which is the reason why I keep returning to it.
Had lunch with my hubby there today. Beautiful food and excellent service. Nice vibes and atmosphere. Loved the cod💯👌
Had a few pre dinner drinks on Friday night at Gowings. Both restaurant and bar were extremely busy with a nice vibe. They have a good selection of spirits, wine and beer. Bar and wait staff are extremely busy so interactions are kept at a minimum, but service is still of high quality and you won’t have to wait too long to order.
Exceptional experience and exceptional food and service. The vibe on Saturday was electric. the DJ really added to the overall atmosphere and played great tunes.
The food was exceptional. We had the Ceesar salad, the cod and a steak and it was absolutely delicious!
Service was on point and very attentive. The wine list was one of the best I had seen in Sydney and both girls that served the wine were fantastic. Highly recommend this restaurant
The staff and the food were both great at gowings bar and grill. The duck fat potatoes and the zucchini flower fritti were definitely the highlights and the biggest let down was the gowings signature cheesecake which I thought was too dry.
My clients and i had the best lunch at the newly opened Gowings restaurant. Sean the Creative Director (Exec chef) greeted us and made us feel so welcome. The food and service was amazing (Crab pasta a real hit) and the drinks and deserts excellent.
I am so happy that this restaurant has come back stronger than ever - and i look forward to coming back - maybe leaving the car at home!! Thanks to Sean and his great team:)
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