While in Sydney recently, my daughter and I took the opportunity to have lunch at Matt Moran's ARIA restaurant, at 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney. Living up to its reputation (ok we may be slightly biased as we are both huge Moran fans) the restaurant offers a fantastic and stylish dining experience befitting its two Chef's hat status coupled with superb views of Circular Quay and the Opera House.

Entree

• “Peking duck consommé with duck dumplings, shaved abalone and mushrooms” and
• “Scallops roasted with shaved Serrano ham, glazed chestnuts and brussel sprout leaves”

Mains

• “Char-grilled sirloin with roasted bone marrow, potato gratin and watercress and pickled onion salad” and
• “Roasted rump of lamb with red capsicum, baby artichokes and a green olive and lavender sauce” with
• “Truffled potato mash” as a side.

Dessert

• “Valrhona chocolate” and “Soufflé”.

Overall the food was exceptional in its presentation and flavour with the utilisation of fresh ingredients readily apparent in each dish.  Quantities were also excellent and we were able to finish three courses feeling full but not overly so.  The highlight for me was the Soufflé – I don’t believe I truly understood the meaning of melt in your mouth until I tasted that dessert; for my daughter the Truffle infused mashed potatoes and crème custard were highlights.

The table service was absolutely fantastic with all staff being very knowledgeable on all dishes and wines offered by the restaurant.  Our waiter was able to clearly explain the tastes and compositions of each dish and appropriate wine (for myself).  In particular their ability to engage with both me and my twelve year old daughter was fantastic and complemented the food and atmosphere.  I have been to many restaurants where the staff are either too child focused or more often treat children as a pest to be removed as quickly as possible.

To cap off what was a fantastic lunch my daughter met Matt Moran and we were also provided with a tour of the kitchen by Jason the Maître de at ARIA restaurant.

This was the perfect end to a fantastic lunch and I extend a big thank you to Matt and all the staff at the ARIA restaurant Sydney.

Both my daughter and I would strongly recommend ARIA Restaurant to those seeking the ultimate dining experience.

For further information visit: www.ariarestaurant.com