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A Modern Masterpiece of Australian Fine Dining | Led by Chef Peter Gilmore

Origins and Vision: The Foundation of Quay

Quay is one of Australia’s most iconic and awarded restaurants, located at the upper level of the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay in Sydney. Established under the visionary guidance of the Fink Group, and with the leadership of restaurateur Leon Fink, Quay redefined modern Australian cuisine through innovation, elegance, and respect for the land and sea.

The restaurant first rose to international prominence in 2001 when Chef Peter Gilmore was appointed Executive Chef. His philosophy of sourcing rare, heirloom ingredients and showcasing their natural beauty on the plate quickly made Quay a beacon of progressive gastronomy not just in Australia but globally.

Source:
Quay Restaurant – Wikipedia
Fink Group Official Website

Chef Peter Gilmore: The Creative Force Behind Quay

Chef Peter Gilmore is one of Australia’s most revered culinary artists. Born in Sydney in 1968, he began his culinary career with an apprenticeship at the age of sixteen. After years of refining his craft in Australia and abroad, Gilmore returned to Sydney and quickly became a pioneer of modern Australian fine dining.

He is best known for working with bespoke growers, fishermen, and farmers to obtain exclusive produce for his restaurants. As a passionate gardener, Gilmore also grows unique vegetables and herbs that appear on the menu at both Quay and Bennelong, his second restaurant located inside the Sydney Opera House.

Peter Gilmore has been honored numerous times, including being named Chef of the Year by The Sydney Morning Herald and featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. He is also a published author with books such as “Quay: Food Inspired by Nature” and “Organum.”

Source:
Peter Gilmore – Wikipedia
The Best Chef Awards – Peter Gilmore

Location and Setting: A Dining Experience at Sydney’s Iconic Harbour

Situated between two global landmarks—the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge—Quay offers panoramic views of the harbour, ferries, and the city skyline. The restaurant’s interior was redesigned in 2018 with a focus on organic textures, subtle tones, and sculptural elements that mirror the Australian landscape.

The renovation created a more intimate and immersive dining environment with a reduced seating capacity of around 80 guests. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide a direct visual connection to the surrounding water and sky, creating a setting that perfectly complements the natural, artistic plates presented by the kitchen.

Source:
Elite Traveler – Quay Sydney
Broadsheet – Quay Renovation News

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian Innovation

At its core, Quay serves contemporary Australian cuisine infused with Asian techniques, native ingredients, and an unwavering commitment to texture, color, and purity of flavor. Chef Gilmore’s menus are renowned for their conceptual nature—each dish is designed to evoke an emotional or sensory experience while remaining grounded in seasonality.

Quay’s tasting menu features intricately composed dishes that are often served as part of an eight- or ten-course experience. The kitchen’s attention to detail, combined with Peter Gilmore’s passion for flavor balance, has created some of Australia’s most iconic dishes.

Signature dishes over the years have included:

• The Snow Egg – a poached meringue with a nitro-frozen shell, filled with fruit purée and ice cream. This dessert achieved cult status after appearing on MasterChef Australia. It was retired in 2018 during the restaurant’s renovation.
• The Eight-Textured Chocolate Cake – a complex, multi-layered dessert showcasing textural harmony through warmth, crunch, and melt.
• Dishes featuring aquafarmed mulloway, mud crab congee, and wild green rice.

Source:
Quay Restaurant Official Website
MasterChef Australia – Snow Egg Highlight

The Renovation of 2018: A New Chapter Begins

In July 2018, Quay closed temporarily for a dramatic interior redesign and culinary reinvention. The renovation included not only the main dining room but also the kitchen and service spaces. This transformation reflected Gilmore’s evolving culinary direction and allowed for even greater refinement in both service and food presentation.

The post-renovation space introduced new private dining areas and an open kitchen design that brings diners closer to the action. The number of seats was reduced to offer a more intimate and exclusive dining experience.

Source:
Quay Renovation – Wikipedia

Recognition and Awards

Quay is one of the most awarded restaurants in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of its most prestigious accolades include:

• Consistently holding Three Hats in the Good Food Guide for more than 18 years
• Ranked in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants from 2009 to 2014
• Named Restaurant of the Year multiple times by The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide
• Global recognition for innovation, design, and sustainability

Source:
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Private Events and Dining Experience

Quay offers a range of private dining options, including spaces with unobstructed views of the Sydney Opera House. Its elegant design and acclaimed cuisine make it a sought-after venue for celebrations, corporate events, and luxury experiences.

The restaurant also provides wine pairings, an extensive cellar, and a curated selection of Australian and international vintages that complement Gilmore’s nature-driven menus.

Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

Book here:
Quay Reservations – Official

Final Thoughts: Why Quay is a Top 10 Restaurant in Australia

Quay is not just a restaurant; it is a living expression of Australia’s culinary evolution. From its iconic location and revolutionary kitchen to its deep commitment to sustainability and creativity, Quay continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the dining world.

Under the masterful guidance of Peter Gilmore and the support of the Fink Group, Quay remains firmly positioned among the top 10 restaurants in Australia and continues to influence chefs, diners, and restaurateurs across the globe.

Address:
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian, Seasonal Tasting Menu

Reservations:
Visit www.quay.com.au