For my 18th birthday I wanted to do something memorable, so I decided to dine with 360 Bar and Dining (which is funny and ironic because I'm petrified of heights). It's situated up in Sydney Tower with amazing views of the city skyline. I chose this place because it literally rotates as you dine, so you get to see the entire city without having to move an inch.

There seems to be quite a few bad reviews about this place online, but personally, I had a great experience. In the week leading up it, I made changes to our reservation a gazillion times and it was nice to see how patient the staff were with me. We were made most welcome upon our arrival and the waiters were very attentive throughout the night, consistently asking how our meals were and refilling our glasses at the right time. As we were escorted to our table we were so blown away by the view. Being our natural selves, we began taking a million selfies after ordering our dishes and it was hilarious how the waiters managed to be so professional around us despite the fact that we were goofing off 95% of the time.

We went with the 3 course menu and nibbled on some Italian bread while waiting for our entrées - with our lack of etiquette, we got really confused as to how we should've eaten it so we alternated between knife and fork and our hands.

tasmanian salmon gravlax, shaved fennel, asparagus, mustard & dill dressing

1/2 dozen oysters, pink grapefruit & rice wine dressing

smoked kangaroo loin, mustard cress, quail egg, cornichons, sesame seed lavosh

Although it was cloudy and we didn't get to see a sunset, the view was unforgettable. The only disappointment was how a massive building obstructed our view of the Harbour Bridge, but the rest of the view, especially where we could see the water, definitely compensated for that. The pictures honestly don't do it justice.

crispy skin kurobuta pork belly, spiced carrot purée, roasted dutch carrots, kale chips

roasted hawkesbury valley duck breast, celeriac puree, baked pear & walnuts

roasted rack of lamb, potato & smoked mozzarella croquette, pea three ways

By the time we finished our mains we were so stuffed, to the point that we had to delay our dessert for 10 minutes. Don't be fooled by how small the portions look because they're actually so intense (in a good way). During this time we checked out the bathroom (all the walls were mirrored, it was difficult to find the actual bathroom stall) and watched the city light up. It was mesmerising.

peanut & nougat semifreddo, milk chocolate flake

warm lemon vanilla pudding, roasted strawberries, crème fraiche ice cream

milk chocolate marquise, spiced blueberries, yoghurt cream

The view was at its best at night. I swear we could have lived up there forever (despite my fear of heights).


But of course, we had to come back down to the earth eventually.

The dinner in total was $320, which was $95 per person for a 3 course meal and did not include the side dishes (which are $11) or drinks.

It was so nice having the opportunity to wine and dine (without the wine) for two whole hours surrounded by a clear and beautiful view of the city. I wouldn't say the food was head-over-heels amazing, but it was still satisfying. You're pretty much paying for the view when you dine here so I'm glad we made the most of it and booked for dinner right in the transition from day to night.

Restaurant Details
Location: Level 4, 100 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8223 3883
Website: www.360dining.com.au