Astral Restaurant, Star City Casino: My Review

My husband and I were very lucky to sample the food, view and service at the beautiful Astral Restaurant, in Star City Casino, last week. We had booked the musical that is now playing at the casino's Lyric Theatre, "West Side Story", and we thought it would be a nice excuse to get a little dressed up and go to a different restaurant we hadn't tried yet.



The service is perhaps the first thing you notice, as soon as you walk into the foyer of the restaurant. Then, as the host walks you to your seat, you realise the view! Around 270 degrees view of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Another striking element was the great cluster of cylindrical lights that reflect off the glass walls; they create a very striking impact. (You can see them in the below photo, to the top RHS)



You will have to forgive the photo quality in this post- I forgot my digital, and only had a phone camera, and in the dim lighting it didn't stand a chance!


I had three courses. As we were going to the show downstairs, they gave us a pre-show dinner menu- such a splendid idea!

First course: Semolina Gnocchi with fresh peas, Swiss brown mushrooms, and lettuce veloute'.



Second Course: Beef Cheek with potato puree and sauteed mushrooms. This was by far my favourite course out of all three (and considering I am a major sweet's addict, that is really saying something!). The beef was melt in your mouth, the potato puree was the best mashed potato I have ever had, and the mushrooms and sauce was just perfect!

If you decide to try this restaurant, I recommend you try this meal!


Third Course: Chocolate Dacquoise, passionfruit, coconut and champagne foam.

This was an interesting mix of flavours. I took the below photo to show you the layers involved in this dessert. The chocolate and passionfruit layers were like a thick mousse, then the foam on top, tasted to me a little like citrus. It was served with caramel and a sorbet.

By the time I was eating this, I was extremely full, and I couldn't eat it all!


My husband ate the Smoked Salmon for entree. and the Snapper for main, and he really enjoyed his as well.


Overall, I really enjoyed Astral. I think for the quality of service; the fairly large portions of food; the quality of the food; the view and ambiance of the restaurant; the price that you pay is very reasonable.

As we went during the week, we were lucky to sit right in front of the city view window. I would presume booking ahead for any night is essential.

Call Astral on 1800 700 700

Level 17 80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont Sydney

I have previously created other reviews of other restaurants on my blog, and you can view them here:

Absynthe Restaurant

Tabou Restaurant

Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar

And my review of Belle Epoque is in amongst our holiday to Hamilton Island.

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Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar

My husband and I, dined at Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar, in Darling Park, Sydney, last night.

It was fantastic! We had a seven course Chef Tasting menu, with wines to match. Every course was exquisite- the way it was prepared and cooked; the way it was presented; the wines they had chosen to compliment each course; to the service of the staff.


Above is the Roasted Squab

Sepia seems to have a seafood influence (due to the collaboration between De Costi Seafoods, and Head Chef Martin Benn), and of course, this is fine for most people... but not for some one like me, who dislikes seafood.

However, I was most pleasantly surprised when dining at this restaurant. As we were with a group, the rest of our group had the set menu, which included a large quantity of seafood. For me, they gave me a separate menu, and catered every wine to the changed menu especially for me! I was so happy! Usually, if I ever eat at a seafood inspired restaurant, I generally only have one choice, so this sort of service and choice was completely unexpected, but very appreciated.



I am usually quite reluctant to try new kinds of meat or overly fancy foods, but every item on my menu was delicious, and well worth the plunge into the uncertain world! My favourite was probably the venison.


Above is the Roasted Duck Breast

Every person on our table left feeling very happy with our choice of venue, and I would recommend Sepia to anyone who appreciates gorgeous and interesting food, beautiful wines, fantastic service, and living it up a little!



The menu I had is outlined below. The wines that were matched with each course came from all over the world, including: Australia, France, Italy, Austria, USA, Spain, Greece, and my favourite was the dessert wine: 2006 Royal Tokaji Wine Company 'Ats Cuvee" Late Harvest Furmint from Tokaji, Hungary.


Amuse Bouche

Ballontine of Chicken, Pink Radish, Licorice Powder

Roasted Squab Salad, Confit Potato, Pickled Betroot, and Hazelnut Viniagrette

Chestnut Mushroom Risotto with Mustard Butter and Mushroom Essence

Pan Roasted Aylesbury Duck Breast, Caramelised Fennel, Fennel Candy, Pickled Walnuts, Walnut and orange Jus

Roast Loin of Gippsland Lamb, Crisp Lamb Belly, Braised Dakon, Jerusalem Artichoke, Mushroom Infusion

Seared Loin of Venison with Sansho Pepper, Caramelised Witlof Hearts, Meyer Lemon Puree, Caper and Celery Leaf Jus

Pre Dessert

Citrus Marshmallows, Pineapple Sorbet ,Mint Whip, Coriander Sprouts


This is one of the seafood courses that my Husband had.