Partnership: Presented by Gowings.
QT Sydney’s iconic Gowings has long been one of Sydney’s most dependable and character-driven dining rooms, a place where atmosphere and craft come together with intent.
Warm lighting, bold artwork and a lively hum give it a one-of-one presence in the CBD, and it has earned the kind of loyal following most restaurateurs could only dream of. The restaurant, just up the illuminated stairs by QT Sydney’s lobby, has become the sort of spot where regulars angle for their preferred tables and build rituals around the dishes they love, which often leads to strong opinions whenever a long-time favourite dish is adjusted.
That means you can start with a crisp pizetta before moving on to two crowd-favourites: burrata with tomato fondue and peach, and silky beef carpaccio with truffle, capers and parmesan. Then dive into a porcini risotto loaded with mushrooms and a golden 300g veal cotoletta, bathed in burnt butter, sage and capers.
After all that delicious richness, you can choose between the iconic tiramisu or a selection of cheeses — the perfect sweet-and-savoury finale. You’ll get both the iconic tiramisu and a curated selection of cheeses: a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savoury finale.
All of this for just $75 pp and a free glass of wine. Don’t forget to mention The Sydney Travel Guide if walking in, or ensure you get a table by booking here.
The shift from Gowing’s Bar to the restaurant happens in a single step, and the sense of occasion is immediate. The open kitchen immediately introduces you to all-night culinary cinema, filling the space with movement and flame. With the kind of quickened pulse that transports you straight to Manhattan.
That element of theatre becomes even more engaging when signature dishes such as the New York striploin for two or the large-format T Bone bistecca alla fiorentina are carved or finished at the table. The experience invites guests into the action rather than keeping it hidden behind the pass.
Housed within the heritage-listed 1912 Gowings building, QT Sydney’s longstanding signature blends historic architecture with a thoroughly contemporary dining style. Nothing feels dated. Everything feels timeless. The design, the service and the menu all reflect what modern city dining looks for, and Gowings continues to define the hotel grill category it helped shape more than a decade ago.
Executive Chef James Kidman leads the kitchen, bringing over twenty years of experience across respected Sydney institutions such as Café Sydney and Otto Ristorante. His cooking brings together precise technique and clean, confident flavours. Every dish has a purpose and a clear understanding of what diners want from a Gowings experience.
The à la carte menu begins with bright, balanced starters. Garlic pizzetta with whipped ricotta and Blue Mountains wild honey sets a welcoming tone. Fresh oysters, snapper crudo with blood orange and fennel, and burrata with zucchini and peas offer essential freshness. For something a little more indulgent, Western Australian scallops baked in nduja butter bring warmth without overwhelming the palate.
Pasta is a significant strength of the kitchen. Handmade pappardelle with rabbit and porcini mushrooms, buffalo ricotta ravioli with zucchini and sage and spaghettini with Balmain bug, lemon and bottarga all showcase the team’s irrepressible flair, mirroring the legacy of New York’s Little Italy with richness and depth of flavour.
The grill remains the backbone of the Gowings experience. Premium Murray-Grey and Gippsland cuts are cooked with assurance and consistency. The New York striploin for two is a highlight and is carved tableside with an understated sense of ceremony. Sides such as duck fat roasted potatoes, broccolini with anchovy and chilli and charred carrots with mustard-fruit butter complete the meal.
Desserts favour comfort over complexity. The signature Gowings tiramisu presents a smooth and familiar finish, while Buttermilk sheep yoghurt pannacotta offers a lighter and more refreshing end to the meal.
For readers of the Sydney Travel Guide, Gowings is offering a special Best of 2025 shared three-course menu priced at just $75 per person. Designed for a minimum of two guests, it brings together a curated selection of signature dishes and includes a complimentary glass of sommelier-selected wine with white, red and rosé options available. A non alcoholic pairing is also offered. The experience is available for both lunch and dinner from December 2025 through February 2026 for those in town.
Unlocking this Best of 2025 menu will open you up to the peak of Gowings’ effortless blend of big steakhouse indulgence and Italian ease. Letting the kitchen guide you through Gowings’ proudest moments takes the choice anxiety away and leaves you with nothing but pure satisfaction.
Good taste starts here: The Best of Gowings for $75 per person, plus a complimentary glass of wine. Book now
