kingfish, haloumi, churros... yes.

Nomad is one of those places that I have always wanted to go to. It has such a great reputation, the meals look amazing and the menu sounds delectable. Not to mention it's on a street surrounded by some pretty incredible restaurants...

Known for its Australian-only wine list, local produce and traditional culinary skills, co-owners Al Yzabek (formerly Toko) and Rebecca Littlemore opened Nomad in November 2013. Chef Nathan Sasi (previously of Heston Blumental's Diner, Moro in London, Sean's Panaroma and est.) uses traditional cooking methods such as pickling, curing, smoking and fermenting.

I went to Nomad last weekend with 12 of my girlfriends, and we were lucky enough to be seated in the private area - right next to the wine bar (on purpose perhaps?) and the glass room dedicated to cheese and charcuterie. The lighting was fantastic, atmosphere great and service good, considering we were a loud group of girls.

Due to the size of our party, we had to have the Feed Me menu, which included Woodfired sourdough with black salt butter; Nomad pickles & olives; Selection of housemade Nomad charcuteri; Raw kingfish with harissa, blood orange and fennel; Goat's cheese churros with truffle honey; Nomad jersey milk haloumi with BBQ zucchini, pinenuts and raisins; BBQ carrots with almond dukkah and labne; BBQ lamb rump with Moroccan eggplant and sheeps yoghurt; and Daintree Estate chocolate cake, Iranian apricot and Nomad creme fraiche.

The kingfish, haloumi, churros and BBQ rump were the standouts, but to be honest I left feeling a little underwhelmed. There was such hype coming here, and don't get me wrong the food was really nice, but it just didn't have that 'wow factor' I was expecting from a restaurant with one chefs hat.

Would I go back? Perhaps... Only to try the a la carte menu though.

Restaurant: Nomad
Total price (for 13ppl): Food: $845; Beverages: $450
Hours: Lunch Wed-Sat 12-2.30pm; Dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-late
Must order: Goat's cheese churros with truffle honey

lunch, dinner or weekend retreat

Jonah's is one of those places everyone always talks about... Stunning views. Sumptuous food. Sophisticated atmosphere.

Offering contemporary Australian cuisine with breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean, this restaurant is everything attached to it's name and much, much more. As soon as you walk in you're mesmerised by the view.

The formal waitstaff are quick to greet you, and escort you to your table. Try and book a booth - they are by far the best seats in the house, especially for spotting the celebrities who are dining!

Executive Chef Peter Ridland focuses on fresh, seasonal produce with an emphasis on seafood. The wine list is very extensive with 5,000 bottles to choose from, featuring the best from Australia and around the world.

The a la carte menu took our eye (degustation prices start from $170pp + $70pp matching wines). For my entree I ordered North Atlantic Scallops sautéed with Ibérico jamón, spiced rock melon cloud, puffed quinoa and melon dressing. So light, so tasty!

I couldn't go past the Western Australian Cone Bay Barramundi for my main - roasted and served with sautéed wild mushroom, pancetta, cauliflower purée, cavolo nero and forestière sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly, however this meal - especially the sauce - was a little heavy for me.

Apart from the incredible view, the dessert menu was by far my highlight. I can't go past anything on the menu that mentions coconut or rhubarb... My husband ordered the chocolate and rosemary delice with coconut sorbet. It was rich, but the sorbet created the perfect balance.

I ordered the rhubarb and vanilla soufflé with green apple sorbet and crème anglaise. Upon presenting the dish, the waitstaff pour the crème anglaise into the oh-so fluffy souffle. And the sorbet, again, the perfect accompaniment.

The desserts. were. divine.

Maintaining a chef's hat for the past 7 years, Jonah's is the complete package. Next time however, I would make an entire weekend of it. This beautiful ocean retreat belongs to the Relais & Chateaux Group and offers seaplane transfers. For something special or just because...

Restaurant: Jonah's

Total price: Approx. $700 (for 4ppl incl. wine)

Hours: Dinner from 6pm

Must order: Rhubarb and vanilla soufflé

living up to the name

It's hard to believe that such a beautiful sanctuary exists in the middle of Sydney CBD. In fact, my husband and I walked past the entrance a handful of times because it's so well hidden.

A member of the Relais & Chateaux family, Tetsuya's Restaurant originally opened in 1989 and has consistently been named as one of Sydney's best restaurant. Over the past couple of years however, I've heard mixed reviews. So of course I wanted to make up my own mind...

From the minute you walk into the restaurant you're completely in awe. The waiters are quick to take your jacket and seat you in the dining room, overlooking the exquisite Japanese garden. 

We had the ten-course degustation menu with accompanying wines. Tetsuya's cuisine is quite unique; a Japanese philosophy enhanced by classic French technique. There were - of course - additional dishes and wines which come highly recommended by the restaurant. And it just so happens that we both have a weakness for Pacific Oysters and fine wines.

From the 340 year-old Sake through to his signature Ocean Trout, the entire dining experience at Tetsuya's Restaurant was incredible and comes highly recommended. Every dish was seasonal, light and fresh; the only disappointment was the final meal. The dark chocolate cake was extremely rich and to be honest seemed a little left field.

Restaurant: Tetsuya's
Total price: Approx $800
Hours: Dinner Tue-Fri from 6pm; Lunch Sat from 12pm; Dinner Sat from 6.30pm
Must order: Some of the additional extras