Ester

Sydney, Australia

Beloved by off-duty chefs, Ester gets back to basics in the best possible way. The fit-out is minimal, mood informal and the selection of wood-fired small plates ruthlessly streamlined. Mat Lindsay – who honed his craft at Sydney favourites Billy Kwong and Rockpool – has the confidence to let locally sourced ingredients do most of the talking. Signature dishes include a spiced blood sausage sandwich with burnt onion jam, king prawns doused in fermented shrimp butter and a native jerk pork tomahawk, while the aged ex-dairy cow chateaubriand served with a smoky whey sauce is a Sunday favourite. Organic and biodynamic wines characterise the clever drinks list, which also boasts an interesting selection of orange wines and the famous Ester Martini, served at precisely -6°C (21°F). Although Ester opened in 2013, it remains one of the hottest seats in Sydney.

Key Information

• Average price per person $64
• Tasting menu from $111
• Lunch: Sat – Sun Dinner: Mon, Thurs – Sat
• Visit Ester's Website

Location

46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW 2008