A Taste of Elegance Before the Show: Dining at AMBER Restaurant, Rydges World Square

AMBER Restaurant

A Hidden Culinary Gem in the Heart of Sydney

Tucked inside the bustling Rydges World Square, AMBER Restaurant is a surprising slice of calm and culinary creativity right in the city centre. A short stroll from the iconic Capitol Theatre, it's the perfect place for an elegant pre-show dinner. That’s exactly what my work colleague and I experienced when we dined there ahead of a much-anticipated evening at the theatre. The restaurant offers a $69 two-course or $79 three-course option, and we opted for the full three-course experience—complete with a glass of wine.

Entrees That Set the Stage

Pumpkin Soup, Crispy Confit Duck

To begin, we shared two entrees that were both visually stunning and flavour-packed. The salt and pepper squid arrived first—lightly crisped, served with char-grilled lemon, black garlic mayo, and tender petti bouche. The squid was perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the bold mayo and citrus.

Equally impressive was the pumpkin soup with crispy confit duck. This dish delivered comfort and complexity in one bowl. The butternut pumpkin was rich and creamy, subtly spiced and uplifted by a swirl of coconut milk. The shredded confit duck added texture and depth, while the grilled sourdough on the side was a satisfying touch. 

Mains That Steal the Spotlight

Fish of the Day

For our mains, we continued the theme of variety and shared the two standout dishes. The barramundi fish of the day was delicate and flaky, resting on a smooth celeriac puree. Accompanied by wild mushrooms, green peas, tomato concasse, and finished with a saffron beurre blanc, it was as vibrant in taste as it was in presentation. The fish dish was light yet layered, offering a delicate contrast to the rich and deeply comforting lamb shoulder. 

Slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder

The slow-cooked lamb shoulder was a heartier option. Fall-apart tender, it sat on a bed of nutty farro, with chamomile-infused carrot and celery adding a unique aromatic dimension. A glossy jus brought everything together beautifully. 

Both mains showcased the kitchen’s skill in balancing refined technique with bold, satisfying flavours. Each plate highlighted seasonal ingredients and thoughtful pairings, delivering a main course experience that was as sophisticated as it was fulfilling.

Desserts That Dazzle

Dazzling Desserts

We finished on a high note with desserts that were almost too beautiful to eat. The pistachio matcha brûlée was a creative twist on the classic. The matcha custard was smooth and earthy, contrasted by the crisp toffee topping. A pistachio ice cream and berry coulis added colour and freshness.

The dark chocolate cremeux was rich, silky, and deeply indulgent. Paired with fig jam, fresh fig slices, and a light vanilla anglaise, it was a perfectly balanced end to the meal.

The desserts were a flawless finale to an exceptional dining experience at AMBER Restaurant, leaving us perfectly poised for a memorable night at the theatre.

Service That Shines

Fiore Moscato Wine

The service at AMBER was just as memorable as the food. From the moment we arrived, Jamie the restaurant manager and our waiter were warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming. They made excellent recommendations and ensured we were comfortably on schedule for our theatre show, without feeling rushed.

Stylish Comfort in a City Setting

The decor at AMBER blends modern sophistication with a relaxed city vibe. Warm lighting, tasteful furnishings, and elegant table settings create an atmosphere that feels both refined and unpretentious. It’s ideal for a romantic date, a work celebration, or, as we discovered, a relaxed yet luxurious pre-theatre dinner.

Perfectly Placed for a Night Out in Sydney

Whether you're heading to the Capitol Theatre or simply looking for a memorable meal in the city, AMBER at Rydges World Square is an ideal dining destination. Its balance of fine food, attentive service, and city-centre location makes it a standout choice.

Rydges World Square

AMBER Restaurant

To find out more or to book a table, visit: https://www.amberrestaurant.com.au/
Address: Rydges World Square 389 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Email: sales_rydgesworldsquare@evt.com
Phone: +612 8268 1888

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