The Dolphin Hotel

The Dolphin Hotel made a big splash in the Sydney food scene when it reopened in 2016. Its ultra-chic interiors, high-flying Italian cuisine and charming salumeria and wine bar were envied by other local joints. As you can probably tell already, this ain't no ordinary boozer.

The biggest talking point is the interiors which have been designed by George Livissianis, who is known for his work on The Apollo and Cho Cho San. Like one big interactive art installation, the public bar has been clad in swathes of fabric, while the dining room is graffitied in eye-popping monochrome motifs.

The stark white interiors that dominate throughout will have you weeping for the cleaners on a Monday morning.

The dining room menu serves up small antipasti plates, braises, grilled seafood and Northern Italian-style pastas. Try the grilled octopus salsa verde, whipped ricotta dip, king prawn linguini and the mighty cotoletta served with anchovies and a fried egg.

Wash this all down with some Italian-inspired cocktails — think Sicilian margaritas, espresso martinis and a few sours — or one of the many Aussie and Italian wines.

Aside from the dining room, The Dolphin boasts a number of different drinking and dining spaces, including a public bar, wine room, mezzanine and open-air terrace (with fireplace), as well as intimate rooms and nooks for small groups to gather. Get lost in this fabulous Sydney pub, drinking and eating your way through each of the uniquely designed spaces.

Appears in: 

The Best Pubs in Sydney