I must admit that I’ve had dinner at Pyrama quite a few times, but never had the opportunity to write a review. Previously my review for Pyrama was based on their breakfast/brunch/lunch service on the weekend – which was amazing! And dinner is no disappointment either.

Chef Jim Larcan cleverly designs his menu based on the season and selects his produced when they are the ripe time to savour. Their service is very friendly and they have an attentive eye for detail to ensure that you have a faultless evening. Staff at Pyrama haven’t changed in the various times that we dined there which shows the quality of management in keeping their staff happy.

Pyrama have a special that has been going on for some time and it hits the sweet spot for those looking for fine dining without busting the budget. $29 for 1 course, $40 for 2 courses and $52 for 3 courses (wine is extra). There are a dish or two that can attract an extra $10 on the bill, but my god the value for money is outstanding. With a decent wine list to compliment your dinner, you don’t feel disappointed that it is not BYO.

We called at 8:45pm to check if they had availability within 15 to 20 mins and Karen was more than helpful to accommodate our late dinner by letting Jim know of our late arrival. To start I had the carpaccio with mushrooms and grana padano (Italian cheese) which was simply prepared and served to perfection. A very nice and light way to start off dinner. Other options on their entrée menu are Tempura Zuchinni flowers with ricotta and herbs or chorizo with caramlised onion, apple and yoghurt  – who would have thought =)

My mains was the sirloin (which attracts and extra $10 on the bill) and was absolutely divine. It comes with fries, herbed butter (café de Paris) and red wine jus. Cooked as requested, medium rare, the meat was very tender and the jus works balanced the flavours really well. And those fries are to die for! They look similar to McDonald fries (sorry Jim), but they taste a 100 times better. Other options for mains are confit duck with lentils, shallots and orange sauce or try the pan roasted spatchcock with roasted beets and parsley salad.

Desserts are irresistible (like in any restaurant). However, our mains were quite filling and we instead opted for some homemade chocolate truffles. These melt in your mouth with a cup of latte alongside. If you want something more filling try their vanilla pannacotta with mango and mint salsa or the French white chocolate crème brulee with passionfruit.

Pyrama is a welcome restaurant for a nice low key dinner and you can chose to enjoy your meal in their courtyard or indoors if the weather doesn’t suit. The staff are very friendly and Karen and Linda do an awesome job of making sure you enjoy yourself- and Jim at the same time ensures that your plate comes with quality and tasty food.

You will not be disappointed!

Website – http://www.pyrama.com.au/
Menu – http://www.pyrama.com.au/menu.html

Atmosphere – 8/10
Food – 8.5/10
Wine (cocktails) – 8/10
Staff – 9/10
Value for money – 9.5/10

Have you had times when you’ve woken up on a weekend morning with a splitting headache after all those shots from the previous nights?

I think brunches are simply an excuse for those with a hangover. Obviously at this time of the morning (or afternoon) you can’t be bothered to open the fridge and make yourself a sandwich. Which is why I prefer to pit stop at Pyrama. As I sip one of the best tasting cup of coffee, I gaze out the window smiling to myself as I start to remember of the events from the previous night.

Pyrama has a very calming decor and is located in the quite surroundings of Pyrmont. It is just what I need to cure my hangover and avoiding the busy weekend city. Pyrama restaurant is run by head chef Jim Larcan along with his wife and sister, Karen and Linda. Jim has over 14 year experience as a chef cooking for top restaurants and hotels including W Hotel and the Four Seasons. Jim’s sister Linda has previous restaurant manager experience at Neil Perry’s XO and Rockpool.

Almost every time I’ve eaten at Pyrama, I’ve had their perfectly prepared latte and freshly squeezed orange juice. With a table inside, you get a good view of the kitchen and can see Jim and his brigade in action. While the alfresco setting has views of the neighbouring area of Pyrmont – not much to see, but the sometimes sitting out in the sun gives that relaxing feeling.

Getting down to the food, Jim presents his style of Modern Australian cooking and boasts quality through using some the freshest ingredients as well as in the lightness of his meals. You don’t feel overly bloated after a chicken sandwich on Turkish bread with hummus and salad served with chips (sure if you eat all your chips, you could feel that stomach bulge a little). I’ve had their pancakes before, and they’re simply scrumptious!

They also have a decent wine selection – including champagne by the glass to accompany my many brunches (for some reason this review makes me sound like an alcoholic). We do need more of these sorts of restaurants and perhaps Jim may decide to start up another within the city – I’m sure it will attract the weekend shoppers with their Myer and David Jones shopping bags.

I’ll admit that I’ve only eaten at Pyrama on weekends selecting from their brunch menu, but I am yet to try their lunch (Thursday and Friday from 12noon) and dinner (Wednesday – Saturday from 6pm).

It’s a pity they don’t have a website just yet – but I urge you to try their place for a meal – you’ll absolutely love it.

Pyrama Restaurant – 56 Harris Street, Pyrmont (02 9692 8844)

I got a few people asking me where to have dinner on Valentine’s day in Sydney.

Well, I’ve compiled a list of various types of restaurants mainly favouring Italian, French and Modern Australian – but I’ve added a few others.

Astral Restaurant
This would have one of the best views compared to the others in the list. They have a special Valentine’s day thing happening, so you’ll have to give them a call. But don’t be surprised if they’re all booked out. This restaurant styles Modern French and chef Sean Connolly would present a very well cooked meal for the evening. From what I hear, try the Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich for dessert.

I would suggest pre-drinks at the Astral Bar (and maybe a few cheeky cocktails after dinner too).
http://www.astralrestaurant.com.au/

Summit
Up on Australia Square on level 47, this restaurant boasts Modern Australian and also has a special for Valentines day. Various packages are available for dinning that evening – ranging from $185 to $500 for either a 4 or 5 courses each being a selection from their menu. Additionally, each package includes red roses on the table – a nice touch.
http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au/

Essence
Located on Lime Street near King St Wharf, this restaurant also serves a Modern Australian cuisine. You have views of the water towards the maritime museum. From here, you can either carry on to the Wharf Bar, or head down for a boogie to Cargo Bar or the Loft. Haven’t heard of anything special happening for Valentine’s night
http://www.essencerestaurant.com.au/

L’etoile
Yes, this has to make it on the list as it is one of my favourite French restaurants. They are doing a special at $85pp for a 6 course degustation or $125pp including wine – which honestly, I think is quite impressive. However the only catch is that you can make the reservation for either 6pm or 8:45pm. Call them up to get an idea of the menu. Feel free to as the waiter for their cocktail list – there are a few that aren’t bad.
http://www.letoilerestaurant.com.au/

Coast
This Modern Italian/Australia restaurant at Darling Harbour (next to Chinta Ria) is also doing a special for the 14th Feb, $95pp for a 3 course meal with a cocktail and you can order your wine separate. Unfortunately no matching wine to their food. However, you can make a special request (for a fee) to have roses on the table.
http://www.coastrestaurant.com.au/

Kobe Jones – Teppanyaki at The Rocks
This would be the top of my list favourite if Astral is booked out. They have a great variety for either a Set or A la Carte menus. The only let down is that the dinning experience can sometimes be with a few other people in each cooking room – however, that shouldn’t affect how you enjoy the food. The chef will cook and prepare the food right in front of you – and I would suggest your splurge a little on this night. For pre/post drinks – head out to the Blu Horizon bar at the Shangri-la (try booking early for a window seat with views).
http://www.kobejones.com.au/

Still need more options? Leave a comment below and let me know what you’re looking for.