Reasonable restaurants in Sydney CBD

[arxcards]

Great explanation.

Until around 25 years ago, NSW pubs didn't have gaming licenses, which were only available to licensed clubs and state regulated casinos. In a way of attracting poker (translates as slot) machine players, good food and drinks would be cheaper that the equivalent pubs. Think of it like a Vegas buffet being an attraction for casino patrons.

 

Then a NSW politician named Dick Face (yes, his real name) decided that pubs could get poker machine licenses, so clubs began to lose their edge. Many disappeared, but there are still plenty of good ones about, but there are as many good pub feeds too.

 

Generally, a licensed club had to financially support an organisation or their local community.

RSL/Diggers/Memorial clubs evolved from supporting returned soldiers

Leagues/bowls/sporting clubs evolved from supporting sporting clubs

Workers clubs evolved from the trades union movement

Tattersalls has a horse racing background.

[NSWP]

As others have said Barangaroo in Sydney has many good eating places - various cuisines.

They often compete with each other.  My recommendation for tourists, walk the Barangaroo restaurant strip.

[SKSMIKE5]

Thanks for the description of the Clubs. We may have to check one out while in Sydney for a few days. 

[timtam2]

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d757009-Reviews-Alfredo-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html

 

Right at the Quay, next to the Sydney Marriott

[Taykee1]

Sydney if full of so many beautiful restaurants, I have eaten at quite a few of them. If you want within walking distance from your hotel, Try Aalia in martin Place (middle eastern). Mr Wong (asian), Ragazzi (Italian), Lotus (asian) down at Barangaroo. Also nice to catch the Ferry from Circular Quay across to Watson bay and have lunch at Watsons Bay hotel right near the pier (bucket of fresh prawns and a beer not better way to spend a nice lunch on Sydney Harbour). If you want to catch the bus or train up to Surry Hills try Chin Chin's. If you are looking to have lovely views over sydney at night head up to the O Bar for a cocktail. These restaurants are designed to share food, this makes it more affordable and you get to try some really great food. I hope this helps. 

[MMDown Under]

23 hours ago, Taykee1 said:

Sydney if full of so many beautiful restaurants, I have eaten at quite a few of them. If you want within walking distance from your hotel, Try Aalia in martin Place (middle eastern). Mr Wong (asian), Ragazzi (Italian), Lotus (asian) down at Barangaroo. Also nice to catch the Ferry from Circular Quay across to Watson bay and have lunch at Watsons Bay hotel right near the pier (bucket of fresh prawns and a beer not better way to spend a nice lunch on Sydney Harbour). If you want to catch the bus or train up to Surry Hills try Chin Chin's. If you are looking to have lovely views over sydney at night head up to the O Bar for a cocktail. These restaurants are designed to share food, this makes it more affordable and you get to try some really great food. I hope this helps. 

Whenever I'm in Sydney, I catch the ferry to Watson's Bay and have sole and salad at the cafe on the pier.  Of course you can gave fish and chips.  Nice view of harbour with ferries coming and going.  

[SKSMIKE5]

Thanks everyone for the additional recommendations!