LOCATION
Located in the heart of Circular Quay, an easy three minute walk from the Circular Quay train station and ferry terminal. Buses and taxis are also easy transportation options. Escalators to the restaurant doors. Parking is available at the Gold Fields House carpark.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Striking fear into the hearts of sailors and ruling over marine life, Neptune was the Roman god of the seas. So you might imagine that his palace would be an underwater cave filled with fish, coral and the odd disobedient mermaid. You would be wrong. Neptune Palace is actually on dry land and elevated over our own Sydney Harbour. Spread over two floors and decked out in dark blue wallpaper, navy Baroque-style chairs and boasting a wall of fish tanks (as well as a private dining room and views over Circular Quay), it befits the ruler of the seas. Regal dispositions aside, it also has two other irresistible qualities: it is halal – a rare find by the sparkling waters of the harbour – and it boasts an extensive menu of authentic Chinese and Malaysian food.
The menu is so large, in fact, that you should probably order some tipples while you deliberate – although the wine and beverage list are nothing to poke a trident at either. To fend off starvation, appetisers like crabmeat sweet corn soup, otak otak (grilled fish pieces in banana leaves) and oysters in a variety of sauces (even deep fried) offer their services. When it’s time to select your mains, the smart money is on traditional Malaysian dishes like whole curried fish and Penang kapitan chicken (made with fresh chilli, herbs and coconut milk). Other signatures include mud crab (fresh from the tanks) braised with chilli sauce and diced steak fillets with wasabi sauce. If these don’t appeal, the menu offers more than a hundred other options – everything from seafood to Chinese and Malaysian meat, poultry, vegetable, noodle and rice dishes. Desserts are a Western and Asian mix, or you can opt for one of the dessert wines, ports, muscats or a cup of coffee or tea instead.
Agnes Gajewska, November 2009
FUNCTIONS
Spread over two floors, with views of Circular Quay, our Restaurant combines the freshest Australian produce, an extensive modern and traditional menu and an award-winning wine list.
This versatile venue offers great function possibilities, be it for clients, colleagues or family and friends. Whether you are after an intimate lunch/dinner or perhaps a lively function for up to 200 people.