Oncore by Clare Smyth in Barangaroo

Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia

★★★★☆
(418 reviews)
Categories: Fine dining restaurant Bar Event venue Restaurant

About

An exceptional fine dining restaurant experience overlooking one of the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour. Exquisite food from three Michelin star chef, paired with a scenic lookout from level 26 of Crown Sydney – Oncore by Clare Smyth brings unabashedly styled service and immaculate fine dining to Barangaroo. Featuring signature dishes like the 'Potato and Roe' and other interchanging dishes that bring about unique Sydney flavours.

Website
crownsydney.com.au
Address
Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Plus Code
46P2+XF Barangaroo, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone
Australia/Sydney

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5:30–10:30 PM
Wednesday
5:30–10:30 PM
Thursday
12–3 PM – 5:30–10:30 PM
Friday
12–3 PM – 5:30–11 PM
Saturday
12–3 PM – 5:30–11 PM
Sunday
Closed

Services

Service options
Dine-in Delivery Takeaway
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Reservations required Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards

Photos

Reviews

4.4
★★★★☆
418 reviews

Most Mentioned

roe (23) wine pairing (22) opera house (20) window (18) oyster (13) duck (12) hats (10) a la carte (10) the view (7) harbour (6)
5 stars
312
4 stars
43
3 stars
18
2 stars
17
1 stars
28
★★★★★
December 20, 2024

My recent visit to the Oncore bar at Crown was simply exceptional. What truly made the experience special, however, was the impeccable service from Alex, David, Sergio, and Diego. They helped us choose the best options from the menu with personalized attention. Thanks to their recommendations, we tried some exclusive cocktails. A top-notch venue with incredible views and extraordinary drinks, the Oncore bar is undoubtedly an excellent experience. I’ll definitely return for another equally memorable visit. Thanks !

★★★★★
December 17, 2024

One of the best Michelin Star type restaurants we’ve been to globally. The service is spectacular, the views are incredible (would recommend an earlier seating to get both day and night city views), the food all unique and exquisite. The size of each plate is relatively large as well so we were nearly full by half way through the meal. Only recommendation would be for the wine pairing to be a bit bolder. Overall a must go in Sydney for fine dining.

★★★★★
December 17, 2024

I recently dined at Oncore by Clare Smyth, and it was a memorable experience. Although Australian cuisine isn’t usually my first choice, I’ve always wanted to try this restaurant, and I’m glad I did. The service was attentive and professional, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The ambiance was elegant yet welcoming, making it a place I’d recommend to others looking for a special dining experience in Sydney. I had the Festive menu at $360pp.

★★★★★
December 7, 2024

I had an incredible experience at this bar and restaurant. The staff (Sergio, Diego & Alex) went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, accommodating our every need with genuine care and professionalism. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. The service was outstanding—attentive yet unobtrusive. The team was knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations, and ensuring our glasses were never empty. The atmosphere was inviting, and the view was exceptional making it a great spot for both casual outing and a special occasion. This place truly sets the bar high for exceptional hospitality. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
November 30, 2024

What a fabulous experience! Dining at Oncore wasn’t just dining but an unforgettable experience from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. The cocktails were innovative, each beautifully presented course had its own story to tell & was delicious. The decor & vibes of the restaurant was effortlessly elegant with breathtaking harbour views from every table. I absolutely loved Oncore.

★★★★★
October 29, 2024

Oncore by Clare Smyth exceeded my expectations. I have been to several fine dining restaurants around Sydney, but my experience at Oncor was a level above everything else so far. The waiters took their time to describe the food when it was presented (yes, this is typical of other fine dining establishments) but they also took their time to explain the reason behind every intricate detail, from why the select family owned hand crafted utensils, to the intentional avoidance of sharp edges throughout the decor of the restaurant. My partner and I felt immersed in luxury, attention to detail and ethically sourced foods. The food was amazing. We ordered the seasonal degustation which comes with 7 items, but included were starters and additional desserts, so altogether the menu was closer to 12 items or so. I felt each dish was well thought out, creative, the ingredient combination was sometimes unique but flavour was incredible. My favourite dish was the abalone with blue oyster mushrooms and broth - this dish made me feel a deep sense of sadness knowing I may never get to eat something this good again. The entire experience was exceptional which also comes with a high price tag, but in this instance I felt it was justified.

★★★★★
October 25, 2024

I’ve been wanting to come here since I knew it was opening, knowing the reputation Chef Smyth had. I was not disappointed. Everything was amazing and the dedication to quality and perfection are clearly on show. The food is exquisite, the view and atmosphere are unbeatable, and the staff are phenomenal. Special thanks to our main server Diego, who was a wealth of knowledge and a warm, convivial host. Many thanks to the team and I can’t wait to come back—the experience made for quite an enjoyable birthday celebration.

★★★★
October 22, 2024

This place is so much underrated! For some reason, Ive always heard comments on their beautiful presentations, but not much on its quality of food. I dined in here last week for my bday & every dish was a taste bomb! Loved every bites & drinks and of course, their famous garden themed presentations! This place was definitely something! But the service was quite average considering its standard-only reason for the missing star!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2024

It is unfortunate that michelin does not exist in australia because oncore by clare smyth is the pinnacle experience of a three star Michelin. The service, care, innovation, and attention to detail is so beyond what you d expect from a dinner. We will be back at a moments notice when we return to sydney.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 20, 2024

Came here for dinner and was very impressed with the attention to detail, food, service etc. Highly recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

The food is excellent and can confirm we were so full after. The services are top notch and the view is just omg. Got to see chefs working in the kitchen too

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Wow what an experience from the moment we arrived this was a top class experience. The food was excellent the service was perfection and what an evening my family and I had. My only disappointment was parking I think to totally complete the whole evening if there was parking available in the crown it would have made the night.. we us to park 15 mins away and were drenched when we arrived. Dietary restrictions: They asked us prior to service and were happy to accommodate any dietary requirements Kid-friendliness: We had a 16 yr old with us and he really loved the experience

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

You must try

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

An amazing experience, everything was 10 star!!! View was also incredible. Victor our sommelier was fantastic. Highly recommend Oncore for a wonderful night

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

absolutely the best dining experience i have ever had. food exquisite, service amazing, highly recommended.

December 2, 2024

Poor customer service. I organised an extra dessert to be served on the day as a birthday cake. I did this prior to the booking date and this was confirmed over email. I had even said that I am happy to pay the extra cost. On the day it was not served. Even though I had an email confirming this is on our booking. It was for a birthday so I wasn t happy about it. I then emailed afterwards to inform them of this error. It has nearly been a month and I still haven t heard back from them regarding their mistake .Very poor for a 3 hatted place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

Amazing, service and food were both exceptional

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Food, service, ambience, sommelier and location were all exceptional, the only part I didn t enjoy was the actual seats, being over 6 foot, I felt like I had my knees around my neck, our sitting was close to three hours as we did the wine pairing with our classic menu. Vegetarian options: Have vegetarian option available that mirrors the classic menu

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Absolutely incredible dining experience. Loved every aspect. Incredible service and impeccable food. We will be back!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

What an experience at the bar. Beautiful views of Sydney perched high atop the Crown. The food was inventive and so beautiful it seemed a shame to eat. Impeccable service from Diego and team made for a great night out. Ill Def have to try to snag a reservation at her place in London the next time Im there.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Good place to celebration! Food preparation is wonderful. Good view.

November 23, 2024

Patricia the receptionist downstairs is not helpful and needs more training.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Diego provided impeccable service, in line with what you would expect from a 3 hat Michelin star restaurant. He was warm, attentive and very friendly. Ryan also recommended some excellent champagne. Food and drink parings were amazing. We were made to feel very special.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Food was really good, especially the snacks. The experience was made better by Diego. Would definitely come back just for the bar.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Food was finest and ambience was perfect. The view and service were unparalleled, especially Diego! Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

This place is one of the best restaurants in Sydney. But the food was absolutely delicious. The staff were kind. One of a kind experience. Would highly recommend for special occasions. Vegetarian options: Have a vegetarian menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

We ate at the bar and it was a terrific experience. Got to try some dishes from the dining room menu and cocktails were some of the best weve had in Sydney. Highly recommend the mini-tasting. Service was charming. They did great, but seemed worried about getting something wrong

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Beautiful restaurant, ambiance and views. The service is exceptional. The food was amazing! Between me and my partner, we were able to order everything on the a la carte menu.

★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Atmosphere: 4.5 Food: 2 Service: 0 Our evening at Oncore started off with promise. The dishes were beautifully presented, and the flavors were fine, if not exceptional. The chef even took the time to come out and share the story behind the food, which added a thoughtful touch and raised our expectations for the night ahead. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when the main courses began. To our shock, we discovered a live caterpillar in our potato and roe dish. Instead of offering an immediate apology, the staff defensively explained that their ingredients are organic and fresh. While this may be true, it s no excuse for such a lapse in food handling, especially at a fine dining establishment. This wasn t my first encounter with an issue like this. At Tetsuya s, a small fly landed on my plate, but they handled it with grace apologizing promptly and offering an additional dessert. In contrast, after the caterpillar incident at Oncore, the staff seemed to abandon us entirely. No one checked in on us, asked about our experience, or made any effort to smooth things over. We felt completely ignored. The food itself was another disappointment. While the Beef and Oyster and Core-teser were enjoyable, the rest of the dishes fell flat. The fish was overly fishy, and the lamb had an unpleasant smell that made it difficult to eat. Given that we spent over $2,000 on our table, this level of quality and service was unacceptable. In fact, I wouldn t go back even if it cost $400. For a fine dining experience, you expect exceptional food and genuine care for guests. Oncore fell short on both counts. You can find far better food and service in Sydney for a fraction of the cost.

November 23, 2024

I had a $395 course meal and I think the food was terrible. I dont even know why this place is called famous Fine Dining. It seems like they ruined the good ingredients. I dont think I would buy this much food even if it cost $200. The food is good, but the staff is unfriendly. They did not reflect on their mistakes and only made excuses. The view and interior of this place were very nice. But I dont think thats what fine dining is all about. Basically, I think that even if the food isnt delicious, it shouldnt be bad. will never go here again

★★
November 23, 2024

I dont understand why such a high-end restaurant would serve a dish with a live caterpillar on it, and I was eating it when the caterpillar was crawling on the dish. The restaurant staff just took the dish back and remade it, apologizing but offering no compensation. It was terrifying.

Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Every dish had some sort of soup with it and just didn t taste nice. Not worth $350+ pp

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Wanted to go for ages. No disappointment! Every dish was amazing and memorable . Kangaroo tartare was my absolute favourite. Followed closely by the duck ! Don t forget the cocktails was difficult with such a great list to choose just one so I had three!!!! Definitely so happy to recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Ive been to many expensive restaurants, but this is by far the best restaurant Ive ever been to in my entire life. We went for my birthday, and yes, its a bit pricey, but I think the quality-to-price ratio is excellent. It crushes any other place. The food here is on another level, the service is outstanding, and the ambiance, OMG, the view is spectacular. The glass-walled kitchen where the chefs cook for you, and even welcome you themselves, is such a unique touch. Tip: Skip the wine and stick to cocktails all night long. Don t even think about eating here without having a drink in hand. Plan to spend around $400 $450 per person. Let s talk about the food. Everything is spectacular, but I have to highlight 5 dishes: The smoked meat appetizer: I can t remember if it was chicken or duck, but wow, what a delight. 10/10. Kangaroo tartare: I m not usually a fan of raw food, but this dish is pure art with an unmatched flavor. 10/10. Constantino asparagus: I don t even like asparagus, but OMG, what they ve done with this dish is on another level. It s art, it even looks like a flowerpot! 10/10. Gundagai lamb: This dish comes in two parts. One part was, in my opinion, a tiny bit salty and fatty, but the other part was an absolute delight. 10/10. Rhubarb and custard: I could spend the rest of my life eating this dessert. It s an extremely cold yet creamy ice cream, with a base of custard that is absolutely marvelous. 10/10. The only thing I would improve (if there s even room for improvement in the fine dining experience of this place) are the gelatin balls at the end, and the leaves on the Yarra Valley strawberry dessert.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

In the private dining area we had a faultess dining experience. Amazing

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Absolutely fantastic food and ambience. Diego, our waiter, was very attentive and made this experience very special Food

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

We had such an exceptional dinner at the Oncore bar. The food was incredible, so well intricate and everything was delicious. The views of the city were so romantic and the service was also amazinggg. Our server Diego went above and beyond to create a really magical experience for my partners birthday (if you re reading this, thank you!!!!). We will remember our dinner for a long time to come and will certainly be back.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Impeccable service, decor, ambience and view. Marvellous!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I had anniversary dinner here and it was one of the best experiences that I had. I also work in the hospitality but the level of customer service that I experienced here is another level. Foods are too beautiful that you feel bad to touch and the ambiance was exceptionally special. The knowledge of the staff and sommelier are respectful level. Thank you so much for the amazing dining experience.

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

great view good service normal food

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Great food and great service. Really enjoyed our dinner.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Id go again.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

If $400pp isnt going to bother you, its a pretty great experience. The view, the vibe, the service exceptional. The classic tasting menu and pairing is very well done and clearly polished. The seasonal menu however in my opinion was of a lower quality, a touch more rudimentary and less creative, arguably more respectful to the seasonal ingredients inherent flavours, but the lack of demanding techniques would normally warrant a much lower price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Food was great, service was great. I really liked the private area they had us in for 6 people....and the view? One of the best in Syd. Too bad I couldnt take a photo because of the reflections, but I guess it makes you feel more present in the moment. Loved the decor and the design of the restaurant. I think adding sansho (or something similar) would enhance some of the brothier dishes but they were still very nice! Amazing experience! Keen to check out their other seasonal menus next time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Oncore by Clare Smyth one of the best meals I have had this year - The serving team anticipated our every wish in fact a dessert to die for was brought to Ker as she said I really want to have milk chocolate. The Corteaser We sat in the seat house and watched the orchestra begin Food

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Everything about this experience was incredible. The attention to detail from the service to the food. Stunning. Accomodating to my pregnancy dietary needs. Food

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I think it was a bit odd that my wife was given the pre dessert dish when I had called twice and emailed to let the restaurant know she doesnt consume sugar / sweet food / wine. its not an inability to consume sugar / sweet things (as suggested by front of house who I spoke to on the phone) its a personal preference. My wife was also offered a choice of port or Torquay to accompany her cheese, again this is an odd offering when both of these options are sweet. In the end a glass of champagne was settled on, the cheese was fantastic.. but all accompaniments with the cheese were sweet! We have been to countless restaurants, and at times when a degu / tasting menu has only sweet finishes its never been an issue. This was one of the strangest outcomes, and a little unexpected considering the calibre of venue. Everything else was spectacular. Edit : reduced to 4 stars for the extremely unprofessional phone call basically asking me to change my review mentioning cheese. No apology for the disastrous finish to an otherwise wonderful evening.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Spent our 10 year wedding and 19 year going steady anniversary just over a week ago. Excellent service via email, in person and through service. Food was great. I was late in booking, but we could still experience the whole at the bar. Honestly, I preferred the bar dining as it felt more intimate and also shared great views and the pleasant and mature bar vibe. I only wished they had a more extensive red wine by the glass menu as my wife does not drink wine. Thank you for the service!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

The vibe is perfect. Very good service. Food display is beautiful, but I do think it looks better than the taste. But overall a lovely experience. Food

Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Requested cancellation literally 5 minutes after booking and was told the $220 cancellation fee STILL would STILL apply. Had to spend 40 minutes on the phone to avoid this. Ridiculous.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Fantastic lunch celebrating a birthday with friends. Thank you so much for looking after us team.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Been there for my birthday the best experience I had. Thank you Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Oncore is at a level on its own, forget 5 stars as this place is 6 stars in every aspect, to experience food here was beyond any words for me except the word phenomenal, every bite your mouth will experience true joy and delight. Oncore is the true definition of fine dining experience. Food

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Lovelly welcome from the head chef and the team on entry! Oh hi! Warm and knowledgeable service by an experienced team! We opted for the two tasting menus classic and seasonal with matching wines. Both were fantastic and the sauces were standout. I loved the seaweed beurre Blanc (potato & roe dish) thanks for having us!

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Naturally, high expectations for this calibre and price point. We had a window seat with a beautiful sunset on a Friday afternoon. The view is one of the best in Sydney, but, other than that, the atmosphere in the restaurant is nothing special. It was surprisingly noisy and the tables were too close together. We could hear too much of the conversations at the tables around us and that, coupled with the music, killed the ambiance. The food was very good and technically impressive. There were some uniquely amazing dishes at the start and end, but nothing special overall, unfortunately. For instance, the post-sous-vide texture of the beef was especially disappointing as was the lack of a palate cleanser or reprieve from the three repetitive sauce dishes, especially the onion dish. The truffle pasta special was average. We had the Classic menu, but should have one for the Seasonal one, in hindsight. The wine pairings were fine, nothing special. Exceptional glassware. The service was very good, though most of the staff were a bit robotic and uninterested in explaining the dishes and it was difficult to understand or hear them, at times. The sommelier was completely uninterested in us once we had picked the wine pairing. We had a couple of minor issues where the waiter had to get help to answer a pretty standard traditional cocktail request, and one instance where the waiter did not know who ordered which item there really should not be these gaps in a high-end restaurant. Lastly, and unfortunately have to mention, the gents toilets were not the best, and toilet paper and hand towels had not been replenished.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Booking was a challenge as the MasterChef offer was finishing in two days time, but we managed the MasterChef inspired three course mini tasting menu at Bar Oncore by Clare Smyth, with the optional cocktail pairing. We really rate Clare Smyth having dined with her at Gordon Ramsay in London some years ago and rate that as one of our best-ever dining experiences. We were not disappointed other than only being able to try the tasting menu. First up was Potato and Roe matched with a seaweed and whiskey cocktail: we would usually pair with wine but the cocktail really lifted things to another dimension in terms of flavours. And big chunks of sourdough to help absorb the delicious sauce-could not miss a drop. The highlight of the lunch, in our view, was the Beef and Oyster. The oyster was so delicate and the flavours beautifully developed with the wagyu. The Beef and Bourbon matching cocktail was a real surprise, with wagyu fat-washed bourbon, vermouth, thyme, black pepper and truffle go figure, but it all worked beautifully. Chef s famous Core-Teaser as seen on MasterChef, came in miniature as part of the tasting menu: chocolate, malt and hazelnuts. Nice dessert matched with the Miles and Milo cocktail. The bar is a great option. There are only a few tables and we felt private and comfortable next to the window with the spectacular vista of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Service was excellent: friendly, informant, and generous. Would not hesitate in returning. This is not an everyday dining experience and probably ranks as a special occasion venue but is seriously worth putting on the list of things that have to be tried.

Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Rudest and disrespectful service I had ever in all similar level restaurants so far. Made a booking at 7:30pm for this Tueday. But because some emergency issues we didnt make it. On that night around 9pm, I saw that I got charged $440 so I called the restaurant and apologized first about that. But what the girl replied to my apologies was just I called you four times (which is only three and at once) and thats it. Didnt show any sympathy when hearing the emergency issues I told her nor mentioning asking if there was anything she could help, which I think its a hospitality customer servicing standard easy reply. Instead, she just focused on herself that how much efforts she put on me and thats it, which is the three times phone calls that I didnt answer, which to be honest thats part of your job, isnt it. But I didnt want to be rude like her and I just apologized to her again. And also I politely proposed a win-win solution. I checked the availabilities for the next day or even a few days after Tuesday, And asked politely since the restaurant was not fully booked the next day, could she please adjust my reservation to the next day, which is Wednesday, and any time that was available would be fine with us. Since there was no loss for the restaurant cause there were available seats and our bill would be probably even more than $800, considering tasting menu is almost $400 per ppl, not even including the extra add-ons and drinks. But she didnt even think for a second, just refused and insisted to charge according to the policy. I respected the policy, so I asked her politely again explain how it can be win-win and her tone showed she had no patience to me at all. And quickly replied Ill make a note for you and HANG UP THE PHONE STRAIGHT AWAY! I DEFINITELY HADNT FINISHED THE CONVERSATION. BUT SHE JUST HANG UP!NOT MENTION CHECKING IF I HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS!! NOT EVEN SAY GOODBYE!!! I checked yesterdays availability around 5:30pm yesterday again. The restaurant still had availabilities for several time slot. But I didnt receive any follow up calls. I truly believe she didnt leave any notes at all or thats how Oncore treat their customers or potential customers. I wouldnt be that upset if I had a smooth conversation cause I respected the policy. But I talked to my friends, none of any other restaurants they experienced did insist on charge the fee fully instead of offering an adjustment if possible. I dont see any point the staff girl from Oncore to be this rude to me. There were so many ways the issue can be handled. Not saying to return it into a good win-win ending, at lease she could not make it worse. But she just made it worst. And now I kind of understand why Oncore has not been fully booked any more with such service. Thanks to her, Oncore is the only one on my blackest list.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Meet all expectations for this level of restaurant A good variety of culinary challenges Worth the expense Food : 5/5

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Amazing service, very friendly and helpful staff, stunning view and atmosphere, stellar food with so much attention to detail, and a lovely gift at the end. Second to none on every level. We will be back to celebrate special occasions.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

An outstanding experience. Every dish was unique and I loved hearing the backstories about them from the waitstaff.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

My favourite Sydney restaurant. Cant fault the service, food and ambience. The best is the presentation of the food. Every dish is beautiful.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Second time visiting Oncore, we came to the restaurant about two years ago and loved it. Today we decided to stay in the bar and enjoy the food curated by the chefs in the restaurant. It was honestly very private and we had the best view. Service was great, Roean is a gem. Food is insanely good and drinks are amazing too. We will definitely be back!! Thank you again

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Creative meals and nice service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

While the overall menu offered a few courses that may not suit every palate (including mine), the creativity and technical skill on display were undeniable. The true stars of the evening were the snacks and the pear and lemon balm dessert for me. The bite-sized delights showcased the chefs innovative spirit, offering a symphony of delicate and complex flavours. Each mouthful was a delightful surprise, a testament to the kitchens creativity. The pear and lemon balm dessert with meringue provided the perfect finale. This light and refreshing dish was a welcome departure from the umami-rich courses that preceded it, cleansing the palate and ending the meal on a high note. However, a few minor details detracted from the experience. The mocktails leaned too heavily on sweetness and artificial flavours, failing to complement the nuanced food pairings. Additionally, the food, in general, is a bit salty for my palate. The attentive and knowledgeable staff added a touch of elegance to the evening. The restaurants view also deserves a mention, providing a stunning backdrop to the culinary journey.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

After watching shows like Top Chef France and Final Table, I was enamoured by guest chef Clare Smyths food. I was absolutely thrilled when my partner discovered her newly built establishment here. Each dish was like something magical that belonged on the tables of the Tuathe De Danaan. Exquisitely made pieces that elevanted simple ingredients, such as a potato, into an unforgettable experience. It was a wonder how I could only think about The Potato for days afterwards. Other standouts were the appetisers (gruyère truffle), the marron and the dessert, which was wonderfully fresh and light. I was struggling to finish towards the end, if only because I didnt want to leave anything behind. 3 Michellin stars was well deserved. My partner did find one of the dishes to be too salty for his palate. Service staff were attentive and friendly. Thank you for a beautiful moment in time.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

An incredible experience from start to finish. Impeccable service perfectly matched the mind-blowing culinary experience. There were many staff who tended to us throughout the experience but it wasn t at the expense of any consistency of continuity in service. Hats off (three hats, maybe?!) to Michael Stoddart, Alan Stuart and the whole Oncore team for a truly memorable visit.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Was this $900 meal at Crown Sydney worth it? We recently celebrated Gordons birthday at the 3 hatted restaurant, Oncore by Clare Smyth , right across the Harbour Bridge and Opera House We started off our meal with the amuse-bouches. We love the liver parfait most because of the intense umami flavour served lightly in the form of a jelly For drinks, we highly recommend their classics, East & West , and Apple 3 The sourdough before the main courses was made by a 23 year-old starter. It was so delicious that we got more during main courses to scoop up any remaining sauce The first main course was Western Australia Marron You wouldnt belive how jiggly and flavorful the egg custard is! After that, both the sauces for Potato and Roasted coral trout amazed us! The most unbelievable dish must be the cheese and onion The onion broth was the richest we have ever tasted! The final main dish Beef and oyster surprised us with the creamy rich oyster sauce! Moving on to desserts, we got another cocktail Beef and Bourbon The two sides of Core apple actually tasted different with the green side being more sour Sadly, the pear and lemon balm with sorbet had a hard and overly sweet shell. Lastly, we ended the night with the warm chocolate tart, and wine gummies which were quite bitter. They also gave Gordon a free birthday cheese cake slice! Do you think this is the end? NO! We were given their signature Oncore malted sourdough and their seasonal jam for us to prolong our happiness till the next morning! For detailed review for each dish and drink, check out the 3 posts posted on our ig!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

I had my wifes birthday dinner here. The atmosphere was moody and romantic with the panoramic view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera house. The foods were nicely presented and tasting amazing. But what I was really impressed was the level of the customer service. It wasnt just one or two staff but all the floor staff and even the kitchen staff were so welcoming and friendly. I cant remember when was the last time I felt being so welcomed and comfortable at a fine dining restaurant like I did at the Oncore. Definitely worth the money. Thank you for giving us unforgettable memories.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

SYDNEY BEST RESTAURANT-AWESOME Incredible impeccable imaginative This restaurant exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we stepped inside and got introduced to the kitchen staff. We had the classic detestation menu. At last a chef that understands food and what does and doesn t work. Flavours well balance with ingredients that enhance the hero of the dish not overwhelm it with heavy sauces. The timing of the service of each course was perfectly well paced. The service of each dish was done with flare by the waiters and Clare came out to serve one of the dishes what a treat and what a humble person. The restaurant views are magnificent overlooking the opera house. Tables for couples are orientated to take in the view for both people do couples sit side by side. We had a table where some guests could see the work going on in the kitchen and some the view but a turn of the shoulder and all could see the views. We started off with cocktails and a surprise sent out by the chef. Cocktail and wine list extensive. Bathroom great. We arrived by Uber could catch the train to wynard station and walk through the tunnel to Barangaroo. Go here with confidence on that special date ( lots of mixed couples), birthdays, anniversary. Absolutely recommend this restaurant. Get on line and make a booking . It s wow wow wow !! Love your local guide -M Please follow or like me looking for support Vegetarian options: On menu and catered for Dietary restrictions: Ask restaurant to cater for Kid-friendliness: Older children 16+

June 23, 2024

Hi i went here yesterday my birthday s dinner After arriving at the restaurant, I was waiting for the reception guide, and the staff asked me if I would keep my jacket, so I said I would do it. But the staff received the jacket and hung it crumpled like throwing clothes on the hanger behind the reception. It doesn t even hang it on a hanger. I think Ive never received such a service at a high-end restaurant like this before. On a special birthday. I dont feel good since then, and I dont know if the food is very good. I was embarrassed and angry at the employees attitude, but I endured it I feel don t want go again this restaurant

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Exceptional food and service with stunning view!! The service was super attentive over the course of 3 hours dining time. We had a celebration at Oncore and it did not disappoint us. Oncore is indeed the best 3 hats restaurant I ve tried in Sydney. No complaints about this restaurant but only complement. We will definitely come back again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Oncore by Clare Smyth provided us with an unforgettable experience to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. From the impeccable service to the exquisite cuisine, every detail was meticulously curated to ensure a memorable evening. The ambiance was romantic and intimate, perfectly complementing the occasion. Claire Smiths culinary creations surpassed our expectations, delighting our taste buds with each bite. Overall, OnCore delivered an exceptional dining experience that will be cherished for years to come.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Amazing! We have never been to any fine dining restaurant where we loved every single dish! Couldnt fault one thing. Definitely worth to splurge here every now and then

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Luxurious place with amazing food! I love their interior design and the view also little gift in the end. Everyone provided awesome service however, there was one lady with a blonde hair had some attitude in the end(like she wants us to go quickly and done with the day). Other than that, I had a wonderful night at Oncore.

★★★★
June 23, 2024

A good night out overall, but a let down compared to benchmark fine dining experiences charging less or similar. Their wine prices, sitting in the median of their wine list, were also ridiculous at 5 times retail. Well chosen wine, in that I looked for it, they had a section for it, and it matched the food well, but the markup was extremely high and maybe less noticeable if the taste of the food had made up for it. Its rare to find a restaurant at the right time and place where each dish and the service is perfect, this wasnt that place. Interesting to see they have staff from Bennelong at the Opera House where we have felt the same way being a let down. Disappointing given they also have staff from Eleven Madison Park, which was one of those places of perfection plus a few others in New York. Although its been some years since we have been. Across our table a number of dishes created bad associations with toothpaste and avocado in dishes where that was far from ideal. The fish wasnt quite right either. Nor were their thoughts on the cheddar and onion. In a sense I faired slightly better with cow dairy allergy where substitutions including with goat etc instead seemed to be an improvement. Where I didnt fair so well was instead of being asked what I would like to eat, it was dictated what I could have and across some of the main dishes it had the impression of a cop out to give me vegan instead. Now there can be great vegan dishes, but this is a lazy way to deal with cow dairy allergy and I literally told the wait staff to tell the chef that in a restaurant of this level, they needed to try harder. And they did, but any restaurant of this level always asks if there is anything you particularly want on the set menu to see if they can accommodate rather than dictating what they will give you. Well not Bennelong at Opera House... They did okay other than on one dish that arrived incomplete without any sauce. This is what you might expect in a pub somewhere with a bunch of cooks following a recipe as any good restaurant or pub has a chef that can improvise a bit. And considering they had as many staff working as diners, it didnt appear they were under resourced. When they stuck to the recipe or accommodated cow dairy free with likely premaid items, the food was good and based on my companions, possibly an improvement. All in all, it was an enjoyable dinner, but doesnt meet expectations of fine dining at this price point against global and some other Australian and New Zealand comparisons. I would eat there again with a different menu at some stage, but wouldnt be in a hurry compared to a few other local places where every visit so far has has been perfection such as the much more relaxed Pilu at Freshwater. Examples of places weve enjoyed better, Eleven Madison Park in New York, the degustation under the stars at Uluru, Bunker in Queenstown, Pilu at Freshwater.

★★
June 23, 2024

My wife and I dined at Oncore during the Vivid festival and were significantly underwhelmed by the experience. Given recent reviews as one of the top 3 restaurants in Australia our expectations were high having visited another restaurant rated to a similar level and unfortunately we felt the quality was not comparable. The venue location was the highlight of the night. Oncore is beautifully laid out and has breathtaking views over the Sydney harbour. We sat by the window and were able to see the bridge and opera house from our table. The food was good but not spectacular given the reputation and price point. We had the seasonal menu and have had degustations elsewhere, at half of the price point, that we found comparable. The dishes seemed to rely upon gimmicks with the staff pouring sauce over the dish at the table a clear favourite. This was compelling the first time but after 5 straight courses had definitely lost its edge. We chose to have the paired wines with our meal having done the same at similar degustation style meals. The wine itself was only fine, having recently had trips to the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale I can confidently say that there are better wines to serve with an Australian inspired menu. The pairings themselves also raised some eyebrows, for example; white wine with kangaroo and red wine with chicken. We had also booked a table at the bar for 9pm to better view the Vivid festival. The restaurant had described the view from the bar as unrivalled and panoramic so we were excited to experience this. You can imagine our shock when 45 minutes before the end of dinner seating we were rushed from our window table in the restaurant to a table in the middle of the floor at the bar with a group directly obscuring the view. When we voiced our disappointment to the staff we were told that the group had walked in at 5:30 (no booking unlike us), were completing the degustation (despite the bar providing their own set menu) and that there was no set dining time at the bar so they could not be asked to move (despite our booking at the bar clearly showing a time of 1 hour 45 minutes and the group having been there for 3 hours at this point). Overall we felt Oncore relied on its location and view rather than the actual food itself and given our experience we wont be back.

★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Oncore relies too heavily on their view, and not enough on the basics. Having visited other restaurants within Australia considered the same calibre and price range, we can firmly say it did not meet expectations. The window tables are the best tables in the restaurant, and personally I would say its not worth paying $1200 for 2 people (including food and wine) to dine there if you dont get one of these coveted tables. Of course, they cant confirm prior to the booking if you will or wont, even if you book months prior when bookings open. Fortunately, we did get a window table and the view was lovely. The food was fine, but very much a disappointment considering the price tag. The bread was served cold - something I have never had happen in any fine dining restaurant, and with the most basic of butter. No smoke, salt, truffle or other flavours in sight. The flavours throughout the meal were also nice, but nothing exceptional or particularly unique. The pumpkin tart was the standout dish for us on the seasonal menu. The presentation was beautiful, but after 5 courses of theatrical pouring, we felt that it was very overdone. We also had a different wait staff member for every course, making the experience feel a bit cold as there was no ability to bond with one staff member throughout the meal. The wine pairing was not a pairing at all in our eyes. The wines fell far short of expectations, and to have a heavy red served with the chicken main was very odd. They brought a little dessert with a candle for my birthday which was really lovely, and appreciated. Basically as soon as we put our dessert forks down though, a team member rushed over, 45 minutes before the end of our dinner booking, to say that they had an excellent table available in the bar but we needed to come now as they couldnt save it. We were meant to have a booking in the bar 45 minutes later, and had requested a window table to watch the drone show as part of Vivid. The table they gave us in the bar was not an excellent table. They told us that the couple sitting by the window who did have the truly excellent table had arrived at 5:30pm to snag that table, and that theres no time limit in the bar so they couldnt do anything. This is inherently false, as our booking in the bar said that the tables were limited to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This couple was still dining in the same table almost 4 hours later. We pushed back, saying that we booked the restaurant almost 3 months ago, and that we had requested that table at the bar as part of our bar reservation a couple of weeks before. Meanwhile a couple that walks in on the night is allowed to overstay on the best table in the house - in spite of us booking. We felt that the staff treated us different to the older couples dining beside us in the restaurant - often explaining dishes to them in far more detail - in spite of us asking questions and showing interest. To then move us on from our restaurant table 45 minutes, and to behave in a way that was both unhelpful and rude when we expressed that we were unhappy about our worse table in the bar, means that we will never recommend Oncore to friends or family. Due to the calibre of the restaurant, I was expecting a call to follow up within the days following our booking, however this did not occur - hence this review. While we cant confirm our theories, we assume that the couple dining by the bar window for 4 hours on the full restaurant degustation menu (in spite of this not being offered in the bar from our knowledge) must have been important to the Crown Hotel in some way or another. Save your money and go elsewhere. Botanic in Adelaide also received 3 hats, and is well worth its hype.

★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Amazing food, service and views! Highlights for me were the tarts and the meringue dessert. My only criticism would be that there were too many rich/filling dishes one after the other, with the rich and sweet onion dish coming at a time when most diners were already feeling quite bloated (and this was after bringing empty stomachs!) Thank you to the team for the great hospitality. Vegetarian options: Restaurant also provided tasty vegan alternatives for a diner in our group

June 23, 2024

Just food not good!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

My partner and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Oncore restaurant for lunch, opting for their Classic menu. The experience was nothing short of exceptional. We were seated by the window, offering us a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour, which added a magical touch to our meal. The ambiance was perfect, blending elegance with comfort, making us feel both pampered and at ease. We paired our meal with a delicious red wine from Sicily, which complemented the dishes wonderfully. Each course was a revelation, showcasing the chefs creativity and mastery. The highlight for us was the steak and oyster dish, which was a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and exquisite textures. It was closely followed by the cheese and onion dish, which intrigued us with its innovative take on classic ingredients. The staff at Oncore were exceptional, attentive without being intrusive, and knowledgeable about both the menu and the wine pairings. Their professionalism and warmth added to the overall enjoyment of our lunch. As a delightful parting gift, we were each given a piece of the wonderful sourdough served during the meal. This sourdough, made from a starter over 20 years old, was accompanied by a jar of jam. Later that day, we enjoyed the sourdough with some cheese and wine, extending the culinary experience into the evening.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Taking someone out to a special meal, now Oncore is the place to go. Perfect views, delicious and filling food. A must try if your visiting The Crown

★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

During lunch time, the window seats can see the Opera House and the entire port. The view is perfect. The service staff is attentive and is a textbook for fine dinning. The food was generally as expected. With Oncores reputation, I hope it can be even more amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Hands down, the best dining experience Ive ever had! Starting from the staff guiding us into the lift, the waiter taking us to be greeted by the kitchen, to seating us at our table overlooking the most amazing view. We both had the classic menu and the food was incredible. It didnt just taste delicious, the dish ideas and flavour combinations were so clever! I ate with a smile on my face :) I cant fault a single dish. Service throughout the meal was impeccable. The night was topped off by a surprise gift bag with samples of Oncores sourdough (I wish I could have taken a whole loaf!). Yes, its expensive, but I thought it was 100% worth it. Highly highly recommended!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

By far my favourite degustation restaurant in a long time. From the moment you walk in, you are treated warmly, not just as a customer. The staff and service were amazing, and took the time to answer questions, have some fun and share their knowledge. It is expensive, no doubt, but for a special occasion, the experience, food and staff all make up for it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Went for mix of celebrations. There were options for the Classic or Seasonal menu, and we opted for the former. We added on the Temperance pairings. The menu opens with various snacks. The gourgères stood out in flavour, but the chicken liver tart was visually stunning The Potato and Roe was definitely the standout, being Clare Smyth s signature dish. Don t hesitate to ask for extra bread it was useful in mopping up the sauces! I d also consider the second dessert to be equally fantastic with its mix of textures, flavours and temperatures. Overall, the menu went from strength to strength.l The temperance pairings consisted of various cold pressed juices and infusions. They worked well to counterbalance the dishes, which were typically rich in umami and salinity. Some served to enhance certain flavours (e.g carrot/pomegranate with the Lamb Carrot dish). The service was fantastic and the food was brought out at a good pace. There was no prolonged downtime which was greatly appreciated. The 7 course menu with snacks on either end lasted around 2 hours in total. Would love to try the seasonal menu next!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

WOW! What an incredible experience! Had the classic and seasonal menu with pairing wines. I cannot fault the quality and mastery of such a gastronomic journey offered. The team are exceptional in their knowledge, experience and interaction. Yes its high end dining but walking away having not done this before I felt so relaxed, full and so so blown away! It truly is a restaurant of ultimate artistry in food and wine that is an absolute honour to experience.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Beautiful food representation. Amazing service! Food

★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Third Time update. 27 March 2024. Food continues to inspire but the noise level was unbelievable. I shouldn t require a denoising earbud app to hear people at the same table. Out of interest, I researched other restaurant reviews and discovered similar issues with noise. A follow up Conversation with the Restaurant manager and follow up emails proved he was simply not interested. I won t be back. Sorry Claire. Second time at this extraordinary restaurant in my home city of Sydney. Food - sublime, service - exceptional, ambience - best view in town. Clare, a big congrats on your Sydney venture. Long may you reign as the best chef in Sydney and keep delighting your guests. I m flying back to Europe but don t worry.. I will be back again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

One of the most spectacular n elegantly styled award winning fine dining restaurants with a fabulous view! Delicious degustation meals with a twist of grandeur all excitingly n exquisitely executed bringing much joy to the palette. Service is courteous helpful n efficient. Did i say their sour dough bread is amazing?? Kid-friendliness: Definitely not a restaurant for kids

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Opulence is the key word if fine dining is new to you. It is blending of the best in food, art and theatre. Service was amazing for the large party they had to contend with, while still managing the rest of the restaurant. I hot to taste both the classic and the seasonal menu shared with my husband. So double the culinary experience. My favourites: The canapés, Clares potato dish, the apple dessert (actually both the desserts) and I even savored the simple delights of great bread and butter...(best butter ever! Great choice of Australian produce!) Yes it is pricey but you are paying for the top of the world views, venue and decor, the highly trained wait staff and years of experience of the chefs. Of course the produce to plate is hand crafted with great accuracy. Thank you Alan, Michael and team for this exceptional experience.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

The food is incredible and beautifully presented. The staff were also attentive and friendly making it such a memorable experience. Highly recommend. Alan you re incredibly talented.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The best overall meal experience we ve ever had. The service Is impeccably perfect and the food is next level. The whole experience was genuine, generous and totally memorable. Thank you to the whole Oncore team. Couldn t recommend more highly.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Great experience ..

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Some time into our lunch we still couldnt work out what was different here. The food was wonderful with a large range of flavour, texture, presentation and themes - the Surf and Turf reproduced all the flavours of an Australian BBQ, as promised. The wines perfectly matched. The wait staff are simultaneously everywhere but nowhere, never intrusive and always attentive. The view is unmatched in Sydney. And all that being directed perfectly again by our table conductor, Michaela - our new favourite person. So what were we missing? What is so different from other fine dining restaurants? We realised days later that Oncore is an event, it is theatre, a performance, a 4-hour interactive play, an experience. Now it all makes sense. And it was fun!! Well be back!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

A true fine dining gastronomic experience, you will leave full and satisfied; all while enjoying an amazing view of the harbour.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Wow, blew us away. Through huge glass panes you see the kitchen behind you while Sydney harbour lays out in front of you. Everything about Oncore is exceptional. The staff are warm and knowledgeable, the chefs even call out welcome when you arrive. We had the vegetarian tasting menu and were blown away. Just amazing. Vegetarian options: Creative and delicious

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Had my birthday here last year and was NOT disappointed at all despite having EXTREMELY high expectations for Oncore! Needless to say, Oncore by Clare Smyth exceeded our expectations and is THE BEST restaurant that me & my partner have been to in Sydney. Will be a tough one to beat & will be back for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

We had such a great time here yesterday. My son Luke Willis recommended this fine dining for our regular mother and son date. The venue is a must see, sweeping views of the amazing Sydney Harbour and that feeling of open space really sets the mood for a pleasant special time. I chose the classic set menu and my son opted for the seasonal menu. We thoroughly enjoyed the dishes as we discussed flavour, presentation and wine pairing for each dish. Then compared this restaurant with other fine dining restaurants in Sydney City we had tried. We are going around dining in top restaurants in Sydney . I think Oncore by Claire Smith have novel dishes with unique and delicious taste depending on your palate. The presentation of dishes were amazingly creative, it s an artwork. We will go back, my son liked the dishes so much he got me to buy him Claire s cookbook. Service were great with staff very attentive and courteous. Every dollar spent was value for our experience.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Normally we prefer a dinner booking for a birthday celebration but had to settle for a lunch booking as dinner time wasnt available, it was the best decision ever. There are many reasons why Clare Smyth is one of the best chefs in the world and one of the biggest is the fact that she is an excellent artist as well as an exceptional chef. We went for the seasonal menu with the non-alcoholic pairing, every course was beautifully presented, every component on every dish was technically perfect, and every element on each dish was carefully considered in regards to the balance of flavours. The drinks pairing played a great part in the experience as each complimented the dish and acted as a palate cleanser to get the taste buds ready for the next dish. Comparing Oncore to the likes of Quay and Vue de monde is a bit like comparing apples to oranges to pears, they each have their unique style that is enjoyable in their own way. The dishes at Oncore are complex in aesthetics, yet each element serves a purpose on the plate. My favourite course - the surf and turf showcased quintessentially Australian ingredients taken to the next level. As someone without a sweet tooth, I still rate the desserts thoroughly enjoyable in terms of both looks and taste. The mirror glaze on the other carrot was beautifully shiny and the sorbet super refreshing. Nothing was super sweet and even the meringue in the final dessert course was well balanced by the freshness of the strawberries. While on this particular day, Sydney didnt put on the greatest weather to enjoy the view outside, however the sight of Clare herself in the kitchen elevated the experience of dining at a world class venue. The service at this establishment was exceptional, the service staff were knowledgeable and were more than happy to hold a conversation with regards to the back stories of the dishes. Walking out at the end felt like leaving a wonderful art exhibition where the stars of the show left with us in our stomachs.

★★
March 23, 2024

Entree is a bit salty and two fish dishes feel very fishy. I was so much angry about the service. It was my friends birthday. They dont allow us to have birthday cake at there, its fine. But they place my cake sideways??!!! Driver gave me the cake at crown and we took it upstairs, they said nothing to our cake and kept it for us. When we leaving, they gave our cake at lift and run away. We found the cake was distorted just after lift door closed. They were not responsible for the result and they didnt want to! If Oncore cannot keep my cake normally in fridge, just tell me, I am happy to keep it beside my leg. Very bad experience at Oncore, even if the view is good. I will not come again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Dining at Oncore by Clare Smyth was undoubtedly the best food experience weve had - and by some distance. Its easy to understand why. Oncore is ranked one of the top 50 dining experiences in the world in La Listes top 1000 restaurants for 2024. This three-hatted fine dining establishment sits on the 26th floor of the Crown in Barangaroo and has sweeping views of the Sydney harbour. From the second you arrive, youre made to feel welcome. Youre greeted by a reception team, the manager, the chefs, and the waitstaff. Michael, the manager, runs a very well-oiled ship. From start to finish, the experience is flawless. Each dish presented is absolute perfection, from the dishes origin story, the aesthetics, the serving temperature, the textures, and the flavour. This truly was a very memorable experience. I cant recommend it enough. We certainly will be visiting Oncores three-Michelin-starred sister restaurant Core by Clare Smyth in London.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Delicious food, Exceptional service & Stunning view!

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Overall a very nice experience for a special occasion. The menu included some great options. Service was really good also and the views were breathtaking.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Sky high expectations coming in this due to restaurants pedigree and price. Had the classic menu with wine pairing. Starting with the nitpicks - the kingfish first course wasn t good period, weird earthly marinade - brought out weird fishy flavour of the fish. Duck with beetroot wasn t for me - duck too fatty and in my opinion and went weird with the sauces. The starter nibbles were definitely a level or two below the rest of the menu. Everything else was excellent - the potato signature dish was exceptional, had to mop up all the sauce with the bread. Core-teaser also another standout - so delicious. Service was a bit quiet and subtle but still at an extremely high level - they re always there but no intrusive. Total price for 2 people came out at almost $1300, so definitely grading on a curve.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Had the seasonal and classic. Would say that there were dishes that I loved but def not to a point that I would go again

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Outstanding in every way, assisted by the very able Sommelier Du Jour, Mikaela!

★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Food tastes good but in my opinion, isnt worth the price tag. There is so much hype about the chef but the flavours produced did not blow my socks off. The flavours are quite simple and there are many other restaurants that are much more affordable and taste much better. None the less, worth a try but wouldnt be back again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

I mean, yeah expectedly unbelievable. I don t even know what to say about this place. If you got the money, give it a go!

★★
February 23, 2024

I was really looking forward to dining here. I developed some form of trust towards Clare Smyth after seeing her featured in quite a few culinary shows that I had watched, so i was super excited and anticipant. Obviously shown in my star review, I left disappointed upon dining here. Actually, VERY disappointed. I dont even want to waste my time writing a review on each dish, so to simply put it, the ingredients used and the level of flavours presented in each dish is definitely not worth your money. The other thing that stood out to me was the service - for the price you re paying, the service of the staff are way below standard. Their attentiveness is lacking and they have no passion when speaking to you. There were at least two waitresses who, when explaining the dish to us, would look elsewhere and in one instance, she kind of walked away during her last few words my husband and i looked at each other and were quite confused and disappointed. The hospitality just didnt feel warm and genuine. Mind you, my husband isnt the picky type and he was so disappointed too.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Best Bar in Sydney !!! The view is amazing.

★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Far too much food! And far too expensive! $1200 for 2! We had the wines but it was all TOO MUCH!

Local Guide
February 23, 2024

The glass of window is quite dirty and the waiter and waitress will invite you to clean it together. What a lousy attitude.

★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

My husband and I dined here last night, enticed by its charming ambiance and delightful staff. However, our excitement quickly dissipated upon tasting the food. Despite the elegant presentation, the flavors fell short of expectation. As a connoisseur of fine dining, I found the culinary experience lacking, especially when compared to Michelin-starred or other 5 star rated fine dining experiences we ve had before. To make matters worse, after just five courses, one of the dishes featuring Marron left us feeling unwell. This further solidified our decision to leave prematurely. Despite the presence of renowned head chef Claire Smyth, which initially added an extra level of excitement, the overall dining experience failed to impress. Despite the hefty price tag of $550+, the quality of the dishes simply did not justify the expense. Regrettably, we wont be returning, and I will never recommend this as an experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

There isn t much left to be said about oncore, amazing team from front of house to service to the bar and of course the kitchen you can feel professional and passion at each step. Clare clearly has a high bar and runs a tight ship! As you would expect from any restaurant at this level the entire crew are extremely well trained at reading the table and injecting service in an intentional yet non intrusive way. The drinks were all fantastic with a real stylistic presence and felt personalised. The menu extremely well designed and balanced. The small things make a huge difference, like the bread! Definitely would recommend coming here for a special occasion!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Thank you! We had a fantastic meal with excellently paired wines, all delivered with exceptional service that included some tasteful showmanship often lacking in Australias fine dining. This was easily the best restaurant experience weve enjoyed in Australia, and were comparing to every restaurant with two or more hats in Sydney. This is the first time at an Australian restaurant that weve experienced not just food and wine but also service comparable to some of the best 3 Michelin star restaurants in Europe. Congratulations to the whole team.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Insane. Ive eaten at 3 star Michelins all over and this is better than all of them.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Perfection in fine dining.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

What an amazing experience, food, ambience and service

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Fabulous but you may need to take out a second mortgage to pay the bill. The views (except for the Virgin Cruise liner) were great, both the harbour bridge and the Opera house. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating without being overpowering. Oh and Daisy the duck decanter

★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Whilst the food was nice, I think it wasn t as good as it was hyped up to be. At this price point, I think Bennelong, Quay or Aria is much better food (and service!) for the money. The service IS good, but we had to wait ~40 mins for our table in the small bar area. Also there is no discount for crown gold members, unlike every other restaurant in the complex. Nice views on level 26 also

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

One of the best experiences I have had. From the location to the food, service & atmosphere. Everything was creative & exceptional.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

One of the best restaurants in Sydney, if not the best. Very classy presentation, perfect cocktails and breathtaking views. Worth the money!

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

We booked Oncore by Clare Smyth for a memorable experience for a family members birthday. We were not disappointed! Service was a slick operation but not stuffy or pretentious. We immediately felt welcomed when entering and the atmosphere was great. We sat towards the back of the room which was my preferred seating as we could see into the open kitchen and still out to the harbour views. Food was well timed, packed a lot of flavour and varied nicely during each course. Cocktails and wine well matched. Lives up to the expectations heaped upon a restaurant with 3 hats. Superb.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Just Phenomenal.

★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

The ambiance was noisier than anticipated for a fine dining experience. However, the desserts were delightful, and the panoramic view was truly impressive. It was disappointing not to secure the requested window seat, but overall, the experience was enjoyable

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Nice open kitchen & Sydney view ,Food presentation is quite impressive but the highlight for me was the lady who saw me coming back fr the restroom and came to my table and pulled my chair out for me!! Talk about service

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The visual design of the food is magnificent - as is the view. But thats it. The atmosphere in a train station hall is more comfortable. Catastrophic acoustics. You cant have a conversation at a table for four. You simply cant understand normal volume. In addition, the staff is constantly running around. Comfortable is different. The food wasnt really that special and some of it was lukewarm. It tasted good but nothing more. The wine prices are an outrage. As a guest you simply feel ripped off. Once and never again!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

My wife bought me here for my birthday. Weve been fortunate to have dined in several high end restaurants and I used to work in hospitality both front and back of house. The service From the moment you walk in is warm, genuine and friendly. The view is beautiful and would be one of the best views on NYE. The time taken to explain the origins of the wines served with the meal, along with the story of each dish itself was a really nice touch and delivered in a very polished manner. I was particularly impressed with the chicken liver parfait with madeira, the ingredients melted seamlessly together in your mouth, without a hint of rubberiness from the gelatinous madeira top. The potato and roe was another outstanding coming together of flavours. The seaweed beurre blanc really bought it all together. The Maremma duck was right on the border of being too firm. The skin being crispy and the fat a little more rendered would really bring it up. The wild strawberry dessert to finish was absolutely amazing and one of the best desserts Ive had at a restaurant. The flavours really popped and the mouth feel was spot on. The only real criticism is that the portion sizes are very small for the money you spend. You dont go there expecting a 250g steak or entire chicken breast, but either adding more courses or upping the portion size would really change the narrative when relaying the experience to others. Thank you to the Oncore team for welcoming us so warmly and providing us with a wonderful meal. Im sure Clare is proud of her brigade.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The best restaurant experience ever! A journey of the senses, staff were amazing and sweet. Will recommend this place to everyone and can t wait to visit again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Loved every single dish that was on the menu especially the Maremma duck and potato and roe. Good selection of cocktails as well but I enjoyed the Camerons kick most. The staff was very helpful and welcoming. They explained every dish in detail. It was overall an amazing dining experience with a beautiful view.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

One in a lifetime (and even better if someone else pays) - its not cheap! Location is stunning with views over Sydney Harbour - views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are spectacular - and both during the day and at night. Our work group had the 7 course degustation which took 4.5hours to be served - and all dishes were great! Word of warning - dont have the massive hunk of bread as it fills you up and means you cant enjoy the last few dishes. The kitchen is on show and the staff in the kitchen greet you on arrival - AND its possible to have photos taken with the chef Clare Smyth who is just incredible and so accessible - just a massive highlight - and puts Oncore on a totally new level in terms of dining experience. Very highly recommended! Do it once!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I could not rate this restaurant highly enough. The whole experience was sublime. Stunning venue, not overcrowded, impeccable wait staff both in service and appearance. The food was an artwork in the plating and tasted divine.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Dinned here on a Wednesday evening. After experiencing this I believe this an iconic culinary dinner that everyone should try at least once. The views are iconic in a world class building. The wait staff here are the cream of the industry and are in the top 1%. My wife and I ate the classic menu as we heard many good things about the potato roe... and yes I am glad we did! We couldnt fault the menu. The oyster, the Murry Cod, the honey duck and desserts. The only thing that didnt sit well with me was the taste mulled wine dessert balls. The texture was amazing however wasnt to my liking. I will aim to return next season to try the new menu. BZ Clare Smyth.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food and the view are outstanding. The sauce of each dish is very nice.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Was an amazing experience, and also the staff was excellent and food was delicious. I would return as I believe the menu changes with seasonal produce. The entrance for the restaurant was difficult to find, and best to ask crown hotel staff to direct you

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Fantastic food and service! We enjoyed every single dish.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

We came for my husbands birthday with only a bar booking , once they realized it was his birthday they offered us the set menu at a window seat in the bar ! Bar manager is 10/10 sommelier was 10/10 recommend for special occasion!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Amazing views of the Harbor Bridge and Opera house, The food and service were amazing.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The restaurant certainly has the wow factor. The bar is lovely and the service in the bar was great we were taken through to the restaurant and the waiter then quizzed me about the allergy that I had notified the restaurant about 3 months beforehand. This was done in a way that was borderline unprofessional. It unfortunately put a shadow over the evening for me. The food was complex and very good. The wine list was extensive and expensive with some great wine. The creativity of the dishes was awesome but the restaurant missed something. At the end of the meal our conversation was that we were glad we went but probably would not go again. (This was a first as we are foodies). Dietary restrictions: They did eventually cater but it was hard work. I have a celery allergy and the waiters response was well it s in everything and can t you deal with it, it s just in the stock was really frustrating when they had 3 months notice of the allergy.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great views, amazing food and lovely staff! We could not book for our anniversary and they surprised us with a tasty white choc mouse so we could have an early celebration. The potato and duck were my favourites. We were full and $$$$ was worth spending.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Incredible lunch. Incredible view. Definitely a special occasion restaurant. It s an experience you won t forget. We loved all the dishes and the service is 5 star for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Wow wow wow what can I say! What an experience by Clare Smyth. We did not get to try her food when she is up and coming (before she got a Michelin star) when we were in London. So we definitely would not miss the chance to try it in Sydney. Oncore is conveniently situated at the Crown so it was easy to get to. You get a good view of the harbour and the opera house from the restaurant . Food was impeccable , using many of the Australian produce such as Murray cod. The Malteaser was our favourite dish. The tasting menu was not cheap ..but worth the experience. Service was prim and proper.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Attended for the occasion of my wifes birthday. Our first impression, outstanding fit out and very impressive view. Staff were exceptional, always present but not intrusive. Food presentation was excellent with no long wait periods between courses as is the trend of late with a set menu. Excellent plate presentations and interesting flavours and mixes, some were stand outs . If you have the wine pairing you will need a driver to get home. It is very expensive and would only be an occasion restaurant unless you are James Packer.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

What an experience a culinary delight! Service - exceptional, atmosphere - exceptional, cocktails exceptional, wine - exceptional, food - exceptional.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Delicious cocktails and stunning views. Bar staff were super friendly and knowledgeable which I loved.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The moment you walk in with recognition and handled with professional staff. You know it isnt going to be ordinary.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Food, ambience, view and service here is incredible!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Fantastic view with phenomenon food. You can watch how their amazing kitchen team work their magic as the floor team entertain your dinning needs. Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This place is reserved for special occasions. Stunning views and beautiful menus, the food presentation is second to none. This is fine dinning at its peak. And the staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and switched on in addressing your needs - great service.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Outstanding! Truly special. Intimate with impeccable decor and gun barrel harbour views. Make sure to secure a window table...

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

My favourite restaurant in Sydney. Outstanding food and service!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

One of the best fine dining experiences. Fantastic food, service and views.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The view, the service, the food, what an experience. We were quite lucky to have the best seating, totally unexpected that it was like having our own private dining area. The taste, presentation, especially with 5 staff serving us at each course at the same time was an experience. If you have a group of 5 or more, you will be seated at this private area highly likely.

★★
December 23, 2023

Two stars for service, atmosphere and an amazing view. The food was less than good. Somehow by trying to be creative, the kitchen forgot about the main objective of making delicious food. Everything was either bland or average. Our favourite dish was the bread - how embarrassing! Also the wine pours were ridiculously small. Save yourself the money and just go for a drink at the bar next door with the same views.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food presentation is strong. Excellent service and atmosphere, top in Australia! Michael and the team deserved a shout-out!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Amazing truffle menu.

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Honestly one of the best experiences I ve had so far. Customer service was insane, food was so good and overal experience was amazing. Only criticism was I found the sauces to all taste quite similar and the desserts were a bit too Tarte for my liking but overall an incredible experience. Will definitely be back

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Dropped a star because of the way you get to the restaurant. You have to go to reception and queue up. Unfortunately for us it was very busy so 10mins or so go by before we get to reception where we re welcomed and taken to the lift to go up. Food was absolutely wonderful. We went for the truffle menu and every course came with it somewhere - either in a fragrant sauce or grated over the top. THE best course was the linguini with fresh truffle shaved at the table. We also went with the wine pairing which for $215 per person was pricey but we thought the wines would be worthwhile. Sadly they weren t and apart from the Riesling and Madera were pretty average. The amount served was also a surprise - would be interested in how many ml each glass was cause I d estimate 50-70ml so with 6 glasses wasn t a lot of wine and not something I d recommend. Overall a great meal for a special occasion.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Ok so yes it s expensive but your getting the whole dinning experience here. The views are spectacular. The service is a well choreographed ballet. The food is nothing short of amazing. Your taste buds are taken on a journey of Australian cuisine from north Western Australia to South Victoria. Absolutely worth saving your dollars and making a booking.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

There is nice atmosphere! I was only drink in the bar area because I ate Nobu Japanese restaurant same building for dinner. I orderd Espresso matini first. Unfortunately, it was very weak espresso and too sweet. Besides, no coffee bean on the top so it was very weak coffee flavor... Margarita and Gin and tonic and Maitai were normal quality. I wanted to eat some snacks but there is no snacks and olives. But we enjoyed very much because atmosphere was so nice!! You must go to Oncore once!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Oncore by Claire Smyth is an extraordinary culinary gem nestled in the heart of Sydney, offering an unparalleled dining experience. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are captivated by the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, the iconic Opera House, and the majestic Harbour Bridge, creating an enchanting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The food at Oncore is nothing short of immaculate and unique. The team at Oncore by Claire Smyth showcases their exceptional skills and creativity through each meticulously crafted dish. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the artistry and precision that goes into every plate, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. Service at Oncore is truly exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who cater to your every need. Their expertise and passion for the culinary arts shine through, elevating the overall dining experience to new heights. However, it is important to note that Oncore is on the pricier side. With an average price per person exceeding $400, including drinks, it is undeniably a special occasion destination. Yet, for those seeking a truly extraordinary dining adventure, the exceptional food, impeccable service, and breathtaking views make Oncore by Claire Smyth a must-visit destination.

December 23, 2023

I don t like it. Tastes horrible. Wanted to leave halfway.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

It was one of my best experience. It was really kind of them to sit me at the really nice table with some books because I went by myself. Attentive and professional service, they took care of everything really detailed and that is what Im looking for at a fine dining. The appetizer was amazing, delicated. I was in love with the oyster and the cod. Somehow, my mood dropped at the end, dessert was a bit disappointed. But overall, It was a great night, will come back again!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came here on our 2nd year anniversary. The most fantastic and memorable night ever! Definitely will return and my highest gratitude towards Clare and her team. Everyones service has certainly made our night special

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Incredible experience. Delicious food with exceptional sauces. Staff are attentive and friendly. Wonderful views of the harbour.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came here for my birthday and had the truffle menu ($430). A little steep but the food was decent. Amazing views and great service. I think the parmesan linguine was my fave.

★★★
December 23, 2023

I just want to preposition that there is no malice or anything and this is purely my feedback out of love because I had very high expectations of Oncore given the reputation of Clar, instagram, and pricing. My husband and I have been to some really good restaurants namely Pilu at freshwater and Ormeggio at the Spit recently which are both with four dollar signs. So its not about the money. It was just about the food. The view from the restaurant was great. The service was great. The optics and how the food looked was great but I felt there wasnt a lot of substance. I felt like the pre - entrees were the best part of the whole experience. Especially the truffle gougeres. Every other dish was for some reason to sour. The bread was decent. 1. Entrees - we got the pumpkin tart and the potatoe and roe. We were not offered to have the sauce on the side and it would have been preferred. The pumpkin tart itself was great. But the sauce made it really sour. It would have been much better to have the sauce on the side. The potatoe and roe was decent. Again it was sour too with the sauce. Not every dish needs a sauce... 2. Mains - we asked the sauce to be put on the side for these dishes. the short rib was great and the sauce reduction complemented it well. We were expecting portion size to be slightly bigger than the entree but it didnt bother us too much. The whiting was well cooked.. But the bed of white stuff didnt really add much to the dish. The sauce was good and there was a good value add. Pre - dessert - was too sour overall. Only the caramelised apple in the middle tasted good. There was no balance-only optics. Dessert - I am a HUGE truffle fan and so got the truffle forest. I was very disappointed that there was no infusion of the truffle into the cream. And the autumn leaves only added texture - no flavour. I didnt even finish it because it was not really a dessert to me. Shaved truffle usually goes on savoury dishes too. The lemonade parfait was ok. But again, too sour. The smoke that was used as another optic to enhance the sensory experience was superfluous.. Instead of the experience of eating, I would really love to see the food uplifted. For $250 each, it wasnt value for money compared to the other restaurants Ive been to that had similar optics and good that was twice or even three times as good. We were going to do the degustation but we were I in a rush so we just decided to do the a la carte. Im glad we did because I dont think I could have handled the same dish twice. We had a $350 dining credit via the luxury escapes deal with the Crown hotel and we had some other crown points which meant our final bill was $179 for two people. I personally felt like the food itself, was only worth $80 in totality. The view was worth the most money and then the service. As I have said, I do not mean any malice at all. I just love food. I would not recommend this restuarant to my friends unfortunately because in Sydney, good food is not hard to come by if money isnt an issue. I really hope the good does improve so I can come back for a degustation experience with my friends. Again my favourite part of the whole experience was the truffle gougeres because it was done really well. I would love to see the food go back to basics and just look at the flavour rather than just looks. Substance over form please!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Wow! The food was absolutely divine. The service was wonderful. We really enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommended and we look forward to going back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Starts off with a stunning view, follows with impeccable service and ends with stunningly innovative and perfectly executed dishes. A word to the wise, if you dont want to fill up on bread, dont just eat it but Instead use it to mop up the sauces.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

One of the most beautiful dishes also very tasty. Suitable for special occasions or just spoil self the whole afternoon

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Definitely a must try in Sydney. We are so lucky to have world class chefs making an entry to this city. Clare and staff are exceptionally skilled. All dishes were well thought through with seasonal and personal touches. Stand out for most dishes were the sauces which created a sensory journey with each bite/ harmonising and adding depth of flavour. Not all flavours may hit the palate for everyone but that comes down to personal taste/preferences. I personally was blown away by the smoked duck wing, potato and roe, Murray cod (truffle menu), pumpkin tart, Linguini with truffles (truffle menu) and Honeycomb lemonade parfait. Also the service staff were warm, not pretentious, efficient and friendly. Im usually sceptical of fine dining restaurants but this one warrants a call out. Thanks for one of the best dining and culinary experiences Ive had.

December 23, 2023

Food was good and the service was also good on the day. However the restaurant did not respect dietary requirements and I was extremely disappointing in their response when this was brought to their attention- they very simply and easily could have shown that they took responsibility for their lack of care on the day. Would expect this of any restaurant, let alone one of this calibre. Pity as the staff seemed very nice and the views beautiful.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Overpriced. Under delivered. They seated us 10 minutes late. Tables are uncomfortable and low and chairs have no lumbar support. This is important as we were there 2.5 hrs. We ordered the winter truffle menu with paired wines. Some of the service staff were arrogant. The dishes came out cold and some of them weren t that great in terms of taste. It was nothing in comparison to Quay or Bennelong in Sydney. The assistant manager tried to improve our experience once we advised food was not coming out warm and that staff had been arrogant but we still felt overall food was a big let down. I didn t not expect this at all, Venison was chewy. Murray cod fish was over cooked. Potato and roe was only good thing and even then not a stand out. Desserts were average in taste. It s all presentation and smoke but in taste and flavour wise, the food failed in many ways. We will not be back here. Given that pp is $650+ this place is not worth the time or money. Food was terrible. Genuinely so disappointed. There are much better options in Sydney

December 23, 2023

I would give no stars if that was an option. Fancy presentation but food is not tasty. Too pricey compared to similar restaurants in Sydney. I do not recommend this place. Could wait to get out of there! Thankfully we have so many better options around in Sydney like Cafe Sydney, Quay and Bennelong.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Had my belated birthday dinner with my best friend and our partners at Oncore by Clare Smyth. Welcomed and wished a happy birthday by checkin staff which was nice. Beautiful open kitchen view and surprised to be introduced to Clare the head chef. Restaurant has a beautiful ambience and spectacular view of sydney. My sommelier for the night was flawless in his delivery and service. Good luck with your level 2 exams. Service provided by other wait staff was at the highest level. The food spoke for itself. We chose the seasons menu. The starters were delightful with the best rolled duck wing I ve ever had. There was a wealth of flavour particularly truffle in many of the dishes and sauces. Portion sizes were good. My favourites were the signature potato and roe, grilled king George whiting, butternut pumpkin tart, beef short rib, and the core apple. The hexagon shaped lemon tart with bee keeper smoke was to say the least sensational. Overall impression is well deserved 3 hats and a wonderful energetic team and display of cooking prowess. Birthday dessert and candle was a nice finish to the night. Definitely coming back for more

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Lunch at Oncore on a beautiful sunny Saturday with a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour was sublime. Creative food with vibrant colours and full of flavour was served to us in a 7 course degustation extravaganza. Service was impeccable. We chose the pairing of wines which complemented the food amazingly.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Omg. I would give it 10 out of 5 stars. Best food Ive ever eaten in my life. I have super state. Im very strict about food. All the food here is fantastic. Food also has meaning. Feminine I was shocked when I found out that the Venison was a bride and that the veil and dress were expressed in cream. YOU MUST TRY HERE. I highly recommend.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Tasteless in passion, creativity and service. Underwhelming, overrated to say the least. My recount on some of the highlights below: Ambience of the restaurant was that it was far too noisy, wasn t able here ourselves and also the waiters explaining the food clearly - very hard to hear, mostly unable to capture it. To further add to this ambience, complete overload of staff. Very much unnecessary when they would just casually talk to each other doing nothing. Too many people just walking around the small area that it seems - quite disproportionate. Everyone in the kitchen and working in the floor just looked stressed, tired, unhappy which all contributed to hindering our enjoyment of the food. Serving etiquette for a place like this, expected much much better. Sometimes serving female members on the table last when they should be served first - very inconsistent throughout the night which was not helped by different waiters (of varying experience) managing our table. Bread served was cold. Not the norm that I d expect. Even in airplanes you get warm bread - doesn t give me the sense of freshness and the effect of having the butter melt on the bread. Going back to inconsistency in staff experience, there was one time a waiter had almost forgot to explain one of the dishes for a guest (as he d ordered a different set menu). Again, something that I wouldn t expect for such a restaurant s reputatIon I ve read about. On top of all this, the waiters seemed to be rote learning the menus - instead of addressing us and talking to us about the dish we were served, they addressed someone in mid-air , eyes looking up as if reading from a teleprompter, very strange. Sauce pouring was very inconsistent, some guests receiving a noticeably greater amount or a lesser amount. Simply distorts the whole experience, very unacceptable for a restaurant 3 hatted. Wiping the table seems to be all an act from the staff. Every time they came to supposedly wipe off crumbs/spillovers - they always seem to keep missing the actual crumbs. If you have 2 eyes, you should use them. You should consider coming here if you want to try the most expensive potato. It s not a gratin but simply a whole single potato that isn t even complete (both top and bottom cut off), garnished with some caviar. There is a significant problem when everyone on the table just talks about the sauce/gravy only. One of the desserts called Lemonade and Honey, was quite sour. Unable to the honey and overall reminded me of the honey lemon flavoured Strepsils. Another dessert was their signature Core Apple . Mine came with a bit of dent on the surface and the bottom of it was not cleanly covered, but rather jagged. This was inconsistent compared to others that got served the same dish - accuracy to detail is not there. Whilst serving the final course, being the petit four, one of the waiters dropped one of the wine jelly balls on the floor. When leaving, one of the waiters brought our jackets we wore. She only brought 3 of them and we needed to remind her that we had 2 more For a restaurant of this calibre in a 6 star hotel, do we need to remind them? Very disappointed in this experience! As someone who has been to some of the Top 50 restaurants in the world, Oncore across food and service fell significant below par, inconsistent. Will not go again nor will I recommend someone to go unless significant changes considered. Came to give it chance but sadly my thoughts also echo the thoughts from several of our friends who have come here before.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food & Service were outstanding, view was world class, fitout and ambience is luxurious. Wine pairing was a significant downshift from the rest of the experience. Quality and selection of the pairing wines was really not in the same league as the food. Skip the pairing and order a bottle or two from the list.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Best restaurant in Sydney and best dining experience weve had. The food, service and venue were exceptional and worth the price tag. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This restaurant lives up to its 3 hat hype. Michael and the team excel at the seamless service. The food is fabulous and the restaurant view is second to none. The choc-alteser dessert is perfection

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

My Wife has not said Yum Yum Yum since Guillaume Brahimi ran the Bennelong. So its been a long wait.We will be back but seated close to the East side rather the West. PS Need to clean the glass as it is poor look for a outstanding location.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

A special birthday celebration at Sydneys best restaurant. Congratulations and thanks to Michael and the team

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Exceptional

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I can confidently say this is the best restaurant experience I ve had in Australia. Exceptional service, delectable food and a wonderful atmosphere! Thank you for making my birthday special! I will definitely be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Such an amazing culinary experience and every dish was a work of art. Will be back for sure!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This restaurant is located in Oncore at Crown The 26th floor of Crown Casino Barangaroo! A restaurant where the food makes me forget about the beautiful scenery! The chef is from France, a Michelin chef!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

For us, this was a memorable lunch on a sparkling Sydney day.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The next only 4 Michelen star venue in Australian, most professional and knowledge staff...thank again to the boys in the bar under the leadership of Mr Roean the bar manager!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Excellent experience at Oncore, great food and presentation, attentive service and beautiful harbour view from our window table. One of the best in Sydney.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Better than the original but still falls a bit short of expectations in some areas of service. The sommelier was outstanding.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Every bite was a delight. Every course was not only very beautiful to the eye, but also to the palate. Service, view and atmosphere sublime. Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Dining at Oncore by Clare Smyth was a culmination of a long-awaited dream. Id been eagerly anticipating this experience for ages, and it surpassed all my expectations. The food was nothing short of spectacular, presented and prepared to the highest standard. The service was equally exceptional, with every detail meticulously attended to. What added a charming personal touch to the evening was a playful rendition of a famous quote from Notting Hill (the movie), cleverly revised to revolve around a sommelier. Oncore is, without a doubt, a culinary gem that combines outstanding cuisine, top-tier service, and those delightful little touches that make dining truly memorable.

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I really struggle to rate this place because the experience was amazing but the food was beautifully presented but flavour wise for the price they charge per person ($395) really didn t justify it. The oysters were my least favourite which is usually one of my fav foods in this world. The restaurant bar and restaurant had a lovely view. The service was not bad but not the best compare to other fine dining places I ve been to in the past. Overall I would say my fav dish was the English pimms which was a pallet cleanser and the beef ribs was cooked to perfection and didn t disappoint. The core-teaser was not bad either but everything else was average and didn t make me want to go back for more. Which I am quite sad and disappointed about.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I was expecting big things from Oncore given the $395 set menu price tag. Unfortunately I was disappointed with the food - the only dish I was impressed and wowed by was the steak, it was so tender, well flavoured and beautiful marbling made it so pleasant to eat. The duck sausage also deserved a mention, it had a beautiful sweet sauce to complement. Otherwise the remaining dishes I felt were underwhelming and a lot of the times the sauce poured were on the saltier side. The service was one of the best I ve experienced and the views were stunning, but given the price tag I need the food to be amazing too.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Oncore has very beautiful high-end decorations with the iconic harbour view. There are a lot of staff working there giving a busy yet noisy vibe, the environment is somewhat crowded and a bit too noisy for a fine dining experience. The staff is obviously undertrained, during our dinner time they managed to drop not one, not two but three cutlery on the floor that catch the attention of the entire room. The plate has amazing presentation with artistic visual that is pleasing to look at but the flavour is very average. The entree and the salad tasted refreshing and amazing but the rest all come with thick and heavy sauces that is balanced terribly. Up to the end of the dinner we even feel a bit nauseous. The staff also have terrible attention to details, our dessert is already falling apart when it came to us and no one care to fix it. Disappoint with the standard here! But my friend really love the wine pairing. For this price point, we are looking for an all round unique and high end experience, but I strongly think there are better choices. Considering their flavour and services together with their price, I don t recommend this to any who with high expectations.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Exquisite dining experience. The food was insanely good, such interesting flavours and textures and the presentation was impeccable. The entire experience was wonderful, the ambience, staff, view.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Ordered the 7 course seasonal menu today for A$395. Fine dining with a view. From my table i can see tglhe opera house and harbour bridge

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food, service and atmosphere was amazing, staff were very friendly, attentive and their knowledge on food and wine was second to none. Hands down one of the best restaurants we have been to in Sydney and in Australia. Presentation of the food was excellent and all really well done! Highly recommend going here.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

For a $395 per person tasting menu + $215 wine pairings, I had very high expectations. I left the restaurant with disappointment. The food was alright but nothing exceptional The only dishes I liked were the beef main and the desserts. I didn t find the wine works with the foods, nor the food works with the wine. I believed you do pay a lot for its location and the incredible view of Sydney harbour. The service was adequate. Someone finally noticed I m left handed with knife and fork after few courses and the cutlery was put the right way after that, which I appreciated. The wait time between courses was between 20 - 30 mins, which was way too long in my opinion. We spent about 4 hours for the whole dinner and we felt like majority of the time was waiting for food. I would not come back again. But if you have money to spend, doesn t hurt to give it a try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The very best of Sydney. Always brilliant.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Absolutely lives up to expectations, which is no mean feat for a restaurant as highly regarded as this. From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly and attentive, always on hand to make us feel welcome. The food was impeccable and the drinks flawless. Standouts included the Murray Cod, the Short Rib, and the Core Teser. Worth every penny.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food is amazing, the views are incredible, and watching the chefs as they work is like a ballet.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Excellent service. Excellent ambience

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I came here with my husband for dinner and we had the festive menu. All of the staff were friendly and professional and the food was delicious. A particular highlight was the potato and roe and we wish that we could have taken a bottle of the sauce home. We could hear an 80 s or 90 s playlist which might have been coming out of the kitchen, which was great because it added to the friendly atmosphere. Of course the views were stunning but the whole course was delicious and generous. We almost couldn t finish the petit four at the end. As part of the festive season, we were even gifted with a goodie bag each containing a sourdough bun and a bottle of jam, which was a special and yummy treat for our breakfast.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Wow was this amazing, definitely lives up to the three hats it currently has. The price point this definitely steep but I would say it stands at the top of Sydney s fine dining experience I term of food invocation, taste and quality. Not to mention the location and seating right above the center piece of Sydney harbour overlooking the best views . Every dish was done very well and didnt rely on expensive ingredients like truffle or foie grass or caviar to make each dish worth it . I would defiently put this on a yearly visit to see what it has to offer next time round. Taste: 10/10 Cost:10/10 ( for fine dining )* Service: 10/10 Atmosphere: 10/10 Ill review this one yearly to see if anything g has changed so stay tuned.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

5 stars: - The creativity, atmosphere and theatrics - You can see Clare s heart and thoughtfulness in all the dishes from start to finish - The effort and care in all the detail didn t go unnoticed - The warm lavendar tart at the end, asparagus dish and the main duck dish were my faves - I liked the menu selection since there was a lot of butter and felt quite heavy, but was balanced by choosing lighter seafood, poultry, veg instead of heavy meats Lost stars: - Busy, so service was inattentive and irregular - but not the servers fault for being understaffed - they were all wonderful, polite, considerate - thank you for all the kindness - Food is more suited to western palate where seafood flavors are disguised with heavy portions of salt or other stronger flavors to mask the fishiness. So couldn t taste oyster, and some of the sauces were quite over whelming (but this is subjective to taste) Overall, great experience. And have big admiration to Clare for putting her heart and soul into the menu and experience. Thank you

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Every thing is best!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food is certainly up there with the three michelins. Every dishes was burst-full with flavours. The order of dishes on the menu was lined up like a well orchestrated symphony, each time a new dish was served, it heightens to a new level. Wine pairing was perfect! The gap for us is within the service. The staff was nice and friendly with the right level of attention to detail but lack of charisma and passion by the way the food and wine was shared and presented. No dedicated waiting staff which is important in building up the relationship with patrons throughout the night. To me, the staff was just there to do their job and tick their boxes without much love for their job. To keep things fair, I would rate it 4.5 but there is no option for half star.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

An exquisite experience from start to finish. I have never seen or been given that level of extraordinary service. Highly (but not overly) engaged wait staff sharing the evolutionary stories of the dishes and vineyards. The food and presentation were simply too good for words. I wish there was a 6 Star review option for Oncore.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great experience in Oncore. Had the pescatarian tasting menu and it was superb. My girlfriend had the vegetarian menu and was also impressed, however the salt baked celeriac was overly salty (maybe personal taste? But I tried it and could eat it either). Vegetarian options: Just not sure about the salt baked celeriac