23/33 Mary St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Refined, seasonal cuisine cooked over wood coals in an open, heritage venue with rustic-chic decor.
After waiting YEARS for a reservation we finally got one and this place didn't disappoint... The service here was impeccable, every person that served us knew their part to a T! We were educated on food and wine and nothing was a hassle - even our gluten and dairy free requests. One on the bucket list ticked off but would love to return again
Firedoor is an unforgettable dining experience! The food and service were exceptional from start to finish. We added the aged beef and bone marrow to our set meal, which was a fantastic decision. The aged beef had an intense, deep flavor with a perfect balance of tenderness and smokiness – truly a highlight. The Murray cod was also a standout, incredibly juicy and full of smoky flavor. Every dish showcased the quality ingredients and unique fire-cooking techniques. Highly recommend for anyone looking to experience one of Sydney’s best!
I’ll start by saying: go, enjoy the food. No doubt about the quality of the ingredients and the level of skill n the grill. However a venue of such reputation and price tag deserves a full review, and unfortunately, it does not live up to its name when you consider the price tag. - a surcharge of 10% for tables of six of more? The menu is set, five courses and that’s it. Is six a group? Particularly when everyone must order the same? Outrageous. - it would be silly to be here and not try the steak. Worth the price? Absolutely not. If you’re paying $1000/kg one would expect the cleanest cut ever. Not the case. I won’t enter the debate of the type of meat chosen for the night, that’s purely a matter of taste. It was cooked perfectly. - the bathrooms are in the foyer of a building. What’s that to do with the food? Nothing; but if we left with 2K less in our pockets, I must mention it. The uni Student coming to visit their girlfriend in the 3rd floor is washing his hands next to me, and his take away pad Thai cost him the same as 10 grams of my steak. It just does not make sense that I share space with him during this experience. - one of the five dishes is bread and butter. 10/10, but bread un butter after all. If it wasn’t for this dish, and the additional steak you would definitely go home hungry. Otherwise, amazing seasonal produce, great kangaroo, spot on coral trout, and very tasty cocktails. Keep that up!
Firedoor has been on my go to list for many years and after getting a booking 3 months in advance for my birthday, I was thrilled! Between two, we ordered the 5 course menu for $195. We also added the extra steak as we noticed there wasn’t a lot of it in the set. The overall atmosphere was lovely and staff were super friendly. There was lots of variety on the menu and all the dishes were very flavourful. My favourite was the kangaroo. The only downside was that we were expecting there to be more red meat on the menu.
We enjoyed the 5 course set menu, which included lamb, pork, fish and vegetable dishes. Each was unique and such a nice sensory experience. We walked away from the night being full and very happy from everything served. The kitchen staff were fantastic, they did such a wonderful job with the food and were so nice to interact with from the kitchen counter. Wait staff were very attentive and accommodating. Excellent overall experience, thank you Lennox and A-team!
My experience at Firedoor was truly amazing. The food was exceptional, with each dish beautifully crafted and bursting with flavor. The ambiance added to the overall enjoyment, making it a memorable evening. However, I did feel a bit rushed during the meal, as there's a 2-hour limit for dining. While I understand it's to accommodate everyone, I would have loved a bit more time to fully savor the experience and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling hurried.
I would not usually be so harsh or critical of food, but this had to be the worst dining experience I have ever had in my life. The staff are not experienced nor do they provide a service you would expect from a venue of this supposed calibre. The food was disgusting, there is no sugarcoating it and it does not even deserve a detailed review. The flavours do not work together, everything is poorly smoked or quickly charred to create the illusion of cooking over fire and it tastes horrendous. I paid $405.00 for the signature steak, a 200+ day old dry aged wagyu sirloin, it tasted pungent and simply off. I would not recommend nor would I return, the chefs need to take a good look at themselves and the menu - as if they honestly like even one of these dishes, I have serious concerns for their sanity. No sane human being could look at me with a straight face and eat one of these dishes I experienced tonight. The hype has gotten to Fire Door, and the hype has gotten to the people that fuel the fire of this absolute charade. They would benefit from going back to basics and serving edible food. They would also be better served providing normal meat options that can be “cooked” over fire.
Exceptional Dining Experience at Fire Door ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Fire Door is a standout dining destination that impresses on every level. The restaurant's innovative approach to fire-based cooking results in dishes that are both flavorful and expertly crafted. The ambiance is sophisticated yet comfortable, creating an ideal setting for a memorable meal. The menu offers a diverse selection of options, each highlighting high-quality ingredients and precise technique. The attention to detail in both preparation and presentation is evident, making each dish a work of art. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience. From the rich, smoky flavors of the fire-cooked dishes to the impeccable service and inviting atmosphere, Fire Door delivers a top-notch experience that’s worth every bit of praise. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional food and a memorable dining outing. For more insights on top travel destinations, exceptional dining, and unique experiences, follow my account. I share detailed reviews and recommendations to help you discover your next perfect getaway and culinary adventure!
Disappointed. I expected a more refined experience. From the welcome which was quite bullish towards a woman solo diner I had to wait 45 mins to receive my drink and first dish.The first 3 courses of the menu were mediocre at best. The sourdough was sublime but came after the starters? As a full intermediate course ? I sent back the first main. After that things picked up. The waygu main was tasty though at 2 mini slices of steak and half a grilled onion hardly worth being called a main . The two desserts were also good in taste but the presentation lacked skill, refinement and creativity. I d like to add that the host did offer a glass of sparkling to make up for his butch welcome but it was unpalatable unfortunately. He also offered a glass of red in stead of the first main. That wine was actually nice. Do all in all a 3/5. One of my worst fine dining experiences ever.
Went for our 1 year wedding anniversary, sitting at the stools facing into the kitchen (best seats in the house by far!) My wife and I both left saying that was the best restaurant we ve been to. I m a huge red meat guy and I had the best 2 pieces of steak I ve had in my life to date. That for me was enough for the night to be worth it. Staff were amazing and kind. Many happy anniversary wishes and the chefs were very friendly. There is something unique and special about cooking on open flames. Will definitely be going back.
We booked Firedoor to celebrate my partner s birthday, however unfortunately the experience was far below expectations. The primary concern was with the oysters that were the starter which we ordered in addition to the set menu. They tasted off, lacked salinity, didn t smell like the ocean, and were warm in temperature. They actually tasted a little bit like petrol. We alerted the waiter collecting the bowl to this and verbally stated they made us feel a bit sick, however we didn t get much of a response to the feedback. We then had the prawn cocktail and kangaroo tataki, however these were spoiled by the bad taste left from the oysters. By this point, we were also both starting to feel ill in the stomach from the oysters. The bread was the highlight of the evening, and mains of coral trout and valley beef both met expectation. Dessert was a honey ice cream which was also disappointing and I didn t end up finishing. Pricing was $500+ for 2 which was unreasonable for the quality of food we received. Our concern regarding the oysters was all but dismissed, we were charged in full for these, and went home feeling physically ill for the remainder of the night.
Far from what I was expecting, I spent over $800 for the two of us (which I was willing to spend for a good experience) but the only decent, actually excellent I must admit, piece of meat we had was a special we had to add to the (poor) set menu. The atmosphere is disappointing, definitely not the vibe you get from the documentary, fake plants on the table, basic basic basic cutlery, plates. With $800+ you can eat in any excellent restaurant around the world. Such a shame.
It was a very disappointing experience. The service was below expectations, and the portions were surprisingly small, especially considering we paid $200 per person. Although this restaurant is marketed as a steakhouse, we were served mostly pork belly and only two small pieces of beef. It felt like a waste of both time and money. Additionally, we had just one specific request to ensure the meat was well-done as we had a pregnant person in our group. Unfortunately, this request was not properly accommodated. The server who initially said they would be taking care of our table only came by at the beginning to explain the menu and never returned after that. This might be why our request was overlooked. Unfortunately, I dont think Ill be returning to this restaurant. I also feel bad for my companions who joined me, as I was the one who suggested this place.
Overrated restaurant ever. Our group ordered the $195 tasting menu, which consisted of five courses. Given how difficult it is to secure a reservation here and the high price, I had high expectations. However, what I experienced was nothing but utter disappointment. The dry-aged pork was overly greasy, and I couldn t taste the distinct flavor that you would expect from properly dry-aged meat. The next course, which featured MB9+ wagyu, consisted of only two small pieces. Even worse, one member of our group, who is pregnant, requested her portion to be cooked well-done, but this request was completely ignored. With disappointment mounting, we hoped the final dessert would redeem the meal, but it turned out to be the worst part. The honey ice cream had an overwhelmingly off-putting flavor, and the nougat and chocolates that followed tasted worse than mass-produced products you d find at Woolworths. I genuinely want to ask the chefs: Does this menu and its quality justify the $195 price tag?
Lennox and his team produce art with fire. We enjoyed each of the 5 courses. The open view into the kitchen with all the fires is impressive. We had a wonderful time. When Cecilia, Firedoors Head Sommelier, found out that we had travelled from Europe, she asked Lennox to sign our menu. What a souvenir to bring home. Thank you for an unforgettable time.
I ve eaten beef. A lot in my life. I thought how much (more) better can it get. To be fair I also missed Firedoor in 2022 and Chef Lennox s pipis with sea bananas were inspirational. So there s that. While we were excited to make a booking with multiple alarms set, there was a sense of over expectation. There definitely was a sense of weariness in the shoulders of the Chef. But the Ranger s Valley cut as part of the set put expectations in its place and lit a fire under it. I cannot even begin to describe. But I will try. The umami. The execution. The produce. That s God s smile on earth. Then came the 180 day dry aged whatever. The wife loved me more after that even when she professed she couldn t love me any more. And i didn t even have anything to do with that meat cept order it. Just on the beef alone. Heck of a meal. But if you re expecting divine throughput then check that. There are little misses here and there (but I mean fine tooth comb type misses). Nonetheless, mighty bloody good. Well done Firedoor team. Downside is its all downside from hereon now with cow meat. Dietary restrictions: Dairy free available
Phenomenal. Best experience ever. The love, care, and consideration of literally everything blew me away. You won t find a better place to eat in Sydney. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with the world x
Thanks Fire Door,The staff were amazing, one of the best dining experiences Ive ever had. The food was just next level. 2 of the best steaks Ive ever had. My wife and I enjoyed the entire experience immensely. We already are trying to rebook in.Thanks
What a miss! The restaurant for those who never go out. Waited for years and wish I hadn t. The food was all mediocre and charging extra to include steak was a piss take (bigger piss take being them only having the most expensive steak). Cooking with fire but not imparting smoke or sear defeats the point of cooking with fire. Had I not seen them cook on the fire I would assumed it was just an oven. The table beside us left mid meal, which was dramatic but fair ( we will pay for what we ate, but this isn t what it used to be ). Nothing here was worth eating, especially for the amount charged. The forced upsell on the steak was a joke, followed by another forced upsell on the wine (apparently they only stock the more expensive bottles). Service was alright and I credit them for checking why we hadn t eaten all of our food. I wanted to eat it all due to the cost, but couldn t force myself when everything was so bland and under seasoned. Another nearby table asked about the cuts of meat and the server only knew the animal it came from- I m guessing they have high turnover. I reached out to the manager to see if the chef was sick that day and she said she would call, but didn t. Likely had too many other complaints to field. Hard pass.
A deliciously incredible experience! Everything was considered and executed with care and passion. Thank you Firedoor crew! I cant wait to come back!
Sensational food and wine served by fantastically professional, friendly and welcoming staff. Cant wait to go back.
Visited in Nov 2024 Tried the set menu at Firedoor which comprises 6 courses including the oyster starter course. Ended up adding an additional 7th course of trout which was optional. Ended up liking all the savoury courses, esp. the bundarra pork and the grilled whole trout dishes. The only thing which makes me give a 4/5 and not a 5/5 is the dessert where I thought the restaurant can do better. The petit fours was decent. I didn t have any drinks but there is a pretty good drinks (wines, cocktails) menu for those interested. All in all, Firedoor is definitely worth a visit. Best to get a counter seat reservation here in front of the kitchen to see all the action .
Exceptional restaurant, very good food beautifully presentes and very good service. All dishes were very well cooked or grilled and tastfully seasoned.
Great Food and great service from very knowledgeable & friendly staff. Would go again and definitely recommend to others. What they do with ingredients, flavours & textures here is just outstanding!!
We felt that it was overprice for what it is. Food was good and service very nice, but putting all in balance we all left the place feeling that the money was not a representation of what we ate. Also, having to pay mandatory gratuity for 6 people felt a push. For a place with a close menu, we don t believe 6 people is considered a group and justify paying extra 10% on something that is already overpriced
This was a quite exceptional meal, one Ill not forget in a long while. And while every course was delicious, the kangaroo and asparagus dish was out of this world. Thank you to the incredible team that were working last night who made sure I had a memorable meal.
I like the kangaroo and the bread, calamari was a bit oily for me, Murray cod was a bit bland. Their bread knife and steak knife were custom made, one piece of metal for the whole thing which was cool. Quite a bit of paid street parking just outside the restaurant
After all the hype and anticipation, was extremely disappointed. $195/head for what may be a complex menu but very small servings (apart from the Murray Cod, which was nothing special). With the main menu being so sparse, they also offer a 200+ day dry aged steak for 2 to share for $180 .we got sucked in and although it tasted ok, the 4 and a bit strips served was hardly worth the price. Alcohol severely overpriced .. $46 for half a glass of champagne and the $145 each pairing wine was an insult - 5 glasses, each filled no more than what you d be served at a wine tasting. To top off the heist, they attempted to charge us double ($360) for the steak. Not sure if it was deliberate or an accident but a flag to make sure you check your bill. Overall, $1,000 wasted on a dinner for 2 with a bitter aftertaste!
This is definitely not a fine dining restaurant.
It was all fantastic! And everybody was lovely! And that steak . out of this world!
Loved the whole experience, very fortunate to sit right in the middle of the bench overlooking the kitchen. It was like watching a symphony in the kitchen, everyone knew their role and played it to perfection. The staff were great answering our questions about the ingredients, and the maitred was very personable and explained the intricacies of the kitchen well. Thank you for a very special night.
Most of the food was amazing, kangaroo amd murray cod were standouts. Entrè and desert werent really enjoyed by any of us and the desert kind of left the meal at a low point. Had the optional aged steak offered which was cooked amazingly, but way overseasoned. Firedoor pairing didnt quite match the food but was still nice. Would definitley come back.
Great food and solid service , slightly overpriced but we had a great time.
To start off I traveled from Perth to Sydney to attend this restaurant and it was everything I hoped off and more. I was greeted just inside the door and taken to my seat at the bar which I believe to be the best seat in the house in a restaurant like this one. I was then greeted with a handshake and nice conversation with Lennox and he also wished my partner and I a happy anniversary. Kangaroo dish This wasn t on the menu for the night but we were told it was a snack and it was absolutely Devine and well presented. Calamari dish This was excellent and well prepared Cabbage dish Charred cabbage happens to be one of my favourite foods and this really exceeded my expectations.. out of this world Pumpkin loaf The bread with the butter was a stand out to so much so my partner was trying all day the next day to get it from the bakery they partner with but unfortunately it s a Firedoor special. Murray cod dish Fish was cooked perfect however I would have liked the skin to be a little more crisp. watching it be cooked was even better. Lamb dish This lamb was to die for the fat cal on it may look intimidating to some but melted in your mouth with a flavour I ve never tasted before only problem was that there wasn t more Additional beef dish When the waiter was going through the menu with us we were told of the addition menu consisting on 2 or 3 steaks we opted for the Wagyu 9+ shell loin dry aged for 287 days. This was absolute perfection. Beef, salt and fire would else would anyone want or need Brûlée This was excellent although I m not a bit dessert person. My partner loved it. The last 2 dish s weren t on the menu but were brought out and were excellent. We were told the toasted marshmallows were a exit gift for our anniversary witch I thought was a nice touch as we were the only ones who got them! To end this review Firedoor is a foodies dream. I loved every second I was in there and time went to fast from talking with the chefs preparing our food to the excellent service. I would go back tomorrow if I could get another booking. Lennox is an outstanding chef and really knows his craft. I recommend this place to anyone. I can see some of the reviews on Firedoor seem to say it s over rated I strongly disagree. This was the best food and experience I ve had at a restaurant and I cannot wait to return. Thank you Lennox and Firedoor staff! Hopefully we meet again soon. Dietary restrictions: Just request
For sure the best steak I have ever had but the portions are very small and the set menu is not my favorite, you should have some choice when your paying $1000 for dinner for 2. Dont go there hungry! Food
Sydney cbd/surry hills
I ve wanted to eat at firedoor for almost half a decade now, last night I finally got the chance and I walked out of that restaurant being underwhelmed by almost every aspect of the dining experience. Before I start I d like to add that the sommelier last night was truly amazing, incredibly knowledgeable and provided the perfect somm service. So thank you. Now onto the bad, to start, the food, it was truly average at best, felt like a restaurant that had gotten too comfortable in its success, everything was way over salted, the dry aged steak which is supposedly their signature dish (but not included in the set menu when there is no a la carte?), was way too rich to be enjoyable and completely unbalanced. The coral trout was tasteless and lacked creativity in the sauce, the only redeeming factor of the meal was the bread. The service was super average for a restaurant that charges almost $200 a head, numerous times throughout the evening I was left without wine and water. The general atmosphere from the service staff was a lack of care. Overall incredibly disappointing, really sad to see a restaurant that was once so highly regarded by the Australian hospitality scene fall off a cliff.
Firedoor is an absolute gem in Sydney s dining scene, and my experience there deserves the highest praise. Helmed by the incredibly talented chef Lennox Hastie, this restaurant delivers a truly unique and unforgettable culinary journey. The concept at Firedoor is one of a kind every dish is cooked exclusively over fire, using coals of different woods to create distinctive flavors. There s no gas or electricity in the kitchen, which makes the entire experience feel raw, authentic, and incredibly refined at the same time. The set menu was nothing short of spectacular, with each dish showcasing the complexity and purity of cooking with fire. From perfectly seared proteins to delicately charred vegetables, every bite was a revelation. On top of that, the option to order specials added an extra layer of excitement to the meal. Lennox Hastie s passion for cooking with fire, as seen in his features on Netflix and other media, shines through in every aspect of the restaurant. The coordinated work of his team was seamless, and their dedication to excellence was evident in every detail from the precision of the cooking to the impeccable service. Firedoor is more than just a meal; it s an experience that celebrates the art of cooking. For anyone looking for something extraordinary in Sydney, this place is a must-visit. Five stars aren t enough to capture the brilliance of this restaurant. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere was good with dining table and bar. But testing menu food was like fake Chinese food delivered from Panda Express. Weak seasoning and greasy dry aged pork was totally nonsense
Excellent service and very knowledgeable staff. Food and wine was sublime.
Food is not good. Service is slow. The staff came over to tell us that the next table is waiting for the table we were at, but we hadnt even been served dessert yet, then they served dessert and 30 seconds later brought our coats to our table and hovered to get us to leave. Doesnt make sense, we werent late for our reservation and we had the tasting menu so they know how long it takes and we spent half the time waiting for our food to come out.
Sadly I was extremely disappointed in Firedoor this past weekend. I, like many others I m sure, went to Firedoor after many years of excitement and was left feeling ripped off and hungry! I had watched Firedoor on Netflix and expected magic, theatre, fire and above all else tasty food. I knew I was in for a big bill, fine dining in Sydney, it comes with the territory, the bill was outrageous for two people. The menu was poorly described to us and the costs were not explained prior to our selection. Oh but it s a set menu you ask, what selection would you have to make? Well the signature steak was not a part of the set menu but a $200 extra and seeing as though I was there for the steak I wanted to try it. A clever ploy but the restaurant I must admit. Sadly when the steak arrived it was 6 tiny slices. Overall if I paid what I did and felt satisfied and blown away by the food I d be happy, however, the lack of taste, RSL quality, poor service and terrible wine choices left me bitterly disappointed with my experience at Firedoor. I recommend telling all your friends and family that there are many far superior fine dining places in Sydney to try!
Loved the experience, very impressed with everything on the menu. The staff were very friendly and very accommodating to my dietary requirements (pregnant, and nut allergies). Will definitely come back again.
Meh, food was OK but overpriced. Bread was the highlight. Steak not worth the money. No sear or seasoning
It was the best meal and food journey I have had in my life! It was a detailed menu that challenged my tastes with new and delicious experiences and I can honestly say I walked away beyond happy and I could only highly recommend Firedoor for your fine dining experience. Yes, its pricey but for me as a one off, once in a blue moon, special occasion meal it was all I could have hoped for. The waiters were attentive and efficient, the sommelier perfectly offered pairings, and all members of staff made my friends and I feel like we looked after all night.
Please don t waste your money on this place! I think it is extremely overhyped. While the service and ambiance were exceptional, the food was average at best. The pork main that came at the end was so terrible and chewy that 3 out of 5 people on our table struggled to eat it even though they only served 3 slices per person. The best thing about the whole menu was the bread and butter and dessert. Not even worth trying. You can get so much more for your money elsewhere!
Quite simply one of the best dining experiences Ive ever had.
I wasted $400 on our anniversary and that was after we gave honest critic and we were given the $100 bottle of wine that didn t even compare with a $12 ALDI wine. The food was awful. It did not live up to the expectations created by the Website. No favour, no smoke infused food, just bad. Money Grabbing!!
Firedoors popularity can be summarised only by the social paradigm of herd mentality. The only reason it is so popular, it s because of the delusion culture propagated by social media influencers. When paying $195 per head - one expects ones taste buds to be tantalised. But the tone is set very early on with the first course. A single oyster on a bed of inedible seaweed. Upon putting this oyster in your mouth, the experience is akin to accidentally swallowing ocean water whilst it is on fire. After the oyster, the waiter asked me how it was- when I said it tasted fishy and like I swallowed the ocean - he responded with oh it s not your thing - the gaslighting shocked me. He made it seem as if I was the problem , rather than the wretched ocean snot I just ingested. The smoked kangaroo with a slice of onion. Is akin to what my mum makes on the BBQ with lamb, except less flavoursome. The bread was bread - amazing butter, but some salt would be nice. The fish was fishy, the pork crackling was fine. But just fine. Unlike this dining which was not fine. All the desserts were spectacular, which makes sense because as my cousin a profuse gambler taught me, when you re losing at the casino you have to double down and it s called chasing. Death to social media culture and may 100 rains put out this fire door. Finish.
Been here when they first open and the food then was amazing. Went recently in June for a friend birthday and was completely disappointed. They charge you 195 for set menu which consist of like 5 dish which was mainly for sharing so each person can get like a bite out of it. We also tried the dried age beef which cost like $450. Yes it was nice but not worth the price point for 400g I remember. Over all this place felt like money grabbing, profiting was their goal. Food taste average. There was nothing that make me want to go back to try again.
It is unbelivable reading all the bad comments and wandering if we were at the same restaurant. Firedor is a great place with warmth, good hospitality and amazing food. Well done!
What a fish Georgia was amazing , answered all our questions and was a true legend. Food was great. Food
A lovely place with a great atmosphere and really interesting dishes. Not cheap though.
Amazing experience, food and service
Sadly, this became a place for Instagrammers. Looks good. Quality is good, quantity is small, service is rushed and disengaged, and left hungry. Overall, it was a very average experience. Food : 2/5
A very unforgettable nite with this marvelous fame house. This is the first time for myself to have supper in aus (first time in aus and first day of arrival) while celebrating my bd. Food and service is excellent, definitely will be back and highly recommend :)
If you are willing to be fully present and immerse yourself in an experience that reminds you of what it means to be alive in the most stunning way, go here. This place is absolutely UNREAL.
I haven t left a restaurant review in a while, but I felt the need to drop this one. For years, Firedoor has been hailed as one of Sydney s top spots for steak constantly in the top ten, sometimes even the top five. A fire-fueled, meaty spectacle, they said. Getting a booking not easy. Finally, a friend scored us a spot, and as someone who could happily eat meat three times a day, I was beyond excited. Now, here s where things got confusing. The menu has no options just a set menu priced at $195. Okay, fair enough; for that kind of money, you re expecting fireworks, right? But the kicker? There s no steak on the set menu. If you want steak, it s an extra $400 for a 400g portion (for three people). Yes, you read that right $400! The courses came and went, and honestly, bland was the theme of the night. The most memorable moment? The warm bread. When bread steals the show, you know there s a problem. The highlight main course? It was tiny. If I d paid $79, I d say, fair enough, but when you re dropping $1,000 (and that s just the food, drinks not included), you expect a meal that blows your socks off. On the bright side, the service was excellent. The waiters were chatty, friendly, and really made the experience enjoyable. The atmosphere was also great intimate and lively, with that lovely warm glow from the open flames. The steak itself was amazing, very flavourful. It s just a shame the rest of food didn t live up to the setting of the pricetag So, here s my honest feedback. I m not one of those one-star-review warriors I gave it three stars but I can see why someone would drop a one star. But seriously, it felt like daylight robbery. If you re cooking the same five dishes all night, at least make sure each one sings! Tip/Feedback: If I m going to restaurant known for its steak ie a steak restaurant I shouldn t have to pay more outside of the set menu that s already an arm and a leg to experience the steak. It s like going to a nightclub, paying the cover charge- then being told you need to pay another fee to listen to the music!!! If you re going to charge a king s ransom, at least deliver a royal feast. Very disappointed.
The experience far exceeded our expectations, which were already high after watching the Netflix episode and waiting so long for our reservation to come around. Requesting to sit at the bar was a huge bonus getting to observe close up how all the food was prepared, hearing the stories behind the produce for each course delivered to the table and we were lucky enough to be there on a night where Lennox graciously took time to chat to us in between tending to the woodfire. Awesome staff too - they clearly love their jobs and are passionate about the food. Seriously - order the dry-aged steak option. Expensive but worth it!
After 2.5 weeks in Australia, our group from Texas spent our last night at Firedoor. And what a night it was...it was the best dining experience we have ever had. From the cocktails they customized, the new wines we discovered, and the perfectly curated dishes, Lennox and teams perfection of flavors and attention to detail is second to none truly a world-class experience.
We were enchanted! Weve been told from many foodies from our home country to tried Firedoor. We actually the lucky couple that get a table for two because people cancelled. The kangaroo dish was eye opening. I never consider Kangaroo as my fav type of protein. But it was flavourful and perfect. I expected more meat on the set menu but because we have special occassion we ordered the wagyu, but we found it too full for us ( its our fault cant say no to try! ) The bread and butter omg. Its stunning. I just hope it was paired with something that is less fatty and refreshing. Dessert was wooooonderful. We got chocolate and nougat too. Service was spotless. Cant wait to come back and try the new set menu. Kudos to Firedoor!
We were lucky enough to be seated at the chefs counter, giving us a front-row seat to the captivating kitchen. Watching the chefs orchestrate such a complex menu with apparent ease was amazing. They were also incredibly charming and gracious, taking the time to chat with us about their techniques and even sharing a few jokes while they worked! Favourite dishes were the spanner crab and of course the wagyu steak. The entire front-of-house team was equally delightful, anticipating our needs before we even knew we had them. They truly made my fiancées birthday unforgettable. We left feeling pampered and incredibly happy, so full of delicious food that we were practically in a food coma for the next 24 hours! Thank you for such a special evening.
Having to buy set menu to get the steak is the tackiest cash grab Ive come across lately. You deserve 2 stars.
Total waste of money and time. Over priced, underwhelming, badly timed and felt like I was being upsold ! I would agree with almost every word written in the poor reviews; cold, tasteless, charmless and meagre. We all had to add salt! Home hungry and with 1,000 dollars down. Don t bother - seriously.
Completely lived up to its reputation! We had prime seats on the bench watching everything the chefs cooked, which was amazing It is on the expensive side but a great place to choose for a special occasion. Staff really know their staff and explain every small ingredient to the dish. My worry going to similar places like this is you pay a lot but then can sometimes leave hungry, but this was not the case at all! Stand out dish was the spanner crab in XO sauce Special mention to Rory for an amazing evening and Owner/head chef Lennox for taking the time out of cooking to chat to us at the bench
The most enjoyable thing was leaving this place. Unbelievably bad. One reason to go here is to experience how terrible everything is and be shocked at why people think this is even marginal.
As someone deeply immersed in the hospitality industry, I have had the privilege of experiencing countless dining establishments, but Firedoor in Sydney stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. This restaurant isnt just about exceptional food; it embodies the very essence of hospitality. From the moment you step into Firedoor, you re enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. The open kitchen concept immediately sets the tone, showcasing the culinary artistry in action. It s a beautiful dance of fire and skill, where the chef s mastery of cooking with fire is not just a technique but a true art form. The menu at Firedoor is a masterclass in innovation and tradition. Each dish is meticulously crafted, combining bold flavors and textures that speak to both creativity and respect for classic techniques. The use of fire as the central cooking method imparts a unique depth to the dishes, enhancing every ingredient s natural flavors. The commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced produce is evident in every bite. It s worth noting that while Firedoor is slightly on the pricier side, the experience justifies the cost. The exceptional quality of the food, the meticulous attention to detail, and the unforgettable dining experience make it a worthwhile splurge. The service is exemplary; the staff are knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive, striking a perfect balance that allows guests to feel both cared for and respected. Their enthusiasm for the food and wine pairings is infectious, and their recommendations are always spot-on, reflecting a deep understanding of the menu and a genuine passion for their craft. Dining at Firedoor is not merely about eating; its about experiencing a meticulously crafted culinary journey. The ambiance is refined yet inviting, making it an ideal setting for both special occasions and intimate dinners. Each visit feels like a celebration of good food and great company, guided by a team that truly understands the nuances of exceptional hospitality. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Sydney, Firedoor distinguishes itself as a standout destination. For anyone in the hospitality industry or simply a lover of fine dining, Firedoor is a must-visit. It s a place where every detail is thoughtfully considered, and every guest is made to feel truly special. Despite the slightly higher price tag, the experience is undoubtedly worth it. Total price tag was around $1850 for 4 people with matching wines and the 200 day aged Spanish ribeye.
I ve waited many years to attend fire door. Extremely underwhelming, daylight robbery with prices and an ambiance that is not worth going broke for. The party of four I was with spent over $1000 and had to stop for dinner on the way home. A restaurant that prides itself on fire based cooking has only two options for a customer -$ 195PP or $295 PP with the option of adding a $400 steak to the course. This is before adding any beverages. I understand that this is a restaurant of higher calibre showcasing Australian produce.. but it is beyond a joke to do this to customers. Will not return and am certainly not an advocate. To put things into perspective, we considered walking out within the first 5 mins which I have NEVER done. We stuck to our guns and stayed but watched other parties follow through with our thoughts. All in all.. save your money and eat local to you. Not worth travelling to nor is it worth the good money you work for.
Dont bother! Save your money! The experience left me feeling ripped off and underwhelmed. I hope they are reading these reviews and seeing its not a one off. I also watched Netflix and was inspired by the thought that this place was opening new tastes to things that had been originally cooked by gas and now there is a whole new way of experiencing flavors with Fire! Wrong! We got bland, cold, regular pub food at a $400 a head price tag.
Food: Food feels a bit unfinished. Everything was tasty but there was no WOW. Mains look like that: piece of fish or pork + salad on the side. Fish had sauce, pork didn t. I wish there was more texture. Oysters were very salty. Service: - Staff forgot the info about the dish that they were serving and stopped mid sentence. - When you go to the bathroom they don t fold your napkin. - They never asked how was the food. - I had to ask twice for the drinks menu. Overall: Look, it s really fun idea. Simple but very good quality local ingredients cooked over fire. And they make it work really well. Also I understand that cooking over fire and having premium ingredients is very expensive. However, for 195$ per person it s just not enough. Feels underwhelming. Staff make mistakes. Expected more food wise
When I first came here in 2015/16, it was great, everything tasted fantastic and I felt this was going to be one of my favorite restaurants ever, then on 2 occasions one after the other, they dropped the ball, the food although present well, it was not the quality you would expect, chewy at times and watery as if the meat was snap frozen overnight in a attempt to tenderise/steam it on the fire, on occassions the meals are over cooked, I order medium rare it comes out medium, my wife orders well done and its burnt on one side and they serve it to you with the less burnt side facing up, as if they have the audacity to think we are stupid and wont notice, when staff ask how are meals are and we mention/show the staff, they do nothing about it anyway. Most recent visit was a little bit better but still far short from what you would expect from the Fink group and their other restaurants, this visit will definately be the last.
I cannot say enough good things about our experience at Firedoor! From service, to conversation with chefs, and the exceptional, thoughtful, and well coursed locally sourced ingredients, we are grateful for the time in this special spot!!
The worst meal we ve ever had. This was absolutely awful. We re devastated at the money we wasted on this meal when we are saving up for our wedding. I don t know what they re cooking on these open coals because everything was raw, cold and tasteless. We are so disappointed after waiting 4 months for our reservation. Service and wine were fine.
The food was disgusting, having an oyster that had been warmed to room temperature is quite a horrible experience. Some things don t need to be messed with. The kangaroo was okay tasting but came served cold with a slight sear. Overly complicated and badly executed, with flavours that just fail to meet the expectations of the price point. Feel robbed of $700 and regret not paying more attention to the other reviews.
Somehow my original review was taken down , But I have to take the time to post another one This place was terrible, better food at your local steak house so expensive and average food
**Awful Experience!** I had high hopes for my first visit, but it was a complete letdown. The food was subpar and the service was just as disappointing. Everything felt confusing and disappointing. Note that this is not a steak house. Read the other reviews and they are totally accurate.
Caution! Unexpectedly, the evening at Firedoor was a complete disappointment! Clearly more appearance than reality! Service: Lack of qualified staff (backpackers), sommelier appears cold and without real know-how, bill is placed on the table with a card reader without asking, even though we wanted to drink something else. With an invoice amount of over 1100 dollars its just embarrassing. If asked, they will explain themselves out of it. Cuisine: We had the six-course meal with the premium wine pairing and it was disappointing. The pork was tough, the crust was inedibly dry. The Wagyu beef wasnt worth the extra $130. Every course lacked the sophistication that we know from many fine dining restaurants. The boss is in the restaurant, but seems completely aloof (turns away pointedly). The TV hype surrounding this restaurant is in no way understandable. In our opinion, Lennox Hastie failed miserably in his attempt to establish a fine dining restaurant. He can be glad that the Michelin Guide doesnt exist in Australia, as in our opinion he wouldnt even get a recommendation in it.
We had a wonderful experience and would return in a heartbeat. The service was consistently excellent across all the employees. They were attentive, and listened to our needs. I see some other reviews taking about staff being pushy, but we didnt experience that at all! Id anything they prioritised our comfort. The drinks were superb and food I cant find the words to share how GOOD this food was. I loved the opening bonito dish and the cauliflower in particular. My husband is obsessed with the wagyu. Were looking at our calendar to find an excuse to go back. Highly recommend it.
Haters gonna hate. shocked that seeing all these hate comments while me and my wife literally had good time. All the dishes that came out was tasty and flavorful. That smokey flavor was beautiful. And gotta give 10 stars for the steak, best one i ve ever had. period. Price for me was fair , please dont get bothered with all these haters.
Just normal food , nothing special , beef is ok but nothing special
Disappointing experience for that price range. The food is average. Despite its trendiness, the whole experience was average at best. No meal was outstanding. Though the staff was helpful and nice, the chef only served customers at the bar choosing the $300 option (instead of the $200) so get your wallet ready if you want that experience. I wouldnt call this establishment fine dining, but unfortunately, my wallet says otherwise.
Our dinner at Firedoor exceeded all of our expectations. Absolutely flawless food, great service, great wine, great show. Good luck finding a better piece of steak in Sydney. A must visit. We will return.
A very disappointing experience! The food is not at all special with horrendous prices! The atmosphere is like an inn where everyone is shouting! But the waiters are very attentive and friendly. The whole thing with a final bill (wine included) of 1,000 dollars for 4 people, you remain speechless!!!! I forgot to write that we felt ripped off!
All round great experience. Loved every minute of it. Attentive knowledgeable staff, food next level good.
I would love to say this place is worth it.. it just isnt. I was brought here for my birthday dinner and outside if the entree, it just didnt cut it. The calamari was great all be it one mouthfull. Next the cauliflower, meh. Now onto the proteins! What Ive been waiting for all night, pork was 3 small pieces with barely any meat on it! Next the wagyu, chewy as hell and could have gotten the same rubbery outcome from officeworks. The dessert was great but I felt as though it disappeared as soon as I looked at it. Utterly dissapointing, oh well, on to the next!
Came here within a couple of weeks of it first opening. Decided to come back post Netflix / 3 month in advance booking criteria. Didnt take long to realise why we couldnt remember much about the first visit as it just manages to be unremarkable without being bad. Booked for a special steak night session at $360 per head starting price. 4 courses only. Any drinks or extra sides were more on top of course. Service was solid without being spectacular , you probably expect more at the price point. Take out the pretty average other courses, the signature piece of the dry aged steak just did not hit the mark. Plenty more impressive steak offerings for half the price out there , especially considering this is the main attraction. At this price point you are competing with some heavy hitters like SixPenny etc and at least there you are getting substantially more courses and top notch service. Even if they food isnt at the level you expect , you still pay for the experience and this just doesnt have it. Was just ok pre-Netflx hype and now its just more of a let down unfortunately.
What a pleasant surprise this was. Worth the trouble reserving. Food course menu was spectacular. Definitely worth a visit.
Should have read the reviews before booking here. Most of the food was serviceable. Probably over priced but ok. The 400g dry aged porterhouse they charged $400 for was over salted and almost inedible. Telling a good story about food is not enough. The taste has to match. Unfortunately here it doesn t.
Firedoor is a restaurant experience like no other I ve been to. The staff, relaxed atmosphere and amazing wine are a bonus to the menu. Lennox is passionate about the produce he uses and showcases it beautifully, never over doing the serve sizes so you can taste a broader range of ingredients. I think it s genius, we ve been several times and love it each time. Definitely go there, it s worth the wait, save up for the cost and remember you re paying for the best ingredients and all that hard work over the fire. Don t go there if you want cheap meal of a buffet of large pieces of meat with massive plates of veggies- that s not what Firedoor is about.
Great concept but a little underwhelming. Firedoor cooks exclusively with wood fire! Given my fascination with primitive cooking. I ve wanted to dine here for a really long time. Well last night was the time. The kitchen is open and the live fire cooking is impressive. The staff were friendly and attentive. However throughout the meal we had a multitude of servers. I think for a dining experience like this, one server allows you to build a rapport and enjoy the meal that bit more. We started with some cocktails which were well mixed. Onto the food, the star of the show! Firstly the standout dish had to be the Kangaroo. The skewer was extremely tender and good flavour. My opinion is that the smoke was very subtle. The Kangaroo tail with Macadamia foam and native pepper berry was delicious. This course was served with the woodfired pumpkin bread and smoked butter. Divine. The butter was silky smooth and that smoke was again just lingering. The coral trout was also a standout. Perfectly cooked and well balanced dish. There were two dishes for me, that just didn t seem to work. The calamari with kohlrabi and croc tea. The flavours were fighting with each other with one flavour in particular taking over. That was the dessert limes. These did give the acidity and freshness, however this was quickly overshadowed by a sourness that for me clashed with such a delicate dish. The second dish that I didn t enjoy unfortunately was the 90 day dry aged pork. Now flavour wise, it was good. I ve never had dry aged pork before and the flavour was interesting. Almost took on the flavour profile of game meat. Given that this was pork belly, it was chewy and just difficult to enjoy. It t was the only dish I didn t finish. Which was noticed by the server and when he asked me. I was honest and said exactly what I wrote here. Dessert was ok, but not wow. Textures were really good, but the Davidson plum powder(maybe this was rhubarb) but the server described it as Davidson plum, was too much for the coffee and chestnut to come through. Overall it was an enjoyable evening with great friends.
Had very high expectations of the place because of the 3 month advanced booking. Upon arrival, we saw the set menu which is rotated daily so we could not see in advance what was going to be served. $195 got you some bonito, some bread, some cabbage (also opted for $25 add on truffle which did nothing for the cabbage), some murray cod, pork belly and ice cream. Now, none of these ingredients are expensive, so I cant really justify the price. However what really tipped me over was the $405 add on for the dry aged beef which was apparently 400g. There is no way 8 thin slices of beef is 400g! Was it yum? Yes, but $50 per slice yum? No way. A5 wagyu beef tastes better. The cocktails were terrible and our bill of $1.5k for 4 people who had to get McDonalds afterwards is very telling of the serving sizes here at firedoor. I have dined at many restaurants but this has got to be one of the worst experiences. Not even the nice and friendly staff could save this place. Save your money and your time guys and dont be curious like I was about this place. You are definitely not missing out on anything.
Dining at Firedoor is an experience. The food and service are excellent. I expected a bit more of a darker vibe rather than a bright and cool dining room ambience. But other than that, it was a very good experience with delicious food made with all Australian ingredients.
First experience here in 2022 was flawless, but unfortunately, there has been a deterioration. Ordinarily, this would be acceptable and understandable for a restaurant, however considering the premium price and reputation it must be acknowledged that firedoor has gone downhill. We were a group of 8 (19th Jun). The service staff took more than 20 minutes to serve us our first glass of wine, and experienced considerable ongoing difficulty in coordinating the wine selection process. (Out of stocks, confusion about choices, back and forth questions). I would ordinarily overlook these relatively minor issues and just move on, but the more significant issue was that the food was bland and really lacking the depth and complexity that would be anticipated in a restaurant of this calibre. As previously stated - I have eaten here before and have been very impressed, but this time there was a general mood of Disappointment around our group, which was a shame considering the 270 per head bill.
$195 got you some cheap ingredients. If you want beef it s an additional $405. The food wasn t bad, it s just not worth it at this price point
I seriously average experience considering I ve also been here before over a year ago. You were funnel into a pretty pathetic menu that is quite devoid of beef and steak outside of one dish. A lot of it was seafood and this is not why I come to fired for seafood. They are famous for their steaks. And Fashid menu in a way that you have to pay an extra $400 to get a proper steak with your mail in addition to the $265 set menu. Only has one steak dish and the rest is quite average. And considering the prices they charge it simply is not worth the money anymore. Personally, I resent paying so much for a place I come to just to have a really good steak. And then to have that be pretty limited, sucks.
Very disappointing dining experience. The bonito was probably the best dish. The tastes of the dishes lack overall balance, with the pork and steak being too bland and the sides having strong flavours. Texture wise was quite tender but didn t give the smokiness I was expecting. The chef certainly had a preference for Italian chicories. Dishes came with some exotic vegetables such as puntarelle and treviso radicchio, the sharp flavours and bitter aftertastes, unfortunately, juxtaposed the blandness of the meat. The trout was slightly overcooked. The smokiness of the smoked butter was very very subtle. The most enjoyable thing was probably the marshmallow on stick. It was a lovely treat. Service was poor compared to other fine dining restaurants. It seemed like a busy night for the staff. I was expecting more for this price range. It s unlikely for me to revisit. There are many good restaurants in the area that serve actual good food instead of selling stories such as trout caught by fisherman Chris or free-range pork from a family-owned farm in NSW cooked by a Netflix chef .
Had the 5 course meal 195$ and 405$ dry aged beef. A little bit fast paced for fine dining restaurant. If you do get the cauliflower in the menu - it made me real full lol The lemon myrtle soda saved me.
Feel ripped off. Customer comes second at Firedoor. We asked for the 5 course menu and the pork to be replaced with the Steak and we would pay the extra. Not possible. To add insult to injury the sparkling water was chlorinated as obviously they pay no attention to monitoring their water filter.
Very disappointed with the food a rip off Service was good and staff friendly Waste of money. Wine also overpriced Food
Very disappointing! Booked 3 months in advance, so I had a pretty high expectation. Food was ok, nothing special really! We preselected a $195 per person menu as we did not know what the food would be. We changed our menu to $315; the only thing that added extra was 100 grams of wet-aged wagyu. So my friend and I paid $240 extra for 100g of wagyu. We thought it would be worth it, but it came out quite cold and was not as tender or melting in the mouth as I expected. The courses were spaced out too long; 60 minutes passed, we only had2 courses. We paid $790 for 2 people plus champagne and wine. We had to try to get attention from servers (no upsell or anything). It was my birthday celebration, and I only got Happy Birthday wishes from a host... Really!! Lots of empty tables and too many staff on last night, maybe even more than customers but no service!!! Overall, the food was ordinary and the service was appalling. Shocking!!!!
Overall a very disappointing evening. The food was basic, the service felt rushed and they focused on up selling with extra course throughout the meal. As a whole for the price this is not worth it. You can have far better food/service and atmosphere for half the price elsewhere in the city. Firedoor is bottom end fine dining trying to be top end.
Disappointing. Waited 3 months to pay $700 (no alcohol) for a sub par set course. Nothing tasted deserving of a double hat rating. I have no idea where they got the pricing from. I ve been to single hat restaurants in the past few weeks and were half the price and a lot better. If the owners do read the reviews, stop having the staff bumble on about how the fish was caught by one single fisherman named *insert name* pointless and irrelevant. No one cares how exclusive your fisherman is to your restaurant if the fish is going to taste chewy and mediocre. The staff did try at times to accomodate us and replaced our steak when we didn t like the original one on the menu *which cost an extra $110 for 100grams mind you* and the second one was beautiful. The deserts were good. Can not fault them. It s just the rest of it that lets them down.
What an outstanding experience! Outstanding service, simply amazing food and a great atmosphere. This was, for me, the greatest dining experience ever. My sincerest thanks to the entire team at firedoor, thank you for a very special evening that will not be soon forgotten.
Good food good wine
hard too book but even hader to come back again so disappointed
Firedoor is an experience. Ambience of a rustic nature when you enter - greeted by warmth of service and dancing flames. Food - you get to choose between either 5 course or 6 course menu with extra add on options if you wish (eg - dry aged steak...) Very interesting flavours Ive never tried before for some of the dishes - Personally for me - the Trout, Lamb and Wagyu were stellar dishes of the night - cooked to perfection. Ive noticed every dish had incorporated a vegetable which I loved. Service - impeccable, kind, attentive. Which truly gives such a nice experience. Well done to the staff. Vibe - Mild pumping music in the background, at adequate decibles to allow a normal conversation to be held without shouting. Booking - takes months in advance...also small window of time to do so. Which can be quite difficult. Price - Steep. Questions you might have... Firedoor - Is it extraordinary from the rest? - No. But is an experience youll might enjoy? - Most likely.
Expectations were high given the fire concept and elusive booking however the experience was very disappointing. Underwhelming dishes like the lightly charred cabbage and the additional $200 100gm aged steak were the standout disappointments. The pumpkin bread and butter was delicious but that s not really the point right?! After 3 hours and $700+ later, there s better food experiences
Firedoor is probably my favourite restaurant in all of Sydney. The food is always great. Always met my expectations for food and quality of service.
A group of 4 of us came here for the first time. The food you cannot fault, full of flavour . We had the $195 per person set menu and added the 400gm David Blackmore sirloin for $350.00 extra. sadly there is no way that was 400gm!!! I m an ex butcher and I know what a 400gm steak looks like raw and cooked. This is a fantastic venue and you will not fault the food!!! The service was great. The waiter accidentally dropped a knife and broke a glass and then offered all of us a glass of champagne, we respectfully declined as it was an accident. A beautiful venue also. The bill was $1,155 food only. My favourite restaurant is ESTER after 9 years in a row I thought Firedoor would challenge it but it didn t. All in all, I m glad I ve tried it. Respect to all the kitchen staff and a great menu. It just didn t have the wow factor for me.
Firedoor Restaurant is absolutely amazing! The food is to die for every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is personal yet vibrant, with a warm and cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. The staff are very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly, adding to the overall wonderful experience. The only negative we found was the seating, which was a little uncomfortable for our taste. Despite this, we had an incredible time and cant wait to return. Highly recommended! Treat yourself
Normally have to make reservations far in advance, but I was able to make a reservation for Friday night two weeks in advance. I was very lucky and glad to come here :) We ordered 360 day dry age beef as an addition. This was the best dish. very tender and tasted nice
Anyone giving Firedoor a neutral or negative review must have something shoved up their you know what. My friend and I have been to many fine dining restaurants in Sydney and nothing comes close to the experience at Firedoor. The service was exceptional, every bite was a delight beyond our wildest dreams and we had the opportunity to chat to chef Lennox Hastie himself. I can t recommend enough, thank you so much!
Its worth the wait.. I tried to get a booking here for so long and was so excited to finally get in. We were very lucky to be seated just in front of all the fire action, and that really added to the experience. We selected the 5 dish option, and it was all stunning. I am not a pork fan, so that was my least enjoyed dish, but the crackling was awesome. We drank a cocktail each, negroni and smoled old fashioned then had a bottle of nebbiolo. All delicious. Atmosphere amazing, staff super amazing. If I was to have any negative it was that the food was very quickly brought out so there was a feeling of a rush about it. I like to savour and pause between courses. 100% recommend
Food is average For 185aud per person and book in 3 months in advance this place is very overpriced and overated After the dinner both myself and my partner were disappointed and not full we end up have to go to another place to grab some small bites to eat
Great meal here for our birthdays. Went for the six course with the classic wine pairing and it didn t disappoint. Noah looked after us really well and provided great service all night. All dishes were explained to us as well as the wine pairing. Thank you, we will be back
Amazing food, immaculate service. Lucky enough to sit at the bar tables and watch the chefs do their thing. The Kiwami wagyu steak was the best steak Ive ever had! Food : 5/5
Not worth the price or wait Make it yourself with your own steak and wood charcoal from bunnings for a fraction of the price Food
Deservedly one of the best restaurants in Sydney! Great food and even better service. Very impressive wine menu and knowledgeable staff who took care of us the whole night.
Food is great as expected, a degustation menu. The service would be expected to be great. For a degustation menu, it is normally expected to take 3hrs, because they use wood fire, just be prepared to be smoked and smells Smokey. The aged steak is pretty expensive but it does taste good if you like steak, and the portion is big. They should have catered smaller portion as most diner will probably be in couples. But it s great and I will return if I have the cash.
We flew down from Brisbane just to come the restaurant and it did not disappoint! We have the 6 course menu and added Marrow Bone course and Dry Aged Rib Eye. Blown away with everything. The Fire smell in the venue was amazing and all the service staff fantastic. Can t wait to come again!
Very average for a high end restaurant. Ridiculously overpriced. Left still hungry because the portions are small on shared plate (like 1 prawn each) and over 2 hrs plus for the service style, you ll be hungry.
Food had a lot of flavour and it was incredible to watch them cook on the open flame. Portion sizes are very small for the price you pay. Overall was a good dining experience.
Food and service was amazing. Very impressed that everything was cooked over an open fire. Our host Dorian was super friendly and accommodating with our request! Would definitely come back!
The food was delicious alongside the matching wines. Staff were attentive and informative of the menu- great atmosphere and awesome to see the cooking in action!
My girlfriend and I wrapped up a two week trip to Australia with a dinner at Firedoor. While Chef Hastie was off the Saturday night we went, head chef Shane took great care of us. Our reservation was made for the dining room but the staff surprised us with seats at the counter upon arrival. We had the 5 course tasting, and the restaurant even printed a separate pescatarian menu for my girlfriend where the Bundarra pork was substituted out for a delicious claypot rice with pipis. Highlights of the meal were the Murray cod (best cod I ve ever had), the pork and claypot rice (wish this was on the regular menu!) Also picked up a signed copy of chef Hastie s cook book before leaving. Dietary restrictions: Able to accommodate pescatarian diet with advance notice.
Just a meh. The wine menu is absolutely brilliant and the samoaire knows his stuff. Kangaroo was good, the rest was just meh.
Pure hype. I have no idea how this place become so overrated. We were a group of six. The service is excellent, the staff are great. They accommodated our needs and were friendly. But the food, oh dear. We had the five course set menu. Kangaroo - average. Squash - below average. Pork - very poor. Marron- average. Wagyu - good. Bunya bunya ice cream - atrocious. We had a couple of wines and a couple of cocktails each. All up, the cost was $460 a person. Never again. Save your money.
Food lived up to and beyond expectations. Service was on point. Staff were so professional, engaging and attentive. The atmosphere was engaging and vibrant. Every single staff member were on their A game. Understand why this place has the great reputation it deserves. Thank you Lennox and team for a great experience. Absolutely recommended.
Tried the steak night. The steak was tough than nails. The retired dairy cow shouldve been left to pasteur. Kicker at the end is the child counts as an adult. Forced to pay 10% in service free
Food was delicious, but typically of high end places we all left hungry after two bites of the actual deliciousness. Portions were tiny and after we all got 6 courses we all left hungry. Dessert was terrible and we have no idea how you make ice cream over fire, but with all the fruits available in Australia, how they picked Figs as their dessert fruit is crazy for their Australian only produce. For the price to still want Mcdonalds after finishing the meal its not worth it. I waited months for this for my birthday, but could have put the 2.5k to better use somewhere else. Service and atmosphere was amazing, just the overpriced tiny portions was terrible.
Outstanding food and impeccable service
Seriously anyone who says this place is amazing is crazy , I dont mind spending money on good food but this was a joke better food at local pub . Pork was raw as I hope I dont get food poisoning tomorrow. $2500 between 6 of us absolutely crazy Best part of 6 course meal was bread and dessert
The flavours were there the servings were small, I went with a group of 6 we got one oyster each was disappointed very overpriced, i have had dinners with amazing flavours for a fraction of the cost I would not go again you only paying for the experience nothing more. Food
After waiting for a very long time to dine at Firedoor Restaurant was it worth the wait? Absolutely yes! The food lived up to and exceeded my expectations , however what made the experience so very special was the staff. From the moment we arrived and throughout the six courses to paying the bill all staff displayed attentiveness with a polite casual manor. I found the atmosphere immersive where the lighting and decor prepared me for the culinary journey ahead. I loved the axe used as a door handle to access the restroom corridor and really enjoyed from time to time looking over to the kitchen and seeing the various fires blazing away with embers floating up into the exhaust system. I highly recommend the six course tasting menu where you get the opportunity to experience the wagyu steak WOW! Amazing food, excellent service and an immersive moody atmosphere. Thoroughly recommend
Don t fall for the hype. It was the most underwhelming experience I ve ever had in fine dining. How is this place even hatted. Service was terrible. Over 3 hours from when we were seated for dessert to arrive, half our guests left without dessert. Avoid. Don t waste your money.
Unfortunately I didn t have a nice overall experience there. The food was a set menu , but didn t really give me the expectations.The wagu beef was only okay , Kangaroo meat was fine. We ended up paying $308 each person including one cocktail for this set. At other restaurant I had a way better experience if I have pay of the price. The staff is not very friendly and very hard to stop a staff if you want to asked for something.
Incredible experience - good was out of this world and the dry-aged wagyu was the best piece of meat we ever had! Would recommend anybody to go here
Hi everyone whoever is reading this on the firedoor review page DO NOT GOOOO! we have waited 3 months for this booking just to end up paying $265 per person for below average food is absolutely shocking. The bread and the butter was the best part and that is saying something. We thought the desert would make up for all the bad previous courses but we ended up with wasabi tasting ice cream ?? How can anyone ruin ice cream??one of our courses was pork and it was still oinking at me Please save your money and do not go here it is soo overrated Vegetarian options: Some veggie options
Hands down one of the best meals Ive had in a long time and the restaurant was amazingly interactive. Lennox the owner/chef greeted us and conversed with us throughout the night, his team was extremely attentive and very detailed with what they were doing. We were lucky enough to score seating at the kitchen, so got to watch the workings of the kitchen. The food was delicious, we over ordered but wanted to taste everything. 10/10, a must visit destination.
Firedoor isnt just a restaurant, its a culinary adventure fueled by fire and Lennox Hasties fiery passion. From the moment you step into the heritage-chic space, the open kitchen pulsates with the rhythm of the wood-fired ovens, drawing you into the heart of the action. The 5-course menu isnt just a parade of dishes; its a symphony of tastes, textures, and surprises. Each course whispers the story of its locally sourced ingredients, like a farmer whispering secrets to the soil. But its not just the ingredients that shine. Hasties creativity paints the plates with edible artistry. Every bite is a discovery, a playful interaction between flavors and textures that keeps your senses on their toes. The attentive service adds another layer to the experience. The staff doesnt just explain the dishes, they translate the language of fire into stories that ignite your imagination. You feel like a guest at a private performance, not just a diner. Sure, Firedoor isnt the cheapest seat in town, but its an investment in an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Its a testament to the power of fire, the magic of fresh ingredients, and the artistry of a chef who dances with flames to create edible masterpieces. If youre looking for a dining experience thats more than just a meal, Firedoor is where your culinary odyssey begins. 5/5 stars, no question. This is one fire you wont want to miss!
For months I tried getting a reservation without success, and I finally had given up. When all hope was lost, I was invited to join a family dinner. We opted for the 6 course which was $255. Theres also a 5 course for $185. There are other add on items, we chose the 500g 344 day dry age steak for $415. They have other portion options as well. Usually I wouldnt order such a pricey item but we had 4 people to split that cost. So when we scored a booking, I was excited and willing to go all out because I may never score another opportunity to dine here again. Every course that came out was delicious and impressive. The most memorable dish is 344 day dry age steak, it was a whole new experience for the taste buds. It was so flavourful and tender. It was so different to the previous wagyu dish. Even though this dish is the most expensive, I would order this again. Its not easy getting a reservation here and the price tag is not for everyone. I had a wonderful experience, and I would like to come back again, itll have to be for a very special occasion.
This restaurant made dining out exciting again. We immediately felt relaxed and in a warm/cozy place like we were in the mountains. The service and attention to detail on every move was refreshing to see. Cutlery and plates replaced at every course and each dish was incredible. We opted for the steak which was $400 on top and we couldn t say no thank God we didn t! THE BEST steak we have ever tasted. I wish I could go every week - well done to Fire Door.
My partner and I had high expectations as we watched a documentary a couple of years ago that showed how amazing the restaurant was. On top of it, it was very difficult to get a booking, so we thought it must be worth it. We could only find a booking for an 8:45 dinner on a Wednesday. Not ideal, but we wanted to give it a try. The restaurant is gorgeous with lots of details and good service. The food was good, but overpriced. The kangaroo was mind blowing as well as the lettuce served with the fish and the pork. However, the other components of the dishes dont seem to be part of the dish and most of the veggies were served raw with a bit of sauce. We were promised an amazing experience where everything is cooked on fire which will enhance the flavours, but some of the components like the fish and the dessert were tasteless and boring. If you take the fish out of the course with the lettuce, you get a very expensive (yet delicious) lettuce. The price is not worth the food, unfortunately. Good experience but will definitely not come back.
Amazing food, we had one of the best food experiences of our lives. Cannot recommend enough!
A hard place to get reservations at so reserve early. Went all out and got the 6 course meal. Some big ups but also some big misses. Highlights were the bread and butter (tasted almost like a cheese pizza woww. Best bread and butter Ive had in the life by a big leap), kangaroo, and wagyu steak. Big misses were the starter oyster (tasted pretty much like a regular raw shucked oyster) and the ice cream dessert (very flavorless, burnt sugar didnt add much besides gets stuck in your teeth). Overall most dishes were super yummy and among the best Ive had in my life so they get 5 stars despite their 2 off dishes. Also there are some long waits in between dishes because they cook several table dishes at the same time. It took about 2.5 hours total for dinner service. But worth the hype so come try!
Firedoor, touted as a culinary destination in Sydney, left much to be desired during my recent visit. With a Valentines set menu priced at a staggering 265 AUD, accompanied by an additional 220 AUD for a half portion of their signature 325-day dry-aged Rangers Valley rib, one would expect nothing short of perfection. However, the reality fell far short of expectations. The evening commenced with a promising start with the Wagyu skewer, enhanced by green plum, but the disappointment ensued as it arrived cold, a grave oversight in a restaurant of this caliber. Cold Skewer, what a great duo ! The first course, featuring kangaroo with blood plum slices and macadamia sauce, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the disappointment. The flavors were harmonious, with the kangaroo proving to be the highlight of the five-course set. Regrettably, subsequent courses failed to maintain the momentum. The mussels, a lackluster choice for a menu of this price point, failed to impress, leaving diners questioning their inclusion in such a premium offering. The barramundi with grilled lettuce and currants, purportedly the main event, suffered from a lackluster execution. While the grilled vegetables offered a semblance of redemption, the fish itself was marred by an abundance of tendons, detracting from the overall dining experience. The crispy skin, medium rare lamb with pepper and onion, provided a fleeting reprieve with its well-executed preparation, showcasing the chefs skill in handling the delicate flavors of the lamb. However, any semblance of enjoyment was swiftly overshadowed by the ill-fated addition of the 325-day dry-aged Rangers Valley rib. Despite its extravagant price tag, the beef was disappointingly tough and full of tendons, akin to chewing on rubber, rendering it nearly inedible. Each bite felt like an endurance test, requiring a Herculean effort to break down the tough, sinewy meat. After mere minutes, the beef fat congealed, leaving diners with a sensation reminiscent of visiting a Sichuan hot pot restaurant, but without the anticipated depth of flavor or culinary satisfaction. The final dessert, featuring fig, failed to salvage the meal after the culinary missteps that preceded it. Its forgettable taste paled in comparison to the lingering disappointment left by the subpar offerings throughout the evening. Firedoor? More like TerriBle.
After a 4 month wait slightly disappointed. I have been here many years ago when Firedoor first opened and had a different menu and much less hype (we were able to get in day of booking). After watching Chefs table I decided to come back to try the new menu and bring my partner here. For the price I expected more, and although i love the fire concept and the wine list, some of the dishes were lack lustre. Having to use your hands for the first few dishes which are super messy (without any plates) in a fine dining restaurant was unexpected and a bit gross. Lows - the bonito we couldnt taste the wasabi at all, felt a bit meh after the cos lettuce and premium bread supplement we opted for. Highs - the Lamb (perfect), smoked old fashioned (great spin on a classic). I also found it odd that every course had an optional upsell. I understand on 1 main dish, but every course felt like a McDonalds supersize menu like there wasnt enough confidence and conviction in the normal dishes. Made you feel like the standard menu just wasnt the best version it could have been that you only get the best if you are willing to pay a lot more when its already fine dining. Having ticked it off I wouldnt go back, it was just good but not wow.
A phenomenal experience & well worth the year wait! 10 of us visited from Melbourne & these memories will last .A grade staff facility & environment.... also thx to Lennox for popping past our table Food : 5/5
Absolutely delicious! The staff were kind, attentive and knowledgeable. The food was remarkable and so very tasty. So refreshing to see such a great expression of someone s food with no pretense. I already can t wait o go back. Thank you team! .
My friends have been wanting to go to this place for a while. I wanted to like it but honestly for $185 (and gratuity added on top) for 5 courses, I expected more. The food was nice but portions were small. Food was tasty and well cooked but I dont think its anything to rave about. Personal opinion only.
The food was good, we did opted in for the dry age beef and expected tenderness but it was tough/chewy. Not worth for the experience/hype. I enjoy their wine selections and services.
AMAZING EXPERIENCE! DEFINITELY BOOK! You wont regret it. Were planning to book again soon! Pictures and dishes are based on when we went in December 2023. Before you come, I recommend watching Chefs Table on Netflix, Lennon Hastie episode to understand the chefs journey. It will get you even more excited for the night. We opted for the 6 course meal and we did not regret it. It includes the snack David Blackmore beef and Kiwami Wagyu. Service: Impeccable. To a point where I ordered my second mocktail and the waitress noticed there was apple juice in it and came back to check with me (Im allergic to apple and other things). Every time the plates were taken, the waiter cleared up everything very smoothly. It felt like clockwork. There was an instance where another customer accidentally knocked against our table and when the waiter came by after, he was shocked at the mess cause he knew he made sure everything was clean. We explained what happened and he even offered to make our spilled drink again. The attention to detail and efficiency is the best Ive seen in Sydney. Food: We still dream about our meal. We talked about it to all our friends. 6 course meal: $245 was worth every penny. Add on: Smoked Oyster - lovely taste, texture and well presented. David Blackmore beef - burst of flavour and perfect match with the wasabi leaf. Bontio, blood plum, shiso - Mind blowing. It was one of my favourite dishes. Charred Cos - this really showed how Lennon Hastie also puts as much focus on vegetables as he does for meat. It was absolutely delicious. It was paired with a wonderful 16 year old sourdough smoked in house and smoked butter. Murray cod - good Bundarra pork - This was out of this world. The best pork belly I have eaten in my life. This could rival any beef dish. When we cut into it, it was firm but when we put it in our mouth it was so soft. The texture and taste was 10/10. Kiwami Wagyu - We stopped talking to each other and just savoured moment of this Wagyu. This was perfection. Not sure if it was because we were full but we didnt eat the oyster mushrooms as it was too heavy on the flavour. Strawberry, tarragon, pepperberry - good Then surprisingly we had an extra 3 mini desserts that werent on the menu. They served it to all the tables too. Smoked smores - shock of smoke accompanied by sweetness of marshmallow and dark chocolate center. Pineapple jelly - roller coaster of sweet and sour. Loved it. It tasted like they fit 8 pineapples into this tiny cube. Chocolate Cherry truffle - lovely Drinks: Cocktails: Plum what may. My partner was the waitress to surprise him and he got off the menu Peach keen. Mocktail: Wildfire and I forgot the other mocktail names but they were all nice. Dietary restrictions: Very attentive
My biggest dining disappointment of 2023! We were so looking forward to this experience and felt very let down. Sitting at our table, near the entrance, we could have been in any restaurant, anywhere. Fairly plain and uninteresting decor, subdued, almost austere atmosphere and only the faint smell of woodfire to remind us why we were here. Sadly, that fire did not find its way into our food. The only course that looked like it may have seen a woodfire was the charred lettuce. I missed the fire and passion and experience that reviews of this restaurant promised. After a 4 month wait and at over $200 a head, I am sad to say I would neither return nor recommend a visit to the Firedoor.
The infamously difficult restaurant to get into. I managed to get a booking for my birthday. When I made it, it was initially for 6:45pm, a few days later I got a call saying that they stuffed up and are only offering me 6pm or 8:15. I chose the 8:15 as I advised I wanted to check with my other guest. When I tried to call back a day later, they advised that the 6pm was no longer available.. I was pretty disappointed as it was my birthday dinner and the 8:15 was pretty late (we ended up leaving the restaurant at like 10:30/11) Don t get me wrong, the food was good but would I go back? No. It s lovely but no I wouldn t do it again. The portion sizes are very generous keep that in mind and the steaks are extra. Staff were lovely and the service couldn t be faulted. 4/5
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Firedoor with my son, Kaige, and his partner Kiah. It was undeniably one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by Lenox himself and the warmth and professionalism of his incredible staff. The atmosphere of the restaurant was inviting and set the stage for a truly special evening. The food was nothing short of spectacular, each dish a testament to the culinary expertise and fire infused kitchen. The flavors were unique and delightful, leaving us savoring every bite. It was evident that great care and thought had been put into each dish, making the dining experience not just a meal, but a journey of culinary discovery over fire. What made the evening even more special was sharing this experience with my son Kaige and Kiah. There s something truly bonding about enjoying great food together, and this night at Firedoor will be a cherished memory for years to come. In summary, Firedoor isn t just a restaurant; it s a destination for those who appreciate exquisite food cooked over fire, coupled with exceptional service. The team at Firedoor has mastered the art of a special way of cooking and hospitality, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. A heartfelt thank you to Lenox for making Kaige feel so special and his team for an unforgettable evening. Dad .
I traveled 9000+ miles for this experience and would give it 20 out of 10 if possible! Celebrating my mother s birthday we had an up front seat inches away from Mr.Lennox Hastie himself! Even though the restaurant was packed, he still took the time to talk with us and was incredibly genuine. Noah came by often proving delicious drink recommendations.. Stacey and Yuli paid close attention while assembling each plate to perfection. Sophie and Ceci described each wine making you feel there was a connection with the vineyard and how it complimented each dish. Ellen was a delightful soul that made sure my mother had a smile at all times.. thank you Chef Lennox Hastie for following your dreams and allowing my mother and I to have such an incredible experience, one that I will never forget.
Incredible dining experience! The whole menu is fantastic, however the dry aged steak is to die for. Special thanks to Polly for her incredibly attentive service. Hands down the best we have experienced in a restaurant.
We were really excited to have gotten a reservation for this restaurant while visiting Sydney for our one week holiday. My brother had told me about this restaurant months before we were visiting and I made the reservation 3 months in advance of our trip when January reservation times were released. The food was good, but we all felt like there was something lacking in almost all of the dishes. Definitely did not live up to our expectations, especially for the price. The service was excellent and the open kitchen atmosphere was nice. Im happy we were able to enjoy an evening here, however, I probably wouldnt try to book another evening.
Absolutely PERFECT!!! Couldn t have asked for a better experience!!! I am from America and I have to say, if you are visiting Australia you MUST visit FYRE!!!! :)
A wonderful wonderful dinner. Quiet expensive but thats to be expected. I traveled in Australia, and the food in this restaurant is fantastic!
I never give any place in the world a 5 star review because I never believed anything could be perfect. I have never been happier to be proven wrong. This meal was a masterclass from start to finish, a symphony of joy and flavours all in harmony. Everything was faultless. From service to food to every single small touch. Genuinely mind blowing. The food of course, is unfathomably good. My tastebuds have been ruined forever, I can t eat anything else. In particular, the artichoke and lamb were incredible. The flavours of the fire to the perfect cook on everything is something I will remain dreaming of for the rest of my life. If you only have one meal left to eat in this world, I cannot think of any where else I d recommend in the world. This is truly a masterclass of cooking and I wish everyone can experience it. Fly to Sydney just for this meal if you must. It is truly special.
Bit disappointing. Opted for the paired premium wines and added the dry aged steak as an extra but wasnt offered a paired wine to go with it. Had to flag down a waiter to find a wine to go with that course and was made to feel like it was an inconvenience for them to do it. To access the toilets you need to go through what appears to be a communal part of the building. Around a corner in this area the staff had a table a chairs set up probably to take their break. Each time we used the bathroom there was someone sitting there complaining or crying about how much they hated their job. It was pretty unprofessional and detracted from the experience.
Last night I had the great opportunity to attend Lennox Hasties kitchen. Ive been waiting a couple of years for a spot on the list, suddenly I got an alert for a special event and it seemed like the perfect time to celebrate my husbands birthday. From the entrance, I felt a unique energy that only a kitchen completely based on fire and fathoms can offer, aromas that trigger my childhood run through every corner of my mind, the ingredients as protagonists, cooked to perfection, highlighting delicate flavors and aromas simple is an experience that I will not forget! Lennoxs dedication and concentration working hand in hand with fire is something fantastic to appreciate. I feel enormously grateful to have tried the rangers Blanco Market, there is a before and after, there is no turning back, perfection is the only word that comes to my mind again and again, if you know Francis Mallmans style you will know what Im talking about . Thank you Lennox, for such a unique and perfect experience. Carla and Angus Vegetarian options: Taking vegetables to the most primitive sweet gentle flavor through the fire is a must! It cant get any better, just perfection.
Amazing thank you for the great food
Unique experience of the finest food and wine in Sydney. Each course takes your taste buds (and your eyes) to a new journey as its made from carefully selected ingredients and placed on your plate like an art masterpiece . The service is outstanding, and the dedicated team goes above and beyond to explain everything and make sure youre enjoying your dinner. The restaurant is spacious, and you dine in comfort, enjoying the open kitchen view . Highly recommended for special occasions. Thank you
Huge disappointed with the food and quality.
We had a fantastic time and Lennox was very friendly and polite (considering my fanboying). The 270 day dry aged steak was truly outstanding! Have never tasted a steak as delicious as that and probably won t again! The artichoke was the absolute surprise of the night- almost meaty. Lived up to expectations (which were super high).
Firedoor offers an absolutely incredible and unique culinary experience. To say that I ate the best steak of my life here is an understatement as it was so much more than that. The dry aged steak is imbued with so much flavour it s almost overwhelming to the senses. Every dish is prepared with such care that it causes you to experience flavours you never thought possible in a blend of complex simplicity that is uniquely Firedoor. I m not usually a fan of eating game meats like kangaroo however the way it was prepared and cooked made it one of my favourite dishes of the night. The service and ambience is top class and the wine list adds to the narrative and experience of the set menu. I finished it off with a Negroni which was also sensational. This is not a restaurant, it s an experience and one that you will never forget.
Mind blown wow the excitement he has when he cooks is out of this world . Keep up the amazing work
Unfortunately it wasn t worth the hype. The food was quite bland and charred to the point all we could taste was a burnt flavour. The servers weren t very nice and were rushing us at the end asking us to leave as the next table arrived even though we were a larger table. Takes a while to get through everything.
It s a must go place. Food and set menu super nice to eat. Book it and enjoy. Service was ok expected more on that one. Set menu is good add the Beef dish options Tomahawk 700 g Wagu 9.5 score $580 ish or had this one instead the Beef sirloin score 6.5 120 g $90 per serve plated. Plus the set menu price on top - Was ok. Ashame as a beef steak cooked on charcoal would have been nice too Food dishes were great. 5 star
Yummy food in a nice setting, but dont you DARE try to split the bill! How could you even think it would be ok to pay for what you personally ate and drank? Shame on you, patron! We ate in a group of 8, meaning the bill was a healthy $2k+ for the restaurant. Some diners reserved the right to not consume alcohol, as they needed to operate motor vehicles later in the evening. This meant we of course wanted to pay for what we each consumed rather than split the bill evenly or draw short straws/play credit card roulette to have one person cover it all. On informing the waiter wed be splitting the bill, things went rapidly down hill. The initial response was I will have to check with management - which in itself is a bit silly, but it gets better! When it came time to pay, a different waiter came by with the eftpos machine. I again informed this new person that wed be splitting the bill and she literally laughed, assuming I was joking. Fair enough I suppose - the notion of wanting to pay for precisely what you ate is hilarious and crazy! ha ha! Once she realised it wasnt a hilarious prank, she said she would also need to check with management, and proceeded to do so with an air as if I had asked her to move heaven and earth before also sacrificing her first born child to the hospitality gods right then and there. Once she returned - no less visibly disgruntled - rather than presenting us with an itemised bill per diner/seat, she simply said you tell me the number and I will bill you that. So then we all went about calculating what we owed - no big deal, but everyone is a bit are you kidding me at this point. When it got to the last person, he was short some $150 or so as none of the wait staff had mentioned (not even once) there was an automatic 10% gratuity added on for a group of our size. Delightful. This would have been no issue whatsoever if we were told, or if the service itself warranted any sort of gratuity or tip. Which it did not. Real shame - lots of hype thanks to Netflix and a long wait for this booking. The food was pretty good, but the entire experience was scuttled by the apparent impossibility of charging people for what they actually ate. How dare we have the audacity to demand something so arduous of the staff! PS our initial waiter - Cody - was great. His counterparts were not, and the bill shenanigans were obscene.
Without a doubt a 1 star review. Biggest letdown of any restaurant. Don t waste your time here. The time spaced between dishes are so long you ll be drinking more water and wine than eating anything here. Dinner started at 8.30pm and ended at 12am for a 5 course dinner. Food is mostly overly reliant on salt. No real depth in flavour or complexity.
Excellent service and great food. My favourite dish tonight was Jerusalem artichoke.
Everything about this place was on point. Can t fault it.
It was a pleasant experience. Arrived a bit earlier and got served earlier as well. Food was tasty and full of surprises. The meat was tender and tasty. You could tell that the ingredients are top top quality.
We went and Had the most amazing experience
I feel for a three hatted restaurant it was not up to par with the other calibre of restaurants in Sydney. Firstly, the waiter pouring our water came back far too often, leaning across us at our table during our conversations. Our two meat dishes came out 5min after each other, whereby the second dish was cold by the time we tried it. The sommelier just read out the memorised wine information, not really conveying a knowledge of the wine or any real insights. At the end of the night the bill was dropped on our table as a sign you were closing, we asked for an espresso, but could only order a filtered long black. The sparkling water was then turned off replaced by tap water into our half full sparkling water. Very cheap. Having toilets that are shared with our establishments which are dirty should not occur in a 3 hatted restaurant, either should the basic table, chairs and surrounds. There is no comparison to the food which is served at Tetsuyas, Quay, Bennelong or Aria (to name a few), or the experience you have as a diner at these establishments whereby you feel you are the most important person there, at Firedoor, it seemed very clinical, rushed and cold. And of the greatest annoyance is the system to reserve a table. I cannot understand why reservations open only 3 months in advance, it makes no sense from a customer perspective. What do you do if you wish to book a table for a special occasion in the future, greater than 3 months out? To wait by your laptop for the stroke of midday once a month, to scramble to make a booking is not an enjoyable customer experience. Overall, not an enjoyable night at all and we did not leave a tip as we usually do, we will not return.
One of the best dining experiences in the world. If you are lucky enough to be able to get a booking, you will have an meal that you will never forget.
A very average meal grandstanding as a culinary experience. We flew from Melbourne to try Firedoor after my partner had of course watched their Netflix episode on Chefs Table. We had booked this in for over 3 months, and being regular fine diners in Melbourne our expectations were admittedly very high. The service and waiters were good, friendly and speedy, though they seemed to not have specific tables or areas to cover, and you would usually expect 1 or 2 waiters to be your point of contact in this price range. The drinks list is fairly priced, and we had a number of beverages which all fit within our expectations, including a chocolate Mocktail that ended up being the highlight of the night. Another note before the food, is that the bathrooms are communal to the building and in no way keep within the vibe or theme of the place. If you re paying $600+ for a meal, things like Laminex bathrooms with single ply paper aren t your normal. The food started with a diced calamari and green vegetable dish, that was uninteresting. Kangaroo tartare was tasty, but not yet at a level of deliciousness you would expect from any restaurant. The artichoke was good, and the bread, butter and onion kimchi exceptional. The Murray Cod was crispy skinned and perfectly cooked, but again nothing particularly inspired. At this point we figured it s a meat restaurant, and the Lamb and Steak (which was a $190 add on for the 230 day dry age) were going to blow our minds. Not so. The lamb was good, and fat rendered perfectly, but served with cold Bortolli beans that detracted from the dish and left us unsure why it wasn t served as a single item. Then came the dry aged steak and without going to Firedoor I can tell you where to try it. At any good (fancy) Providore should be Venison salami with Pork fat. It s a deep gamey taste, with a soft intense melted fat. And it s better, because it s evenly cooked and 1/6 of the price. The dessert isn t even worth mentioning. A brûlée strip laid over a decent hazelnut ice cream and a quarter pear from a tin. For this price point, we had wondrous expectations. We are now left wondering how much the AGFG took under the table to give it 16 hats or Restaurant of the Year.
Exceptional! As a pescetarian I wasnt sure what to expect, but was blown away by the fish and vegetable dishes
WARNING, detailed review! Food is Exceptional! Lennox was personally present at the evening, although did not say hi which would have been nice he did look after the kitchen! The chef team did very well with the exception of the wait times it was ridiculously long service for a pre-set inflexible 5-Course menu! The lamb was delightful, well trimmed, crisped skin, just mouthwatering! Murray cod is stunning, crispy skin, nicely salted, delightful texture! Sauce is amazing, though slightly less than needed, just another 20% of sauce will make a huge difference! Squid dish is awesome, such a nice balance, total perfection! Appetisers are weird, the tea which is kangaroo stock with salt and herbs totally not pleasant! Dessert is delightful but too simple and ice cream not well blended, got some fat residual - may need another turn in the paco jet! Bread & butter are from another world! Only if the servers were good enough to allow you to eat more of it! I asked for extra and was coldly rejected with a silly excuse. Mocktails are great, would assume the same for the cocktails, nicely done and slightly different from other places around. The bone marrow was awesome! Could have done with a pinch of extra salt though combined with the bread was a highlight of the night! Cabbage is simply a cabbage! Not much else to say, nice dressing, love Windsor farms and I know the guys around there but common it s just a cabbage that was hard to cut on the plate. Service was however terrible - did not enjoy the staff at all. Quite rude, not helpful, uninterested, uninspired, told me off for asking what the menu was, and unable to accommodate a single request from what we asked! No extra bread, can t swap lamb (we wanted to eat steak but can t eat lamb and steak sorry small stomachs). No extra care for special occasions or dietaries provided in the initial form - if you won t use the data don t ask for it! Atmosphere is great! I am a huge fan of OLD school and that s what you get in Firedoor. It transports you to the 19th Century of what my grandmas kitchen was - fire everywhere, smoke, nice wood chip aromas, just nice! However sitting there for 3h you end up with a sore back (quite uncomfortable seating, definitely no comfort for people in a need), impacts bay fever / sinus issues badly, and you end up quite on the very warm side of the spectrum!
Honest review. For its price point, the food was sub par. I left feeling unsatiated due to its portion. Some of the food was served luke warm. The cod was good and the desserts were a surprise, however the rest of the food was quite a letdown. Dietary restrictions: Catered well to no dairy
Best meal and service I have ever experienced.
Amazing! Have been a fan of Chef Lennox Hattie for years. The food, the staff.. everyone must eat here! The food is cooked over fire.
This is a painful review for me to write because I love to focus on the positives of any dining experience. I ll get to the positives but first, like many others, we flew interstate to try Firedoor and expectations were raised by the Netflix special. I love the concept of cooking by fire and there are similar styled restaurants in Brisbane that do this well. I heartily expected Firedoor to be leaps further given the difficulty obtaining a reservation, the hype and the price point. In terms of positives, the restaurant interior was quite nice and I liked the artwork featured incl the menus and their business card (very flash). The staff are abundant and super attentive though this does drag into a negative, which I will lead on to. The dishes were quite aesthetic. We started with a couple of cocktails from their signature list that were spot on. Here, the positives pretty much end. As others have mentioned, it was bothersome to have to leave the restaurant into a shared, mundane public toilet. On our night, the ladies room was out of order so women needed a key to use the handicap bathroom. It really took away from the fine dining experience. The food was good and pleasant at best but we were in no way blown away. The highlights for me in terms of taste and creativity was the starter snack of peas and strawberries and the crispy skin on the pork. We added the wagyu steak which my husband found to be almost rubbery in texture. The cabbage was good but again, nothing was outstanding. What really contributed to the lack of impression the dishes made was how long it took between courses. We had 5 courses plus the addition of steak and by the proteins, we were aching for plates to come out so that we could finish and leave. As we sat waiting, staff who were trying their best to be attentive came across as bothersome and milling about and I just willed for more people to get into the kitchen to work on the food instead of slowly bringing out our cutlery. For fire cooking, we had a much better experience at Agnes in Brisbane and the best was The Arsonist in Redland Bay.
The man and his wife arrived at the restaurant, excited for their special birthday dinner. The woman had planned a six-course meal, paired with exquisite wines. Upon arrival, the man was greeted with a coconut rum cocktail that he could have drunk by the liter. It was the perfect way to start the evening. The first course, seared bonito with a vinaigrette, was a hit. The man savored the delicate flavor of the fish and the tangy acidity of the vinaigrette. The next course was charcoaled cabbage and pumpkin bread with smoked butter. The cabbage was smoky and flavorful, and the pumpkin bread was moist and delicious. The smoked butter added a touch of richness that was perfect. The third course was Murray cod with asparagus. The fish was flaky and perfectly seasoned, and the asparagus was sweet and tender. The man took another bite and sighed. This was the best meal he had ever had. The fourth course was pork belly. The man took a bite and frowned. The pork was slightly chewy and not very flavorful. The crackling was overcooked and bland. Not seasoned and cooked to aninch of its life. This is the only thing holding back a 5 star score. The fifth course was Wagyu steak. The man took a bite and his eyes widened in surprise. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the flavor was incredible. The charcoaled leak that accompanied it was a unique and delicious touch. The sixth course was a pear and ice cream dessert. The pear was poached perfectly, and the ice cream was creamy and delicious. The dessert was topped with a birthday candle, and the man blew it out and made a wish. Paired with this was a dessert wine from the Clare Valley. It was the perfect way to end a meal that had been nothing short of exceptional. The dining experience lasted over three hours, and the man savored every moment. The food was exquisite, the wine was paired perfectly, and the company was perfect. It was a birthday dinner he would never forget. Throughout the dinner, the woman showed her love and care for her husband by paying for a special meal and paying attention to his needs. She also showed her sense of humor and her willingness to learn from her mistakes. The man was grateful for his wifes thoughtfulness and her efforts for a truly memorable birthday dinner. He knew that he was lucky to have such a loving and supportive partner.
Its been a long wait to get in the door and experience the hype... Admittedly, I have to disagree with several of the reviews complaining about the portion-sizing. The one thing we did not do, was walk away hungry. We were well satisfied, well satiated...but not wowed or enthused! I am not quite certain of the rating, this establishment deserves. The food was good, not excellent. The service was good, not excellent, the atmosphere was good. The chefs menu appears quizzical and random, but can only assume there must be some logic to the flow... I can only imagine the ratings were awarded in recognition of the technical skills or a mastery of cooking over open flames. But is it enough in the final reckoning...? I do not believe so, given the final produce on my plate was nothing resembling excellence or anything memorable...
To put it in simple words just perfection..!! The owner(chef) was so friendly. Staff same a true example of great hospitality..worth every $. Thanks, Team Firedoor It was exceptional. Vegetarian options: Heaps the chef loves to introduce local produce in vegetarian options. Scrumptious. Dietary restrictions: Was asked about dietary requirements lucky we dont have any..
After watching the Nexflix special and waiting 3 months, I really wanted to love this. Unfortunately, this was a disappointing experience that did not live up to the hype. The atmosphere was nice but for the wait and price, I would not recommend. The food was good but not memorable. However, the drinks were great! I enjoyed some of the dishes, particularly the bone marrow entree (extra). However, nothing blew me away and the lamb and wagyu (extra) were average. The dessert was also underwhelming; the hazelnut ice cream was very nice but it felt disjointed from the pear and brittle (neither of which wowed me). The service felt rushed due to the 2.5 hour seating time, which did not feel sufficient for 4 people. We also decided to add on two of the extras which contributed to this issue; however, I feel this should be taken into account if they are going to offer extras. Unfortunately, this meant we were told we needed to be out in 5 minutes for the next table right after finishing our dessert. I completely understand that they needed to seat the next table but I think they should allow more time after dessert for people to digest/finish drinks/etc.
6+ months trying to get a reservation and didn t live up to the hype. Food was below average, small portioned and we left them unfinished. The lamb and steak were let downs and we got the extra steak special. Expect to be there for 3hrs our reservation was at 8:15 and we left at 11:10 trying to get out as fast as we can.The best part of the experience was the ice cream served in the desert.
Such an excellent experience. The best grilled lamb I ve ever had in my life (dry-aged Magra (sic?)) and the coral trout collars and fillets were cooked beautifully. Good to see the man himself, Lennox Hastie, working the grill too. The wine list is considered and thoughtful, with lots of interesting wines from smaller producers and unsung regions like Corsica. They were also pouring one of my favourite (and impossible to find) grower champagnes by the glass - R. Pouillon! The cocktails were delicious, interesting and beautiful - punchy in flavour, but restrained in presentation. Service was also on point; efficient, discreet, not overbearing. Not a huge fan of having to walk through a lobby to get to the bathroom (the only nit I have to pick), and I m also glad I sat at the kitchen bar (if you book, request the kitchen bar - the tables are fine, but you ll miss the theatre). This was an experience I came ready to dislike given the bad google reviews and critic-based hype, but I m so glad I trusted my gut and that I opened myself up to have an exceptional experience.
For as acclaimed as it is, the food was fairly unimpressive. None of the grill items stood out at all, although the Bonito was generally excellent. The aged pork was a downright poor course. The add-on steak was solid but not memorable. Just a good steak, nothing to write home about and certainly nothing to travel for. All in all, it was Fine. Very very Fine.
Don t waste your money. I ve been to many high end restaurants in Sydney and around the world. How this has two hats is beyond me. Service was decent, but the food very ordinary. The trout and pork came out cold. The pork was rubber. We got the rib eye steak add on for about $465. Steak fine, for that price you d hope so. Going to the bathroom, via a back ally type arcade doesn t really set the vibe. Asked for another piece of bread, they said they couldn t do it. Seriously, it s bread. Any fine restaurant always tops you up, no questions asked. Eventually after I complained about how ordinary the dishes were, we got some more bread. Overall, Fire Door does not cut the mustard. I m happy to pay top dollar for high end food, but you can t charge high end prices for such below par food. Very disappointing. Much better restaurants out there. Not sure if they had an off night, but don t see myself coming back. Save your cash.
The meal was delightful. My favourite dish was the wattleseed flatbreads with salmon roe and buffalo cream it was a great combination and delicious! However, I didnt like the Bundarra pork belly much because it was chewy and lacked flavour. It could use some sauce. The mustard cabbage on the side was good and paired nicely with the pork. I also love the aroma of charcoal in the food. The staff was attentive and sitting at the bar allowed us to see the chefs at work, which made the experience even better. The service was excellent, and they paid attention to the details, making it more impressive.
5 coarse meal and also got the dry age steak that was the star of the show. If you have the chance it was an amazing experience.
Please do yourself a favour and avoid this place. Not sure how it has had so much hype and exposure (or how it even got two hats). For the price you pay and the food/service you receive, it is definitely not worth it. The food was extremely bland and disappointing. Very questionable menu items (e.g. for the high price I pay, why am I getting served a grilled vegetable?). Also, beware of the super sharp sugar snap peas with the coral trout. I also got the dry-aged sirloin steak add-on for $195 - the steak itself is okay (not amazing, although you definitely taste the dry-age). You get a very basic salad with balsamic vinegar dressing to complement it (something you can definitely make at home). The service was just as bad. We went to celebrate my partners birthday and I was expecting at least a candle (as other fine dining restaurants would provide) - but we did not get anything (even though I was told via call that there would be a cake and candle by the restaurant)...my partner didnt even get a happy birthday from the staff. Aside from that, dont expect a service with a smile - the staff very much feels like they dont want to be there and will try to rush you out as soon as youre done. Overall, for the very high price I paid and the food and service that we got, it was very very very disappointing. Dont waste your money here and dont bother trying to get a reservation.
We had the greatest experience at Firedoor. We sat at the bar and got to watch their process. What a professional kitchen. A joy to observe. Chef Lennox even came over to make some small talk with us. We had the 280 day dry aged steak and its absolute worth everything we did and spent to get there. If I lived in Sydney Id auto-deposit my paychecks into a Firedoor fund.
185 dollars for a ver small piece of pork and fish. They have good service, but food portions are small, no stakes served on the 185 menu and everything tested bad. I guess I was fooled by Netflix on this one.
After seeing Chef Lennox Hastie on Chefs Table, Firedoor shot to the top of the list for me and my friend visiting Sydney on vacation. We opted for the 5-course menu and wine pairing and it was a real treat. This was my first time having kangaroo meat and it was tender and almost tasted of steak with the beetroot and cherry adding a nice sweetness. The charred cos was tasty with a balance of bitterness, saltiness and savory flavor. The murray cod was flaky and delicious, and the overall plate had a rich, earthy flavor. The bundarra pork was juicy and tender, and the grilled fennel and peach add a refreshing sweetness. We finished the main course with the steak special, dry-aged for 170+ days and it was everything you would want: tender, with profiles of butter and blue-cheese. For the finale, we finished with the strawberry and jelly dessert which landed our taste buds with a light sweetness. Overall, the 5-course menu at Firedoor is an amazing culinary experience. The food is cooked and presented beautifully, and the team brought exceptional service. I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience.
Had a great experience at firedoor. Sat at the kitchen and watched the process unfold in front of us. We got to chat with lennox a few times who explained the unique process to us. No doubt it is an expensive restaurant but i havent had that experience or a steak of that quality anywhere else. Will look to come back.
Expected much more from a high-end restaurant, but the food at Firedoor Sydney turned out to be disappointingly average, no taste and no sense on the course by serving a very very low portion of meat (what a joke) and a grilled cabbage!?
Culinary genius, Lennox Hastie you have created such an amazing dining experience such an explosion of full flavors throughout all dishes, with the star of the show being the dry aged steak that was delivered by the fire king lennox himself with a brief back ground of the origin and the aging process. I will certainly be back and believe finding anything quite like this impossible. Michael and I were pleasantly surprised by the portion sizes I do recommend the 5 course meal with the add on of the dry aged steak. Thank you team firedoor
The food is not terrible but not worth the money and the reputation, Im sorry.
As many others who venture to Firedoor, expectations were high. However, in comparison to other highly regarded dining experiences I ve had in Australia and globally, Firedoor fell well below expectations. We sat at the kitchen countertop and ordered the five course tasting menu with additions of the oysters and the 290+ day dry aged sirloin. We selected the premium wine pairing. Starting with the oysters, they were fantastic. Very good, however no wine pairing came with them. Next up was the Kangaroo paired with a Spanish red, both were very good. Following the Kangaroo, was the charred cos and pumpkin loaf paired with a 2021 Clos Cibonne. The wine and charred cos were good however they forgot the pumpkin loaf. Reminded the staff on two separate occasions they forgot the bread but did not receive till after they served the Murray Cod and wine paring. The Bundarra pork was a bit tough and over cooked. Highlight of the night was the dry aged sirloin, unique flavor and perfectly cooked. Overall, my review of Firedoor was good, not great . For a restaurant of this status and price point there were disappointments across the board when compared to similar caliber restaurants in Australia. The lack of passion in the kitchen was contagious. The kitchen and wait staff seemed to have an ongoing tension throughout the night. Regarding dishes, they were all good but didn t have one dish that ever gave the wow factor. Wait staff had little to no care about the quality of the experience and we were not once asked if we enjoyed it upon paying. Would not recommend a trip to Firedoor to those looking for an elite caliber restaurant experience.
The 289-day aged Wagyu Sirloin was like no other piece of meat I ve ever had, it s not really comparable to anything else and it s not hyperbolic to say it melts in your mouth. The Kangaroo was good and my partner liked her Cod very much, but I am not sure if the full meal lived up to the hype. The service was very good though.
everything was 10/10. Words can t explain how nice this place was. Had a really good warm experience. Thank you
After waiting for two years (due to Covid) and having to go through a ridiculous booking process, I was quite excited to finally get there with friends and family. However when seated and looking at the menu I was quite disappointed to see not even a steak was available on the menu. You could add it for $400 !!! Coupled with the fact the main face (Lennox) wasn t even working (was a Saturday night) and that one of the pieces of fish were undercooked, I d not be recommending this place to anyone, nor would I return. The staff were lovely (although our table wasn t easy on arrival) but the food (which let s face it, is the reason why you go) was a real let down. Easy to see why the lost a chefs hat. Save your money and try elsewhere.
Price point does not match service and food. However, nice atmosphere and very good food.
Wowwww what a beautiful experience!!!! Ive been waiting for a long time to dine (even as a pesceterian) and Im so happy I have finally made it! Was there for a dinner. Great food, amazing smokey flavours, enjoyed every bite! The staff were very nice, welcoming and professional Thanks for a great time guys The only thing its might important to say for people whos coming with expectations for a beef staek or like a set menu with lots of steaks dishes - there was no any beef dish on the set menu when i was there, only an option to add if you want. ***maybe lunch is different or every day different menu*** Overall Im super recommended to dine and enjoy very special dinner!
Went for my partners birthday and this place did not disappoint. Service was superb and a highlight; to simply it was attentive and not overbearing. We ordered the 5 course menu with the dry aged steak add-on. Flavours throughout the night were on point. Each course was perfectly balanced. Drinks were on the heavy side when ordering. I would highly recommend and Ill be coming back for another visit.
Wonderful experience! The restaurant went above and beyond to accommodate our families dietary needs. It s pricey, but the service and experience were well worth it.
The Balvenie x Lennox Hastie Experience.
It took us months to finally get a booking here, so thankful we got to try it! Really good food that was beautifully presented and good service too.
Fabulous Resturant. My wife and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at this Resturant. Sat at the bench overlooking an open kitchen. Amazing display of a precise production by a team cumulating in exceptional food and service. The 6 course degustation was divine. Each plate hit the taste buds and was out of this world. A Thank you to Lennox for a wonderful night