This style of dining is becoming a rarity in an age when share plates and bistronomy are de rigueur. Restaurant Two has stood the test of time for 17 years, remaining quietly committed to fine dining in contemporary surrounds, devoid of pomp and ceremony. Service has finesse without being finicky, and menus skip trends in favour of tried-and-true flavours and classical techniques. Cod is served two ways – poached and salted in a smoky brandade, with onion sourdough, sweet fresh tomato and sour-tomato jam. Pan-fried duck breast comes atop silky celeriac purée, with roasted red beetroot, pickled golden beetroot, cherry and citrus jus. The dessert menu takes it up a notch with a syrupy lemon sponge cake, white chocolate mousse, freeze-dried blueberries and creamy yoghurt parfait. A $45 two-course menu brings in the suits by day, but after dark it’s special-occasion territory, with a wine list to match all celebrations.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Food: ★
Wine: ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
