February 2020
We met a colleague for breakfast in a fantastic spot, hidden away in Sydney's CBD.
Nestled amongst the tall buildings between George Street and Pitt Street is one of Sydney's bustling hospitality destinations.
Established in 2007, Ivy is home to award-winning restaurants, rooftop pool bar (purported to be Sydney's only one, at the time of writing), numerous event spaces and leading fashion and lifestyle retailers.
Anchored by the Ivy Tower, with its giant Monstera and rooftop gardens, on the corner of Palings Lane and Ash Street, the precinct links through to Angel Place, with its popular bird cage hanging art installation.
This hidden corner of Sydney offers a mix of quality dining options.
Ivy houses eateries such as Ash St. Cellar, where we enjoyed an excellent al fresco breakfast, Italian bar Totti’s, Felix the French bistro and brasserie, Italian restaurant uccello overlooking the Ivy pool, the Pool Club, and The Royal George if you fancy a pint and a pub meal.
The collection of retailers include Ivy's own Lorraine’s Patisserie, the impressive Palings Flowers and The Bottle Shop, selling everyday wines and spirits to high-end and rare vintage.
"Felix...you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the backstreets of Paris. Every detail of this French restaurant has been considered – from the imported French chandeliers, to Parisian subway tiles and beautiful pewter bar."
Around the corner in Palings lane hides Lorraine's Patisserie, which is almost impossible to walk past, so we didn't... we also acquired a stylish ensemble of flowers for our host - the lovely Aunty Clare of Neutral Bay - from the impressive Palings Flowers next door.
"Drop in and share a special bottle of wine, or sample some sangria on tap, as you graze the menu of sliced jamon, whipped salted cod and patatas bravas."
Spanish tapas and pintxos bar, Bar Topa, derives its name from the Spanish ‘topar’, meaning ‘to come across’ or ‘run into’. It's an excellent pre-show spot to share a quick bite. Their blurb suggests their dishes "draw upon the flavours of the Mediterranean coast and include small snacks along with tapas cooked on ‘la plancha’."
Getting there.
By car - located at 330 George Street, there are various secure parking stations close by.
By train - the closest station is Wynyard Station, and a short walk.
By ferry - Ivy is a 15 minute walk up from Circular Quay wharf.
Footnote: we visited Ivy pre-COVID, and haven't as yet got back there, so fingers crossed it's in good shape and ready for our next visit, very soon.
