Hotel Palisade - MILLERS POINT

Don't go to the top but the level below, nicer and less noisy. View from the full glass windows spectacular. Sun was a problem for many diners but once you got used to it - OK. Had oysters (Sydney Rock from Merimbula) really good. Baby Octopuses were yummy. Service friendly and attentive. The experience was great but almost destroyed with the bill because not only did it have a surcharge (public holiday) but already added a gratuity of 10%. I was going to leave a tip but wasn't given an opportunity to leave one as it was already added. Only one other restaurant, in Canada, that this occurred. Customers have to be made aware that this is going to be part of the bill. If it wasn't for this I would have rated this place higher.

We came here for (pricey) drinks and to enjoy the views at sunset from the top floor bar. Good for a special occasion.

Headed to the Palisade for a Monday lunch on a recommendation that this place has some of the best views in Sydney. Perched on the 4th floor of the hotel the restaurant boasts almost 360 degree views that include Barrangaroo to Darling Harbour, and the Rocks to the Harbour Bridge in the other direction. The interior is a fusion of art deco and some modern eclectic pieces that work well together. The menu is small but has some tasty offerings, probably best eaten as share plates. Can highly recommend the ceviche and lamb chops, the spiced cauliflower was slightly too oily. So while all that sounds good, here's the part that's not so good.... We were charged for items of food we didn't order or consume, a gratuity (a tip - apparently it's in fine print on the menu) and an excessive credit card surcharge. All these extra charges actually made up a third of the bill. Just a word of advice for overseas visitors, our hospitality workers are protected by law and are paid wages accordingly. Tipping in Australia is not usual practice, although it can be offered voluntarily if you've had exceptional service. In this case it wasn't exceptional, it was just the expected service required to deliver drinks and a meal. I suggest checking your billed amount.

Great views, great location but rude staff! One of the first to arrive we were seated at our table & it was the most gorgeous day. Unfortunately surrounded by windows and with the winter sun it streamed in the windows blinding us and it was extremely hot. We politely asked the Maitre D' if he could lower the blind a little and then asked a second time when he seemed to be distracted. Two comments "you should have brought your sunglasses" & "are you vampires?" He lowered the shade half way which was perfect but his rudeness was unacceptable. Pity about the staff.

At the top end Argyle at the Rocks, this traditional Aussie pub has been transformed with an uber makeover. Still the old Pub on ground level but take the lift to rooftop glass bar and you will experience a spectacular view down Barrangaroo to Darling Harbour and harbour and Bridge in the other direction. Food is either share plates or small dishes. Great place for visitors to end up after day wandering Rock and Quay area.