We love restaurants that follow a theme, and the latest on our list of must-visit restaurants in Sydney is the 200-seat Safari, which recently opened in Sydney’s Circular Quay on Bligh Street.
In Swahili, the word “safari” means “to travel” and that is exactly the concept behind the architecture, decor and food of The Meat & Wine Co.’s newest restaurant. Award-winning architects COOOP, led by Callie van der Merwe, Roberto Zambi and Calvin Janse van Vuuren, have created a space where guests feel like they are travelling and as if they are going on – in the team’s words – “an enchanting journey”.
COOOP has created interiors that evoke the wilderness of South Africa. They were inspired by the traditional architecture and natural landscapes of South Africa and were inspired by the “spirit of Ubuntu.” In their words, it is a design intent that encourages meaningful interactions and a sense of community among guests.
One of the most striking features of the restaurant is the African boma dwellings. In the South African tradition, boma dwellings are hut-like and have a fire pit in the middle. This is where people gather to share stories. Each boma and private dining room at Safari is named after African tribes that live here today.
At the centre of the restaurant stands a custom-built acacia tree. The tree is known for its resilience and vitality and has a deep meaning in African culture. The resulting décor is a blend of luxury and tradition.
The food on offer is also fitting, offering classics from the Meat and Wine Co menus (there are locations across Australia) as well as some traditional South African dishes, including Bunny Chow, a tasty lamb curry in a bun that is hard to find anywhere else in Australia.
After finishing off the curry, enjoy malva pudding, a spongy pudding with a caramelized texture filled with apricot jam and liqueur. Head sommelier Joseph Moussa has put together a wine and cocktail list to pair with the food, including an impressive selection of South African vintages and African-inspired drinks.
The restaurant joins the Rockpool Bar and Grill, Chophouse and Alfie’s on Bligh Street, all of which specialise in steaks, so Safari should feel right at home.
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