Nel, Sydney
This was a last minute dinner before we left Sydney and I'm so glad we squeezed it in. First up, their cheese plate was amazing. Unfortunately I didn't take note of the names of the cheeses however if you ever go to Nel's, I would highly recommend paying the extra for the cheese plate - it is 100% worth it. Our friend even said one of them tasted like the smell of the Easter Show... in a good way!
The highlight for me was oyster with finger lime, the crab with macadamia, pea and tomato and the summer effervescence dessert. We also had matching wines, some of which I liked, others not so much (I will never like orange wine). Some courses actually had two matching wines and I have to say I didn't love this concept. The idea is that with each wine, you get a different experience with the dish however I found it unnecessary and would prefer just the one wine - each to their own though I think on this one!
The restaurant is small, dark and warm with slightly odd interiors but the overall ambiance is settling - like you're in Nelly's nicely converted basement. Nelly (the executive chef and owner) was actually there in the kitchen when we visited - it's nice to actually see the chefs in their restaurants even once they become successful.