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Pavilion on the Park

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Pavilion on the Park is so perfectly placed that no matter the weather, the time of year or the price of petrol it scores a good crowd. Opposite the Art Gallery of New South Wales and beside the Botanic Gardens it can’t help but reel in the tourists – but despite the easy pickings the Pavilion hasn’t let its game slip so Sydneysiders love it too. The staff are educated, friendly and always accommodating whether you’re a lone diner or family of ten. The sunny courtyard is hemmed by greenery so children are free to runabout on the grass, and slivers of water and Woolloomooloo wharf can be glimpsed beyond the hedges.

The hushed back terrace is favoured by business types who prefer a view of The Domain to that of free-range children. Pavilion’s menu is sprinkled with elegant dishes like the entree of tiger prawn and watercress salad and the main of angel hair pasta with black mussels (flavoured with chilli, parsley, garlic and basil). The marinated lamb rump is a dish of delicate proportions, resting on a bed of soft polenta and dotted with crispy pancetta. Pavilion on the Park does well to keep to its high standards and I’d be comfortable bringing international visitors here to enjoy the courtyard and the seafood-slanted menu.

Jennifer Miller, April 2007