We have frequented this restaurant a number of times since its opening in 2002, the year in which it received the 'Best New Restaurant' award. The restaurant has a great website with a copy of the current menu and wine list which gives you a good idea of what you are in for prior to dining, which is always very helpful.
For the purpose of this blog we will discuss our last visit at which we opted to try the churrasco. The churrasco comes with a mixed tapas style entrée and the main consists of fire-roasted meats, poultry, homemade sausages, seafood and seasonal green vegetables, served with a variety of sauces and salsas the meat and seafood are spit roasted or wood oven baked. This is Wildfires signature dining experience.
The meats are cooked to perfection……. and they just keep on coming, yes that's right it is basically all you can eat of these fire roasted delights. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful and very attentive. If you like your meat well done they will ensure you get the outer meat when they carve, alteratively if you prefer rare they will come to you when the meat is closer to the centre of the spit. If you are planning on ordering the Churrasco please allocate at least 2 hours for your dining experience.
The decor is impressive, but do not let this and the grandeur of the restaurant put you off – it is by no mean pretentious and I have dinned there in outfits ranging from a suit to jeans and polo shirt.
For pre-show nibbles the restaurant also serves a tapas menu at the Ember bar- no reservations required. The restaurant has an excellent wine list, comprehensive cocktail list, and if it’s not in there they will often still be able to make it for you – just ask
The restaurant is not well suited to dining with children. There are no 'kids meals' and with meats on giant metal skewers probably not the best place for them to be running around.
There is an area of this restaurant that is currently (but did not used to be ) below par and that is the toilets. In my opinion they need renovating and more regular checks for cleanliness. It is not sufficient to have them cleaned at the start of the night and expect a restaurant with a 300 person capacity at any one time to remain clean throughout the entire service.
In summation this restaurant is recomended for those who want a full dining experience in a comfortable atmosphere with a great view of the Opera house (be sure to check when you make you reservation that no ships are in port as this will compromise or eliminate your view)
What to wear: Smart casual, you can be dressed up or in jeans with collared shirt
How much $: for 2 people $150- $220
Occasion: All occasions. If you are on a first date or dining with someone you feel conversation may run dry then I recommend you request seating at the seafood bar. Here you will sit next to not opposite you dining partner and have the seafood chefs preparing all manners of meals in front of your eyes – entertaining and gives you something to chat about.
