Restaurant Guide

Golden Century: Restaurant review

Golden Century isn't fine dining and it’s hard to do the menu justice without at least six people - but for what it is, there is no peer in Sydney.

Address

393-399 Sussex St
Sydney, NSW

Hours

Mon-Sun noon-4am

Prices

E $8-$28
M $18-$48
D $7-$11

Why exchange the conviviality of Golden Century's 30-year-old dining room for the staid, hushed surrounds of its newly-refurbished third level? Sure, the newly opened Golden Century Wine Bank, just a lift's ride away, is impressive for its feature wall of Vintec fridges, updated crockery and polished service, but it's nowhere near as fun as the ground floor. Luckily, on the plate, the renowned GC goodness flows through the whole venue, no matter which level you're on. Whole steamed parrot fish from the live tanks – one of the pricier options on the market-price fish menu – with soy, ginger and shallots is a masterclass in Cantonese simplicity and elegance, while a hot-pot braise of beef brisket and turnip shows the kitchen can do rich and comforting, too. The salt and pepper tofu – on paper all crisp and crunch – lands a little flabby and saggy, but those signature XO pipis with crisp noodles show no sign of quitting. Three decades on, Golden Century is showing a little wear, but there's still plenty of glimmer. With the Wine Bank, and a new restaurant, XOPP, due to launch in Darling Square, the future looks even more lustrous.
Phone:
(02) 9212 3901
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
  • BYO
  • Licensed
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Private room
Accepted card types:
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Eftpos
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
Chef:
Li Ho
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.