Where the power brokers eat and deal in Sydney
From tucked-away Italian bistros to up-market steakhouses, lavish heritage-listed dining rooms and tiny Chinese restaurants, these are the restaurants where Australia’s power brokers eat.
Sydney Taste
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From tucked-away Italian bistros to up-market steakhouses, lavish heritage-listed dining rooms and tiny Chinese restaurants, these are the restaurants were Australia’s power brokers eat in each capital city.
It’s where deals are done, partnerships are forged and the policies that impact our everyday lives are discussed in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
The list was compiled with the help of politicians, political staffers and Press Gallery journalists.
WHERE SYDNEY’S POWER BROKERS WHEEL, DEAL AND DINE
MACHIAVELLI
Machiavelli is a Sydney institution.
The Italian restaurant has seen some of the nation’s biggest deal makers, corporate heavy hitters and political giants come through its doors in its 30-year history.
Gough Whitlam celebrated his 90th birthday at the Clarence Street eatery with a guest list that included fellow Labor great Bob Hawke and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Other famous diners have included John Howard, Kerry Packer and Julia Gillard, while NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and shock jock Alan Jones have been recent customers.
And if they’re not there on the day, diners can still spot some of the restaurants’ powerful current and former patrons on the iconic portraits that line the walls.
INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY
When Barack Obama visited Australia last year, the Intercontinental was where he opted to stay in Sydney.
The luxurious hotel is one of the venues of choice for power players.
It’s where Prime Minister Scott Morrison hosted a lavish cocktail party to raise funds for Liberal candidate Dave Sharma’s Wentworth by-election campaign last year.
Renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo and philanthropist Ros Packer were reportedly some of the VIPs at the exclusive event.
The hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, 117 dining, is now a private events space “dedicated specifically to lavish private events and intimate occasions”.
The Sofitel Wentworth is another popular Liberal function spot, with Prime Minister Morrison holding his official election night party there in May.
GOLDEN CENTURY
If only the walls could talk, the Golden Century in Sydney’s Chinatown would have a lot to say about political manoeuvring in NSW.
The seafood restaurant is popular with NSW Labor figures, whose headquarters are just a short walk away down Sussex Street.
It’s reportedly where the deal was done to secure Sam Dastyari the position of NSW Labor Secretary in 2010.
The restaurant has also been popular with Liberal leaders, particularly on the campaign trail.
John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison have all held events there.
BONDI ICEBERGS
Bondi Icebergs is a go-to destination for visiting celebrities and royals from Oprah Winfrey to Prince Charles and Camilla.
It’s also popular spot for local power players.
Media mogul Lachlan Murdoch and wife Sarah celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at the restaurant earlier this year.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Australia’s Ambassador to the US Joe Hockey and billionaire Andrew Forrest and his wife Nicola were among the VIP guests who attended.
ROCKPOOL BAR AND GRILL
Rockpool Bar and Grill in Sydney is a favourite among Australia’s political and corporate elite.
John Howard is a regular at the opulent restaurant in the heritage-listed art deco City Mutual Building.
It’s also been popular over the years with former prime ministers Paul Keating, Bob Hawke, and Malcolm Fraser, and business giants such as Qantas boss Alan Joyce and James Packer.
Current politicians are also drawn to the iconic restaurant, with Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton spotted there in June catching up with former chief of staff to Tony Abbott, Peta Credlin.
WHERE CANBERRA’S POWER BROKERS DINE
WILD DUCK
Malcolm Turnbull and Clive Palmer caused quite a stir when they were caught having a secret dinner at the Wild Duck restaurant in Canberra.
It sparked speculation that Turnbull was gearing up for a leadership challenge, which he eventually did in 2015.
The political odd-couple were sprung eating dinner just weeks after Tony Abbott’s infamous 2014 budget was handed down with then-Treasury boss Martin Parkinson on State of Origin night, while Prime Minister Tony Abbott and most of the rest of his leadership team were at Parliament House at a minerals industry annual dinner.
During last year’s leadership spill week, Wild Duck was also where Liberal MPs Craig Laundy and Luke Howarth had a heated argument about the leadership, prompting Laundy to warn Turnbull ahead of Tuesday’s party room meeting that something might go down. Turnbull called the first spill the next day.
Wild Duck’s Jack Zhong, 59, says the restaurant has been a hit with power players thanks to its food, service and reputation — and it’s five private dining rooms in case people want to discuss business.
THE ‘KINGO’
The Kingston Hotel or “Kingo” as it’s affectionately known is one of Canberra’s oldest political power player haunts.
It was where the term “faceless men” became part of Australia’s political lexicon in 1963 when Labor’s Arthur Calwell and Gough Whitlam where photographed outside the pub waiting for instructions from ALP powerbrokers, who were meeting inside to determine a key part of the party’s policy.
The Kingo became caught up in spy drama the same year following the assassination of US president John F. Kennedy.
Declassified documents, made public in 2017, reveal the CIA investigated a series of calls from Canberra-based informant made the day after JFK’s assassination.
The informant, who said he was calling “from across the Kingston Hotel,” where the Russian embassy is located, had claimed he had information about a Soviet plot to kill the president.
The calls were dismissed as “cranks” but Washington still sent a cable to the American bureau in Canberra with the order: “If he calls again, do everything to identify him.”
The Kingo is still a popular spot for both sides of politics today when parliament is sitting.
PORTIA’S
On the night before last year’s leadership spill, Peter Dutton and Mathias Cormann had a private dinner at Portia’s Chinese restaurant in Kingston.
The long-time friends were anticipating Dutton to be elected the new Liberal leader the next day after a chaotic week in politics.
But Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison’s backers were also frantically calling colleagues to try to secure votes for the impending after Malcolm Turnbull signalled his intention to step aside. In the end, Morrison was victorious.
Portia’s has long been a go-to spot for Canberra’s political elite, including former prime ministers Julia Gillard, Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott, who used to dine there ever Monday night on a sitting week with a group of Liberal MPs.
Original owner, Portia Yeung, sold the restaurant in 2011 but it retains the name and a steady stream of regular customers.
OTTOMAN
The Ottoman is a Canberra icon.
The Turkish restaurant in Barton is one of the city’s most popular with political power players, including former Labor leaders Paul Keating and Kim Beazley and Liberal heavyweights Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey and Christopher Pyne.
On the night before last year’s leadership spill, Liberal MPs Steven Ciobo and Michael Keenan were spotted by The Australian having a private dinner there, which the duo reportedly finished off with a pair of pink French Martinis.
Liberal Party President Nick Greiner was meeting with fellow members of the executive in a separate room, including former party president Richard Alston and Victorian party president Michael Kroger.
The sprawling open restaurant has a number of private rooms which power players can book if they don’t want to be spotted.
CHINA PLATE
China Plate is a regular haunt for politicians when parliament is sitting.
Christopher Pyne is such a fan he even filmed an episode of Kitchen Cabinet with the ABC’s Annabel Crabb at the Chinese restaurant in Kingston.
More recently, the former Defence Minister was sprung by The Australian when the restaurant was unable to serve dumplings to any other customers after he made a booking for 30 people at the last minute earlier this year.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne is also a big fan and regularly meets fellow MPs there for dinner during sitting weeks.
BELLUCI’S
Buzzing Italian restaurant Belluci’s in Manuka is a favourite spot for MPs in Canberra.
Just a few minute’s drive from Parliament House, it used to be one of the regular lunch spots for MPs including Bronwyn Bishop.
It’s still a go-to spot for politicians in a sitting week, including Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Attorney-General Christian Porter, who dined there together during the week of last year’s leadership spill.
Other power player favourites include Chairman and Yip in Barton and Otis Dining Hall in Kingston.
WHERE MELBOURNE’S POWER BROKERS DINE
BAMBOO HOUSE
Bamboo House has long been a favourite haunt of former treasurer Peter Costello.
It’s one of the go-to lunch and dinner spots for Liberal Party figures in Melbourne.
A group of Liberals who lunched with Costello regularly at the Little Bourke Street fine-dining eatery in past years gained the moniker the ‘Bamboo House Generals’.
Kelly O’Dwyer, who was an adviser to Costello before she went on to win his seat of Higgins and rose through the ranks to become a cabinet minister, was one of the regulars, along with powerbroker Michael Kroger until he and Costello fell out.
KENZAN
Kenzan is popular haunt for Melbourne’s corporate leaders, professionals and political elite.
Former AFL boss and now Crown Resorts board member Andrew Demetriou is a regular at the Collins Place Japanese restaurant.
It’s also a favourite hangout for Liberal Party figures.
Former federal Treasurer Peter Costello and veteran powerbroker Michael Kroger are among the regulars.
SIGLO AND THE MELBOURNE SUPPER CLUB
The Melbourne Supper Club is one of the go-to haunts for MPs and political staffers in the heart of the city.
The small bar is a late night venue located opposite Parliament House with comfy Chesterfield couches and an extensive wine list.
It’s a favourite spot for political insiders for after-work drinks.
The rooftop bar above the Supper Club, Siglo, is another popular spot for insiders.
According to one, it’s table service was great for a long evening of drinks with a group.
CECCONI’S
Italian restaurant Cecconi’s is one of Melbourne’s top spots for a power lunch or dinner.
State and federal politicians are regulars, as are some of the city’s most influential business figures.
Cecconi’s private dining area has seen some big deals and high stakes talks in its time.
It’s where former federal Energy minister now Treasurer Josh Frydenberg took his state counterparts for a private dinner last year amid negotiations over the National Energy Guarantee.
BECCO
Becco is a slice of Melbourne history.
The Crossley Street Italian restaurant, just a short walk from Parliament House, was a particular favourite of disgraced former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle’s back in his heyday.
The former state Liberal leader would regularly hold long Friday lunches at Becco.
The infamous eatery is set to change hands in 2021 with restaurateur Chris Lucas to take over the lease.
Melbourne’s other power player favourites, according to insiders, include The Waiters Restaurant, formerly The Waiters Club, The European on Spring Street and Florentino.
WHERE BRISBANE’S POWER BROKERS DINE
WALTER’S STEAK HOUSE
Walter’s Steakhouse might be a newcomer on the scene but it’s already a powerhouse eatery.
The New York-style steakhouse opened in Old Mineral House on Alice Street down the road from Parliament House in 2018 and is already a favourite meeting spot for MPs and the city’s corporate power brokers.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten was spotted dining there ahead of this year’s election campaign.
One of the restaurant’s three owners Andrew Baturo wouldn’t name names but said: “We get quite a few of the state politicians and federal politicians coming up from Canberra.”
He noted some of the MPs have been so senior they required an Australian Federal Police presence stationed at the doors.
MOO MOO THE WINE BAR AND GRILL
Just across the road from Walter’s on Edward Street is Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill.
The up-market CBD steakhouse in the historic Port Office building is particularly popular with Brisbane’s corporate elite.
For those who need a quiet spot to talk business, it has private booths or a private balcony.
The decor, extensive wine list, walk in cellar and top notch menu are also big drawcards for the city’s wealthy power players.
BLACKBIRD BAR AND GRILL
Blackbird Bar and Grill at Eagle Street Pier is another power player favourite, according to insiders.
The views over the river and Story Bridge and its location close to the city make it a popular spot for a business lunch or post -work dinner meeting.
It also has a prohibition-era style bar for a drinks catch up.
HELLENIKA
Hellenika in Fortitude Valley is new to Brisbane but has already attracted interest from the city’s political and business crowds.
The Greek restaurant, overlooking the pool at the new The Calile Hotel, is the sister venue to the popular Nobby Beach Hellenika.
While it isn’t a well-known powerhouse yet, insiders say people are “trying it out”.
BLACK HIDE BY GAMBARO AT THE TREASURY
Black Hide at the Treasury has quickly become popular with the city’s political set.
It’s not hard to see why given the heritage-listed building’s grandeur and the fact that it housed the Queensland Government offices for decades.
The restaurant is run by veteran Queensland restaurateurs, the Gambaro Group, who have strong political connections through former Queensland Liberal MP Teresa Gambaro, who had a 17-year career in federal politics.
The group also own the Black Hide on Petrie Terrace, Persone and Gambaro Seafood Restaurant.
Persone is another power player favourite, according to insiders, along with ARC at the new Howard Smith Wharves.
The Breakfast Creek Hotel is another long-time power player haunt, given it used to have the ALP state headquarters located nearby.
WHERE ADELAIDE’S POWERBROKERS DINE
GEORGES
Veteran Liberal powerbroker Christopher Pyne is one of the regulars at Georges on Waymouth.
Insiders describe it as the Adelaide’s number one spot for power players to meet.
It’s a place to see and be seen rather than for private talks, with high ceilings and a wide open-plan interior instead of cosy nooks or secluded dining spaces.
Owner George Kasimatis attributes its popularity partly to its food and CBD location, but also says he has gotten to know the regular patrons over the years.
Georges is a four time recipient of the Advertiser/ Adelaide Food Awards ‘Best CBD lunch’.
CHIANTI
Italian restaurant Chianti is another Adelaide powerhouse.
The then PM Tony Abbott, his chief-of-staff Peta Credlin and then-Education Minister Christopher Pyne were photographed at the Hutt Street eatery in 2015 having a private dinner.
It took place just six weeks before the leadership spill where Mr Abbott was rolled by Malcolm Turnbull.
Same-sex marriage and a potential plebiscite was reportedly the big topic that night.
The debate was one of the reasons Mr Turnbull eventually challenged Mr Abbott.
Chianti has been a stalwart in the city for more than three decades.
THE ADELAIDE CLUB
Whether you’re a member or a guest, it doesn’t get much more exclusive than The Adelaide Club.
The North Terrace gentleman’s club has been one of the ultimate meeting spots for the city’s power brokers for more than a century.
Alexander Downer is understood to be a member of the club, which was founded in 1863.
The club has “a good balance of traditional fine dining and contemporary cuisine, with an extensive wine list to complement the food,” according to its website.
PARLAMENTO
Parlamento makes no bones about its pulling power with politicians and celebrities.
The popular Italian bistro’s own website notes media icon and former senator Derryn Hinch, The Veronicas, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and tennis star Andre Aggasi have all dined there.
Located just over the road from Parliament House, it’s been a stalwart for MPs since the late 1980s.
BORSA
Borsa is a staple for the Adelaide business crowd.
The traditional Italian bistro is also popular with MPs and political staffers.
Serving up homemade pasta with and old-school vibe, it’s a favourite for a working lunch or casual dinner.
Rigoni’s Italian restaurant has now closed but was another power player favourite in its day.
WHERE PERTH’S POWER BROKERS DINE
GARUM
Newcomer Garum is fast becoming popular with the power players of Perth.
The up-market Italian restaurant is celebrity chef Guy Grossi’s new venture at The Westin in the CBD.
Garum gets a mention in Niki Savva’s recent book about the leadership spill as the location of a private dinner of WA Liberal power brokers in April 2018.
Mathias Cormann, Michael Keenan, Attorney-General Christian Porter and WA Liberal powerbroker Peter Collier were some of the notable attendees.
Savva writes the Liberal leadership was one of the topics of discussion.
Garum features a private dining room and a menu and wine list inspired by the cooking and culture of ancient Rome.
STATE BUILDINGS
The State Buildings in the heart of the CBD has become a go-to spot for Perth’s business and political elite.
Petition’s wine bar or brewery are popular for a drink, while POST is a good spot for a business lunch or dinner, according to insiders.
The history and grandeur of the building — the Old Treasury Building — and its proximity to Council House and Dumas House make it popular with the state’s political set as well as the business crowd.
PERUGRINO
Perugrino in West Perth has been powerhouse for decades.
It was a favourite haunt of some of the state’s most influential figures, including former WA Premier Brian Burke.
Kevin Rudd was even caught up in a media storm after attending a dinner organised by Burke at the up-market Italian restaurant in 2005.
It was at a time then-WA Premier Geoff Gallop had banned his cabinet ministers from communicating with the former premier.
Perugrino retains that feeling of a bygone era of power players with its elaborate interior and domed glass ceiling.
VANS
Perth’s iconic Cottesloe beach has had a few powerhouse eateries over the years.
Vans, in the heart of Cottesloe, is a current favourite for business moguls during the week.
Up-market Italian restaurant Il Lido opposite the beach is another popular spot, according to insiders.
The Blue Duck, overlooking the water, has also been a popular spot for catch ups in the wealthy beachside suburb over many years.
It helps that many of the city’s power players, including billionaire Andrew Forrest and his wife Nicola, call Cottesloe home.
BALTHAZAR
Balthazar in the CBD has been a staple with the Perth corporate and political set since it opened in the late 90s.
Insiders say it’s a popular spot for a business lunch or dinner, particularly since a revamp in 2016.
Balthazar has also kept the traditional dining model of entrée, main and dessert, rather than follow the trend to share plates.
It also has a private dining room and extensive wine list.