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Rooty Hill’s Chu Restaurant by China Doll tipped to be the best eatery in western Sydney

A new Rooty Hill restaurant with a $4.5 million fit-out is aiming to be the best in western Sydney, and its owner says he know what western Sydneysiders want.

Best borek in Sydney

A new Rooty Hill restaurant with a $4.5 million fit-out is aiming to be the best in western Sydney.

Chu Restaurant at West HQ Rooty Hill opens on Wednesday at the hands of China Doll and China Lane owner Steve Anastasiou.

The decor at Chu Restaurant at West HQ.
The decor at Chu Restaurant at West HQ.

The $4.5 million fit-out (and counting, Mr Anastasiou said) channels 1940s Shanghai glamour while the menu combines all the best bits of China Doll and China Lane with some new additions exclusive to their new western sister.

Once up and running, Mr Anastasiou believed Chu Restaurant will be the best restaurant in western Sydney.

Chu Restaurant’s menu features Asian fare.
Chu Restaurant’s menu features Asian fare.
Dumplings will be front and centre.
Dumplings will be front and centre.

“I haven’t seen anything to its equivalent to be honest, out west or in the CBD, for that matter,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Slowly but surely established restaurateurs have migrated west, but simply having a name does not determine success – Matt Moran’s Chophouse Parramatta will shut down as of December 21.

Having grown up in the west, Mr Anastasiou said he has an understanding of the clientele and had no hesitation in venturing out.

Like its sister venues, dishes are bright and pretty.
Like its sister venues, dishes are bright and pretty.
Fresh salads are a feature, not an afterthought.
Fresh salads are a feature, not an afterthought.

He said it may be time for other restaurants sardined in trendy suburbs to start following suit as the central suburbs fill up.

“I had no hesitation at all,” he said.

“We can’t all fit into the city anymore so we need to naturally progress out west.

Diners can enjoy a cocktail with dinner.
Diners can enjoy a cocktail with dinner.
The offering is as good as, if not better than central Sydney.
The offering is as good as, if not better than central Sydney.

“I think a lot of them are cocooned and forced into an area that they believe is best for them without having and experienced other areas – the west, for argument’s sake.”

Filled with gold and brass adornments, chandeliers, custom carpet and bespoke furnishings, Chu Restaurant is a spectacle in itself.

The huge 3m Buddha statue.
The huge 3m Buddha statue.

Its vast floor space also meant Mr Anastasiou was able to realise a 16 year long dream of having a giant gold Buddha statue greeting guests on entry.

He was also able to bring together three of his most prized chefs, Chu Restaurant head chef Ben Haywood, with Frank Shek (China Doll) and Kristian Vale (China Lane).

Chu Restaurant head chef Ben Haywood, with Frank Shek (China Doll) and Kristian Vale (China Lane).
Chu Restaurant head chef Ben Haywood, with Frank Shek (China Doll) and Kristian Vale (China Lane).

Their menu combines classics with new takes, including bao, a large dumpling offering and a sophisticated drinks selection.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/rooty-hills-chu-restaurant-by-china-doll-tipped-to-be-the-best-eatery-in-western-sydney/news-story/2cf8d28aceaf94d8fc7137248407f8c9