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Oncore by Clare Smyth

Surprisingly playful fine diner with views for days.

One of the dishes at Oncore.
1 / 9One of the dishes at Oncore.Courtesy of Crown Sydney
Inside Oncore by Clare Smyth on level 26 of Crown Sydney.
2 / 9Inside Oncore by Clare Smyth on level 26 of Crown Sydney.Supplied
Signature potato and roe.
3 / 9Signature potato and roe.Supplied
Murray cod.
4 / 9Murray cod.Supplied
Caviar sandwich served at the bar.
5 / 9Caviar sandwich served at the bar.Jennifer Soo
Fried chicken with optional caviar.
6 / 9Fried chicken with optional caviar.Jennifer Soo
Oysters Rockefeller.
7 / 9Oysters Rockefeller.Jennifer Soo
Jellied eel tarts.
8 / 9Jellied eel tarts.Jennifer Soo
Chef Clare Smyth prepares.
9 / 9Chef Clare Smyth prepares.Anson Smart

Good Food hatGood Food hatGood Food hat18/20

Contemporary$$$$

Clare Smyth is a fan of Eric Carmen’s Hungry Eyes. We know because she compiled the Oncore soundtrack herself – although the chef is usually at Core, her three-Michelin starred London restaurant, Smyth’s presence here is undeniable.

A sublime chicken-liver-parfait tart stems from her time with Gordon Ramsay, for example, while a snack of caviar-topped fried chicken mimics one she cooked for Prince Harry’s wedding. Still, this is no solo act: Max Gurtler’s wine list is triumphant, and the service is some of Sydney’s best – expect synchronised wine pours, and a parade of chefs delivering dishes.

First-timers are well served by the Classic menu, which brings Australian touches (such as glorious marron), to celebrated Core dishes, but the seasonal option, with greater influence from head chef Alan Stuart, is just as alluring. Think Port Lincoln squid with splendid clam chowder, or a precise dish of Murray cod with smoked mussels. No wonder we’re all nodding along.

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Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/nsw-good-food-guide/oncore-by-clare-smyth-20241102-p5kndu.html