Sydney: Rockefeller Bar & Grill

Rockefeller Bar & Grill café is in a bit of an odd spot. It is technically part of a half-empty soon to be refurbished shopping centre, has more passing cars than foot traffic, and competes with the more visible and busier MLC foodcourt just across the road. However, it is adjunct to the lobby of an office tower and I suspect that’s where their business comes from.

The surroundings are great – lovely high ceilings and industrial-like art installations in the office lobby to look at (or is that just the air-conditioning vents? industrial art installations are sometimes just bits of industrial junk that happen to look a bit funky). The red colours are vibrant and the bench cushioned seating is very comfortable. Despite being so close to an office tower lobby, I did not feel too rushed or exposed.

The menu is adequate – plenty of variety of salads, burgers and melts, typical lunchtime café fare. There were a few interesting items such as the Classic Club Wrap ($15.70) (“Traditional club sandwich, served in an untraditional way, wrapped in Turkish bread & accompanied with crisps”) and the mushroom risotto for $15.90 looked tempting.

However, it was the Chargrilled Steak Sandwich for $16.50 (“Served on toasted Turkish bread with grilled onions, tasty cheddar cheese, beer battered French fries & a garden salad”) which got my attention. A popular item, with another three diners at my table ordering it. We were not disappointed. Although the steak was not top notch quality, it was fine for a sandwich, and represented a fair product for the price paid. The fries were good, and the salad was substantial (not the usual garnish that lots of cafes try to call an accompanying salad).

The vegetarian at our table did not do so well. She tried to order a salad sandwich (i.e. “I’m vegetarian – so the chicken sandwich is fine, just leave out the chicken”). Waitress did not seem to understand. So, vegetarian said “get a piece of bread, put on some of the salad, and presto – salad sandwich”. Waitress says “you want the Caesar salad?” . Vegetarians says “No, I’m vegetarian, no meat please!”. When her order arrived, she got a plate with a bread roll (unsliced) and a massive salad in a bowl. It was quite amusing to watch as she tried to construct her own concoction. Who knew a salad sandwich could be so complex?

Table service was really the only downfall for this café. Not only did our vegetarian have a tough time relaying the order, we had a mix up with drinks (waitress misinterpreted the sparkling versus still water divide) and service was generally a bit slow. However, the service by the manager was great – booking a table was not a problem, he sent the menu in advance by email (handy for large groups), no problem with our large bill and he was really friendly. Unfortunately, he was let down by inexperienced floor staff… however, I think language difficulties were to blame, because everything was done with a smile in the end, and hey, everyone has to learn the trade somewhere! I would be willing to go back in the hope that the floor staff were new or just having an off day.

We did not stick around for coffees, but the expresso machine was in full swing and they also offer gelato. I think there is also a cabinet of sweet delicious things, but I was so full from my yummy steak sandwich that I was not even tempted.

I’d rate Rockefeller 3 out of 5 stars. On a return visit with better service, it would probably sneak in 3.5 stars.

Rockefeller Bar & Grill
135 King St Sydney
(02) 9221 9936

Posted on behalf of our Sydney correspondent. The wonderful Tam!