Best steak
Sydney takes its steaks seriously and so do we
Winner
Fix St James, Sydney
Fix St James is not a steak restaurant. They don't claim to dry age their own grass-fed Angus Herefords or to have the most intensely marbled wagyu the world's ever seen. No, none of that; just guys that can cook really well. You might have walked past this restaurant/wine bar before - it's right near David Jones on Elizabeth Street and completely missable. So what on God's green earth are we at Time Out Towers doing naming Fix St James ‘Best Steak'? It's because it tastes so darn good. Chef Sam Bennett used to work at Glebe Point Diner and it shows in the beautiful, fresh and interesting produce he uses, and his confident, less-is-more approach. The tagliata is what it's all about - at $35 it's not super-cheap, but it is sensational. Slices of blushing scotch fillet are tossed with a crumble of great parmesan, a few scanty leaves of rocket and some of the world's tastiest duck fat roast potatoes. Or try the wagyu flank, sliced and served with hand-cut chips that are crisp on the outside and super-fluffy on the inside. The service is a highlight: headed up by owner/sommelier Stuart Knox, it's incredibly friendly, keeping things professional and fun at the same time. Speaking of which, the wine list is well worth a nudge, with plenty by the glass and flask (they use scientific beakers - cute) in case you don't want to commit to a bottle. It's perfect for a Friday wind-down session, pitched just right for the after-work crowd and serious food enthusiasts alike.
Runners-up
Bistro Moncur, Woolahra
We love the minute steak with café de Paris butter. This Woollahra stalwart goes through 600 steaks a week and chef/owner Damien Pignolet can tell you where every single one comes from. It's no bookings, so for a shot at a table, turn up early or be prepared to wait in the bar.
Rockpool Bar and Grill, Sydney
It's the swankiest steak place in town, you couldn't wish for a more impressive restaurant to take clients. Or your dad.
Tabou, Surry Hills
This sweet little Surry Hills local dishes up tasty bistro food. Get freaky with their steak frites – your choice of sirloin or scotch with a giant pile of chips.
Mad Cow, Sydney
All steak, all the time. Ivy's premiere steak house, it's decked out in sunnyside-up yellow.
You've read what we think. Now tell us what you think.