Diners and food lovers who are very familiar with Sydney’s food scene will agree that Firedoor in Surry Hills has earned its reputation as one of the “hottest” restaurants in the city.
Known for its smokey and mouthwatering dishes, Firedoor on Mary Street has a kitchen that isn’t usually found in any other Australian restaurant.
Owner and head chef Lennox Hastie prepares and cooks the customers’ orders using no gas nor electricity. Every dish touches fire as the restaurant is equipped with two wood-fired ovens, several grills and a dedicated wood-burning hearth which has to be cleaned every day.
When Firedoor first opened more than five years ago, it was instantly celebrated for its unique cooking style yet it’s not exactly a groundbreaking process since human’s pre-historic ancestors cooked food this way. However, Chef Lennox masterfully plays with heat and timing to create a primal, raw, energetic but well-controlled technique that enhances the flavours and tastes of the food.
The most popular dish on the menu is the 140-day aged rib-eye steak, perfectly paired with wine. Whilst it comes with a hefty price tag, it’s a meal worth splurging and indulging for.
For all of its barbecued meat, it’s the abundance of seafood that makes picking just one order challenging. But for families or groups, you can’t go wrong with the fleshy trout belly, char-grilled to perfection with garlic and chili.
Even the choices of side orders like bread and veggies are wood-fired. The restaurant also serves unique desserts like smoked buttermilk panna cotta.
Chef Lennox’s technique has been commended by food critics abroad, who have specifically come to Australia to dine at Firedoor and he was featured in the Netflix documentary Chef Table.
For the best dining experience, ask to be seated at the ringside near the open kitchen so you can watch the chef prepare the orders. The smoke or heat will not be a bother but your sense of smell will definitely be completely stimulated!
To enquire for table booking, email info@Firedoor.com.au or visit their Facebook Page.
“The food here is truly delicious in every way. The wine and beer selection is also exemplary. This combined with the high standard of service makes Firedoor a truly memorable occasion. We were seated opposite the kitchen which adds another layer of interest in the experience, particularly with the fires and activity around the kitchen. The only notable downside was the expensive bill at the end of the night. “
Dan Elliot
“My wife and I ate here for my birthday last week. The food was unreal. We’d hear the steak was the signature dish, so made the investment. It was so good! Soft like butter but the delicious crust on the outside. We also bought the book, which Lennox personally signed with a lovely message! I can’t recommend this place enough.”
Daniel Simpson
This was our first stop in Sydney for lunch! After a long flight, this meal was the high point of our entire trip! The ambiance, atmosphere, food, and service were unbelievable. We tried several carafes of wine and the chefs menu for lunch! This is a MUST if visiting Sydney and you would like an exciting and beautiful dining experience!
OT