Darley’s Restaurant is the best discovery we made this year! It has won Best Regional Restaurant award many years in a row and The Lux Traveller had to find out why and how.
This gem of a restaurant belongs to Lilianfels Resort in the Blue Mountains (about ninety minutes from Sydney, Australia) and honestly, it is worth a trip!
I have stayed in Lilianfels many times but somehow never managed to dine in Darley’s. On this occasion we were celebrating a special occasion with a weekend in Lilianfels and a birthday dinner in Darley’s.
First Impressions
From the outside, Darley’s looks like a cute 1880s cottage but the exterior doesn’t prepare you for what lies inside.
The minute you step in the restaurant you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a glam Parisian bar or supper club. Its all black and gold with chic designer wall paper, crystal chandeliers, gentle evening lighting and sexy music too set the mood for a night to remember.
Table Setting
Our table looked impeccable. Silver napkin rings bear names of frequent guests from the 50s – a touch of history combined with modern Australian fine dining.
The courteous waiter has settled us in and offered a glass of champagne to start. Ruinart is the restaurant’s choice of champagne by the glass and is very good.
If champagne is not your thing Darley’s wine list is quite comprehensive. Consisting mostly of Australian wines there is something for palate on the list.
Food
The star of the show is the beautiful food designed and lovingly prepared by Darley’s famous chef – Lee Kwiez. Lee skilfully combines premium regional produce to create a unique epicurean experience.
The menu in Darley’s is either a set menu of three-courses ($125pp) or a tasting menu of six small dishes. We have chosen a set menu option and will have to come back to try the tasting menu next time.
For the Entrees we chose a fresh heirloom vegetable salad. I don’t know how something fairly simple like a bunch of radishes and carrots could be converted into a mouthwatering entrée but Lee obviously has the magic touch as this was an absolutely perfect dish!
For Mains we chose between venison, lamb and waguy beef. Trying to stay slim, I went for a venison option while my little less ‘beauty conscious’ husband chose the lamb.
Darley’s venison is probably the best meat I have had all year – exceptionally tender, juicy and, most importantly, tasty! The Chef had recommended to have it rare but I went with a more conservative choice of medium-rare and it was just perfect.
The lamb was a beautiful dish as well, just a little less adventurous.
The deserts were equally mouthwatering and very beautifully presented.
All In All – We had a very memorable and romantic dinner! I can’t think of a more luxurious and glamorous venue for a very intimate fine dining experience.
The Lux Traveller Loves:
Of course we loved the food. That goes without saying. Lee is amazing!
The elegant and chic atmosphere with a distinctly European feel.
Well Dressed Guests. All guests, without exception, were dressed up in cocktail dresses for ladies and dressy shirts & pants for the gentlemen.
The Art Deco glamour of black, gold, crystal and silver!
The romantic setting. Candles and an open fireplace set the mood for a gorgeous night with your special person.
The Lux Traveller Doesn’t Like:
Honestly – nothing! It was a perfect dinner.
The only advice I have for Darleys is to make sure that all Lilianfels guests know just how special and stunning this restaurant is. Nobody has mentioned it to us before otherwise we would have been returning guests for years.
Tip: For romantic occasions request a table where you can sit next to each other (vs opposite each other). It makes the experience more intimate.
To Book: Call Lilianfels on +612 4780 1200 or go to Darley’s website www.darleysrestaurant.com.au
