While Iโm not sure an โaffordableโ steak restaurant can ever genuinely be value-driven without compromising on quality, if anyone can pull it off, itโs the team at Liquid & Larder. Opening later this year, the crewโs latest venue, Alfieโs, could change the Sydney steak scene.
The reliable hospitality group has already demonstrated tremendous success in Sydney with primo steakhouses Bistecca and The Gidley, as well as vintage-minded seafood bistro The Rover. Given their reputation in Sydney, Alfieโs should align nicely with that small-but-mighty collection with lofty promises to โflip the steakhouse model on its head.โ
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When it opens on Bligh Street later this year, Alfieโs will seemingly play into the rapidly exhausted trend of American steakhouses and grand brasseries. This year alone weโve seen the likes of Palazzo Salato, Clam Bar, and Armorica Grande Brasserie lay claim to Sydneyโs post-pandemic love of these big, swanky dining spots. None of these grand Sydney dining rooms appears to care much about affordability, so Alfieโs proposal could be quite compelling.
Where Bisteccaโs signature is the T-bone and The Gidley leans on rib eye, Alfieโs will also be taking its trademark cut. In this case, the hero is Sirloin from the Riverine region of NSW, using the same short loin that is used at Bistecca.
Everything will be in service of the Sirloin. From the wines, curated by Group Sommelier Kyle Poole, and some classic sides.
While the kitchen will be headed by executive chef Pip Pratt, an on-site butchery and ageing facility will also be built into the new Sydney restaurant, with the space designed to supply Alfieโs as well as The Gidley and Bistecca. This should be good news when it comes to consistency, which makes it more likely that Alfieโs will be able to offer lower price points without compromise.
While full details, including the menu, will be confirmed closer to opening, Alfieโs has also nabbed former Bartender of the Year Alex Gondziuolis to head up the venueโs cocktail bar. Much like the classic steakhouses of New York, the bar will be available for walk-ins and promises Sydneyโs โcoldest martiniโ (letโs hope thereโs no liquid nitrogen involved) alongside classics and seasonal libations alongside traditional bar snacks.
Until then, enjoy working through our list of the best steak restaurants in Sydney.
Alfieโs opens in September 2023 at 4-6 Bligh Street, Sydney.
