Lotus Dumpling Bar, the first restaurant from the Lotus Dining Group, opened in 2017 and has since expanded to three more venues, each within walking distance to a theatre venue.

• Walsh Bay: steps from Sydney Theatre Company or Sydney Dance Company
• Circular Quay: a short stroll to the Opera House
• Summer Hill: less than five minutes from The Living Room Theatre

Lotus Dumpling Bar in Walsh Bay offers a extensive pre-theatre menu that will ensure you don’t go hungry. The eight-course banquet provides oysters, two types of handmade dumplings, spring rolls, two mains and other dishes from Lotus’ signature selection.

We started with Pacific oysters, served with a fresh finger lime and spice dressing. Then moved onto a selection of starters. Crispy mushroom and vegetable spring rolls, pork xiao long bao (dumplings filled with broth) and the pork and chive dumplings are handcrafted by Dumpling Master Lucy Luo (also known as the ‘Chinese queen of dumplings’) and her team. The steamed dumplings are flavourful bites. Four are served per person, but they are so good you’ll be tempted to order more!

There are two main dishes served with steamed rice. Wok fried prawns with green peppercorns, capsicum, Thai basil and chilli and Kung Pao chicken with peanuts and dried chilli. Not ridiculously spicy, it has just the right balance of spice, salt and sweet.

Happily, the wine menu is substantial. Mainly focusing on drops from Australia, but there are a few European and New Zealand options. We went with a local NSW favourite of mine, 2022 Collector ‘Tiger Tiger’, Chardonnay. The aromatic Canberra district wine pairs perfectly with the banquet range.

The cocktail list is small but well selected and has a little variation on the traditional blends. The Davidson Plum Negroni is made with a house vermouth and Arjan’s Assassin Margarita has just enough chilli that you understand where the drink’s name came from. Fortunately the agave, mango, coconut and lime to soften the chilli punch.

Restaurant seating is mainly inside, but there are a couple of tables and chairs outside. You could also opt for bar seating along the long copper bar, connected to the open kitchen. The space is artfully designed with plants hanging from the ceiling, exposed red bricks and Chinese character calligraphy.

Booking is highly recommended and make sure you bring a friend as the pre-theatre menu requires a minimum of two people.

Find Lotus Dumpling Bar at Shop 3 / 16 Hickson Road, Dawes Point, Sydney

To book visit: https://lotusdininggroup.com/lotus-dumpling-bar/