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The Grounds of the City, Sydney, AU-NSW

The Grounds of the City

4.3
4.3
3642 Reviews
$A40 and under
Modern Australian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 68 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Great for brunch
  • Good for special occasions
The Grounds of the City, the second outpost from the team behind The Grounds of Alexandria, is bringing soul back to the CBD with old-school service and charm. Located in the heart of the CBD and bustling with activity, The Grounds of the City is tailor-made for a marvellous time; no matter the occasion. Start your day right as our baristas expertly serve up The Grounds house-roasted espresso and filter coffees, or end it in the best possible way and cosy in with our selection of cocktails and a dinner menu that features something for everyone. You’ll find our coffee sommelier at The Barista’s Bar ready to take you through a tailored coffee experience, and our tea lady roaming the room with a trolley adorned with fresh coffee, our selection of ethically sourced teas and cakes.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $A40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Modern Australian, Café
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Fri 7:00 am–9:30 pm Sat 8:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 8:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (02) 9699 2225
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Paul McGrath
  • Catering
    From client meetings to personal celebrations, our drop-off catering menu offers a selection of sweet and savoury options that can be combined to achieve the perfect offering for your occasion. To view our offering and order online, visit our website <a href="https://thegroundscatering.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
  • Area
    Sydney CBD
  • Cross Street
    Park St, Sydney, AU-NSW 2000
  • Parking details
    Sydney CBD has a range of privately owned car parks located within walking distance. Two close-by options include the Citigroup Centre Car Park located at 271 Pitt St or the Queen Victoria Building Car Park at 111 York St.
  • Public transit
    TRAIN - Exit the train at Town Hall Station. The Grounds of the City is located on the right hand side, directly across the road from The Queen Victoria Building.BUS - Arrange a bus route to drop you at Town Hall Station, or the QVB on York St, located within walking distance from The Grounds of the City.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • High Tea

    A$65.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Indulge in a touch of elegance! Delight in a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, including: - Cucumber, mint and cream cheese finger tea sandwich. - Poached chicken, sun dried tomato and watercress finger sandwich. - Mushroom, truffle and mascarpone mini tartlet. - Smoked salmon rillettes on brioche toast with dill, crème fraîche and caviar. - Mini vanilla mille feuille. - Chocolate sacher-torte. - Fresh plum and almond tartlet. - Chefs selection of macarons. - Warm scone with vanilla bean mascarpone and house-made jam. - A cup of tea, coffee or juice. All items will be plated to share. The high tea menu can only be adjusted for vegetarians. For other dietary needs, or groups of 6+ people, please contact us on (02) 9699 2225.
    High Tea photo

What 3,642 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseEnergetic

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Sydney

    Great for brunch

  • Sydney

    Most Booked

  • Sydney City

    Great for brunch

  • Sydney City

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Grounds of the City offers a "magnificent ambience" with delightful decor and a vibrant atmosphere. The food, especially breakfast, consistently receives praise for being "delicious" and "amazing." While some service experiences vary, the staff are often described as "friendly" and "attentive." Booking is recommended due to its popularity.

3,643 Reviews
  1. Ipsita

    Sydney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was very good . And the food too. The girl serving us was very courteous & helpful.

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  2. Grace

    Canberra

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food great, delivered quick and very tasty. Cant wait to visit again!

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  3. Milena

    Sydney

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    I like the atmosphere and ambient but food is getting worse and worse. We had a one minute steak, it was barely chewable, just terrible. No fish on the current menu which was really a good thing two months ago. Guys please work on the menu, food is really bad
    The Grounds of the CityResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Milena, Thank you for sharing your feedback. While I’m glad you enjoyed the atmosphere, I’m truly sorry to hear about your recent experience with the food and service. The quality and consistency of our dishes are top priorities, and your comments about the steak and the absence of fish on the menu have been shared with our kitchen team. Additionally, we take staff training seriously, and the feedback regarding wine knowledge will be addressed to ensure our team can provide the best service possible. Your insights are invaluable in helping us improve, and I hope we can provide a much better experience in the future. - Nagi (The Grounds)

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  4. Tiffany

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place easy to travel to, delicious food at a good price
    The Grounds of the CityResponded 5 days ago
    Dear Tiffany, Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're thrilled you found the location convenient and enjoyed the delicious food at a great value. It's wonderful to hear the chicken salad and our team's service stood out during your visit on Saturday. We look forward to seeing you again soon! - Nagi (The Grounds)

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  5. Ann

    VIP

    Hawaii

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on 15 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our friends had told us to be certain to enjoy breakfast here so we made a reservation. My husband and I loved our coffees and shared the delicious pancakes with baked peaches and plums plus the sourdough and eggs to which we added bacon. Everything was spectacular and perfectly done. The bacon was the best we have ever had! We have even booked breakfast for tomorrow morning again at The Grounds.
    The Grounds of the CityResponded on 16 January 2025
    Dear Ann, Thank you for dining with us and for sharing such wonderful feedback! We're delighted you enjoyed the coffee, pancakes, and sourdough with eggs and bacon—it's fantastic to hear the bacon stood out as the best you've ever had. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow morning for another spectacular breakfast! Best regards, Nagi (The Grounds)

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  6. Blue

    Hertfordshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful lunch! Food was delicious had a wonderful time and staff were very professional and lovely
    The Grounds of the CityResponded on 13 January 2025
    Dear Blue, Thank you for the lovely feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed a delicious lunch and had a wonderful time. It’s great to hear our staff made your visit even more enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon! - Nagi (The Grounds)

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  7. Lana

    New South Wales

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    In consideration of cost, meals were below average One meal failed to arrive and another was sent back to the kitchen The tables are too close, I could hear the entire conversation from the people around me Restaurant was too hot, made the entire experience uncomfortable and unpleasant Dining room was beautiful and our waitress was lovely and attentive However, would not return
    The Grounds of the CityResponded on 13 January 2025
    Dear Lana, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations. We take your comments about the meal quality, seating arrangements, and temperature seriously and will work on improving those areas. We’re glad to hear that our dining room and waitress made a positive impression, and we truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. - Nagi (The Grounds)

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  8. Ella

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Almost perfect Magnificent ambience Food is just right
    The Grounds of the CityResponded on 10 January 2025
    Dear Ella, Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the magnificent ambiance and found the food just right. We look forward to welcoming you back for another almost-perfect experience soon! - Nagi (The Grounds)

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  9. Lisa

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place. Not sure why in Australia businesses ask for tips especially in a country that has fair work Australia especially in a time when the cost of living is so high. It just creates an awkward silence when the option is created. That said my friends who were from Victoria and had their flight delayed. We were thankful they held the table. They loved the food and raved and look forward to coming again.
    The Grounds of the CityResponded on 9 January 2025
    Dear Lisa, Thank you for your kind words and for choosing to visit us. We’re so glad to hear that your friends enjoyed the food and look forward to coming back! We understand your thoughts on tipping. While it’s not mandatory, some guests choose to leave a tip as a way to show appreciation for the service they’ve received. We strive to make every experience comfortable for our guests, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective. Thanks again for visiting, and we look forward to welcoming you and your friends again soon! - Nagi (The Grounds)

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  10. Felicia

    VIP

    New York City

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 8 January 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Great atmosphere but not memorable or outstanding food.
    The Grounds of the CityResponded on 9 January 2025
    Dear Felicia, Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the atmosphere! We’re sorry that the food didn’t leave a lasting impression this time. We always strive to offer a memorable dining experience, and your comments will help us improve. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. - Nagi (The Grounds)

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FAQs

The Grounds of the City offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (02) 9699 2225.

The Grounds of the City is rated 4.3 stars by 3642 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 68 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Grounds of the City

500 George St, Sydney, AU-NSW 2000

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Park St, Sydney, AU-NSW 2000
  • Area
    Sydney CBD
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Fri 7:00 am–9:30 pm Sat 8:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 8:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Price
    $A40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Modern Australian, Café
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Sydney CBD has a range of privately owned car parks located within walking distance. Two close-by options include the Citigroup Centre Car Park located at 271 Pitt St or the Queen Victoria Building Car Park at 111 York St.
  • Public transit
    TRAIN - Exit the train at Town Hall Station. The Grounds of the City is located on the right hand side, directly across the road from The Queen Victoria Building.BUS - Arrange a bus route to drop you at Town Hall Station, or the QVB on York St, located within walking distance from The Grounds of the City.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Paul McGrath
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (02) 9699 2225
  • Catering
    From client meetings to personal celebrations, our drop-off catering menu offers a selection of sweet and savoury options that can be combined to achieve the perfect offering for your occasion. To view our offering and order online, visit our website <a href="https://thegroundscatering.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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