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Marie Claire Eats: Elegant Mediterranean Dining Opposite Centennial Park

Hotel Centennial
Image: Supplied

Light-filled, relaxed, and effortlessly elegant, Hotel Centennial stands as a landmark in Woollahra, loved by the eastern suburbs community for decades. Nestled opposite the lush Centennial Parklands and graced with curated artworks from the nearby Olsen Gallery, the venue offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere – perfect for lingering over a leisurely lunch, dinner, or cocktails with friends.

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Let’s Talk Food

Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Ben Greeno, the menu draws inspiration from classic Provençal cooking and the Italian Riviera, celebrating the best of local produce with simple, elegant flavours. Sound delicious? It is. Starters such as the wood-roasted octopus with aioli and cherry tomatoes, or the red pepper tart topped with grilled sardine and rose harissa, set the tone for a refined Mediterranean dining experience. It’s all super yum. For mains, Hotel Centennial encourages sharing. The lavish bouillabaisse, brimming with John Dory, red snapper, hapuka, and blue swimmer crab, is served with a saffron, fennel, and tomato broth, complemented by a garlicky rouille that perfectly finishes the dish. Alternatively, the whole roast duck with fennel pollen, eggplant, and Camargue red rice is a standout.

Hotel Centennial
Image: Supplied

Get To The Important Part… The Drinks Menu

Hotel Centennial’s wine list, curated by master sommeliers, is extensive. From easy-drinking Provence rosés to Grand Cru Burgundy selections and intriguing local drops, the range caters superbly to all palates and pairings. After the meal, guests can retreat to the plush velvet lounges in the reading room for a digestif cocktail alongside a delicious dessert. Don’t leave without trying the Centennial waffle with butterscotch and hazelnut or the delicate meringue with mixed berries and blueberry sorbet. You might want to drop the sharing part when it comes to dessert.

The cocktail menu is full of innovative twists on classics and creative infusions. Highlights include the Duck Fat Washed Jim Beam Rye Whiskey with sage and orange bitters, The Olive Grove featuring olive oil-infused Beefeater 24 Gin, and the vibrant Spicy Watermelon Margarita.

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What’s On Offer For Big Groups?

For larger gatherings, the Hotel Centennial High Table offers an intimate setting seating up to 32 guests. Designed for shared-style dining, it’s ideal for celebrations or corporate functions. The 3-course menus – priced at $120 and $160 per person – showcase refined dishes like marinated olives with fennel seed and orange, pumpkin and ricotta crespelle, wood oven roasted chicken, and the impressive Kidman côte de boeuf. Enhanced options, including a Wollemi roasted duck for groups, bring added luxury to the shared dining experience.

Image: Supplied

For Private Events, Head To The Apartment

Perched atop the Hotel Centennial, The Apartment is a bright, minimalist event space that blends warmth with modern design. With soaring ceilings, arched windows, and views overlooking Centennial Park, it offers a super exclusive venue for private dining, intimate events, and corporate functions. There’s even a separate private entrance to make you feel super special.

It’s perfect for celebrations ranging from birthday dinners to engagement parties and also serves as an ideal conference and workshop venue with breakout rooms and in-house AV capabilities.

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