The Grounds of The City
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The Grounds of The City is a busy all-day restaurant and cafe on George Street inside the Queen Victoria Building, with a vintage European look, a bar area and outdoor seating. It suits brunch, a long lunch or a celebration after shopping. Hyde Park is about 5 minutes' walk away.
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About The Grounds of The City
Food at The Grounds of The City
Breakfast runs until 11:30am, with house crumpets, buttermilk hotcakes and caramelised banana French toast. Lunch and dinner start at 11:45am and include a grass-fed beef burger, prawn and pippi tagliatelle and a 300g wagyu scotch fillet. Oysters are served as snacks. Many dishes are tagged gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan or vegetarian on the menu, and the kitchen handles nuts, shellfish, gluten and eggs.
Coffee and drinks
The site says the coffee is perfectly brewed but doesn't name a roaster. The menu includes affogato and iced coffee, and a house blend called LOCO STREET is sold in the shop. Reviews of the coffee vary.
Facilities at The Grounds of The City
What visitors say about The Grounds of The City?Summarised from recent Google reviews.
- 💬Reviewers praise the attentive, friendly service, including on busy services.
- 💬It is busy at weekends and holidays, so reviewers advise booking or putting your name down at the door.
Near The Grounds of The City
Visitor tips for The Grounds of The City
- ✓Book ahead on weekends and public holidays. Walk-ins can wait about 10 minutes at busy times, or get on the waiting list at the door.
- ✓Breakfast stops at 11:30am, and last orders are 30 minutes before closing.
- ✓Groups of six or more should call (02) 9699 2225. Cancel at least 2 hours ahead to avoid a fee per person.
Getting to The Grounds of The City
Shop RG 12, 500 George Street, inside the Queen Victoria Building, a short walk from Town Hall station.
Open in Google Maps →FAQ
Is The Grounds of The City open on Sundays?
Yes. It is open from 8am to 5pm on Sundays.
Can you book a table at The Grounds of The City?
Groups of up to five can book online, and walk-ins are welcome. Groups of six or more should call the restaurant.
Does The Grounds of The City have outdoor seating?
Yes. There is an outdoor seating area, which reviewers describe as pleasant on a fine day.
Is The Grounds of The City a good spot for a special occasion?
Reviewers recommend it for brunch, a casual celebration or a relaxed dinner, and the bar seats work when the room is full.