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Tgoa City --- - The Grounds of the City, Sydney, AU-NSW

The Grounds of the City

4.3
4.3
3613 Reviews
$40 and under
Modern Australian

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 81 times today
  • 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
    $40 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
  • Website
    http://thegrounds.com.au/Spaces/the-grounds-of-the-city/
  • 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>.
  • Location
    500 George St, Sydney, AU-NSW 2000
  • 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.<br /><br />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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Available 'til 11:30am

Rise & Shine

  • Buttermilk Pancakes$23.00

    Apple & blackberry compote, vanilla yoghurt, warm maple

    • French Toast$23.00

      Cardamon, pistachio & pomegranate, stewed rhubarb, lemon ricotta

      • Toasted Crumpets$21.00

        Blackberry compote, organic Blue Mountains honey, clotted cream

        • Quinoa & Chia Porridge$20.00

          Autumn dried fruit salad, banana, pecans, seeds

          • Eggs On Toast$17.00

            The Grounds sourdough

            • Fresh Cut Fruit$22.00

              Maple toasted granola, coconut yoghurt

              • Turkish Poached Eggs$24.00

                Whipped organic yoghurt, cauliflower rice, Aleppo pepper, dill, toasted olive focaccia

                • Avocado on Toast$24.00

                  The Grounds sourdough, poached egg, avocado, tomatoes, radish, feta, mint, lime, salsa verde

                  • Baked Eggs$24.00

                    Eggs En Cocotte, cannellini beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, parsley, herbed sourdough

                    • Mortadella & Fried Egg Toastie$26.00

                      Mozzarella, pistachio pesto, taleggio, focaccia, tomato jam

                      • Zucchini & Spinach Fritters$26.00

                        Ricotta, citrus-cured salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise

                        • Poached Eggs & Toasted Crumpets$26.00

                          Spring onion, pine nut hollandaise (add Hot Smoked Salmon or Bacon +$4)

                          • Grilled Salt Beef on Toasted Croissant Roll$26.00

                            Fried egg, sprout slaw, parmesan

                            • King Crab Omelette$29.00

                              Crème fraiche, caviar, parsley, lemon, caper butter

                              • Continental Breakfast$21.00

                                The Grounds mini pastry selection with condiments, vanilla bean yoghurt & fresh fruit salad

                                The Classics

                                • Brekkie Burger$24.00

                                  Brioche bun, pepper jam, garlic, spinach, gruyère, cheddar, scrambled eggs, pork sausage, potato gems, chipotle aioli

                                  • Steak 'N' Eggs$29.00

                                    Seared Wagyu, fried eggs, sautèed Andean potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes & aioli

                                    Healthy Bowls

                                    • Brekkie Mezze Bowl$26.00

                                      Peppers, tomatoes, feta, zucchini, cucumber, tahini, eggplant, crispy chickpeas, avocado, herbs, hummus, fried egg, pickles, sesame bread

                                      • Honey Halloumi Bowl$23.00

                                        Greens, sesame, grains, green apple, French radishes, avocado, white quinoa, pomegranate, pickled chillies & a poached egg

                                        Sides

                                        • Streaky Bacon$6.00

                                          • Avocado$4.50

                                            • Mushrooms$5.50

                                              • Poached Egg$3.50

                                                • Roasted Tomato$5.50

                                                  • Italian Pork Sausage$6.50

                                                    • Sourdough Toast$3.50

                                                      • Hot Smoked Salmon$6.00

                                                        Last updated: 18 July 2024

                                                        What 3,613 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
                                                        • 4.2Food
                                                        • 4.3Service
                                                        • 4.4Ambience
                                                        • 4Value

                                                        Noise • Energetic

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Sydney

                                                          Great for brunch

                                                        • Sydney

                                                          Modern Australian

                                                        • 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 vintage ambiance with "excellent service" and "delicious food." Known for its lively atmosphere, it's a favorite for breakfast meetings and post-work catch-ups. While some find it noisy, the "friendly staff" and "creative menu" make it a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

                                                        3,614 Reviews

                                                        1. Ilana

                                                          Sydney

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          Dined today

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Hi, we so enjoyed our evening at The Grounds. The minute you walk in …you feel transported into another world .Service was great , food was amazing . The only thing I would say … shoestring fries belong at MacDonalds . I would expected well cooked handmade fries they also came cold . Other than that …..a great night out!

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        2. Sharon

                                                          Sydney

                                                          5 reviews

                                                          3.0

                                                          5 reviews

                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                          2. Food 3
                                                          3. Service 1
                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                          Grounds was a little all over the place. Menu was a little limited for dinner - more a lunch choice than dinner (rolls & sandwiches). Meal size was good. Service was sparse. 20 minutes to get a drink. Restaurant was busy but staff were wandering around with little urgency or speed. Probably would not dine there again.

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        3. Meg

                                                          Canberra

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          The breakfast was absolutely delicious and the staff were friendly kind and efficient! Loved it.
                                                          The Grounds of the CityResponded 6 days ago
                                                          Dear Meg, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed a delicious breakfast and found our staff to be friendly and efficient. It’s always our goal to make every visit special, and we’re thrilled we hit the mark for you. We hope to see you again soon! - Nagi (TGOTC)

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                                                        4. Jhoanee

                                                          Sydney

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          2 reviews

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 3
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Staff were great! - Accommodating and friendly. They went as far as buying a candle for the cake for my daughter. I appreciate that extra effort. Thank you!
                                                          The Grounds of the CityResponded 6 days ago
                                                          Dear Jhoanee, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled our team could make your daughter’s celebration extra special—it’s those thoughtful touches that we love to deliver. We’ll be sure to share your appreciation with the team, especially Romana, who recommended the caramel soufflé and the front-of-house crew. It’s wonderful to hear that everyone enjoyed the experience, and we’re so grateful you chose to celebrate with us. We hope to welcome you all back again soon! - Nagi (TGOTC)

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                                                        5. Aude

                                                          Sydney

                                                          1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on 9 November 2024

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Perfect food perfect place ! We will come back for sure Very nice service food and ambiance
                                                          The Grounds of the CityResponded on 11 November 2024
                                                          Dear Aude, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance. It means a lot to us that you had such a great experience, and we’re excited to welcome you back again soon! Warm regards, Nagi

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        6. Celeste

                                                          Sydney

                                                          1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on 8 November 2024

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          The food was delicious! I really appreciate that they also offer mocktails that have had as much effort put into them as the cocktails. Something for everyone to enjoy. The atmosphere and decorations are lovely. And the staff are very friendly. The Strawberry dessert is also presented beautifully. Will definitely be dining again :)
                                                          The Grounds of the CityResponded on 10 November 2024
                                                          Dear Celeste, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and especially our mocktails. Our team works hard to create something special for everyone, so it’s wonderful to know it resonated with you. The Strawberry dessert is a favorite of ours too! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another visit. See you soon! - Nagi (TGOTC)

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        7. leona

                                                          Sydney

                                                          8 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          8 reviews

                                                          Dined on 7 November 2024

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          The burger was so juicy and cooked to perfection. I was REALLY disappointed that the my 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice in desserts were all so out.
                                                          The Grounds of the CityResponded on 8 November 2024
                                                          Dear Leona, Thank you for your feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the burger—it’s always great to know we got that right! I’m sorry to hear, however, that your dessert options were unavailable. We understand how disappointing that can be, and we’ll make sure to review our stock to prevent this from happening again in the future. We hope to have the full range of desserts available next time, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon - Nagi (TGOTC)

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                                                        8. Elizabeth

                                                          Sydney

                                                          1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on 7 November 2024

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Loved the coffee platter. Loved the ambience and service. Loved the pasta.
                                                          The Grounds of the CityResponded on 8 November 2024
                                                          Dear Elizabeth, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the coffee platter, ambience, service, and pasta. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more great experiences in the future! - Nagi (TGOTC)

                                                          Is this helpful?

                                                        9. David

                                                          Sydney

                                                          1 review

                                                          3.0

                                                          1 review

                                                          Dined on 6 November 2024

                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                          2. Food 3
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Service was exemplary. Atmosphere was superb. Small meal of seared Scallops was great. Main meal of Ballina Spanner Crab Bucatini Pasta was below par. It consisted of Hokkien Noodles, chilli, with almost no crab meat (three minute pieces). served with very large empty crab shell placed on top. Choose a steak as main, it’s harder to disguise. Sticky Date Soufflé was fantastic

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                                                        10. john

                                                          Orlando

                                                          9 reviews

                                                          vip
                                                          2.0

                                                          9 reviews

                                                          Dined on 5 November 2024

                                                          1. Overall 2
                                                          2. Food 1
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          300gm black market sirloin was terrible and way over priced (65AUS). Poor cut of meat and definitely not worth the price. Restaurant was good and perhaps other items on the menu are good but I would avoid the beef.

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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 3613 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                        Make a booking

                                                        2 people
                                                        7:00 pm
                                                        Booked 81 times today

                                                        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
                                                          $40 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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                        • Website
                                                          http://thegrounds.com.au/Spaces/the-grounds-of-the-city/
                                                        • 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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