Morgans, Darlinghurst

Classy. That's the first word that pops into my head when we step into Morgans in Darlinghurst.

Chairs in classic retro white face a banquette lounge in a delicious shade of chocolate brown. An enormous print of the photograph "untitled No. 31" by Bill Henson dominates one wall, whilst overhead a cascading crystal chandelier--made up of 700 links, each handblown--twinkles merrily. Annette Park was the interior design genius behind its recent makeover, and I like it. It exudes a coquettish air with quiet confidence.


Marinated mushrooms, semi-dried tomato, grilled haloumi
and fig balsamic on toasted Turkish bread $12.50

We're here on a weekday and are pleasantly surprised by the lunchtime menu that ranges from $12.50-$15. A lunch special includes any lunch main with a glass of Morgans house wine for only $15.

The marinated mushrooms on Turkish bread arrives with a significant slab of haloumi. The field mushrooms are equally giant-sized, the bread is soft but lightly toasted.


Sesame battered barramundi, sweet potato crisps
with lemon and ginger soy $15.00

I can't resist the sound of the sesame battered barramundi and the jealous looks from my dining companions reassure me I've made the right decision.



The fish is fresh, light and moist, a mouthwatering contrast to the crispy golden batter that encases it. I had presumed there were sesame seeds, but perhaps they mean sesame oil, as there's no evidence of the former. The fish is coated in a thin layer of sweet corn which is unusual but not altogether unpleasant. A small saucer of sweet soy, mixed with a little ginger and lemon, adds Asian sweetness.

Delicate curls of deep-fried sweet potato are a tad oily and over-salty, but they are gobbled up anyway. The small mound of salad is a much-needed foil for deep-fried goodness.


Morgans homemade lemon sorbet $3.50 single scoop

We only order one scoop of homemade lemon sorbet, but I'm sure we've received at least two. It's tangy and refreshing, and boringly fat-free.


Chocolate tart $12.50
with red cherry and marshmallow ice cream

I, on the other hand, opt for a little more decadence. If you start with deep-fried, you may as well keep going. The chocolate tart is just what the doctor ordered: rich, sweet and bitter with cocoa. The red cherry and marshmallow ice cream pairs brilliantly, the cherries bring a tangy sweetness to the chocolate, the melting ice cream adds a cooling palate refresher.

Morgans Restaurant is attached to the Morgans Boutique Hotel. Word is that their breakfasts are even better. We might have to try both and find out.



Morgans Restaurant
304 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9360 7955

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days
Prices listed above were for a weekday lunch

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