A recent Sydney restaurant arrival hits all the right notes

You are never quite sure what you are going to get with a restaurant in a hotel.

Some are too pretentious. Others absurdly expensive.

But recent arrival Pont Brasserie in the InterContinental Sydney is just the sort of restaurant you'd love to have in your own neighbourhood.

Taking the place of what was a Meat & Wine Co. eatery, Pont Brasserie offers good food, cooked well in a laidback atmosphere. It is the sort of spot where you'd feel at home whether you want just one course, or a feast with friends. 

A key element in why Pont Brasserie works so well is that it is run by one of Sydney's best hospitality professionals in Erez Gordon (above), ex Bishop Sessa and Bistro Bruno.

Gordon, a restaurateur, consultant and wine expert, has put together a team of relaxed pros, who manage to bring fun to the dining out experience.

And he's also put together a wine list - including several by the glass - that offers a broad swathe of choice. Looking for some advice? He's happy to match each course to an eminently suitable tipple.

Think names like boutique Australian producers Riesling Freak, Coates and Nashdale Lane, along with well-priced imports from France, Italy and Austria.

So to the menu.

Entrees (all under $30) include the likes of scallop crudo or Wagyu tartare, but we were in a seafood mood and chose Fremantle octopus with hoi sin and cucumber along with king prawns with rosemary and orange miso butter. Both were fresh and absolutely on point.

Mains tend to be on the meatier side of the ledger, We were tempted by lamb loin chop with zucchini, as well as barramundi with wasabi velouté and finger lime.

On reflection, however, we would not have swapped our Ora king salmon with local asparagus, or the bargain spaghetti vongole with garlic and parsley ($35, below), which delivered a delightful little taste of the Adriatic. 

The grill offers a range of dishes, including a free-range 1/2 chicken, and beef brochette with peppers and chimichurri (Damn! I wish I'd tried that) along with several cuts of steak served with house fries, peppercorn sauce and a selection of mustards. Several sides are also on offer.

There are cheeses and dessert to finish with, but you'd have to be pretty hungry to need the extra carbs.

The prices are more than fair given the quality of the food - and there is currently a "Hot Seat" offer at the bar that offers 50% off a la carte dinner and drinks when you are seated between 5-6pm.

All in all, a most enjoyable dining experience.

Pont Brasserie is open Tuesday-Friday for lunch from noon and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.  See https://www.pontbrasserie.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of Pont Brasserie.