The Grounds of the City

4.3

3640 Reviews

$40 and under

Modern Australian

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 47 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

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, Cafe Dining
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 07:00–21:30 Sat 08:00–21:30 Sun 08:00–17:00
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.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

35 Sydney Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Experiences

High Tea
A$65.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Indulge in a touch of elegance! Delight in a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, including: - Cucumber, mint and cream cheese finger tea sandwich. - Poached chicken, sun dried tomato and watercress finger sandwich. - Mushroom, truffle and mascarpone mini tartlet. - Smoked salmon rillettes on brioche toast with dill, crème fraîche and caviar. - Mini vanilla mille feuille. - Chocolate sacher-torte. - Fresh plum and almond tartlet. - Chefs selection of macarons. - Warm scone with vanilla bean mascarpone and house-made jam. - A cup of tea, coffee or juice. All items will be plated to share. The high tea menu can only be adjusted for vegetarians. For other dietary needs, or groups of 6+ people, please contact us on (02) 9699 2225.

Popular dishes

Raisin French ToastA$22.00
Caramelised figs, vanilla yoghurt
Fresh Cut Fruit SaladA$22.00
Passionfruit, vanilla yoghurt
Toasted CrumpetsA$19.00
Butter, clotted cream, wild organic honey
Housemade GranolaA$22.00
Cinnamon yoghurt, figs, banana, almonds
Chilled Overnight OatsA$20.00
Coconut yoghurt, mango, grapefruit, raspberries
Buttermilk PancakesA$24.00
Poached spring fruit salad, vanilla mascarpone
Continental BreakfastA$21.00
The Grounds mini pastry selection with condiments, vanilla bean yoghurt & fresh fruit salad

Perfect Eggs

Toasted Seedy BagelA$24.00
Whipped ricotta & feta, heirloom tomatoes, basil, lemon oil, capers
Tarte Fine Of Sauteed LeeksA$22.00
Poached eggs, hollandaise, oyster mushrooms, hazelnuts, endive
Zucchini & Spinach FrittersA$26.00
Crème fraîche, citrus-cured salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise
Eggs On ToastA$17.00
The Grounds sourdough
Big BrekkieA$27.00
Chicken chorizo, onions, fried potatoes, poached eggs, paprika, tomatoes, green chilli
Citrus Cured Salmon BenedictA$28.00
Croissant roll, poached eggs, chive, hollandise

The Classics

Lobster OmeletteA$38.00
Shimeji mushrooms, spinach, caper burnt butter
Avocado On ToastA$24.00
Grounds sourdough, poached egg, avocado, tomatoes, radish, feta, mint, lie, salsa verde
Steak 'N' EggsA$32.00
Fried eggs, sautéed onions, spinach, mushrooms, beef glaze
Brekkie BurgerA$24.00
Brioche bun, pepper jam, spinach, gruyere, cheddar, scrambled egg, port sausage, potato gems, chipotle aioli

Healthy Bowls

Breakfast SaladA$24.00
Millet, greens, cherry tomatoes, pears, avocado, poached eggs, herbed hollandaise
Brekkie Mezze BowlA$26.00
Peppers, tomatoes, feta, zucchini, cucumber, tahini, eggplant, chickpeas, avocado, herbs, hummus, fried egg, pickles, sesame bread

Sides

Streaky BaconA$6.00
AvocadoA$4.50
MushroomsA$5.50
Poached EggA$3.50
Roasted TomatoA$5.50
Italian Pork SausageA$6.50
Sourdough ToastA$3.50
Hot Smoked SalmonA$6.00

What 3,640 people are saying

The Grounds of the City reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

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 impresses with its "great ambience" and "friendly staff." It's praised for "terrific food" and "excellent service," offering a unique old-world charm. Guests enjoy the "delicious breakfast" and "fantastic coffee," though some note the "noisy environment" and limited vegan options. Overall, a "charming eatery."

3,640 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney1 review
3.0
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Tables are too closely positioned. We could hear both conversations either side of us. No privacy. Wait staff attended the table too frequently and I suspect it was to keep us to schedule even though we were within our allocated booking slot. I felt we were being interrupted and rushed rather than looked after. Food was great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
London5 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food and service were excellent. The restaurant was very noisy - hard to hear the wait staff or hold a conversation.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sydney2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best place and best Moca eveeeeeeerrrrrrrr qlsmsdfjbefj hehe
Is this helpful?
G
Gayle
Sydney1 review
4.0
Dined on 5 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Food was lovely and staff were really pleasant and attentive despite it being super busy. We had to sit outside as inside was just too loud to allow conversation, however this was a busy lunch time slot, so I totally understand. Tuna tartare was delicious - so fresh!
Is this helpful?
E
Emma
Sydney1 review
4.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Shame there are no toilets. It’s not ideal to have to leave the restaurant to use a bathroom.
Is this helpful?
L
Lewis
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Delicious steak sandwiches. Sold out of all Sauvignon Blanc by the glass.
Is this helpful?
J
Janet
Queensland2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I had breakfast at The Grounds in the City this morning and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The service is so incredibly quick, polite and efficient. The staff are both personable and professional. The food is excellent and probably the best breakfast I have had in a long time. I love the old world charm of this cafe. We only come to Brisbane once or twice a year and a visit to The Grounds is always one of the highlights.
Is this helpful?
F
Federico
Sydney1 review
4.0
Dined on 17 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The restaurant has a fantastic ambiance and excellent food, making for a great dining experience. However, the service could be more attentive. A bit more focus on customer engagement and responsiveness would elevate the experience even further.
Is this helpful?
K
Kelsey
Sydney1 review
3.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
If you’re going to the grounds for the atmosphere - nailed it! Great ambience! Once we got service, she was lovely and always made sure our water was full. Our coffee came out long after the food. Food was nice but not worth what you pay for it but I guess costs of living. Very loud and quite dark but a nice experience all the same
Is this helpful?
Y
Yunfan
Newcastle1 review
3.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Great food with some subtle racism in services. You wouldn't feel it if you're Caucasian.
Is this helpful?

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 3640 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 47 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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 07:00–21:30 Sat 08:00–21:30 Sun 08:00–17:00
Price
$40 and under
Cuisines
Modern Australian, Cafe Dining
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>.

Featured in

35 Sydney Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Grounds of the City

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

35 Sydney Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

High Tea

Brekkie Burger

Lobster Omelette

Buttermilk Pancakes

Rise & Shine

Raisin French ToastA$22.00

Fresh Cut Fruit SaladA$22.00

Toasted CrumpetsA$19.00

Housemade GranolaA$22.00

Chilled Overnight OatsA$20.00

Buttermilk PancakesA$24.00

Continental BreakfastA$21.00

Perfect Eggs

Toasted Seedy BagelA$24.00

Tarte Fine Of Sauteed LeeksA$22.00

Zucchini & Spinach FrittersA$26.00

Eggs On ToastA$17.00

Big BrekkieA$27.00

Citrus Cured Salmon BenedictA$28.00

The Classics

Lobster OmeletteA$38.00

Avocado On ToastA$24.00

Steak 'N' EggsA$32.00

Brekkie BurgerA$24.00

Healthy Bowls

Breakfast SaladA$24.00

Brekkie Mezze BowlA$26.00

Sides

Streaky BaconA$6.00

AvocadoA$4.50

MushroomsA$5.50

Poached EggA$3.50

Roasted TomatoA$5.50

Italian Pork SausageA$6.50

Sourdough ToastA$3.50

Hot Smoked SalmonA$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Grounds of the City offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Grounds of the City restaurant rated?

Is The Grounds of the City currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

35 Sydney Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day