Bluestone Restaurant & Bar

There is certainly no shortage of restaurants up and down the famous Crown Street either in Surry Hills or the quieter Darlinghurst. However I cannot think of too many establishments that serve no frill and down to earth Chinese cuisine with a touch of Malaysian flavours, so Bluestone clearly fills that gap.  To say food portion is generous is an understatement, each serving is substantial enough probably to feed two people.  The lunch special doesn't compromise in quantity either and will only set you back at $12.  This is definitely Crown street restaurant without Crown street premium.   The crispy chicken is my favourite out of all the dishes we tried, the skin was paper thin and the dipping sauce was marriage made in heaven with the tender and succulent meat.  I could easily devour the whole plate to myself.  If you crave for honest, simple, but tasty Chinese food, Bluestone is where you will find it. thernbdiary.com

Located around the corner from Sydney's original Little Italy in Stanley Street, East Sydney is a little taste of Asia. Bluestone is a Chinese/Malaysian restaurant with a pleasing array of dishes. The dim sum menu features popular items from prawn dumplings and xiao long bao to chicken dim sims. The delicious mains we enjoyed at our lunchtime feast included Pork Stir Fry, Shredded Beef, Steamed Pork Belly Soy Sauce, Crispy Skin Chicken With Garlic And Chilli Sauce, and Sautéed String Beans With Dried Shrimps And Soy Sauce. The servings are generous, and the prices exceptionally reasonable; a meal at Bluestone is undoubtedly one of the best value meals in Sydney and you could afford to order in every night.

A Chinese/Malaysian restaurant with function space and some amazing lunch specials. There are dumplings galore - prawn dumplings, soup dumplings, chicken dim sim and pan fried pork dumplings. But my favorite were the shallot pancakes - crispy and delicious with the dipping sauce. We dined with a group which meant we could sample a lot of the dishes on the menu. The beef with black bean sauce had a large kick of pepper - which I loved but would not be for everyone. The crispy skin chicken with garlic and chili sauce is a must order! Pair this with the fried rice and you will be in heaven. There are also vegetarian options which are filled with flavor and green veggies. The staff are friendly and even though the cocktail list looks small they will certainly oblige in creating something to your liking. The portions are huge and it's amazing value making Bluestone one to put on your list.

Having returned here 5 months later, there are some great new exciting changes to the menu! I sampled a few staples on the three set menus (Range $35-$50pp) and a few Entrees. It’s since expanded from their Chinese/Malaysian focus incorporating some Vietnamese, Thai, French inspired dishes. CHALDER SEAFOOD SOUP is the Bluestone Signature and it’s sort of a retake of Chowder with fish, prawn and calamari. A nice warming starter that will do well this season! LITTLE RICE CAKE are nice bitesize cakes of coconut milk, flour and turmeric topped with Tomato Salsa - it’s a GREAT VEGAN OPTION - for vegans and non vegans, I could eat a bucket load of these! SEAFOOD SPRING ROLL; These are the netted type which I think are quite aesthetically pleasing in comparison to standard wrappers used as there is a certain care and precision that needs to be done because of it’s holey surface when being filled. Beautiful crunch and a sweet chili dipping sauce - wonderful bite size treat that I envision as a side to your meal or snack if here at the bar. PRAWN DUMPLING: Stunning presentation, fresh off the steamer and topped with both crispy fried and fresh shallots! Meaty tiger prawn fillings. STUFFED ESCARGOT: Minced Pork and Abalone Mushroom, interesting textures in this that have been bound together after steaming. So full of flavour with a smokiness that runs through from the mushroom. STICKYRICE WITH CRISPY ROASTED CHICKEN, DRIED PRAWN & VETNAMESE SAUSAGE: Interesting combination of protein with sticky rice. Great crispiness achieved after poaching, maltose dipping and drying before deep frying. THE COMBO DESSERT PLATTER is a wonderful mix of black sesame ice cream, pandan ice cream, Creme Caramel, seasonal fruit. So much to love about the new direction of the menu as it re-tools the original Chinese/Malaysian tantalizing us with favorites from Vietnam and Thailand. Such great value as well in comparison to local area establishments, particularly with the tiered set menu options. It’s a great space with private booths and private dining options and a fully licensed bar with a magnificent range of drinks. A versatile space for any number of occasions.

Having returned here 5 months later, there are some great new exciting changes to the menu! I sampled a few staples on the three set menus (Range $35-$50pp) and a few Entrees. It’s since expanded from their Chinese/Malaysian focus incorporating some Vietnamese, Thai, French inspired dishes. CHALDER SEAFOOD SOUP is the Bluestone Signature and it’s sort of a retake of Chowder with fish, prawn and calamari. A nice warming starter that will do well this season! LITTLE RICE CAKE are nice bitesize cakes of coconut milk, flour and turmeric topped with Tomato Salsa - it’s a GREAT VEGAN OPTION - for vegans and non vegans, I could eat a bucket load of these! SEAFOOD SPRING ROLL; These are the netted type which I think are quite aesthetically pleasing in comparison to standard wrappers used as there is a certain care and precision that needs to be done because of it’s holey surface when being filled. Beautiful crunch and a sweet chili dipping sauce -... read more