Deus Ex Machina - Camperdown

This is a nice place. The look, the feel, the staff, all very busy, what you see is what you get. Don't go in expecting a suburban cafe-type service. The people working at this place are busy - and it shows. This is a place where you go in, order, sit and then eat and get out. That's lunch.

Dinner is different. The prices a touch shy from fine dining but the quality almost the same. It is a part of a motorcycle shop - that you need to keep in mind. A rather expensive motorcycle shop that has a cult following.

Also, this place is fully licensed and the wine list is adequate for a restaurant.

Warning: lunch time here is busy most days (which is a good thing), be prepared to wait a little.

All in all: good cafe, better diner.

Zacharys/Viva Bar Pizza - Kings Cross

Note: Zacharys is now known as Viva Bar

This is a nice place. It's so good, I, personally, want it to be in Leichardt! The pizzas are good - a lot of amazing flavors and combinations are available. The bar serves good beers and wine. The place is usually packed so its a good idea to book in advance. I'd like to add: This place is great for having group dinners/get-togethers. Parking is hard to find so public transport is your best bet.

As far as the pizzas go, do not miss the Tandoori Chicken pizza - it's a stunner. Most pizzas are great. As far as wine is concerned, buy a few bottles and that'll take care of the night for most small groups.

All in all: good for parties, 8-15 people groups. Make sure to book in advance.

Public Dining Room - Balmoral Beach, Lower North Shore

Lower north shore has been pretty dormant and below average for a long time as far as food is concerned. Hard to explain why. Its one of the most beautiful parts of Sydney. Places like Manly have been disappointing for far too long. Its good to see stuff happening here at last.

Pub Dining Room is today, what used to be the Watermark. Watermark was a place where you couldn't walk into if you weren't dressed for an occasion. PDR - sucks you in with the cool breeze that flows in and out of this open space. You can have a drink. Or you can have food. Staff are young and friendly. The Chef - stints at Icebergs and Flying Fish.

The wine list is good. Very good. I have a feeling Samuel & Smith have something to do with it - too many wines (both Aussie & international) come from their portfolio. Which is a good thing. You can get a glass of Scarborough Semillon for around 10 bucks. Good.

All in all, a good place for lunch or dinner, fantastic views and great service. Make the most of it while you're there.