The Grounds of the City

Name: The Grounds of the City
Address: 500 George St, Sydney, AU-NSW, Australia, 2000
Telephone: (02) 9699 2225
Price range: $A40 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

3644 Reviews

$A40 and under

Modern Australian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 3, 2025

11:00 p.m.

Booked 94 times today

Experiences are available.

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
$A40 and under
Cuisines
Modern Australian, Café
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 7:00 am–9:30 pm Sat 8:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 8:00 am–5:00 pm
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
Neighbourhood
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, Takeout, 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 3,644 people are saying

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
4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Sydney
Great for brunch
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 offers a "beautiful atmosphere" with consistently praised service and "delicious food." Guests enjoy an "amazing breakfast" and "spectacular" coffee. Although some have noted occasional service lapses and noise, the overall dining experience remains "fantastic" with a "unique vibe" and highly recommended for its brunch offerings.

3,644 Reviews

B
Bridget
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing place! We were pleasantly greeted and promptly served once seated. The food was amazing and for the city, I think the prices are very reasonable. We will definitely be coming back 😊 I recommend booking as it is always busy.
Is this helpful?
M
Maegan
Sydney
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best food we have ever had. The entire atmosphere was amazing, I could have sat there all night. The staff were so friendly and attentive and did I mention the food was amazing?? Cocktails were so good, it was such a beautiful experience
Is this helpful?
L
LEANNE
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and not too over priced. Good service and location.
Is this helpful?
I
Ipsita
Sydney
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was very good . And the food too. The girl serving us was very courteous & helpful.
Is this helpful?
G
Grace
Canberra
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food great, delivered quick and very tasty. Cant wait to visit again!
Is this helpful?
M
Megan
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful high tea and always lovely atmosphere. Service good as usual.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
Sydney
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was impeccable however the food was terrible. Small plate fig salad had 3 pistachios and 4 pomegranate seeds. The fig tasted fermented and was inedible. Not flavorsome at all, should've tasted fresh and light. The hot chips were covered in mayonnaise/aioli which was also too much. All in all a shame as the service was great.
Is this helpful?
M
Milena
Sydney
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
I like the atmosphere and ambient but food is getting worse and worse. We had a one minute steak, it was barely chewable, just terrible. No fish on the current menu which was really a good thing two months ago. Guys please work on the menu, food is really bad
The Grounds of the CityResponded on January 23, 2025
Dear Milena, Thank you for sharing your feedback. While I’m glad you enjoyed the atmosphere, I’m truly sorry to hear about your recent experience with the food and service. The quality and consistency of our dishes are top priorities, and your comments about the steak and the absence of fish on the menu have been shared with our kitchen team. Additionally, we take staff training seriously, and the feedback regarding wine knowledge will be addressed to ensure our team can provide the best service possible. Your insights are invaluable in helping us improve, and I hope we can provide a much better experience in the future. - Nagi (The Grounds)
Is this helpful?
T
Tiffany
Sydney
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place easy to travel to, delicious food at a good price
The Grounds of the CityResponded on January 20, 2025
Dear Tiffany, Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're thrilled you found the location convenient and enjoyed the delicious food at a great value. It's wonderful to hear the chicken salad and our team's service stood out during your visit on Saturday. We look forward to seeing you again soon! - Nagi (The Grounds)
Is this helpful?
A
Ann
VIP
Hawaii
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our friends had told us to be certain to enjoy breakfast here so we made a reservation. My husband and I loved our coffees and shared the delicious pancakes with baked peaches and plums plus the sourdough and eggs to which we added bacon. Everything was spectacular and perfectly done. The bacon was the best we have ever had! We have even booked breakfast for tomorrow morning again at The Grounds.
The Grounds of the CityResponded on January 16, 2025
Dear Ann, Thank you for dining with us and for sharing such wonderful feedback! We're delighted you enjoyed the coffee, pancakes, and sourdough with eggs and bacon—it's fantastic to hear the bacon stood out as the best you've ever had. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow morning for another spectacular breakfast! Best regards, Nagi (The Grounds)
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 3644 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 3, 2025

11:00 p.m.

Booked 94 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
Neighbourhood
Sydney CBD
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 7:00 am–9:30 pm Sat 8:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Price
$A40 and under
Cuisines
Modern Australian, Café
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, Takeout, 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 reservation

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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

35 Sydney Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day