ESQ Bar + Dining Introduce
In the beating heart of New South Wales, the Sydney Central Business District, lies an establishment that expertly fuses the robust flavours of a traditional bar and grill with the sophisticated ambiance of an upscale dining room. ESQ Bar + Dining, located on the esteemed George Street, is more than just a place to eat; it is a complete cultural and culinary destination. Designed to be both a 'Bar & grill' and a 'Restaurant,' ESQ delivers an experience defined by quality produce, refined cocktails, and the unique addition of live entertainment.
This venue is a standout in the competitive Sydney market for its commitment to creating a 'Trendy' and 'Upscale' atmosphere, making it a highly desirable choice for those seeking a memorable night out, whether for a 'Romantic' dinner or a gathering of 'Groups.' The dual identity allows it to cater equally to those needing a quick, high-quality bite at the 'Bar onsite' and those requiring the full, relaxed service of a modern Australian dining experience. The entire concept is focused on providing a comprehensive, high-vibration environment for the discerning NSW patron.
Location and Accessibility: A Premium CBD Address
ESQ Bar + Dining occupies a prime position at Shop 1- 4 Level 2/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. This address places it firmly in the midst of Sydney's most vibrant commercial and cultural corridor. Being situated on Level 2 offers a degree of separation from the street-level rush, contributing to the establishment's sophisticated, exclusive feel while remaining immediately accessible.
The location on George Street ensures exceptional accessibility via public transport, with major stations like Town Hall and the Light Rail network steps away. Crucially, the venue demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, featuring a fully accessible environment:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring easy access from the building entrance to the second floor dining area.
- Wheelchair accessible restroom: Providing comfort and convenience for all patrons.
- Wheelchair accessible seating: Guaranteeing that all guests can enjoy the 'Cozy' and 'Trendy' atmosphere comfortably.
For patrons driving into the CBD, the establishment's surrounds offer both 'Paid parking lot' and 'Paid street parking,' offering various options for the convenience of its clientele travelling from across New South Wales.
Services Offered: A Complete Dining Ecosystem
ESQ is structured to provide a full-service dining experience, focusing exclusively on 'Dine-in' and 'Table service' to ensure a high level of hospitality.
- Reservations and Planning: Given the 'Upscale' nature and popularity for 'Groups,' the planning options are essential. The venue 'Accepts reservations' and 'Dinner reservations recommended' highlights the need to book ahead, especially for peak periods or for patrons planning to enjoy the 'Live music' offerings.
- Full Dining Options: The service covers all major dining periods, including 'Lunch,' 'Dinner,' and 'Dessert,' offering flexibility for both midday business meals and evening celebrations.
- Late-Night Service: The provision of 'Late-night food' is a significant draw in the CBD, allowing the evening to extend naturally, often accompanying the vibrant atmosphere created by the 'Live performances.'
- Happy Hour: Catering to the after-work crowd, 'Happy hour drinks' and 'Happy hour food' provide an approachable way to experience the quality offerings and 'Great cocktails' for Sydney professionals seeking a premium experience without full commitment to dinner.
- Menu Flexibility: The menu is available for 'Food at bar' as well as at 'Seating,' ensuring patrons can enjoy the extensive menu whether they prefer a quick bar snack or a full seated dinner.
Features and Highlights: The Fusion of Grill and Glamour
The highlights of ESQ Bar + Dining are rooted in its superb offerings, focusing on quality ingredients and a dynamic social environment.
- Premier Grill and Protein Focus: The heart of the menu lies in the 'p r o t e i n s f r o m t h e g r i l l' section. The menu features premium, high-marbling beef, including 250g Wagyu Tagima MB4+ Rump and the formidable 600g Beef Rib Eye Cutlet Delmonico. Crucially, the menu highlights local New South Wales sourcing, with 250g Swordfish from Ulladulla and 350g Aged pork cutlet from the Southwest Slopes, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local NSW producers.
- Superior Beverage Program: The venue is highlighted for its 'Great beer selection,' 'Great cocktails,' and 'Great wine list.' This wide range of 'Hard liquor,' 'Beer,' and 'Wine' is crucial for its bar identity, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish, from the 'Crispy lamb belly' to the premium steaks. The cocktails, in particular, contribute to the 'Trendy' and 'Romantic' vibe.
- Live Entertainment: The presence of 'Live music' and 'Live performances,' often featuring jazz as noted by patrons, is a core highlight. This dynamic element transforms the dining room into an energetic, engaging venue, keeping the 'vibes amazing' and encouraging guests to stay for hours.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the grill, the menu is modern Australian, featuring sophisticated 'Small plates' like Glazed bonito and Grilled southern calamari, along with full-meal options like 'Potato gnocchi' and a dedicated 'Pre-Theatre Dining' offering, perfectly serving the cultural calendar of Sydney.
- Atmosphere and Crowd: The collective descriptors—'Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upscale'—make ESQ an ideal venue for a significant occasion. While popular for 'Groups,' the inclusion of 'Solo dining' suggests the bar area is also welcoming for individuals seeking a sophisticated meal or drink.
Contact Information:
The physical address is: Shop 1- 4 Level 2/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
For reservations and enquiries, please use the following telephone numbers:
Phone: (02) 8023 7609
Mobile Phone: +61 2 8023 7609
What is Worth Choosing ESQ Bar + Dining?
Choosing ESQ Bar + Dining is choosing a complete, high-quality, and dynamic night out in the heart of the New South Wales capital. For the local Sydney patron, it is the combination of superior culinary execution and vibrant social atmosphere that makes it a must-visit. The focus on the grill is elevated by the commitment to provenance, with menu items like the Swordfish and Pork cutlet proudly sourced from regional NSW, ensuring exceptional quality and flavour that speaks directly to the local market.
This is the ideal destination when seeking more than just a meal. If a 'Romantic' setting for a date night is required, the 'Great cocktails' and 'Live music' provide the perfect backdrop. If a full 'Groups' celebration is on the cards, the 'Hard liquor,' 'Great wine list,' and sophisticated 'Dinner' service cater perfectly. The inclusion of 'Pre-Theatre Dining' is particularly valuable for those attending events at nearby cultural venues, offering a stress-free, premium option before the show.
Moreover, the practical amenities, from full accessibility to multiple parking and payment options—including 'NFC mobile payments'—ensure the logistics of the evening are effortless, allowing the patron to focus entirely on the experience. ESQ Bar + Dining successfully delivers an 'Upscale' yet 'Cozy' environment where premium food, world-class beverages, and engaging entertainment converge on Level 2 of George Street, cementing its status as a premier Bar & Grill in the Sydney CBD.
ESQ Bar + Dining Menu
ALL DAY DINING - bar plates
- Sprouted sourdough, chickpea miso ricotta butter A$9.00
v, vgo, dfo
- Warm misto olives, garlic, fennel seed, citrus A$10.00
vg, nf, df
- Crispy lamb belly, chilli caramel, lime salt A$20.00
gf, df, nf
- Fried potato, sobrasada, ricotta salata A$16.00
vo
- Artisan-cured meats mortadella, wagyu pastrami, bresaola, prosciutto, pickles, toast A$38.00
gfo, dfo, nf
- Wagyu double pattie cheeseburger, swiss cheese, house ketchup, pickle, fries A$29.00
ALL DAY DINING - s m a l l p l at e s
- Sydney rock oysters, nori mignonette
gf, df, nf
- Carrot crackers, taramasalata, salmon roe, green onion A$19.00
- BBQ leeks, walnut romesco, charred citrus dressing, herb salad A$23.00
VG
- Glazed bonito, rye crumb, crème fraiche, horseradish, smoked soy A$29.00
gfo, dfo, nf
- Grilled southern calamari, rouille, XO butter A$28.00
gfo, dfo
- Smoked chicken & ham hock terrine, wood ear mushroom, caper & raisin, grilled bread A$28.00
df, gfo, nf
ALL DAY DINING - l a r g e r p l at e s
- Market fish, almond crumb, miso butter, fine herbs, chilli oil A$38.00
- Potato gnocchi, fioretto, artichoke, leek, broccolini, hazelnut, agrodolce A$32.00
v, dfo
- Aged duck breast heirloom beetroot, pistachio, spiced jus A$44.00
gf, df
- Roasted lamb saddle & belly, pickled green tomato, smoked yoghurt, pine nut & currants A$38.00
gf, dfo
ALL DAY DINING - p r o t e i n s f r o m t h e g r i l l
- 250g Swordfish, sourced from Ulladulla, NSW A$44.00
GF DF
- 350g Aged pork cutlet, sourced from the Southwest Slopes of NSW A$38.00
GF DF
- 250 Beef Flat Iron Pinnacle MB2+ MSA A$52.00
gf, df
- 250g Wagyu Tagima MB4+ Beef Rump A$55.00
gf, df
- 300g Shorthorn MSA Beef Scotch fillet A$72.00
gf, df
- 600g Beef Rib Eye Cutlet Delmonico Pinnacle MSA A$140.00
gf, df Includes charred lemon and a choice of sauce:
ALL DAY DINING - sides
- Green beans, XO, cured egg A$16.00
dfo, vgo
- Shoestring fries, chilli salt A$16.00
vg, df, gf
- Green leaf salad, fennel, mustard dressing A$16.00
vg, nf, gf
ALL DAY DINING - dessserts
- Bombe Alaska A$20.00
passionfruit, lychee, coconut & rum gf, df
- Paris Brest A$20.00
brown sugar caramel cream, hazelnut, yoghurt ice cream, hot chocolate
- Carrot cake A$20.00
candied walnut, carrot curd, frosting ice-cream nfo
- Selection of cheeses A$34.00
grapes, lavosh, oat cracker gfo, nfo
PRE-THEATRE DINING
- PRE-THEATRE DINING
ESQ Bar + Dining Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Parking
ESQ Bar + Dining Photos










ESQ Bar + Dining Location
ESQ Bar + Dining
Shop 1- 4 Level 2/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
ESQ Bar + Dining Reviews
wine listtheatreduckbeef tartarefood and winejazz bandgnocchijazz triobone marrowspeakeasy
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1had an amazingg time at ESQ the food was pretty good but the vibes were amazing with the live jazz on friday night and the ladies were lovely and even took requests for the music.for entrees we got the bone marrow, steak tartare and tuna tataki. bone marrow was really good as it came with roasted garlic and chimichurri. tartare was good with some asian inspiration. tuna tataki was plain i wasn’t that big a fan of but my friend liked it.for mains we got the skirt steak, charred sugarloaf and the wagyu roasted potato’s. steak was great paired with the mustard and chimicurri. i wanted some vegetables but the charred sugarloaf was not what we expected. it was very soppy and had quite a sweet flavour and was the only letdown of the night. the potato’s could’ve been more crunchy.dessert we had the mille-feuille which was yum but the pistachio ice cream tasted weird.OVERALL tho we had an amazing time with the vibes we stayed nearly three hours enjoying the music as they weren’t too busy and i will definitely be back again to try more items on the menu!
September 27 · Jade LeeGorgeous space. Date night or group dinner perfect. Live jazz on a Wednesday was surprising and very cool. Food however, was a bit underwhelming. Main (meat) meals were pricey considering they came without any sides at all. Had the gnocchi but they were on the tough side. Saving grace was dessert which was quite good (Apple tart). Service was underwhelming and not particularly friendly on this occasion. Won’t be in a rush to return which is a shame as the location on the top floor of the iconic QVB is stunning. One main + dessert, no drinks, $53
October 02 · Laura LWe went for the bottomless old fashioned and American-style dining. The old fashion cocktails were good, although seemed to slow down in service and in strength after the first two drinks. The menu was good, hush puppies, sprouts, steak, biscuits, and dessert. The steak was standout, cooked to perfection. The biscuits were dry. The sprouts had great flovour and cooked well. Would have been nice to see the whiskey featured in the food as well.
August 18 · Kristina EstebanI felt slightly pressured to call this a “speakeasy” restaurant, even though it doesn’t actually have the hallmark speakeasy-style entrance—which is kind of the defining feature of a speakeasy.That aside, the food and service were absolutely fantastic. The steak was incredibly tender—easily the softest I’ve ever had—and the mustard was genuinely the best I’ve tasted. The bone marrow was excellent, but the scallops were divine. Live background music added a classy touch, and my wife and I really enjoyed the entire evening. Rick was a great host and totally saved me with his red wine steak sauce recommendation over the butter.
June 25 · Davey PaulI wish I could give this AMAZING restaurant more than 5 stars. Absolutely impressed by the service, the food and the ambience of the classy location. We made a reservation and was a tad early, however was attended to straight away and made to feel welcome. We were very impressed at the manager being so integrally involved in all facets of this restaurant and speaking with us throughout the night sharing some amazing insights to the restaurant itself and other amazing experiences awaiting us in the city.Then the food and beverages added a whole other level. The food was so flavoursome and presented so well inviting us to explore the plate and it's aromas.Thank you so much for this experience and I would highly recommend this beautiful restaurant & bar to everyone.
June 26 · Dan Duncan
More Restaurants Near Me
Sushi Hotaru Charcoal Bar4.0 (423 reviews)LG2/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Yama4.0 (496 reviews)Shop 2- 4 Level 2 QVB, Shop 2 - 4/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Dutch Smuggler coffee Qvb4.0 (58 reviews)Queen Victoria Building, lower ground level 2 Shop 11/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Koko Black - QVB3.0 (28 reviews)Queen Victoria Building, Shop 3/445 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Metropole Cafe4.0 (1020 reviews)Kiosk 56, Ground Floor/455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Little Sparrow QVB3.0 (46 reviews)Queen Victoria Building, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Cafe 683.0 (18 reviews)68 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Yellow coffee4.0 (2 reviews)68 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Coffee Shop3.0 (19 reviews)44 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Chat Thai3.0 (40 reviews)450 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
La Belle Miette4.0 (139 reviews)455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
ONEA Café4.0 (77 reviews)1a/68 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Cicchetti Wine Bar3.0 (293 reviews)
Gloria Jean's Sydney Central Plaza3.0 (183 reviews)
Gong Cha Sydney Central Plaza4.0 (11 reviews)
El Corte – Argentinian Steakhouse4.0 (332 reviews)
Nanashi & Amahouse4.0 (58 reviews)
Venchi - The Galeries Sydney4.0 (805 reviews)Trending The Culinary Journal Posts
How Australia’s Restaurant Industry Is Responding to Health & Wellness Dining Movements | Sydney Eats Explorer
How Australian Restaurants Are Fusing Technology With Dining Ambience
The Best Korean BBQ Places in Sydney to Book Now | Sydney Eats Explorer
The Best Indian Restaurants in Australia for Authentic Flavours | Sydney Eats Explorer
What Makes a Great Brunch Spot in Sydney? We Asked Locals | Sydney Eats Explorer
How Australian Restaurants Are Using Social Proof and Reviews to Attract Diners | Sydney Eats Explorer
