Sailors Thai

Ph: (02) 9251 2466; Downstairs, 106 George St, THE ROCKS 2000

Thai, $$$, ** for Food
Open Lunch Mon-Fri noon-23opm; Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm, Closed Sun; Licensed; AE DC MC V, Seats inside 70, Outside seats, Kids welcomed
Chef (Ty Bellingham, 2007-11-3) Owner (Peter Bowyer & David Thompson, 2007-11-3)

Mietta's Review
Though it opened years ago (1995) Sailors Thai still sets standards for Thai food in a city which has made the cuisine its own. That has been achieved by maintaining the attention to detail laid down by founder, David Thompson. While absent conquering London, his presence is still felt in this stylish old landmark building. The flavours remain exciting and the menu can still surprise.

Other published opinions

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 15/20, One Hat "There's colonial history here. This is the old Sailor's home, tastefully modernised with white walls and comfortable tables"

Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide "Going on 12 years, Sailors Thai retains the spark that first lit Sydneysiders' chilli-hazed passion for authentic Thai food"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 Score: 15/20, One Hat "Expat David Thompson's flagship hit the doldrums last year. Thankfully, the master returned briefly to put wind back in the sails and the heat of Ty Bellingham's kitchen back on the plate. Service has lifted with Colin Nelson (ex-est.) overseeing the floor (though it can still wobble in his absence) and the historic space's mix of sandstone and striking, contemporary colours can still surprise."

Gourmet Traveller 2007 Restaurant Guide Score: * "As Sailors celebrates its 10th birthday, the communal table at the casual, no-bookings 'canteen' upstairs and the clean lines and crisp concrete of the fine-diner downstairs look better than ever, and there's still little to compete with the canteen's slick take on the trad chilli-laced green papaya salad with caramelised pork."

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20 "This landmark Sydney restaurant helped redefine the city's attitudes and approach to Thai cuisine. But the long absence of British-based super-chef David Thompson has seen the lemongrass zing dissipate. You'd hope that prices almost double those of a suburban Siam eatery would result in food to match, but sadly it's not always the case."

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide * "David Thompson may have left the building - and the country - but he's still a co-owner and frequent visitor to this kitchen, and an extended visit in early 2005 saw him inject new life into the menu"

SBS Eating Guide to Sydney 2005 "This is a standout destination, no matter whether owner David Thompson is in town or at his much-lauded Nahm restaurant in London. Quality is the key here, along with a diverse and meticulous approach to Thai cuisine."

SMH Good Food Guide 2005 Score 15/20 One Hat "This smart conversion of an historic Rocks building (the former Sailors' Home, circa 1864) features a basement of dreamy pastel walls and a silver cylinder concealing the waiters' station. Subtle downlights and music soften the concrete floor and bentwood chairs, and the ultra-modern interior is in marked contrast to the culinary traditions honoured here. Owner David Thompson's influence (now, all the way from England) is evident in the riotous pomelo and fresh prawn betel leaves, expertly seasoned with lime, chilli and palm sugar in a classic Thai combination."

Gourmet Traveller Australian Restaurant Guide 2005 Good Vegetarian Options "This ain't no ordinary Thai. In fact, this is one of the best Thai restaurants you're going to find outside Thailand. Truth be told, it's the rare Thai restaurant in Thailand that could match the elegance of this food, let alone the staff and decor."

SMH GFG 2004,Score 16/20, Really Lovely, 'Amazingly, Sailor's Thai still surprises and continues to challenge our perception of what Thai food is...Within a modern,minimalist interior,layers of flavour and texture excite the palate...when they nail it,it's a spectacular success.'

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide 2004,'above-average Thai food in a sizzling location near Circular Quay.The restaurant serves up sexy, exotic palate teasers...The well-oiled service adds to the experience.'

The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living, Eat Out, Matthew Evans, Good food Guide: 1 hat, 3/9/02. Score 16/20. "The home of Sydneys most intricately flavoured food."