While I’m not sure an “affordable” steak restaurant can ever genuinely be value-driven without compromising on quality, if anyone can pull it off, it’s the team at Liquid & Larder. Opening later this year, the crew’s latest venue, Alfie’s, could change the Sydney steak scene.
The reliable hospitality group has already demonstrated tremendous success in Sydney with primo steakhouses Bistecca and The Gidley, as well as vintage-minded seafood bistro The Rover. Given their reputation in Sydney, Alfie’s should align nicely with that small-but-mighty collection with lofty promises to “flip the steakhouse model on its head.”
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When it opens on Bligh Street later this year, Alfie’s will seemingly play into the rapidly exhausted trend of American steakhouses and grand brasseries. This year alone we’ve seen the likes of Palazzo Salato, Clam Bar, and Armorica Grande Brasserie lay claim to Sydney’s post-pandemic love of these big, swanky dining spots. None of these grand Sydney dining rooms appears to care much about affordability, so Alfie’s proposal could be quite compelling.
Where Bistecca’s signature is the T-bone and The Gidley leans on rib eye, Alfie’s will also be taking its trademark cut. In this case, the hero is Sirloin from the Riverine region of NSW, using the same short loin that is used at Bistecca.
Everything will be in service of the Sirloin. From the wines, curated by Group Sommelier Kyle Poole, and some classic sides.
While the kitchen will be headed by executive chef Pip Pratt, an on-site butchery and ageing facility will also be built into the new Sydney restaurant, with the space designed to supply Alfie’s as well as The Gidley and Bistecca. This should be good news when it comes to consistency, which makes it more likely that Alfie’s will be able to offer lower price points without compromise.
While full details, including the menu, will be confirmed closer to opening, Alfie’s has also nabbed former Bartender of the Year Alex Gondziuolis to head up the venue’s cocktail bar. Much like the classic steakhouses of New York, the bar will be available for walk-ins and promises Sydney’s “coldest martini” (let’s hope there’s no liquid nitrogen involved) alongside classics and seasonal libations alongside traditional bar snacks.
Until then, enjoy working through our list of the best steak restaurants in Sydney.
Alfie’s opens in September 2023 at 4-6 Bligh Street, Sydney.
