As mentioned in the other threads, for Christmas Day, at first, we intend to do the zoo in the morning and Manly in the afternoon, so, we have tried to book Cafe Sydney for Christmas Day lunch for its proximity to the Circular Quay. It was full and it placed us on the waiting list.

So, we have booked the Pavilion on the Park instead. And meanwhile, upon the suggestions of Fodorites, we are rethinking the plan of Manly.

Now we got a message from Cafe Sydney, informing us that there is a table available.

Should we change or will we be better off sticking with Pavilion on the Park, especially that we probably are not going to Manly?

We have to decide real soon. Please help!

Thanks again!

I have no idea what the food is like coz I can't afford to go there but Cafe Sydney is a great location.

Maxi:

What time is your lunch reservation for? If it is an early lunch, I would do Manly - ferry to CQ - lunch - CQ to Taronga, and walk off all those calories in the afteroon. Vice versa if it is a later lunch.

Also, as much as I *love* Manly and try to get back there every time I go home (nostalgic memories of my childhood), there are a lot of other wonderful and less touristy beaches to visit. I would vastly recommend doing the zoo as opposed to Manly. You simply can't beat the flora, fauna, and incredible view of the harbour and Opera House.

Hi Maxi - I wouldn't change if it were me. You're already dining on the Quay with Harbour Views and the service & food at Cafe Sydney can be a bit hit & miss.

Enjoy - and Merry Christmas! Sunny & warm today - probably around 30(C)

Thanks for all your help!

With your comments about the restaurant and our itinerary of the day, and to be fair, we have decided to stay with Pavilion on the Park.

Bokhara, you mentioned about the weather. I am paying attention to the weather report and am wondering if it's cool at night in Sydney? And if my husband will need a jacket for dinner in those places we mentioned in the other thread, such as Quay, Aria, Kables?

Hi Maxi,
Yes, it usually cools down at night, and, of course, everywhere is airconditioned, so I would bring a jacket. (Don't know about you, but I mostly need a jacket/wrap in a/c restaurants.) We can, and often do, have a cold snap around this time of year - had one last week. (15C).

Aria, Quay & Kables are all fine dining restaurants and most men will be wearing suits or slacks & jacket. If he wants to be a bit more casual, perhaps dress jeans/chinos with a dark jacket.