China Doll, Sydney

The whole idea behind my blog writing all started here in this restaurant. It is perhaps one of my favourite weekend lunch places, as it takes full advantage of the beautiful surrounds at Woolloomooloo and the atmosphere is so relaxed. My friends and I have made it a regular for birthday celebrations.

You absolutely must start with a cocktail here, and my favourite is the rose petal and lemon grass martini. In fact, I could drink them all day (though this is not advisable). They are a great start to a lunch here.

I recommend sharing a few dishes, and there's a few you really should try: The chilli-salt squid is a great starter and the pork belly is my favourite dish on the menu. (Did I say, I have been here many, many times?) The blue swimmer crab omelette is great too. This is modern Asian in a great setting, and really worth a visit.

The wine list is quite good, with a great selection of local and New Zealand wines. Try Holly's Garden Pinot Gris, or one of the Cullen's wines on the list.

Seating is inside or outside, though they open up their great folding, glass doors to bring the outside in on beautiful, warm days. China Doll has private dining rooms upstairs too. The people-watching is great, and sometimes, you can spot a couple of the local famous people too.

China Doll is at Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo in Sydney. Ph 02 9380 6744.