At the very start, a quick peek at the Gloria Jeans Menu sets the tone of casual culinary delight. Similarly, when you dive into the world of planar, you’re met with modern sophistication by the water.
Perched on the edge of Darling Harbour in Sydney, Planar Restaurant is a stunning example of modern Australian cuisine. It blends contemporary flair with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The setting is extraordinary—think panoramic harbour views and Mediterranean-inspired decor. It’s tucked away yet still captures attention from passersby.
What is Planar Restaurant?
Planar is a modern Australian waterfront dining venue located at the ground floor of ICC Sydney, right on the edge of Darling Harbour. It offers a bright, Mediterranean-inspired space where guests can enjoy breakfast, express lunch, full dinner, and a curated drinks selection that includes beers, wines, and cocktails.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with indoor elegance and alfresco seating that frame panoramic harbour views. Beyond dining, Planar hosts engaging experiences like pizza and pasta-making, whisky and gin tastings, and cocktail masterclasses—many held in a seasonal “Dining Dome” that offers a unique, intimate harbour-edge setting.
A Culinary Journey Through Panoramic Flavours
When you think of planar, expect more than just a place to eat—it’s a culinary journey. The menu is rich with modern Australian dishes served alongside international twists. Breakfast, express lunch, and full dinner menus ensure there’s something for every part of the day.
The kitchen team showcases fresh and local ingredients. From hearty breakfasts with seasonal fruits and artisanal breads to elegant mains featuring premium proteins and inventive sides, every plate is thoughtfully crafted. The drink menu also impresses, offering a wide selection of wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails, all enjoyed in an alfresco setting by the waterfront.
Why Planar Restaurant Stands Out
From morning coffee to evening cocktails, the ever-changing waterfront scenery provides a memorable backdrop for any meal. The breadth of offerings—from quick breakfasts to elaborate dinners—means there’s a fitting option for every occasion. Themed classes and special events help planar stand apart. They bring customers back not just for the food, but for the experience.
With facilities for large groups and flexible space options, it’s perfect for corporate functions, weddings, or celebrations. The modern, Mediterranean-inspired interior blends with the open dining areas to create an upscale yet relaxed ambience.
Planar Mezze Platter
A generous selection of cured meats, brie, hummus, and grissini offers a rich sharing starter. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for waterfront grazing.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Planar Mezze Platter |
| Description | Cured meats, brie, hummus, and grissini served as a vibrant starter. |
| Price | $36 |
Wagyu Sliders (3)
Soft bao buns filled with tender shredded wagyu beef, fresh tomato, and shallots. They deliver melt-in-your-mouth richness in mini-bites.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Wagyu Sliders (3) |
| Description | Shredded wagyu beef in bao buns with tomato and shallots. |
| Price | $24 |
Salt & Pepper Squid
Crispy, spiced squid rings served over Asian noodles with aioli and lemon. The tender squid pops with flavor and crunch in every bite.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Salt & Pepper Squid |
| Description | Crispy squid over noodles with aioli and lemon. |
| Price | $26 |
Truffle Arancini (v)
Crispy risotto balls infused with aromatic truffle, served alongside aioli. Each bite is creamy, earthy, and utterly indulgent.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Truffle Arancini (v) |
| Description | Truffle-infused risotto balls served with aioli. |
| Price | $19 |
Ultimate Beef Burger
A hearty grass-fed beef patty topped with lettuce, cheese, caramelised onions, and aioli. Served with chips, it’s a satisfyingly classic gourmet burger.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Ultimate Beef Burger |
| Description | Beef patty with lettuce, cheese, onion, aioli and chips. |
| Price | $27 |
Halloumi Burger (v)
Grilled halloumi cheese stacked with lettuce, avocado, mushrooms, and aioli. This vegetarian option is hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Halloumi Burger (v) |
| Description | Grilled halloumi, avocado, mushrooms, and aioli. |
| Price | $26 |
Seafood Linguine
A medley of prawns, scallops, calamari, and mussels tossed in a chili garlic tomato sauce. It combines fresh seafood with light, zesty flavors in an elegant pasta dish.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Seafood Linguine |
| Description | Prawns, scallops, calamari, mussels in chili garlic sauce. |
| Price | $34 |
Pappardelle Ragu
Wide ribbons of pasta enveloped in a rich slow-cooked wagyu beef ragu and finished with Parmesan. Comforting, savory, and deeply satisfying.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Pappardelle Ragu |
| Description | Pasta ribbons with wagyu beef ragu and Parmesan. |
| Price | $33 |
Pumpkin Risotto (gf, vegan)
Creamy pumpkin, green peas, sun-dried tomato, and spinach topped with pine nuts. A vibrant, plant-based dish that’s hearty and healthful.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Pumpkin Risotto (vegan) |
| Description | Pumpkin, peas, tomato, spinach, and pine nuts. |
| Price | $29 |
Truffle Prosciutto Pizza
Wood-fired pizza topped with wild mushrooms, prosciutto, truffle oil, and shaved Parmesan. It’s an indulgent pie with gourmet Italian flavors.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Truffle Prosciutto Pizza |
| Description | Wood-fired pizza with mushrooms, prosciutto, truffle oil. |
| Price | $28 |
The Modern Architecture of Planar
The architecture and design of planar reflect the latest in open-concept restaurant design philosophy. By blending indoor elegance with accessible outdoor dining, the layout supports visibility, flow, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
| Time of Day | Menu Positions | Ambience |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | Coffee, breakfast | Quiet and sunlight-filled |
| Late Morning–Afternoon | Express lunch | Fresh, bustling, business-friendly |
| Evening | Full dinner, drinks | Elegant, lively, scenic |
| Seasonal | High Tea, Dining Dome | Cozy, special occasion |
This table outlines the smooth transition of offerings and atmosphere throughout the day, all centered around views and vibes of Darling Harbour.
Opening Closing Timing
Here are the confirmed opening, closing, and delivery times for Planar in Sydney’s Darling Harbour:
| Day | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 8:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Friday–Saturday | 8:00 AM | 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
Delivery & Takeaway Windows (via Uber Eats)
- Breakfast orders permitted from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily
- Lunch & Dinner orders accepted roughly 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Sunday–Thursday), extending to 9:00 PM–9:30 PM (Friday–Saturday)
Engaging Team‑Building and Culinary Classes
Beyond standard dining like Modo Mio Menu, planar stands out for its interactive experiences. Guests can join cocktail-making, whisky tasting, pasta-making, or pizza-making classes—all led by professionals who turn participants into skilled mixologists or home chefs.
These sessions bring people together in a fun, social setting. Imagine rolling gnocchi or learning to craft the perfect Negroni, all overlooking the harbour. It’s an ideal blend of team-building, food education, and seaside relaxation.
Planning Your Visit to Planar Restaurant
Open daily from early morning until late, whether you’re craving breakfast or a late-night drink planar restaurant has you covered. Reservations are recommended for waterfront seating and Dining Dome bookings, especially for weekends or large groups. Located at ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour, ample parking is available. It’s also a short walk from public transport hubs. For private or corporate bookings, contact the events team for customized menus and service packages. Banquet offerings are available on request.
Location
Here are the location details for Planar, in a clear and concise list:
- Address: Shop C08, Ground Floor, ICC Sydney (International Convention Centre), 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000
- Building/Precinct: Located within ICC Sydney, on the western edge of the city’s CBD
- Nearby Landmarks: Adjacent to the IMAX Theatre, Sydney Convention Centre, and Cockle Bay Wharf
- Access: A short walk from Town Hall and Central train stations; accessible via taxi/Uber drop-off at Iron Wharf Place
- Parking: ICC Sydney has onsite parking (ICC Car Park 1 is closest), plus nearby public options
Owners of Planar
Here are the key individuals associated with the ownership and leadership of Planar:
- Garry Simonian – Managing Director with over 30 years’ hospitality experience
- Private Ownership – Privately held by a hospitality management group (11–50 employees)
- ICC Sydney / ASM Global – Venue managed within ICC, overseen by ICC Sydney’s executive team
Customer Reviews
Here are some notable customer reviews from Google and other platforms for Planar:
- “4.9 out of 5 from 3,000+ Google reviews. Guests frequently applaud the fresh ingredients, generous portions, and friendly, attentive staff.”
- “Lively dining experience with great views and a diverse menu, ideal for both tourists and locals.”
- “The emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients is evident… rich flavors and generous portions of each meal.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a place that blends modern Australian cuisine, waterfront dining, and interactive culinary events, planar restaurant is a top choice in Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Whether you’re enjoying a solo coffee, hosting a celebration, or learning to make pasta by the sea, this restaurant beautifully merges flavor, design, and experience.
The next time you’re in Sydney, be sure to ask for a seat by the harbour, check out the Dining Dome, and maybe stay for that pasta or cocktail class. The views, the flavour, and the atmosphere all come together to make Planar a standout destination.
