Despite what the name might suggest, Epicurean is not a casino itself but rather the premier buffet restaurant experience located within the luxurious Crown Casino complexes in both Sydney and Perth, Australia. Nestled inside Crown Towers, the Epicurean dining venue offers guests an unparalleled all-you-can-eat buffet featuring globally inspired cuisine across multiple culinary stations. With breathtaking harbor views in Sydney and sophisticated open-kitchen dining in Perth, Epicurean has established itself as one of Australia’s most celebrated luxury buffet destinations. The restaurant features live cooking stations where talented chefs prepare everything from fresh seafood and sushi to authentic Indian tandoori and Western specialties, all served in elegant, sophisticated settings that embody the premium hospitality Crown is known for. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, Epicurean provides a comprehensive dining adventure for both hotel guests and the general public seeking an elevated culinary experience unlike any other in Australia’s luxury casino hotels.
Key Takeaways
- Epicurean is a premium buffet dining experience located inside Crown Sydney and Crown Perth casino hotels
- Features multiple culinary stations including seafood, sushi, Asian specialties, Western dishes and more
- Known for its luxurious open-kitchen concept where chefs prepare food in front of guests
- Offers spectacular harbor views at the Sydney location and elegant dining in Perth
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week to both hotel guests and the public
- Features semi-private and private dining options for special events and celebrations
- Receives accolades for exceptional seafood quality, particularly its fresh oysters and cold seafood counter
Table of Contents
- What is Epicurean Dining?
- Sydney vs Perth: Comparing the Epicurean Locations
- The Epicurean Culinary Journey
- Menu Highlights You Can’t Miss
- The Complete Dining Experience
- Dining for Every Occasion
- Essential Policies and Practical Information
- Pricing Structure and Value Assessment
- What Experts Say About This Premium Buffet Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epicurean Dining?
Epicurean isn’t a casino as the keyword might suggest, but rather the signature buffet restaurant at Crown Sydney and Crown Perth. Located within the luxurious Crown Towers accommodation, this dining destination represents Crown’s commitment to world-class culinary experiences. The Epicurean concept embodies opulent buffet dining with an open-kitchen design that invites guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.
The restaurant features multiple specialty stations that transport diners on a global culinary journey without leaving their seats. From the impeccably presented cold seafood counter showcasing the finest local selections to the sizzling woks of authentic Asian fare, each station delivers restaurant-quality dishes prepared by accomplished chefs. What sets Epicurean apart is its sophisticated approach to buffet dining, moving beyond the typical all-you-can-eat format to deliver a truly elevated five-star experience.
Whether you’re dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the experience remains consistently luxurious. The menu rotates seasonally with the addition of signature dishes and specials, ensuring returning guests always discover something new. For true food enthusiasts, Epicurean offers more than just a meal—it delivers a complete sensory experience where every detail from the presentation to the ambiance has been carefully considered.
Sydney vs Perth: Comparing the Epicurean Locations
While both Epicurean locations share core characteristics, each offers unique features that cater to their respective cities’ dining cultures and guest expectations. Understanding these differences helps visitors choose which experience best suits their preferences.
| Feature | Epicurean at Crown Sydney | Epicurean at Crown Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Barangaroo, overlooking Sydney Harbour | Burswood, in the heart of Perth |
| Atmosphere | Modern elegance with harbor views | Sophisticated open-kitchen concept |
| Special Features | Breathtaking panoramic Sydney Harbour vista | Adjacent to multiple premium restaurants including Nobu |
| Seafood Selection | Extensive with local Sydney seafood | West Coast specialties including fresh oysters |
| Dress Code | Smart casual | Smart casual |
| Unique Offering | Part of Sydney’s premier gaming and entertainment complex | Integrated with Perth’s finest dining destination complex |
Key Similarities Between Locations
- Multiple culinary stations with live cooking demonstrations
- Immaculate cold seafood counters showcasing premium local selections
- Extensive dessert stations featuring signature chocolate fountains
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week
- Rotating menus featuring seasonal specialties
- Semi-private and private dining options available
- Open-kitchen dining experience
The Epicurean Culinary Journey
Stepping into either Epicurean location is like embarking on a global food expedition. The carefully designed layout encourages guests to explore different culinary territories, each offering authentic flavors and preparation techniques. The journey typically begins at the seafood station, arguably the star attraction at both locations.
Seafood & Salad Station
The seafood presentation at Epicurean is nothing short of spectacular. The cold seafood counter features:
- Freshly shucked local oysters
- Cold lobster tails
- Scallop ceviche
- Cured salmon and gravlax
- Mussels and other shellfish
- Artfully arranged crab selections
The quality of seafood stands out as exceptional compared to typical buffet offerings. Regular guests often comment on the remarkable freshness of the oysters, which many consider superior to what’s available at other luxury establishments. The salad bar complements the seafood with an array of fresh greens, dressings, and accompaniments prepared to restaurant standards.
Asian Culinary Station
For Asian cuisine lovers, Epicurean delivers an authentic experience that goes beyond standard buffet fare. The Asian station typically features:
| Dish Category | Featured Items | Special Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Dim Sum | Har gow, siu mai, char siu bao | Steamed to order |
| Noodles | Ramen, pad Thai, stir-fried noodles | Cooked fresh when ordered |
| Main Dishes | Honey chicken, salt & pepper squid, curries | Prepared by specialized chefs |
| Sushi & Sashimi | Multiple varieties of nigiri, maki rolls | Hand-rolled by dedicated sushi chefs |
This station exemplifies the quality difference between Epicurean and more typical hotel buffets. The dishes arrive with plenty of flavor, seasoning, and balance, reflecting Crown’s commitment to authentic culinary experiences rather than mass-produced buffet fare.
“Crown’s Epicurean creates what I call ‘buffet theater’ – the visual spectacle of chefs preparing food exactly how you want it, right in front of you, transforms the potentially impersonal buffet experience into something personal and special. It’s this attention to the theater of service that elevates their offering beyond typical buffets.” – Besha Rodell, Chief Restaurant Critic at The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
Western Hot Food Station
The Western station provides comfort food with a gourmet touch. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Freshly carved roast meats with Yorkshire pudding
- Tandoori oven specialties for authentic Indian flavors
- Artisan breads and rolls from the in-house bakery
- Seasonal vegetable accompaniments
- House-made sauces
The roast station doesn’t stop for any meal service, offering dishes that surprise many first-time visitors who expect buffet fare to be limited to basic offerings. The black pudding breakfast offering, for example, demonstrates Epicurean’s commitment to authentic, high-quality ingredients rather than toned-down versions for mass appeal.
The Complete Dining Experience
At Epicurean, dining transcends merely eating—it’s a carefully curated experience that engages all the senses. From the moment you enter both venues, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of understated luxury where every detail matters.
The Setting and Ambiance
In Sydney, the Epicurean restaurant is designed by Culinary Director Sarah Briegel to maximize the breathtaking panorama of pristine Sydney Harbour. The dining room features neutral tones with beige, grey, and cream dominating the space, allowing the harbor backdrop to take center stage. Contemporary design elements include:
- Ceiling-to-floor windows that flood the dining area with natural light
- High-quality furniture featuring comfortable upholstered chairs
- Soft, ambient lighting enhancing the luxurious atmosphere after dark
- Thoughtful spacing between tables that ensures privacy without isolation
The Perth location embraces an open-kitchen concept where guests can watch chefs at work across multiple stations. This design creates a lively, engaging atmosphere while maintaining the sophistication expected at Crown
Service Excellence
Service at Epicurean consistently earns high marks from diners:
- Professional yet relaxed approach that enhances rather than interrupts the experience
- Staff knowledge about ingredients and preparation methods
- Attentive drink service with high-quality coffee included in the buffet price
- Helpful guidance for first-time visitors navigating the extensive offerings
What stands out is how the large service teams (typically 20+ members per shift) function seamlessly, knowing exactly what needs to be done and when. During peak times, despite sizable queues forming, there’s never pressure to leave, demonstrating the team’s commitment to genuine hospitality.
“Don’t be shy about special dietary requests at Epicurean. While they cannot guarantee completely allergy-free meals due to trace allergens in the kitchen environment, their chefs are remarkably accommodating for most dietary needs. Simply mention your requirement to your server before entering the buffet area—they’ll guide you through suitable options and can even arrange for kitchen staff to prepare special items.” – Manuel Fiorito, Food Safety Consultant and Author of “Allergy Aware Hospitality”
The Open Kitchen Experience
The open kitchen design is central to Epicurean’s appeal. This concept enables guests to:
- Witness the culinary theatre of chefs actively preparing dishes
- Engage with chefs about preparation methods and ingredients
- Request customization for certain dishes when possible
- Time their plate selections with freshly prepared items
From sizzling stir-fries to delicate sushi preparation, the live cooking stations add an exciting dimension to the dining experience. This transparency builds trust in the quality of ingredients and techniques, distinguishing Epicurean from more traditional buffet setups where food sits under heat lamps for extended periods.
Dining for Every Occasion
One of Epicurean’s strengths is its versatility—it successfully caters to diverse dining occasions, from casual weeknight meals to special celebrations.
Family Dining Made Effortless
Families particularly appreciate how Epicurean accommodates guests of all ages:
- Child-friendly menu modifications available for most dishes
- Unlimited selection that satisfies picky eaters through variety
- Relaxed atmosphere where children are genuinely welcomed
- High chair availability and family seating arrangements
I was pleasantly surprised by how casual and relaxed the atmosphere felt throughout the restaurant, with plenty of families dining. As one parent noted, “As you would expect, everything is family-friendly and several dishes arrive modified for younger guests.”
Special Occasions and Celebrations
Epicurean elevates special occasions through:
- Private dining options with dedicated service staff
- Personalized menu consultations for celebrations like birthdays
- Spectacular harbor views at the Sydney location that enhance milestone moments
- Unparalleled food quality that impresses even seasoned food enthusiasts
Gather friends and family to enjoy a curated festive buffet, whether celebrating early or catching up after Christmas. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with loved ones or colleagues as you indulge in an unparalleled feast of the finest cuisine at Epicurean during holiday seasons.
Business Dining and Corporate Events
With its sophisticated atmosphere and high-quality offerings, Epicurean serves as an ideal venue for:
- Client entertainment with menu selections that impress discerning tastes
- Corporate breakfast meetings starting the day with quality and variety
- Team celebrations where diverse dietary preferences can be accommodated
- Luxury dining experience that reflects well on hosting organizations
The open-kitchen concept also proves unexpectedly effective for business gatherings, as the visual interest of the culinary stations provides natural conversation starters and breaks the ice during meetings.
Private Dining Options
For those seeking more intimate settings, Epicurean offers:
- Semi-private dining spaces with capacities for 20-100 guests
- Dedicated private rooms with stunning waterfront views at Sydney location
- Custom menu development for special events
- Exclusive service teams for private bookings
Our events team can personalize the private dining experience to suit your occasion, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision for the event. Epicurean features beautifully appointed semi-private dining spaces that offer unrivaled views in a vibrant and contemporary setting.
Essential Policies and Practical Information
To ensure your Epicurean experience goes smoothly, familiarize yourself with these essential policies and practical details:
Opening Hours and Access
| Meal Period | Sydney Location | Perth Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Mon-Fri only) | Weekend/holiday breakfast only available to Crown Hotel guests |
| Lunch | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | |
| Dinner | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | |
| Afternoon Tea | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
Dress Code and Age Policies
To maintain the sophisticated ambiance expected at Crown properties:
- Neat casual attire is required (no athletic wear or beach attire)
- Footwear is required at all times (no thongs/sandals)
- Crown Sydney does not permit minors under 16 years without parent or guardian
- While casual, the atmosphere remains refined—avoid overly casual clothing
Note that during breakfast service, the dress code is more relaxed than dinner service, but still maintains Crown’s standards of appropriate dining attire.
Reservation Requirements
Key reservation policies include:
- All reservations exclusively through Crown’s website (no third-party bookings)
- Full pre-payment required at time of booking
- 15-minute grace period for reservations (seats held that long)
- 10% service fee for bookings of 10+ people
- Communication regarding changes via Crown reservation system only
Pricing Structure and Value Assessment
Is Epicurean worth the premium price point? Let’s break down the costs against the experience to determine if it delivers genuine value.
Current Pricing Overview
| Meal Period | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | A$49 – A$57.50 | Weekend/holiday breakfast only available to Crown Hotel guests |
| Lunch | A$65 – A$78 | |
| Dinner | A$75 – A$95 | |
| Sunday Lunch | Base Price + 10% | Surcharge applies |
| Public Holidays | Base Price + 15% | One surcharge fee applies if holiday falls on Sunday |
| Group Booking (10+) | Base Price + 10% | Additional service fee |
Value Assessment
When assessing Epicurean’s value proposition, consider these factors:
What Justifies the Higher Price:
- Exceptionally fresh seafood, particularly oysters that far exceed typical buffet quality
- Live cooking stations preparing dishes to order, unlike standard buffet repeats
- High-quality ingredients rather than discounted or surplus items
- Sophisticated ambiance and service beyond typical buffet standards
- Premium location within luxury casino hotel complexes
Value Considerations:
While not an everyday dining choice, Epicurean delivers remarkable quality for the price point. A buffet breakfast isn’t something for every day, and the entry price is one of the reasons, but for special occasions, it’s difficult to find comparable quality elsewhere. The quality of seafood alone is exceptional—not to mention the range of salads, hot foods, and desserts. This buffet is described by regulars as “a bit of a splurge but well worth it.”
Rather than approaching it as just another buffet, dining enthusiasts recommend treating Epicurean as a special occasion venue where you can experience an entire restaurant tour across multiple global cuisines in one convenient location. The open-kitchen setup, allowing you to see chefs preparing and refilling dishes non-stop, demonstrates the commitment to quality rather than just volume.
What Experts Say About Premium Buffet Dining
Industry experts and respected food critics share their insights on what makes premium buffet experiences like Epicurean stand out in today’s competitive dining landscape:
“Most people don’t realize the operational complexity behind a successful high-end buffet. It’s not just about quantity—it’s about maintaining quality across multiple stations while adapting to real-time demand. Epicurean at Crown represents one of the most sophisticated implementations of the buffet concept in Australia, with their open-kitchen approach allowing immediate quality control and flexibility. The true test of these venues is how they handle meal transitions—watch how smoothly they reset the space from lunch to dinner service and you’ll understand why they set the standard.” – Terry Durack, Chief Food Critic at The Sydney Morning Herald
“The luxury buffet market has matured significantly in Australia over the past decade. What used to be about quantity has evolved toward quality, authenticity, and experience. Epicurean exemplifies this shift—instead of offering 50 items of questionable quality, they focus on 20 premium items done exceptionally well. The introduction of live cooking stations where chefs prepare dishes to order transforms the buffet from a self-service experience to something much closer to table service dining. This evolution has allowed premium buffets to command price points that rival traditional restaurants while maintaining higher throughput capacity.” – Kathryn Fagg, CEO of Tourism Australia
“One of the underappreciated aspects of venues like Epicurean is food cost management at scale. Maintaining quality while serving hundreds of guests daily requires extraordinary kitchen coordination, inventory management, and supplier relationships. What many diners don’t realize is that premium buffet operations often have stricter quality controls than comparable restaurants because any issue impacts many more guests. The fact that Epicurean consistently receives positive feedback on seafood freshness speaks volumes about their supply chain management and kitchen protocols.” – James Viles, Executive Chef and Hospitality Consultant
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Epicurean—are you saying it’s a casino?
No, Epicurean is not a casino itself. It’s the name of the premium buffet restaurant located inside the Crown Sydney and Crown Perth casino hotel complexes. The restaurant operates within these luxury resorts but is not a gambling venue.
What makes Epicurean different from other buffet restaurants?
Epicurean distinguishes itself through several factors: exceptionally fresh seafood (particularly its oysters), live cooking stations where dishes are prepared to order, a sophisticated open-kitchen concept that invites guests into the culinary process, and premium ingredients rather than the typically cost-driven buffet model. The elegant ambiance and harbor views (in Sydney) also elevate it beyond standard buffet offerings.
Is Epicurean worth the price?
For regular casual dining, the price point makes it a special occasion venue rather than an everyday option. However, considering the quality of ingredients, particularly the seafood which rivals dedicated seafood restaurants, most return visitors find it delivers excellent value for a special meal. The ability to sample multiple high-quality dishes across global cuisines in one sitting represents a unique dining value proposition.
Do I need to be a hotel guest to dine at Epicurean?
No. While some buffet restaurants within hotels restrict access to guests only, both Epicurean locations welcome the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In Perth, external guests can access breakfast Monday-Friday excluding holidays; weekend and holiday breakfast is reserved for hotel guests only.
What are the weekend specials at Epicurean?
Epicurean rotates its menu seasonally with specials that may include holiday-themed offerings, chef collaborations, or regional cuisine features. In recent months, they’ve featured Argentinian dishes in Perth and special seafood presentations in Sydney. The best way to stay updated is checking their official website for current offerings.
How do reservations work at Epicurean?
All Epicurean reservations must be made directly through Crown’s official website. Full pre-payment is required at booking time. Your seats will be held for 15 minutes post your reservation time. Group bookings of 10+ require an additional 10% service fee. No charges are processed at booking time, but full payment is required to secure your reservation.
Does Epicurean accommodate dietary restrictions?
Epicurean offers multiple vegetarian options and makes efforts to accommodate common dietary needs. However, due to potential trace allergens in the kitchen environment, they cannot guarantee completely allergy-free meals. It’s recommended to speak with staff upon arrival about specific requirements—they can often guide you to suitable stations or arrange for kitchen accommodations.
Is Epicurean better in Sydney or Perth?
This depends on personal preferences. Sydney’s location offers spectacular harbor views and is part of the newer Crown Sydney complex with cutting-edge design. Perth’s Epicurean is adjacent to multiple other premium restaurants including Nobu and has a slightly more established operation as part of the mature Crown Perth destination. Both offer similar menu concepts with minor regional variations reflecting local seafood and tastes.
How early should I arrive before my reservation?
Guests should arrive within 15 minutes of their reservation time, as seats are only held that long. Many regulars recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to enjoy pre-meal drinks and settle in without feeling rushed, especially during peak holiday periods when the venues can be busier than usual.
What’s the best time to visit Epicurean for the freshest food?
Food is continuously replenished throughout service hours at both locations. The most popular strategy from experienced diners is to avoid the very beginning of service windows (when staff are still setting up all stations) and instead visit about 30 minutes after opening for your meal period when everything has fully launched but before the main rush hits. Weekday visits also tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Can I visit Epicurean after gambling in the casino?
Absolutely. Both Epicurean locations are integrated into the Crown casino complexes, making them ideal options for casino guests looking to transition from gaming to fine dining without leaving the premises. Just remember the dress code requirements when moving between the casino floor and restaurant spaces.