Where Chefs Eat: Peter Gilmore Really Knows Crows Nest, Willoughby and More

Your Snow Egg is arguably one of the first desserts to really catapult to fame via Masterchef. What do you think the power of the show is now?
Masterchef has a strong following with real foodies. Whenever one of my dishes features on the show, we still see a lot of impact from our customers ordering the featured dish.

What’s your go-to if you want a quick takeaway dinner?
I live on the north side of Sydney and I love to get a woodfire pizza from Braci Osteria in Willoughby.

What about lunch before you head to Bennelong?
Occasionally I call into AP bakery in Darlinghurst.

What’s your favourite snack in Sydney?
I often go to Only Coffee in Crows Nest and then walk around the corner to Crescent Croissanterie to grab a Nutella and banana Danish.

Where’s the ideal spot for a date? Why?
I’m going to be biased and say Bennelong. Being in the magnificence of the Opera House and the grandeur of Bennelong is going to impress any date.

If it’s a special occasion, where are you booking? What are you ordering?
One of my favourite restaurants for a special occasion is Margaret in Double Bay and I would usually go for a piece of pristine fish that Neil sources from incredible fishermen from around the country.

Do you have a go-to for a long lunch? What are you ordering?
Sometimes when I want a well-cooked brunch or lunch on the weekend, I go to Boronia Kitchen in Hunters Hill. No matter what you order it’s always good.

How about a meal with a big group of family or friends?
When I’m out with a group of family or friends I love to go to Mama Mulan in Chatswood. You can reserve one of the private rooms and have a great yum cha experience.

Is there a hidden gem in Sydney that you think is great?
I really love Ante in Newtown. It has a great list of sake and delicious food.

If you’re after something sweet, where are you heading and what are you getting?
I’ve recently made a few visits to Dear Florence within Prefecture 48. The desserts are small works of art that are delicious as well.

Is there a knockout dish in Sydney you haven’t been able to stop thinking about?
The dishes that are on my mind the most are the next creations I’m developing for Quay.

Where are the best places for groceries and produce in Sydney?
I often go to Northbridge Plaza. There’s a really good fruit shop called LoSurdo’s right next to Simon Johnson, which is next to Tokyo Mart for all your Japanese food needs.

You spend a lot of time in Tassie these days. If you have one night in Hobart, where are you dining?
That’s a hard question because there are so many great chef-run small restaurants in Hobart these days, but Ogee , Trophy Room and Pitzi are high on my rotation list because they all offer highly season local produce cooked simply, with precise skill.

What’s your bucket-list restaurant?
I’ve always wanted to go to Boragó in Chile.