Rush

Remember the old Rush bar? Don't blame you. What was a tired after-work watering hole is now a sleek drinking and dining hub thanks to a major revamp in late 2011. The new incarnation is lustrous and sleek, all marble and gold and pressed metal, with enough dark wood to keep things from tipping too far into genie cave territory. While drinkers cluster at the front, watching the passing parade through Post Office Square, diners can settle at a table inside against the floor-to-ceiling wine rack. A spinach and goat's cheese souffle manages to be both lightly textured and richly flavoured, coupled with sticky walnuts, pear and rocket, while scallops get a traditional prosciutto pairing, each delicate coin sitting on a bed of creamy leek. The ubiquitous pork belly gets an update with tempura vegetables and honeyed wild rice but it didn't quite come together on the plate, although a sweet blueberry jus enhances a tender duck confit with roast kipflers and crisp broccolini. Service is friendly and efficient, and cocoa fiends can finish with an immodest chocolate plate.