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Hotel Centennial

Beautifully precise cooking amid eastern suburbs elan.

Roasted duck for two.
1 / 7Roasted duck for two.Christopher Pearce
The sun-drenched dining room.
2 / 7The sun-drenched dining room.supplied
Hearty, elevated pub fare.
3 / 7Hearty, elevated pub fare.Supplied
Fig salad.
4 / 7Fig salad.Christopher Pearce
Almond and coffee opera cake.
5 / 7Almond and coffee opera cake.Christopher Pearce
Pork pâté de campagne.
6 / 7Pork pâté de campagne.Christopher Pearce
The light-filled dining room.
7 / 7The light-filled dining room.Supplied.

Hotel Centennial

European$$

Disclaimer

In October 2024, The Sydney Morning HeraldThe Age and Good Food detailed allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation of female staff and drug use at Merivale venues. Merivale, the owner of this restaurant, began an internal investigation into the claims and said it is committed to “an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace environment for our staff, as well as for our customers”. SafeWork NSW also began investigating the company. In June 2025 and July 2025, further allegations of exploitation and underpayment of Merivale workers were made, and Fair Work confirmed it was investigating the company. Merivale has denied all allegations against it. As a result of the investigation, this venue excludes itself from being eligible to be scored in the Good Food Guide.

The immaculate nude linen. The rotating Olsen Gallery artworks. The sculptural foliage dotted about the sun-drenched dining room. If you don’t live in a lavish home in the eastern suburbs, Hotel Centennial is a great place to play make believe

And with longstanding Merivale chef Ben Greeno calling the shots, a roaring wood oven, expertly poured wine, elegant touches like terrine sliced tableside and just-warm brown butter cake splashed with whisky? Well, why not. On Sundays, a whole side of rib-roast beef is displayed proudly by the kitchen, ready for Yorkies and other pristine seasonal trimmings.

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“Today’s offal dish”, meanwhile, might see veal tongue braised overnight, seared and splashed with a black truffle vinaigrette; a plate of blistered zucchini – prepared alla scapece and flush with ricotta, plump white anchovies and chilli oil – standing by. All class.

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