LuMi Dining

Our anticipation to dine at the much renowned LuMi couldn’t have been greater - 3 couples celebrating two birthdays - One diner travelled from Hong Kong and two from Melbourne. This review reflects the collective experience of all six. All we wanted to do that evening was to love the LuMi experience but as hard as we tried, we couldn’t ! Were we disappointed ? We may all have jumped into Pyrmont Bay in disgust if not for our spirits that couldn’t be dampened even after this $2100 LuMi Dining experience. We are not snobs. We are well travelled. We don’t allow a 4.9 rating to influence our assessment. We know pretentious from excellence. Put simply, we are sensible and have reasonable expectations. Full marks to LuMi for accommodating the dietary restrictions of three of our group - none were vegan or vegetarian but we had advised of dietary restrictions weeks ahead which was acknowledged. The three diners who had no dietary restrictions had the normal Chef’s Menu. LuMi modified the chef’s menu as was necessary to suit the other three. This may have been a challenge for the kitchen but LuMi were up to it. Five diners opted for the wine pairing. Without going into specifics of a menu that the majority of the knowledgeable diners rate very highly, a simple 80/20 rule highlights how 20% of the ‘actual’ experience derailed 80% of the ‘expected’ experience. FAIL 1. The sommelier - chose to just give us enough information UNTIL he was taken aback by a couple of specific questions from a group whom he assumed didn’t know their wines as well. We are all aged 38-55 and of South Asian extraction. Through the 7 (if I recollect correctly) pairings, apart from an improved description of the wine, there was no info provided to justify the pairing and how it worked with the Japanese and Italian aspects of the course. FAIL 2. Italian-Japanese fusion - not one of the 15 courses (starters to desserts) were even attempted to be described to explain what Chef Federico was doing that night to take us on this journey. The components of Japanese and Italian cuisines were mixed up and lost with Umami, Salt and Butter seeming to be the key ingredients bringing Japanese and Italian raw material components together. FAIL 3. Variations due to dietary restrictions - it would seem that ‘playing safe’ meant resorting to vegetarian options. If LuMi found the dietary requirements too restrictive, they should make diners aware of it prior to the evening. A dietary restriction does not mean a compromised menu. Our wonderful planet has more than just vegetables to work around what were primarily shellfish and white fish restrictions. The food did delight occasionally, seem curious occasionally and remained very unexciting mostly which made one wonder ’is it me or is it the bar that diners in Sydney have set to be impressed’ that has impacted our experience at Lumi. Does an impressive space and wine list overawe and intimidate today’s diner into being wow’d ? LuMi, amidst our disappointment, we know you are much loved and celebrated. You have earned more accolades than brickbats and you will continue to scale new heights. We are sad that we didn’t feel much of that magical experience that so many people have written about. Maybe it was your off day. If I may dare to be cruel, I’d say you cannot have an off day, especially with your reputation. It has severely dented our faith, our expectations and our wallets.

This is my favourite restaurant in Sydney. Italian food cooked with Japanese sensibilities. Incredible execution and wondrous flavours in a beautiful waterfront setting with superb service. There really isn't much to not like. Added to that a very interesting wine list that isn't all expensive wines for no reason, and you have a venue that's more than memorable, it's a true experience.

Every course was delicious and the service was great. We had the 14 course premium menu, which was a little pricey (for me), but definitely worth it if you have the cash to burn. I'd love to go back and would recommend it to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Sydney.

We had the 10 course degustation menu with wine pairing and every dish was excellent. Service was great and waiters were very friendly and knowledgeable whenever we asked questions. Restaurant is in a really nice location and is a great place to have a romantic dinner. Had an enjoyable experience!

One of the best dining experiences you can have in Sydney! Beautiful dining room and atmosphere. A massive thank you to the team at Lumi for the wonderful hospitality!

Amazing food and service. Every dish is like a piece of art from the chefs team.

The food, cocktails & wine, service and the atmosphere were all superb at LuMi. Everything was full of flavour and absolutely delicious. It was the perfect amount of food and we left feeling very satisfied. One thing I think could be swapped out for something else would be the mussel snack - it was tasty but definitely not at the same standard as every other dish. Apart from that, we loved it and I’m excited to re-visit at some stage in the future.

Very good food and very nice venue. The set menu (10 courses was excellent with fancy tastes). The waiters were careful and the service was perfect. The view on the harbour is the cherry on the cake. The place is perfect for a romantic diner.

Firstly it is in a quite picturesque location (even if this night was overcast), with the restaurant looking over the water. From the start the staff were friendly, attentive, helpful and knowledgeable. With good recommendations and tips towards drinks and food. The meal was simply excellent, each course was flavourful and stepped nicely into the next throughout the tasting menu. We added the optional Tagliolini which was also very good. The combination of location, staff and food definitely make this one of the fine dining restaurants you should visit.

Im my opinion, LuMi is one of Sydney's most creative and refined restaurants. We have eaten there on three separate occasions, and each experience did not disappoint. The staff are kind, attentive and well informed on all aspects of the menu. They go out of their way to make sure your dining experience is one not to forget. A must do for any special occasion.