Aloria delivers a compelling sky-high dining experience at The Star casino and hotel complex, blending impressive produce-driven cuisine with panoramic city views. Opened in October 2024, this 120-seat venue sits 23 floors up, offering diners breathtaking sights across the river and skyline.
Navigating the 90-Minute Dinner Window
Dinner bookings come with a 90-minute table time limit, while lunch allows two hours. This policy sparks initial anxiety, especially with the journey via dedicated elevators. Upon arrival, staff confirm flexibility—no bookings follow early sittings, allowing guests to linger. For larger groups, coordination proves essential, though the restaurant accommodates efficiently.
Ambiance and Design
The open-air space on the sky deck features glass brick, blush-pink furnishings, and timber floors, creating an elevated yet approachable vibe. Sunset lighting enhances the atmosphere, making the stunning views the undeniable star. This setup suits its role as a versatile hotel restaurant, balancing occasion-worthy appeal with casual universality.
Produce-Driven Menu Highlights
Executive Chef Shayne Mansfield focuses on showcasing local, seasonal produce through pickling, ferments, and thoughtful techniques. Drawing from regional experience, his dishes emphasize comfort and precision.
Entrees
Miso-buttered spanner crab arrives tableside with chicken skin cream and fried curry leaves, delivering luscious texture and aniseed notes. Roasted Yamba tiger prawns with fermented chili butter and roasted shellfish oil hit every mark with bold, straightforward flavor.
Mains
Roasted coral trout fillet pairs pink fir potato, lemon aspen, and oyster veloute for an upscale fish-and-chips twist. Hay-aged duck breast shines brightest, complemented by beetroot, goats curd, fermented garlic honey, and duck neck sauce—restraint and ingenuity in every bite.
Desserts
The urban honey cake layers caramelised cream, croissant ice cream, and fennel-infused Italian meringue, offering a distinctly profiled sweet finish that outshines the chocolate parfait option.
Wine List and Service
An expansive, affordably priced wine selection includes safe by-the-glass picks like Jim Barry Lodge Hill riesling and Louis Latour Ardèche chardonnay. Service remains professional and casual, though busy evenings may delay pours.
Pricing and Recommendations
Expect around $250 for two, excluding drinks. Go-to dishes include roasted tiger prawns ($34), hay-aged duck breast ($58), and urban honey cake ($18). Aloria excels as a democratic hotel restaurant—worth visiting for its views, value, and vibrant cooking.