Restaurant

Shell House

37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 61 people

Updated

Find Shell House

37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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HoursMonday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Shell House

Steps from Wynyard, this multi-level CBD powerhouse delivers serious sprezzatura across intimate dining rooms and breezy rooftop perches. Downstairs, the style-set settles into Menzies Bar for Friday lunches that bleed into evening spritzes, met with genuine warmth and handwritten milestone cards. Upstairs, open flames char 400g Scotch fillets while the kitchen turns out lobster ravioli, tuna and kingfish crudo with caper dressing, and briny Sydney Rock oysters under verjus mignonette. The cocktail team crafts bespoke pours up at the Sky Bar, where the outdoor terrace hosts nightcaps and cigars beside city views.

  • Multi-Level Vibe: Operates across Menzies Bar & Bistro, an open-fire dining room and terrace on Level 9, and the rooftop Sky Bar.
  • Standout Seafood: Raw bar staples include Sydney Rock oysters with verjus mignonette, kingfish crudo, and fresh lobster ravioli.
  • Personalized Hospitality: Attentive floor teams mark anniversaries and birthdays with handwritten notes and custom menu guidance.
  • Cigar-Friendly Terrace: One of the rare CBD rooftop open-air terraces welcoming cigar smokers alongside specialty cocktail pours.

What's On at Shell House

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

Melbourne Cup 2026 | Sky Bar

Event

Melbourne Cup 2026 | Sky Bar

Melbourne Cup 2026 | Sky Bar 3 Nov 2026 Head straight to the top to enjoy Australia's biggest day of racing in our oasis in the sky. Sip and snack all afternoon with a stunning selection of canapes and cocktails, and enjoy glorious skyline views as...

Shell House event

Event

Tuesday, November 3 at Shell House

The race that stops the nation returns to Shell House for our fifth annual Melbourne Cup celebration. Tuesday, November 3 Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of racing, dining and celebration across every level of the House, with live race covera...

Why Choose Shell House

Why diners choose Shell House for milestone dinners, rooftop cocktails, and immersive dining experiences.

  • Multi-Level Precinct Under One Roof

    Shell House connects multiple distinct hospitality experiences under one roof, moving guests seamlessly from ground-floor Menzies Bar & Bistro up to the open-fire Dining Room and the panoramic Level 9 Sky Bar.

    they have multiple levels with a full dining level and then the top level you can enjoy a drink and light meals

    Anneliese
  • Dedicated Open-Air Cigar Terrace

    An outdoor terrace on Level 9 accommodates cigar aficionados alongside tailored drink pairings, answering an exceptionally rare hospitality demand in the central business district.

    one of the few cigar-friendly places in Sydney

    Tevin Freeman
  • VIP-Calibre Attentiveness and Warmth

    Milestone evenings and anniversaries are elevated by genuine personal touches, from hand-written celebratory cards to proactive gestures that leave guests feeling pampered.

    They made us feel truly valued and treated us like royalty all night.

    Mark Owen
  • Confidence for Important Occasions

    Architectural warmth, flattering low lighting, and striking interior finishes give guests complete assurance when organizing high-stakes celebrations or impressive client dinners.

    A definite special occasion restaurant or if you’re trying to impress someone.

    Laura L
  • High-Energy Rooftop Sky Bar

    Perched high above the city, the open-air rooftop offers dynamic skyline views, oyster happy hour specials, and an electric backdrop for after-work drinks and nights out.

    The atmosphere is stunning, with beautiful views and a great vibe

    Laura Newman-Milone
  • Front-Row Kitchen Pass Immersion

    Limited to two guests per service at the kitchen pass, this tailored culinary journey features direct storytelling from the head chef and sommelier with customized course design.

    our seats at the pass meant we got to see all the action in the kitchen

    Mel Tan

Other favorites

Desserts, sides, and bar bites to accompany your visit

  • Old Fashioned Tiramisu

    the Old Fashioned Tiramisu is to die for!

    S J S
  • Crumbed Olives Filled with Cheese

    As a light meal we had crumbed olives filled with cheese, which were a perfect accompaniment to the alcohol.

    Anneliese
  • Broccolini

    The staff recommended adding a side to go with the chicken, so we went with the broccolini and it turned out to be the perfect balance for the dish.

    Joan T
  • Spicy Watermelon Margarita

    Spicy watermelon margarita's was the perfect start.

    melinda grimson

Beyond the menu

Memorable details that elevate dining into personal hospitality

  • Two-Guest Kitchen Pass Tasting

    Head chef Brad and sommelier Andrew personally guide an intimate two-guest counter experience right at the kitchen pass, designing bespoke dishes specifically for the party.

  • Handwritten Cards & Celebration Desserts

    Milestone celebrations receive custom recognition, including surprise complimentary desserts and staff-penned greeting cards.

  • Tableside Bartender Consultations

    Floor and bar teams proactively accommodate custom orders, including bartenders coming out directly to guest tables to discuss tailored drink requests.

  • Proactive Weather & Seating Accommodations

    Rooftop floor staff swiftly monitor outdoor courtyard conditions, moving seated guests inside to seamless replacement tables when weather changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the different levels and bars laid out?

Shell House spans multiple levels with distinct settings: Menzies Bar & Bistro on the ground level offers casual drinks and pasta deals, the Dining Room & Terrace on Level 9 serves an open-fire menu, and the rooftop Sky Bar features outdoor seating, city views, and cocktail service.

Can you smoke cigars at the venue?

You can smoke cigars on the open-air rooftop terrace on Level 9, paired with drinks and cocktail service. Note that entry security at the ground level can sometimes be strict or questioning before you head up.

How large are the food portions and sharing dishes?

Portion sizes vary across the menu. Vegetarian starters and pasta mains tend to be generous, while meat and seafood starters (like tartare or lobster rolls) are more compact individual portions. Steaks are large and designed to share alongside sides.

Is there a chef's table tasting menu available?

Yes, the dining room offers an exclusive Chef's Table Experience at the kitchen pass for just two guests per evening, featuring a tailored multi-course menu paired with wines alongside the head chef and sommelier.

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