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Restaurant

The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room

The Dry Dock, 22 Cameron St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia

Recommended by 33 people

Updated

Find The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room

The Dry Dock, 22 Cameron St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 9555 1306
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room

Balmain’s 1857 stalwart balances corner-pub soul with serious brasserie technique. Warm up by the wood fire in the front bar with a pint of Guinness before slipping into the garden-view dining room. Locals head straight for the classic steak frites, duck liver parfait, and anchovies en croûte paired with a dry martini. A massive cellar list gets guidance from on-floor sommeliers, making milestone dinners feel properly hosted while keeping the neighborhood ease intact. The kitchen turns out pink, juicy DD cheeseburgers as easily as salt cod croquettes and warm chocolate cake.

  • French Bistro Dining: French bistro classics like steak frites, duck liver parfait, and anchovies en croûte served alongside sommelier cellar guidance.
  • Multi-Zone Layout: Four distinct zones allow easy transitions from a wood fire front bar to an elevated dining room overlooking an indoor courtyard garden.
  • Attentive Hospitality: Accommodating staff smoothly handle group celebrations, custom pairings, and table adjustments with neighborhood warmth.
RestaurantModern EuropeanPubBar & GrillRestaurantLoungeCocktail Bar

What's On at The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room

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

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Why Choose The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room

From elevated French brasserie dining to relaxed hearthside drinks, see why Balmain locals and destination diners choose The Dry Dock.

  • French Bistro Classics Cooked with Precision

    Guests praise expertly prepared French brasserie staples such as steak frites, duck liver parfait, and profiteroles executed with refined culinary precision.

    The steak was cooked perfectly — exactly as ordered, tender and full of flavour. The pâté was smooth and beautifully balanced

    Kane Lam

  • Dedicated Sommelier and Curated Wine Service

    Curated pairings and knowledgeable sommelier guidance elevate the dining experience beyond conventional pub selections.

    A big thank you to Felix our sommelier who was a wealth of information

    Julie Threadgold

  • Distinct Multi-Zone Pub and Dining Spaces

    Thoughtfully designed separate rooms provide a progression from casual front-bar pints to full-service brasserie dining overlooking garden views.

    the three seperate rooms allow you to have a great dining experience then finish off by the fire or in the front bar having a few off the wood.

    Campbell Milligan

  • Intimate Hearthside Lounging

    A working fireplace creates a cozy, relaxed lounge setting to enjoy cocktails or pints before or after meals.

    Also the fireplace 🔥 is the best spot if you want cozy vibes!!

    allAboutTheQual-lity

  • Effortless Group and Milestone Celebrations

    Staff demonstrate exceptional hospitality by handling group logistics, dietary restrictions, and last-minute booking modifications with care and composure.

    Our party of 10 included a guest with a food allergy, a heavily pregnant guest, one child, and a couple of fussy eaters, so I was feeling a little stressed beforehand. However, the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making everything feel effortless.

    Marianne Lane

  • Warm Hospitality for Shared Gatherings

    Special occasions receive thoughtful attention, with dedicated dining spaces and responsive service that keep gatherings feeling special.

    The waitressing staff were so accommodating of our two “surprise” guests, the food is absolutely divine - hats off to the Chefs, and the wine list is exceptional.

    Georgina Connell

Signature bistro dishes and elevated gastro-pub staples

  • Steak Frites

    I got the steak frites and it was just exceptional, every element was considered and executed with perfection.

    abbey brown

  • Duck Liver Parfait

    The pâté was smooth and beautifully balanced, highlight dish of the restaurant

    Kane Lam

  • DD Cheeseburger

    The burger was cooked to our liking - pink and juicy in the middle.

    Johnny Au

  • Salt Cod Croquettes

    salt cod croquette melts in your mouth.

    allAboutTheQual-lity

Other favorites

Complementary desserts and classic fireside pours

  • Strawberry Trifle

    The highlights were the pork chop, potato gratin and the strawberry trifle for dessert.

    Caitlin Alexander

  • Valrhona Chocolate Cake

    The steak frites and chocolate valrhona are divine.

    Isabella B

  • Profiteroles

    and the profiteroles were the perfect way to finish the meal — light, indulgent and not overly sweet.

    Kane Lam

  • Guinness

    Poppi and I enjoy sitting by the fire in winter enjoying a bowl of water and a perfect Guinness during winter.

    neil duncan

Beyond the menu

Memorable hospitality details and thoughtful hosting that elevate the dining experience

  • Proactive recovery and genuine care

    When a table mishap occurred, management took immediate ownership by covering the dry cleaning bill and comping the steak to ensure the celebratory lunch was preserved.

  • Attentive accommodation for milestone gatherings

    Staff effortlessly accommodate complex group bookings and last-minute changes, smoothly catering to food allergies, dietary restrictions, and surprise guests.

  • Dedicated sommelier guidance and pairings

    In-house sommelier guidance provides detailed wine pairings and bespoke recommendations, elevating classic French bistro dining within a pub setting.

  • Fireside lounge transitions

    Patrons can transition smoothly between the dining room and the front bar lounge to finish their evenings with cocktails or pints beside a cozy wood fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the bar and the dining room?

The Dry Dock offers distinct areas across the venue. Guests can choose between a relaxed front bar lounge featuring a cozy wood-burning fireplace and an elevated, dedicated dining room alongside an internal garden courtyard. Outdoor seating is also available.

What style of food is served?

The dining room serves a French bistro-focused menu alongside pub classics. Popular highlights include steak frites, duck liver parfait, tartare, fresh seafood, and desserts like chocolate Valrhona cake and soufflés.

Do you need a reservation to dine?

Reservations are accepted and recommended for dining, though staff do accommodate walk-ins when space allows. Table bookings can also be made for celebrations and private dining.

Is the venue dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome to join visitors in the pet-friendly pub areas.

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