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Flame-seared steak on a dark ceramic plate with glowing embers and rising smoke

Dining at Midnight Ember House

A Menu Forged in Ember

Midnight Ember House presents a menu designed for the discerning palate, where each dish is a study in fire, smoke, and shadow. Our culinary team crafts plates that mirror the intensity and intimacy of the card lounge, creating a dining experience that is both refined and thrilling.

  • Seasonal ingredients sourced from Australian producers.
  • Flame-grilled and wood-fired techniques dominate the kitchen.
  • Dishes are designed to be shared or savored solo, echoing the social nature of poker nights.
Reserve Your Table

The Ember Philosophy

Cooking with Fire and Precision

Our kitchen is built around open flames and glowing embers, a nod to the intensity of a high-stakes poker table. Every dish is executed with the same focus and precision a player brings to a critical hand, resulting in flavors that are bold, layered, and unforgettable.

  • Wood-fired grill and rotisserie as centerpieces.
  • Smoke and char are balanced with delicate herbs and citrus.
  • Menu changes seasonally to reflect the best Australian produce.

Midnight Ember House is designed for those who linger. Our menu extends into the evening, offering dishes that pair perfectly with the rhythm of a poker night—substantial enough to sustain, refined enough to impress.

  • Late-night dining available on poker evenings.
  • Dishes designed for sharing among friends at the table.
  • Bar snacks and small plates complement the lounge experience.
Chef's hands tending a wood-fired grill with leaping flames and glowing embers

Signature Dishes

Flame-Lit Icons of the House

Three plates define our approach to open-fire cooking. Each one is built on Australian produce, finished over ember, and composed to hold its own on a long poker night.

Ember-seared kangaroo loin sliced to reveal a rare interior with pepperberry and red wine reduction Signature

Ember-Seared Kangaroo Loin

A bold Australian classic, seared over open flames and finished with native pepperberry and a red wine reduction. The char is intense, the center perfectly rare—a dish that commands attention like a well-played hand.

  • Served with roasted root vegetables and smoked salt.
  • Native Australian ingredients highlight local terroir.
  • Recommended pairing: full-bodied Shiraz.
Smoked ocean trout fillet on citrus and fennel salad with dill oil

Smoked Ocean Trout

Delicately smoked over ember wood, this ocean trout is silky and rich, served with a citrus and fennel salad. It's a dish of quiet confidence, much like a player who knows when to hold back.

  • Cold-smoked in-house for 12 hours.
  • Accented with finger lime and dill oil.
  • Light yet satisfying, ideal for early courses.
Charred octopus tentacles on black garlic purée with micro herbs and lemon zest

Charred Octopus with Black Garlic

Tender octopus charred to perfection, paired with black garlic purée and smoked paprika oil. The depth of flavor mirrors the complexity of a late-night poker session—layered, intense, and lingering.

  • Sous-vide then finished on the grill.
  • Garnished with micro herbs and lemon zest.
  • A favorite among regulars on poker nights.

Menu Categories

What to Expect at the Table

Our menu moves through four distinct expressions of the ember, from bold grilled mains to late-night share plates built for the rhythm of play.

From the Ember

Grilled and wood-fired mains that showcase the primal beauty of open-flame cooking. Expect bold proteins, charred vegetables, and rich reductions.

  • Includes steaks, lamb, and game.
  • All grilled over ironbark and red gum.
  • Served with seasonal accompaniments.

From the Sea

Fresh Australian seafood, treated with respect and a touch of smoke. From delicate crudo to hearty grilled fish, the ocean's bounty is celebrated.

  • Daily catch from Sydney Fish Market.
  • Raw bar selections available.
  • Smoked and cured options.

From the Garden

Vegetable-forward dishes that are anything but an afterthought. Charred, roasted, and composed with the same care as any main course.

  • Seasonal produce from local farms.
  • Vegan and vegetarian options clearly marked.
  • Often feature native Australian ingredients.

Late Night at the Table

A selection of share plates and bar snacks designed for poker nights and late-night gatherings. Easy to eat, hard to resist.

  • Sliders, skewers, and crispy bites.
  • Perfect for between hands.
  • Available until close on poker evenings.

Poker Night Dining

Dine Between Hands

On poker nights, the dining room transforms into an extension of the card lounge. Our menu is designed for seamless enjoyment—dishes arrive promptly, are easy to share, and never interrupt the flow of the game. Whether you're at the table or watching from the lounge, you'll never miss a beat.

  • Dedicated poker night menu with shareable plates.
  • Service timed to breaks in play.
  • Private dining available for high-roller tables.
Poker table in a dark lounge with shareable dishes and drinks under a warm pendant light

Seasonal Tasting Menu

The Ember Tasting

For those who wish to surrender to the chef's vision, we offer a seasonal tasting menu that journeys through the ember's range—from delicate smoke to deep char. Each course is paired with a story, and the progression mirrors the arc of a memorable poker evening: anticipation, tension, and resolution.

  • Five to seven courses, changing monthly.
  • Optional beverage pairing, with non-alcoholic available.
  • Available for private events and special poker nights.
Enquire About the Tasting

Beverage Pairings

Pouring for the Long Game

Wines and Spirits

Our cellar is curated to match the intensity of the menu, featuring bold Australian reds, crisp whites, and a selection of rare spirits. The sommelier is on hand to guide pairings, much like a seasoned player reads the table.

  • Extensive Australian wine list.
  • Whisky and bourbon selection for after-dinner.
  • Pairing recommendations available upon request.

Non-Alcoholic Elixirs

For those who prefer to keep a clear head at the poker table, we offer a range of house-made sodas, shrubs, and zero-proof cocktails that are just as considered as their spirited counterparts.

  • Seasonal fruit shrubs and tonics.
  • Smoked tea and coffee service.
  • Designed to refresh without dulling the senses.

Private Dining & Events

Your Table Awaits

For private poker nights, corporate events, or intimate celebrations, Midnight Ember House offers bespoke dining experiences. Our team will craft a menu tailored to your group, ensuring every detail is as polished as a freshly shuffled deck.

  • Private rooms available for groups of 8-40.
  • Customizable menus with chef consultation.
  • Dedicated service staff for your event.
Plan a Private Event

Reservations

Secure Your Seat

Whether you're joining us for a quiet dinner or a lively poker night, we invite you to reserve your table. Our team will ensure your evening is as memorable as a winning hand.

  • Online reservations available.
  • Phone bookings accepted.
  • Walk-ins welcome subject to availability.
Book a Table Call Us
Midnight Ember House

A refined restaurant and dedicated card lounge in Sydney, where offline poker and flame-lit dining meet in a dark, cinematic atmosphere.

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Contact

12 Ember Lane, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

+61 421 847 365

[email protected]

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