Sailors Thai Ph: 9251 2466 ; Downstairs, 106 George St, THE ROCKS 2000 www.sailorsthai.com.au Thai, $$$, ** for Food Open 7 days noon-2.30pm Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm Sun 5pm-9pm, Closed Sun; Licensed; AE DC MC V; Kids Welcome Chef Mark Han (21-9-11) Owner Peter Bowyer (20-9-10)

Mietta's Review
Though it opened years ago (1995) Sailors Thai still sets standards for Thai food in a city which has made the cuisine its own. That has been achieved by maintaining the attention to detail laid down by founder, David Thompson. While absent conquering London, his presence is still felt in this stylish old landmark building. The flavours remain exciting and the menu can still surprise.

Other published opinions

Sydney Morning Herald Food Food Guide 2012 Score: 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2012 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: One Star "The rest of the world, it has to be said, is catching up to Sailors Thai. Interesting, authentic Thai food is now far more commonplace than when it opened more than 15 years ago, and indeed the gap between the quality of food and service here and at the various Sailors Thai Canteens has narrowed"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2011 Score: 15/20, One Hat

Gourmet Traveller 2011 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: * "In a city now busy with exemplary Thai restaurants, this original trailblazer has managed to stay a frontrunner. The interior has a stark chic that relies on the knowledgeable and unpretentious staff for warmth"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2010 Score: 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2010 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: * "Classic Thai food and an 1860s sandstone building may seem an odd fit, but this Sydney grownup is all about harmony; each dish is a perfect balancing act of hot, spicy, sweet and sour"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2009 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: * "Its location on some of Sydney's best harbourside real estate is the first indication that this Rocks institution isn't just any ordinary old Thai joint. A menu turning out skilled versions of Thai classics - crisp and citrussy Yamba prawns, peanuts, chilli and lime on betel leaves, for example, or a delicate barramundi and coconut curry grilled in banana leaves - is the second"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide "Going on 12 years, Sailors Thai retains the spark that first lit Sydneysiders' chilli-hazed passion for authentic Thai food"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 Score: 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2007 Restaurant Guide Score: * "As Sailors celebrates its 10th birthday, the communal table at the casual, no-bookings 'canteen' upstairs and the clean lines and crisp concrete of the fine-diner downstairs look better than ever, and there's still little to compete with the canteen's slick take on the trad chilli-laced green papaya salad with caramelised pork."

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide * "David Thompson may have left the building - and the country - but he's still a co-owner and frequent visitor to this kitchen, and an extended visit in early 2005 saw him inject new life into the menu"

SBS Eating Guide to Sydney 2005 "This is a standout destination, no matter whether owner David Thompson is in town or at his much-lauded Nahm restaurant in London. Quality is the key here, along with a diverse and meticulous approach to Thai cuisine."

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2005

Gourmet Traveller Australian Restaurant Guide 2005 Good Vegetarian Options "This ain't no ordinary Thai. In fact, this is one of the best Thai restaurants you're going to find outside Thailand. Truth be told, it's the rare Thai restaurant in Thailand that could match the elegance of this food, let alone the staff and decor."

Sydney Morning Herald GFG 2004,Score 16/20

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide 2004,'above-average Thai food in a sizzling location near Circular Quay.The restaurant serves up sexy, exotic palate teasers...The well-oiled service adds to the experience.'

Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living, Eat Out, Matthew Evans, Good food Guide: 1 hat, 3/9/02