A last minute lunch with friends saw us dining at Luna Lu, tucked into The Rocks on New Year’s Day. With much of Sydney surprisingly closed despite the crowds still lingering in town, this felt like a genuine discovery.

I hadn’t been there since the 1990s, when Luna Lu was already known for its Peking duck pancakes something I still remembered fondly. This visit did not disappoint. On a cool summer’s day, celebrating both New Year’s Day and my girlfriend’s birthday, we were treated to an exceptional lunch.

Around the table there were dim sum and ribs, all delivered with a distinctly Chinese flair. I ordered the sesame prawn on gluten free toast and it was an absolute treat. If you eat gluten free, you know how rare it is to enjoy those nostalgic, deep fried favourites. Luna Lu nailed it.

A crunchy slice of gluten free bread topped with generous prawn meat, sesame seeds and a delicate garnish, each bite substantial and beautifully balanced.

For mains, one friend chose the duck salad, light yet generous, filled with tender shredded duck. Another had the crispy barramundi, perfectly cooked. I went with the miso glazed toothfish from Heard Island in Western Australia and it was cooked to perfection. The flesh was soft and fluffy, delicate without being bland or watery, full of flavour without heaviness. The accompanying vegetables pak choy and a Chinese style salsa complemented the fish rather than overpowering it.

Add to that relaxed outdoor dining and iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, depending on where you’re seated, and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

If you’re in Sydney and looking for laid back outdoor dining with excellent Asian inspired food, especially when many places are closed, Luna Lu is absolutely worth a visit and a previsit of the menu is a must.