"An ear-popping elevator ride to the 55th floor of the Rialto building terminates at this brooding dining room, its inky tones offset by glittering city views. Pull up a kangaroo-pelt chair for 14-ish imaginative courses headlined by indigenous ingredients. That might include damper (campfire bread) charred at the table, marron chawanmushi with finger lime, and kangaroo pho with green ants. There’s even eucalyptus in the ice-cream, which is destined for dunking into a chocolate souffle that’s been on the menu for 25 years. That’s not to say this place is in any way stuffy—polished but personality-driven service allows a little larrikinism. Access the same striking outlook without the $360 price tag at Lui Bar, which serves fried chicken with caviar and macadamia martinis. Dining with a view sometimes means compromises elsewhere, but Vue wows on all fronts." - Ellen Fraser