THE INTERNATIONAL

Urban Sophistication and Fire-Driven Excellence in Sydney

The International is a striking new chapter in the city’s fine dining scene—an experience that combines elegance, fire and flavour under the direction of acclaimed Head Chef Joel Bickford. Known for his finesse, produce-driven philosophy and deep respect for Australian terroir, Bickford has crafted a venue that is both refined and elemental.

The International exudes a quiet grandeur. From its soaring ceilings and curated art to soft leather banquettes and sweeping harbour views, every detail reflects a mood of understated exclusivity. Yet despite the glamour, there is a groundedness at the heart of the experience—one forged by fire and focused on the plate.

The centrepiece of the menu is a premium meat programme that places The International firmly on the map for steak connoisseurs. Bickford sources Australia’s finest Wagyu and pasture-raised beef, often dry-aged on site and grills them over wood and charcoal to coax out deep, smoky complexity. Cuts such as the Rangers Valley Black Market ribeye and a rotating selection of heritage breeds showcase the kitchen’s precise, fire-driven technique.

Complementary dishes carry the same balance of luxury and restraint - Wagyu Tongue skewer with flat bread, heirloom vegetables with buffalo milk, or raw scallops with cultured cream. Each plate reflects Bickford’s mastery of flavour layering and textural contrast, always anchored by the quality of the ingredients.

The wine cellar is excellent, offering a tightly curated collection of Australian icons, European benchmarks and emerging natural labels helmed by Thomas Groeneveld. The team is sharp and intuitive, creating pairings that highlight both the fire in the kitchen and the elegance on the table.

Service is sleek, discreet and immaculately orchestrated—delivered by a team that understands the rhythm of fine dining without ever losing a sense of warmth.

In 2025, The International under Joel Bickford is not just a restaurant—it is a statement of intent: that Australian luxury dining can be bold, produce-driven and centred on fire. For those seeking a destination that celebrates both precision and place, The International is a must.