Dining Guide · The Grand Palace, Sydney CBD
Why The Grand Palace Is Best for a Weekend Indian Lunch in Sydney CBD
A weekend lunch is for lingering, not rushing back to a desk — The Grand Palace's full menu and unhurried pace make it a proper Saturday or Sunday outing.
At a Glance
Basement, 261 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (02) 8021 7696 bookings@thegrandpalace.com.auA weekday lunch is about speed; a weekend lunch shouldn't be. The Grand Palace, at Basement, 261 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, runs the full menu at a relaxed pace on Saturdays and Sundays — the kind of lunch worth planning around rather than squeezing in.
Quick Answer
For a relaxed sit-down Indian lunch on a Saturday or Sunday in Sydney CBD, The Grand Palace serves its full lunch menu from 12pm to 3pm daily. Order à la carte, or keep it simple with the Lunch Special Set Menu — Halka $35pp, Fulka $45pp or Bhari $60pp — plus lassi and mocktails to go with it. Call (02) 8021 7696 or book online.
A Lunch Worth Lingering Over
Weekends are the one time a lunch doesn't have to be timed against a meeting — the full menu is available, the pace is unhurried, and the dining room works just as well for a family table as it does for two people catching up.
~5 minutes from Wynyard Station and a short walk from Circular Quay, so it's an easy stop whether you're local or exploring the CBD for the day.
Prefer to Order Your Own?
Set menus aren't the only option — the full à la carte menu is available every weekend lunch too, along with lassi, mocktails and soft drinks to go with it.
Butter Chicken
Rich, creamy tomato gravy — the most-ordered dish on the menu.
Dal Makhani
Slow-simmered black lentils, finished with cream and butter.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Slow-cooked lamb in a deep, aromatic curry.
Kadhai Paneer
Cottage cheese and peppers in a spiced tomato-onion masala.
Vegetable Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced vegetables.
Mango Lassi
India's classic cooling drink — a natural match for a spicy table.
Who It Suits
Family Gatherings
A broad enough menu for every age at the table.
Friends Catching Up
No need to rush the conversation — full menu, unhurried pace.
A Date Lunch
An intimate, atmospheric setting for a weekend afternoon.
CBD Visitors
Exploring Circular Quay, The Rocks or Darling Harbour and looking for a proper sit-down meal nearby.
Why Choose The Grand Palace
Authentic Recipes
Traditional Indian spice blends and cooking techniques, not a simplified tourist menu.
HACCP Certified & Halal
Certified kitchen with halal-certified meats across the non-vegetarian range.
A Proper Dining Room
Palace-inspired décor — a genuine sit-down experience for a weekend afternoon.
Genuine Dietary Coverage
Vegetarian and vegan dishes throughout, Jain (no onion/garlic) on request.
Booking a Weekend Table
Weekend tables — Saturdays especially — fill quickly, so booking ahead is worth doing. Book online, call (02) 8021 7696, or email bookings@thegrandpalace.com.au for a larger group.
Conclusion
A weekend lunch is one of the few meals worth building a whole afternoon around, and that's exactly what The Grand Palace's Saturday and Sunday service is set up for — full menu, unhurried pace, and a dining room that suits everyone from a family group to a couple catching up.
If your week has been running on quick weekday meals, this is the one to slow down for — whether that means the Lunch Special Set Menu or ordering à la carte.
Weekend tables fill fast, so it's worth locking one in ahead of time rather than leaving it to the day.
Ready to experience it yourself? Tables fill fast on weeknights.
Nirav Shah
Nirav Shah is a hospitality professional with a strong passion for food culture, restaurant design, and exceptional customer experience. From over 10 years, he has explored Sydney’s diverse culinary scene with a thoughtful and informed perspective, gaining hands-on insight into how successful restaurants deliver quality dining.
With a deep appreciation for flavor, ambience, and service, Nirav focuses on both lunch and dinner experiences when evaluating dining venues. His recommendations are shaped by personal visits and careful research, highlighting restaurants that consistently offer memorable and well-rounded dining experiences worth returning to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Grand Palace open for lunch on weekends?
Yes — the full lunch menu runs 12:00pm to 3:00pm, seven days a week including Saturday and Sunday.
Do I need to book ahead for weekend lunch?
It's recommended, particularly on Saturdays, as weekend tables fill quickly.
What is the Lunch Special Set Menu?
A simplified way to order for the table — three tiers: Halka ($35pp, 1 curry), Fulka ($45pp, 2 entrées + 2 curries + dessert, min. 2 guests) and Bhari ($60pp, 4 entrées + 4 curries + dessert, min. 2 guests). All include unlimited repeat of curries, rice and staples.
Can I order à la carte instead of a set menu?
Yes — the full à la carte menu is available at weekend lunch as well as the set menu options.
Is it suitable for a family lunch with kids?
Yes — the menu spans mild to spicy dishes, and it's a comfortable setting for multigenerational family groups.
What drinks are available with weekend lunch?
A full range of lassi, mocktails and soft drinks — see the beverages menu for the complete list.
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