A buffet with bite

Ilkari restaurant at Ayers Rock Resort offers a surprising dining experience, from exquisite crocodile curries to a sublime chocolate fountain.

Story Ken Eastwood  Photos Ayers Rock Resort

The word ‘buffet’ is deceptive. Originally referring to the furniture where food or beverages were placed, the word now seems to imply a downmarket ‘all-you-can-eat’ style meal, where masses of food are served up in lukewarm bain-maries.

So, when choosing where to dine at Ayers Rock Resort, Ilkari might not be your number one pick. There are so many other great options in the resort, from casual pub and cafe food, through to a private four-course dinner under the stars.

But don’t let that word buffet put you off. Ilkari offers an extraordinary dining experience, in a warm, comfortable room, with table service for drinks. The superb food is fresh, colourful and delicious, with an emphasis on native Australian ingredients – a creamy lemon myrtle crocodile curry being a particular standout. A cabinet of sweet-smelling seafood awaits – giant prawns and oysters, barramundi, salmon and more – flown in twice a week. A decent plate from that cabinet alone is almost worth the $110 cost of an adult meal. Then there are a host of roasts and hot dishes, salads and chefs on stand-by to prepare stir-fries, pastas, or almost anything else you fancy.

“Our menu selections continue to evolve based on seasonality, guest feedback, food trends, dietary requirements and what our chefs are able to use,” says Siddhesh Desai, food and beverage manager at Sails in the Desert, the part of the resort that houses Ilkari. “We focus heavily on the quality and presentation of the food, freshness, maintaining the buffet throughout service, and making sure there is enough variety for different tastes and dietary requirements. It isn’t enough for the buffet to look fantastic when the doors open; it needs to maintain those standards throughout the evening.”