ARIA restaurant's head chef Matt Moran has decided to open up his exclusive chef's table to groups of four to eight.

Previously The Kitchen Table, which opened in May 2006, has been available strictly only for eight people despite the demand for smaller groups.

"We've finally caved in under the pressure" laughs Matt Moran. "We've had so many people saying they want to come with just a few friends rather than putting together a group of eight that we've listened and taken action"

ARIA'S Kitchen Table was purpose built and designed by leading architect Alexander Tzannes to provide a unique and exclusive in-kitchen fine dining experience.

The flexibility in design allows guests as much interaction or privacy as desired and the interior is intimately decorated with a plush leather banquette and a hand crafted black butt timber dining table.

Built within the main kitchen, the curtains are drawn back and the elegant Kitchen Table is transformed into an observation platform. Guests are then able to enjoy the theatrical element of a lunch or dinner service whilst observing the frenzied machinations of one of Sydney's most esteemed kitchens.

"The minimum number The Kitchen Table will have is four. There is a huge amount of interaction between the chefs in the kitchen and the guests at The Table and it's a great shared experience" continued Moran.

Guests arrive at ARIA and are welcomed at the bar for champagne and canapés. They are then greeted by their dedicated wait staff and the chef who explains the evening's events. The menu specially devised daily, consists of eight tasting courses featuring some of renowned chef Matthew Moran's signature dishes. Each course is matched with wine drawn from ARIA's award winning wine list.

Smaller groups will still pay the same AUD$300 a head and the only change is that now there will be a room charge of AUD$300 when there are groups less than five people.

Click here for more information about ARIA.