Sydney Eat Street: Milsons Point is full of foodie surprises with a beautiful view

JUST across the Harbour Bridge from the city, Milsons Point is a world away when it comes to eateries and restaurants, many with views of the harbour.

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JUST across the Harbour Bridge from the city, Milsons Point is a world away when it comes to eateries and restaurants, many with views of the harbour.

SOIREE

1/102 Alfred St

 

With superb craftsmanship and creativity, Soiree certainly has that X-Factor and, just like the reality TV music competition, there’s a great story behind those cakes. Soiree’s owner Raidayna Maroun started cooking in her parents’ kitchen, making cakes for friends and family.

She then jokingly asked a friend of a friend (that’s show business) who worked on X-Factor if judge Red Foo wanted a birthday cake. So she made one that reflected his outrageous style — leopard print and all.

Owner Raidayna Maroun started from cooking in her parent’s kitchen. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

It seems Red Foo’s tastebuds wiggled and her hobby grew too big for home so her parents encouraged her to open her own shop.

Raidayna now specialises in gorgeous, custom-made cakes as well as high-tea petit fours. But always looking to improve, she’s off to London to learn the fine art of making sugar roses.

That’s dedication.

 

WINDY WILLOW

55 Lavender St

 

Windy Willow’s breakfasts and burgers are as fresh as it gets, considering that Gareth Wilkinson and Angela Marjanovic only took over the cafe just four months ago.

Gareth is already stamping his personality on the menu.

Burgers are becoming the trendy food. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

In addition to the already popular brekkie and lunch fare, they’re set for evening trade as a pop-up burger joint that will feature homemade beef patties, their secret peri peri sauce plus the famous truffle and parmesan fries.

There are also hardy but healthier options, such as the big brekkie stack with avocado, salmon and bacon, as well as the vast array of gluten free options.

 

SIDE PART CAFE

20-24 Alfred St

 

Everything about this small cafe is absolutely fabulous.

There aren’t many places you can enjoy a salad under the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Patsy and Eddy, or avocado on toast with Betty White.

“We’ve had a bit of fun naming our food,” says Side Part Café’s owner Vi Thang as he explains how the menu is loaded with pop-culture references.

This sandwich is called “The Pat” — the cafe loves to have fun with the names of their dishes. Picture: Facebook

Novelty naming aside, the food itself takes centre stage, including the pulled pork sandwiches with subtle Asian spices.

Eat in, head outside or for some truly multi-tasking, and enjoy your meal while getting coiffured at Wild Fire, the adjacent hair salon.

 

RIPPLES

1 Olympic Drive

 

It is without doubt a room with a view.

Sitting below the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an unfettered view of the Opera House, it’s hard to imagine that this prime spot was once just a kiosk for the adjacent North Sydney Olympic Pool, which opened in 1936, and is famous for hosting Olympic greats including Murray Rose.

A must try; the filo wrapped braised lamb. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Ripples still operate the kiosk for the pool out of the same kitchen, but upfront things are more refined.

As well as the view, chef Giancomo Catalano’s succulent slow-cooked beef and filo wrapped braised lamb, are sights to behold.

THE DECK

1 Olympic Drive, Luna Park

 

It’s quite fitting you have to walk through Sydney’s biggest mouth to enjoy the bubbles and oysters during happy hour at the Deck Bar inside Luna Park.

Who would’ve thought you could get some fine dining at Luna Park. Picture: Facebook

The Deck can arrange an intimate dining experience in a carriage of the ferris wheel.

Then there are the themed nights, such as the fabulous paella on Wednesdays. Yes, there are plenty of reasons to come back again.

 

MUST TRY

 

1. Bacon and egg roll — The Lounge, 70 Alfred St

 

No better way to start off the day than with a bacon and egg roll. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

 

Walk across the bridge and join the packs of runners and cyclist who finish up here every weekend to refuel with a coffee and the loaded bacon and egg rolls.

2. Gnocci — On Ya Gnocchi food truck, Kirribilli Markets, Burton Street

Who doesn’t love pasta?

Years of working and training in Michelin star restaurants didn’t hold a whisk to what Paolo Cardile learned in Nonna’s kitchen, particularly her fresh gnocchi which he now prepares for his loyal pasta fans.

3. Delicate dessert — Aqua Dining, Paul Street and Northcliff Street

Dessert is a must. Picture: Supplied

The only thing that will take your eyes off sweeping cityscape and blue harbour waters is the divine dishes and desserts by Head Chef and Co-owner, David Rebbecato including this lemon myrtle mousse, mint tapioca, meringue dusted with edible flowers.

 

4. Bibimbap — Cafe Rustic Charm, 2/102 Alfred Street

 

Why not try something different, Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

 

Have a seat at the bench top that looks out on the street and watch the world go by as you enjoy a traditional Korean meal.

Sitting a top of bowl of rice is lightly fried egg, surrounded by a variety of vegetables including spinach and shiitake mushrooms plus your choice of meat, which you then mix together.

 

5. Bacci Kiss — Anchor Restaurant, 118 cnr of Alfred and Lavender Streets

 

Perhaps a second round of dessert with this Bacci kiss. Picture: Supplied

 

Start with a pizza but save room for some romance and dessert with the Bacci Kiss, A smooth chocolate and hazelnut blend of gelato around a soft centre of cream nougat and finely encased in a nut sprinkled chocolate shell.