Sydney Eat Street: 10 things to try in Gladesville
WITH its picture-postcard views and the array of local and international treats and cuisines on offer, it’s no wonder this riverside suburb is a haven for foodies.
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WITH its picture-postcard views and the array of local and international treats and cuisines on offer, it’s no wonder Gladesville is a haven for foodies.
Take a tour of the suburb’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street.
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CHOCOLARTS
THERE’S no sugar-coating Arthur and Esther Lazarou’s chocolate obsession. They held off pursuing it for nearly 20 years before Arthur left a career in IT and together they opened ChocolArts. He liked cooking and loved chocolate, while Esther had a passion for desserts, so they took courses around the world and read every book possible. Belgian chocolate is the foundation of their creations, but it’s their personal touch that makes ChocolArts truly unique. For example, a mint chocolate that uses fresh leaves from their garden, honey from their own beehives and Daintree chocolate from North Queensland. With 62 types of chocolates on offer, you are guaranteed to find something here that treats your tastebuds. — 207 Victoria Rd
MERCATO E CUCINA
FROM pastries to pizza, there is quite a selection to be had at this versatile venue. Everything from the fresh bread in the bakery section to the takeaway lasagne meals in the deli section is made on site. The real Italian essence though comes from the kitchen. Head chef Mattia Porcellato has brought in chefs from various regions of Italy, and although well experienced in his own right, he admits that even he learns from their specialties. For Mattia, though, the foundation of the menu is from his grandmother’s kitchen where she taught him that the best flavours come through simplicity — not just through fresh ingredients but also by connecting with the food by using your hands to soak chunks of bread into sauces or the open shells to sip the broth of a mussel soup. — 297 Victoria Rd
BANJO PATERSON COTTAGE RESTAURANT
IF Clancy wasn’t droving, we’d probably know where to find him. The Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant is a beautiful sandstone house the National Trust classifies as Rockend — once the home of great Australian poet Banjo Paterson and his grandmother Emily Barton. Built around 1836, for the past 32 years it has been a restaurant and function venue. Manager Robert Lemonjian has been about the place for 25 years and has worked with the chef to ensure the menus is as impressive as its history. The food is modern Australian with some dishes that are especially Aussie, such as the tender and lean kangaroo steaks rubbed with Korean spices. — ‘In the park’ end of Punt Rd
BAYVIEW HOTEL
IT’S easy to see why this Victoria Rd pub has been popular with locals and friendly imports for nearly 140 years. A sleek yet casual venue, it’s an entertainment hub for all sorts. The menu is a true standout however, with the kitchen boasting a crew from fine-dining backgrounds; experience that has enabled them to push pub food to the next level. Head chef Greg Bookallil has included dishes such as duck confit and crispy pork belly that feature seasonal offerings from his on-site herb garden. — 166 Victoria Rd
DOS SENORITAS
IT’S fair to say you won’t go hungry at Dos Senoritas. The authentic Mexican restaurant delivers on quality and quantity, from chips and salsa on arrival, nachos appetisers to hearty burritos, enchiladas and fajitas. All you need to do is sip a margarita to feel like you’ve been whisked away to Guadalajara, the home of chef Domingo. Arrive on the right night and you’ll even be treated to harpist Victor Valdes, who serenades diners with traditional Latin tunes. — 2/3-7 Cowell St
When in Gladesville, you must try ...
MUM’S BAKLAVA AND COFFEE
YOU may first come to this al fresco kiosk for the convenience, but you’ll likely return for a piece of “Mum’s baklava” — a treat they’ve been baking daily for nine years. — Aussie Bites Cafe
BIG BREKKY BURGER
THE folks at Cafe On Monash have worked out how to do a big brekkie on the run, putting bacon, egg, hash brown, sausage and cheese between two toasted buns. — Cafe on Monash, 13 Monash Rd
GRAND CRU COFFEE
SLIGHT in size but big on flavour, this boutique coffee roaster prides itself on the single batches that feature beans from around the world. — Cru Espresso, 184 Victoria Rd
GLADESVILLE PIZZA
TRAVEL the world in eight slices. The shop’s menu is packed with pizzas named after cities and countries from around the world, including the “Gladesville”. — Gourmet Pizza Pantry, 1F Cowell St
THAI EGGS BENEDICT
BE it lunch or dinner, Thai food is always a favourite, but at Blue Chili they’ve taken those tastes to the breakfast table with a panang curry sauce over two poached eggs on toasted Turkish bread. — Blue Chili, 156 Victoria Rd
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