Sydney Eat Street: 10 places to try at McMahons Point
TWO things above all else will keep you coming back to this waterfront suburb — breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and a vibrant food scene.
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TWO things above all else will keep you coming back to this waterfront suburb — breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and a vibrant food scene.
Take a tour of the area’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram.
For a chance to feature your food picture in The Sunday Telegraph, tag #SydneyEatStreet.
MOORISH BLUE
PLACED on the table in boldly coloured bowls and plates are dishes of succulent lamb tagine with preserved lemon, cinnamon pork fillet with caramelised artichoke, roasted cauliflower with turmeric puree and crispy salads topped with tangy pomegranate.
It’s all a bit more-ish which is appropriate considering owner/chef Jamil Ben-Hassine has brought the flavours from his homeland of Tunisia, a country that embraces a Moorish cuisine which itself is influenced by the foods of North Africa and adjacent countries of Spain, Italy, Algeria and Morocco.
MORE SYDNEY EAT STREET
As these countries and regions were at some point along the routes of the spice trade they adopted spices including cardamom, caraway, turmeric, cinnamon and smoked paprika which Jamil explains how this had a notable result in that from house to house, no two seasonings will ever be the same as each family will make their own ras el hanout, a spice mixture balanced to suit their respective palette, just as he did when he introduced the exotic flavours to Sydneysiders at his first restaurant 30 years ago.
— 139 Blues Point Rd
THE NORTH SPOON
HEAD along the tree-lined street and just try not to smile when you spot the lemon yellow classic bike with its flower-filled straw basket at the entrance to this sun drenched cafe. So cute, they even made it their logo.
Step inside and be greeted with an effervescent welcome from the cafe manager, Allesandro Sciaccaluga.
It’s the exact energy you need before ordering a pastry and morning coffee from an equally jovial barista or better yet, starting off the weekend with a brunch at one of the outdoor tables.
Everything, bar the Sonoma Bakery bread is made in house, including the baked beans, one element of the Breakfast Skillet, which also features bacon, blood pudding, rosti, poached eggs and tomato.
The French toast is also a winner as are the lunch dishes than range from burgers to lamb cutlets. The bonus though is that the delightful service is on the house.
— 165 Blues Point Rd
COMMODORE HOTEL
FOR the past 170 years, this corner location has seen many incarnations of pubs and hotels but it’s the relatively recent refurb in 2016 with its stylish fit out, live entertainment and impressive menu that’s now luring people in from both near and far.
The classic meals are still there, but Head Chef Greg Bookallil has upgraded the offering to include dishes such as BBQ Pork Ribs and Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder with the added touch of fresh parsley and mint from the herb garden he has put in on site.
Where as before the food had a fried focus, Greg explains that “now it’s all about fresh ingredients, sourcing beautiful seasonal produce, hearty yet respectful handling, with a touch of edginess to interest the erudite local neighbourhood”.
Linger a little longer after dinner and enjoy some mulled wine around the newly built fire pit then come warmer weather swap that for a cold beer or chilled wine. Perfect place to meet up all year round.
— 206 Blues Point Rd
BREADWORKS
HEAD down Blues Point Rd, a steep hill that ends at the foreshore and you’ll find a lovely cafe with white tables out front, covered with umbrellas boasting the boutique coffee roaster, Pablo & Rusty.
This place is a labour of love for husband and wife team Sam Wu and Anita Va, who left both their respective jobs after getting married so that they could work together.
Their initial endeavour was a sandwich shop but with Anita’s love of cooking, they opted to expand to a cafe where she prepares popular cafe food such as soups and sandwiches but has started to introduce some Asian dishes such as Vietnamese pork rolls and dim sims.
It’s a charming spot to eat in or you could opt for some truly outdoor dining and grab one of their popular pies and a smoothie then continue down the hill to enjoy lunch with an unobstructed harbour view.
— 118 Blues Point Rd
SAILS ON LAVENDER BAY
THE commanding view over the water to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House is worth the visit alone, but as servers pass by your table with meals for other diners, your attention will soon head to the menu where you’ll find dishes on par with the view.
Here, head chef Saro Derderyan has produced a modern menu that, considering its location prominently features seafood such as seared scallops and pink snapper but also beef tenderloin, mushroom pie and as reflecting Saro’s French training, his renowned Grimaud Duck Breast with roast parsnip, muscatels, hazelnut, beurre noisette and jus.
However, Alex Rundle, a manager at Sails on Lavender Bay feels it’s the added element of professional yet relaxed service that helps make this a winning destination.
— 2 Henry Lawson Ave
MUST TRY
CUSTOM CAKES AND COOKIES
WHEN most people come to Australia their luggage is filled with sunscreen and bathers, but for Olivia, she brought her baking tools from the UK and began making cakes for friends.
Now, she’s included all sorts of sweets from chocolate brownies to classic macarons, all of which can be custom ordered for special occasions or just as dessert for an office lunch.
— The Secret Ingredient Bakery; thesecretingredientbakery.com
TUK TUK SALMON SOUFFLE
BY DAY, it’s a popular cafe with a predominantly Australian Breakfast menu, adding Asian dishes for lunch. But come dinner, that’s when this place shines with inventive dishes such as the Fresh salmon pieces pureed with aromatic herbs & red curry paste in banana leaf parcel
— Chedi Thai; Shop G3 182 Blues Point Rd
TANDOOR CHICKEN
FOR the past 18 years this McMahons Point staple, ZinGer Taj, formerly Blu Ginger has been featuring classic Indian dishes.
There are plenty of truly authentic options, but one of the fan favourites has to be the Tandoor Chicken with salad and naan.
— ZinGer Taj Indian Restaurant; 147 Blues Point Rd
CHOO CHEE FISH
ONCE you’re inside and see the sandstone walls and eclectic chandeliers, you know you’re in for something special. Go for something coastal such as the Choo Chee Fish; barramundi fillets cooked with red curry paste, coconut milk, and Kaffir lime leaves.
— Ma Kiin; 178 Blues Point Rd
TACO TUESDAY
IT’S easy to see how this hotel has become a favourite destination for those after a good meal and a bit of fun.
The menu has a combination of classic and modern meals, which you can try with their weekday specials including Rump it Up Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and Bengali Curry on Wednesday.
— Blues Point Hotel; 116 Blues Point Rd
Originally published as Sydney Eat Street: 10 places to try at McMahons Point
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