New Mediterranean fusion restaurant Sandbar opens in Airlie Beach

A Whitsunday local says his dream of 30 years has just come true, as his band-new restaurant inspired by Mediterranean vibes opens at a prime spot in his seaside town.

A Whitsunday local says his dream of 30 years has just come true, as he opens his first-ever restaurant at a prime spot in his seaside town.

Airlie Beach local of 35 years Paul Atkins says the opening of Sandbar would bring Mediterranean vibes to the tropical town.

Taking this prime spot are big boots to fill for Mr Atkins and his team as the location that had once been home to two locally-loved restaurants, Lazy Joe’s and Mika.

Mr Atkins said Sandbar would offer the best of all Mediterranean food ‘in one plate’, which means customers will still be able to get their Mexican-inspired fixes, with signature margaritas and tapas on offer.

“It’s the only restaurant in town that is fully air-conditioned and has a view of the beach.”

Sandbar owner Paul Atkins, with barman Niall Carr and star waitress Phoebe Jacobs, and chef Christos Rallis. Picture: Sandbar

Paul Atkins has worked about everywhere in the Whitsundays, including as a handyman for many years, but now is the time to “get off the tools” and make the vision he had in his head for 30 years become a reality.

Mr Atkins said he knows about everyone in town, to the extent of having been involved with the Whitsunday Times in the 90s, and he hopes the restaurant will become a place of choice for the local community, not just for tourists passing through.

“If we are able to keep the locals happy, that’s what I will call success,” Mr Atkins said.

A new restaurant has opened at an Airlie Beach prime spot after it was occupied by two locally popular Mexican restaurants. Picture: Sandbar

The restaurant has also secured local chef Christos Rallis, who taught at TAFE Whitsundays, training many apprentices that now work across Airlie Beach.

The menu is rich in seafood, including the locally enjoyed coral trout, as well as a range of dishes inspired from Spanish, Greek and Italian cuisines.

A new restaurant has opened at an Airlie Beach prime spot after it was occupied by two locally popular Mexican restaurants. Picture: Sandbar

Mr Atkins said the cocktails offerings would be “the best in town”, having headhunted a barman who had learned mixology in Sydneym, Niall Carr, who moved to the region especially for the opening of Sandbar.

He said they had already gotten great feedback on the colourful cocktails.

New Sandbar restaurant in Airlie Beach promises Mediterranean vibes.

As to choosing what dish was his favourite, Mr Atkins was a bit unsure, stating “all the food is incredible”.

He did end up recommending the vegetarian risotto as well as the spicy margarita as his favourites.

Member of Whitundays community group Kerry Vernon said she had already been to the restaurant last night.

“[It] was terrific. Meals were great and the menu catered well for our large group of 11 people aged 4 – 87!! Go Sand Bar.”

Originally published as New Mediterranean fusion restaurant Sandbar opens in Airlie Beach