Catalina
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Catalina
Catalina Overview
Fortunately doing my job you get to eat in many of the top restaurants around the world and only every so often does somewhere strike you as being special. Catalina is one of these restaurants. It is a triple threat with spectacular views, food and service. It was opened in 1994 with the simple aim to be Sydney’s favourite place to eat the best by the water and has since won numerous awards.
The restaurant is beautifully light inside and opens out onto a spacious balcony, its foundations sitting in the clear blue waters of Rose Bay. As we sat down we were run through the menu and the daily specials by the clearly knowledgeable waiter and chose a wine with the help from the expert sommelier (Gourmet Traveller 'Sommelier of the Year'). We started with some thick slices of smoked salmon with deliciously crunchy mini capers and roasted kipfler potatoes and Jamon Iberico de Bellotta (one of the best and certainly most expensive hams in the world with a rich, nutty flavour) that came with rolled sourdough croutons, goats curd, basil and pine nuts.
For mains, the swordfish went beautifully with some seasonal vegetables and a light potato puree whilst the Santa Maria steak with carrot purée, fried eggplant and crispy onions was put quite simply the best steak I had ever tasted. The meat was so soft it felt like it could melt in your mouth. The executive chef Paul McMahon whose philosophy is to use uncomplicated flavours and make the produce the star really shines through in his cooking. All the dishes and ingredients used were unfaultable and made for the best meal I have had in Sydney!
The restaurant won the award for ‘Best Modern Australian Restaurant, Formal’ in 2007 and 2008 by the Restaurant and Catering NSW Metropolitan Awards for Excellence and you can see why. The atmosphere is sophisticated and formal and the professionalism of the staff, not to mention the prices make you realise this is a rare treat that should be enjoyed perhaps with a suit on. However the one thing that certainly isn’t too pretentious is the food – that is just delicious.
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1 Visitor Reviews
Average rating 5 / 5 from 1 visitor reviews-
Special
Amanda from SydneyHaving moved to Sydney a few months ago; we feel for a really excellent dining experience and an ambience, second to none, this is the place. Stunning Location, Great Views, Delicious Food! The whole team try very hard to give you the best of service. Our family and friends love it!!!
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Catalina
Lyne Park Rose Bay- map
- directions
From the city by car: from William Street, continue on Bayswater Road. Continue on New South Head Road through Edgecliff, Double Bay, to Rose Bay. Sydney Harbour is on your left. Take the first left into Lyne Park, past the Rose Bay ferry wharf.
From the city by ferry: Arriving by ferry is a spectacular Sydney experience. Rose Bay ferry wharf is a stone's throw from Catalina. Sydney Ferries operates a loop service from Circular Quay to Rose Bay to Watsons Bay.
From the city by ferry: Arriving by ferry is a spectacular Sydney experience. Rose Bay ferry wharf is a stone's throw from Catalina. Sydney Ferries operates a loop service from Circular Quay to Rose Bay to Watsons Bay.
region
Rose Bay
cuisine
International
avg. price
50+
AUD
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