We leave some of the best places for tourists. Now that we fully embrace staycations, it’s time to claim back Sydney’s icons for ourselves. Seafood harbour-side is iconic. The Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant tucked under the Harbour Bridge and overlooking the Opera House is a destination.
The venue in the beautifully restored Campbell’s Stores at The Rocks is modern and historic at the same time. Feel the history in the architecture and textured sandstone throughout. The best seats in the house are waterside, it’s been cleverly designed to ensure you can be captivated by the view even in winter. Everyone is so friendly and they know the menu so well that the waiters are virtually your ‘cuisine concierge’. Head Chef Craig Knudsen (formerly of Qualia, Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld), has designed a contemporary menu for the cooler weather that heroes fresh and seasonal.
If you are going to be the tourist in your own town then start it off in style with a dozen of the unique Appellation Oysters, they are exceptional with a glass of Pol Roger Brut Reserve. The combination delivers that lasting mineral finish that oyster lovers lust after. The Kingfish Carpaccio with fermented black bean, smoked mayo, pickled onion & coriander oil is subtle and sublime. You simply cannot ignore scallops, served in the half shell with blistered tomato & garlic pangrattato are a lovely closed to the starters.
Seafood lovers will be losing it when faced with choosing from the range of grilled seafood for the main courses. The Butterflied Eastern King Prawns are smoky and sweet. The grilled Whole Lobster served with XO butter & charred broccolini is decadent. The crispy skinned Humpty Doo Barramundi nestled on top of fragrant wild mushroom pearl barley risotto is delicious. The award however goes to… the Moreton Bay Bugs, they wear virtually nothing and steal the show, wow! The Eden Valley “Contours” 2015 Riesling is a great drop for this entire seafood spectrum. If you must have it all, the best way is sharing the signature seafood platter which showcases the best of the best.
Pause and peruse both the Harbour Bridge to the left and the Opera House to the right while taking a peek at the dessert menu. The 2017 Oakridge 864 Cab Sav or the Craigmoor Botrytis are smooth and rich drinks to finish the night with something sweet. The Corella Pear Clafoutis and custard is warm & wintery. But if you are close to unbuttoning your jeans, the Citrus Lemon Set Cream, with raspberry sorbet and a macaroon like biscotti is silky and smooth and worth squeezing in.
We are exploring all stretches of our state so don’t forget what we have right here on the doorstep, guaranteed you’ll leave asking yourself why we don’t spend more time in our own harbour. This truly is a special experience, dining on the jewels of the sea in Sydney’s jewel of the city.
The Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
Thursday – Saturday 1130-late, Sunday 1130-3pm
Campbell’s Stores, Bay 1-3, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rock, Sydney
