A Palm Beach institute is the iconic Barrenjoey House. Built in the 1920s, it retains its original use as a restaurant and guest house. Before our recent overnight yacht stay with Taylor Made, we decided to take the opportunity to have a long lunch at the Palm Beach favourite.
Seated on the front deck area gave us prime position to watch the goings on of Pittwater, while feasting on a delicious lunch. We started with the seared scallops to share which were plump, fresh and served with a delicious butternut pumpkin puree, daikon and green chilli.
With the scallops we ordered one of Barrenjoey House’s specialities, the Crab Toast. The crab filling is a scrumptious, buttery, mousse-like texture sandwiched between two pieces of light and fluffy brioche bread. It’s moreish and definitely something to be ordered when visiting Barrenjoey House.
For mains, I went with the Eye Fillet served with buttery paris mash and red wine jus, and my dining partner chose the Cod served with orange saffron sauce, butter zucchini and green olive with pops of dill which gave it a delicious freshness.
The staff are friendly and attentive, happy to have a quick chat in between serving other diners, without being intrusive or inattentive to others’ needs.
The menu has options for those with dietary requirements with vegetarian/vegan as well as dairy and gluten free offerings. Entrees range from $25-$36 and Mains from $29-49. If you’re in the mood to share, they offer an 800g ribeye served with black garlic, mustard and charred leak for $135.
Barrenjoey House also operates as a boutique guest house above the restaurant with seven rooms, including five which overlook Pittwater and the other two overlooking the garden. The rooms are bright and airy, decorated in a crisp, elegant coastal style. It’s definitely somewhere we will be looking at staying on one of our future visits to Palm Beach, and with such a great restaurant downstairs and beautiful Pittwater across the road, has a lot to offer for a weekend getaway or mid-week break.
Check out these articles about other great places to enjoy on the Northern Beaches of Sydney
Garfish Restaurant, Manly
Maestro and Co, Manly
Sailing and Overnight Yacht Stay with Taylor Made Escapes
The Sebel Sydney, Manly Beach
