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Restaurants

Seawall Restaurant & Bar, Walsh Bay

Sydney’s Walsh Bay has welcomed a new addition to the dining scene with the recent opening of Seawall Restaurant.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Seawall, Walsh Bay

Located on the waterfront with views of the Walsh Bay pier, the intimate venue has been designed to deal with existing structures and is at well at ease with its nautical surrounds. Warm timber interiors feature original pier slats, brass finishes, old railway foot stools, individually numbered brown leather seats and anchor hooks for handbags.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Rustic Interior

Seating alternates between intimate tables for two by the waterside and high tables and chairs as well as around the bar.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Cocktails at the Bar

A solid list of 15 cocktails ($19 each) has been overseen by Kieran Bailey (Sugar Lounge, Harlem on Central, Miss Marley’s, Brklyn in Manly) with some adapted by bartender Alberto D’Agostino formerly of Barrio Chino.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
L-R: Mojito Royale, Devil’s Advocate ($19)

The Mojito Royale with Havana Rum, fresh mint and lime juice topped with Prosecco is a take on a favourite. The use of Prosecco gives it a dry finish and makes for easy sipping on lazy afternoons and warm nights as you watch the boats gently bobbing on the marina. The Devil’s Advocate spices it up a few notches with a mix of Beefeater Gin, dry Vermouth, apple juice, fresh pomegranate, chilli flakes and a salt rim.

The food menu reflects the casual and relaxed vibe with a focus on seafood and fresh produce leaning towards Mediterranean flavours. Designed by James Watson (Peacock Trattoria and ex Riverview Hotel), it offers the option of shared dishes or individual ordering. After the venue has opened, Head Chef Dion Green (ex Bondi Hardware) is progressively adding his own touches to an evolving menu.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Seared Canadian Scallops with Cauliflower Puree

From the blackboard specials, comes the Seared Canadian Scallops with Cauliflower Puree, Charred Corn and Green Raisins ($18). The scallops are succulent and tender to the bite with a good combination of flavours and a sweet finish from the raisins.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Stuffed Calamari  with  Chorizo

Arguably the most photogenic dish, Stuffed Calamari with Chorizo, Potato and Onions ($20) is served  on top of a squid ink vinaigrette with tomato jam – a good combination of textures and flavours with a touch of heat from the sausage.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Ricotta Gnocchi with Moreton Bay Bugs

From the “main” sized dishes comes the Ricotta Gnocchi with Moreton Bay Bugs ($25) scattered with fresh peas, zucchini flowers, lemon and pecorino. The gnocchi is textural and a little firm to the bite and redolent with the delightful flavours of citrus and seafood which make it a favourite.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Caramelised Beef Cheeks with Garlic Paris Mash

The crowd-pleasing Caramelised Beef Cheeks with Garlic Paris Mash ($32) is topped with with caramelised asparagus. The cheeks are tender and flavoursome and go down well with a glass of 2007 Perdu Shiraz ($13).

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Mascarpone and Berry Pavlova

A choice of two desserts is offered, Affogato ($14) and a delicious Mascarpone and Berry Pavlova ($14) that is perfect to share,

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Cheese Piatto

or a cheese platter ($17/$28) with goats cheese, cheddar (not shown) and gorgonzola drizzled with truffle honey served with lightly toasted grain bread.

Seawall, Walsh Bay
Walsh Bay at Night

Seawall delights with its casual and laid back style that feels at ease with the surrounds. The cocktails entice you to work through the list, the dishes are well executed and the friendly service make it a pleasurable dining experience you’d like to tell your friends about. While the focus is on fresh seafood, carnivores will not be disappointed, and should you be dropping in for a pre-theatre meal, the dishes can be served fast. Otherwise, there’s always the lure of “one more cocktail” while watching the city lights twinkle in the distance.

Seawall Restaurant & Bar
Shop 6, 17 Hickson Rd
Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW 2000
seawallrestaurant.com.au
Ph: 02 9252 7995
Hours: Monday – Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00pm-11:00pm; Friday – Sunday: 12:00pm-11:00pm

About the author

Corinne Mossati

Corinne Mossati is a drinks writer, author of GROW YOUR OWN COCKTAIL GARDEN, SHRUBS & BOTANICAL SODAS and founder/editor of Gourmantic, Cocktails & Bars and The Gourmantic Garden. She has been writing extensively about spirits, cocktails, bars and cocktail gardening in more recent years. She is a spirits and cocktail competition judge, Icons of Whisky Australia nominee, contributor to Diageo Bar Academy, cocktail developer and is named in Australian Bartender Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential List. Her cocktail garden was featured on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia and has won several awards. She is a contributor to Real World Gardener radio program and is featured in several publications including Pip Magazine, Organic Gardener, Australian Bartender and Breathe (UK). Read the full bio here.

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