RESTAURANT REVIEW:  CATALINA, LYNE PARK, ROSE BAY

Ambience & Surroundings of Catalina

I was very lucky to snap up a Ouffer deal two weeks ago for an excellent three course meal for two at Catalina Rose Bay valued at $220.  The special was only available for lunch or dinner dining from Monday to Thursday. 

Consequently I managed to book a table for two on a Thursday night and let's just say the views were spectacular.  I sat outside on the restaurant's deck whilst I was sipping a glass of sparkling mineral water. The sky displayed an array of orange and pink hues - such visual delight.  Life just felt so good at this point :)!

As a One Chef hatted restaurant, Catalina was all that it lived up to be. The food was absolutely divine.  For starters we had the Catalina house smoked salmon with soft boiled egg, truffle mayonnaise and brioche.

The salmon was smoked to perfection and was the ideal combination for the soft boiled egg.  The insipid flavour of the egg was coupled with the saltiness of the salmon and the woody pungent truffle mayonnaise. The combined result created a burst of mouthwatering flavour.

Catalina house smoked salmon with soft boiled egg, truffle mayonnaise and brioche

The second starter we tried was the crisp confit pork belly, with pear compote and quinoa salad.  The pork belly was crispy but was a little on the salty side. However, it's the salt I understand that gives it that extra crunch.  I evidently enjoyed the crispy pork skin and the belly was soft unlike some chewy pork bellies I've had in the past.  The  pork belly was again cleverly paired with the pear compote and quinoa salad to saturate the saltiness of the skin adding a nutty, earthy sweetness flavour to the dish.

Crisp confit pork belly, with pear compote and quinoa salad

Next up, the mains were served. We opted for the snapper fillet with potato and garlic mash and lemon caper butter sauce.  The lemon caper sauce gave the fish the tangy and sour taste.  The fish - being panfried, was crispy and yet it melted in my mouth as soon as I took a bite.  It was a lovely combination.

Pan fried snapper fillet with potato and garlic mash; lemon caper butter

The other main dish we chose was the beef tenderloin.  We asked for it to be cooked "medium rare" which was perfect for our sensory taste buds.  The beef was tender and flavorsome.  There was a hint of smoky, nut-like flavors coming from the exotic mushrooms while the eschalot puree was smooth and did not overpower the dish.  Those crispy onion rings on top of the beef was a bonus especially for those who love tempura.  This was by far my favorite dish of them all and coincidentally classed as one of the signature "Catalina" dishes.

Beef tenderloin with eschalot puree, sauteed exotic mushrooms, crisp onion rings and mustard seed jus

Last by not least, we left space in our stomachs for desserts despite being so fulfilled with the main dishes.  I didn't really like the choices on the list for the desserts under the meal deal but getting a discount means you can't be too picky.  We had the classic lemon tart with mascarpone and the banana bavarois with roasted banana ice cream and date puree.  The classic lemon tart had no presentation "X" factor.  It was simply served as a lemon tart with mascarpone on the side which was surprising given everything else looked amazing.  The lemon tart was unbearably sour and citrusy that it had to be saved by the plain mascarpone.

On the contrary, I wasn't a fan of bananas on desserts but this banana bavarois dessert was notably good.  The texture of the bavarois was somewhat soft, creamy and a had velvety mouth feel. However, it needed the sweetness of the roasted bananas and chilled ice cream to boost its taste.

Banana bavarois with roasted banana ice cream and date puree

SMH Good living has described Catalina as a place that has "Stunning position, stunning views and stunning food".  I suggest that food lovers should come and try out this place.  The service was also good with waiters waiting to greet you as you walk to your table and they provide you with great advice on what to pick on the menu.

Summary Review of Catalina:

Food rating: 7.5/10


Service rating: 7.5/10


Ambience rating: 8.5/10


Price rating: Expensive ($$$)


Overall rating: 7.5/10 (would have been 8/10 if it wasn't as expensive)

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during sunset

The best way to get to Rose Bay is to catch a ferry from Circular Quay - Wharf 4, that way you get to enjoy the stunning view of Sydney's iconic landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.  The ferry runs regularly on weekdays and it takes about 10 minutes to get from Circular Quay to Rose Bay.  The last ferry from Circular Quay departs at 7.30pm and arrives at Rose Bay at 7.43pm.  The restaurant is just to the left of the Rose Bay Ferry stop.  Alternatively you can catch the 324 or 325 bus to Rose Bay and stop at New South Head Road near Elanora Street and within 5 minutes of walking, you'll reach the front of the restaurant.  You can plan your trip by going to www.131500.com.au or those with Iphones can download the Tripview application for the bus and ferry timetables.

Catalina Rose Bay
Lyne Park, New South Head Road
Rose Bay NSW 2029
(02) 9371 0555

Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday:   12 noon until midnight 
Sunday lunch:           12 noon until 6.00 p.m. (closed Sunday dinner)