Catalina is an iconic Sydney restaurant. That is simply an indisputable fact. Built in Rose Bay in the mid-90s as a family-managed establishment, this harbourside spot has been a big part of the dining experience of many Sydneysiders.
Locals love hosting events like weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other milestones at the Catalina because of its spectacular food choices. The restaurant’s specialty is seafood but the menu is a mix of French, Italian, Mediterranean and Spanish influences served by head chef Max Axisa.
The best seats in Catalina are by the deck, where diners can watch planes fly or enjoy the night lights twinkling in the water as they eat their food. Prior reservations are recommended since this area can easily fill up during lunch and dinner.
The panoramic water view makes dining at the Catalina by the deck is a relaxing and pleasurable experience even when it’s filled with people. If you have guests from out of town and you’d like to show off the beauty of Sydney, then taking them to this restaurant and asking for a seat by the deck would be a perfect idea.
Those who prefer to be seated inside will find no shortage of views too, thanks to the wide windows providing great vantage points of the water.
Waiters and service staff at the Catalina are instructed to treat every guest with the highest regard, maintaining the best standards that the restaurant is known for.
This restaurant is one of the very few food places in Sydney that still has crisp white table cloths. Owner Michael McMahon believes that the Catalina doesn’t have to be trendy and casual like many new restaurants. Instead, he wants to maintain Catalina as the place where grown-ups eat great food.
“A wonderful afternoon spent here with girlfriends. The food and service
~ Simone Elsden, via The Forkwas brilliant – not to mention the location & view. We didn’t feel at all rushed and had a relaxing experience.”
“Wowwww, I was not expecting the food here to be that great but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I ordered the scallops for entree, which were perfectly cooked and the sauce underneath was honestly great. For main, I ordered the toothfish with shiitake mushroom dumplings in a dashi broth. Oh my – a dish that is very well thought out, with all the flavours/ingredients complementing each other perfectly. Everyone on the table had food envy for my dish (just quietly). Unfortunately, I had no room for dessert today, but the menu had so many great options, so I will definitely be back soon to try them out! The wait staff was great – very friendly, accommodating and speedy. A fantastic lunch!”
~ TheHappyMedium, via Zomato
“Wonderful in every respect. Food, friendly service, wine,
~ Ian Ferris, via Deliciousharbour view, desserts, people-watching, coffee. White tablecloths, smart casual dress code. Highly recommended.”
This family-friendly restaurant is open daily at 12:00 noon and for dinners at 6:00 p.m. from Mondays through Saturdays.