waterfront dining Archives

Catalina, the harbourside favourite in Rose Bay, is offering a seven-course tasting menu paired with a cashback offer through American Express, giving Sydneysiders a rare chance to enjoy fine dining at a reduced price.

A Taste of the Harbour This May

The seven-course tasting at Catalina is part of the American Express delicious. Month Out campaign, priced at $180—down from $220—and available Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner throughout May. This offer is available to delicious. readers only, and guests must mention ‘delicious.’ when booking.

*Photo Credit: Catalina Rose Bay/Facebook*

The autumn menu features sustainable seafood and premium options like dry-aged Maremma duck, with vegetarian, gluten-free and seafood alternatives available. Diners may also get the chance to meet the chef.

Cashback for Cardholders

Through a separate but overlapping promotion, American Express is also offering 20% cashback at Catalina, up to $25 per eligible card. To qualify, cardholders must activate the offer on their Amex account before dining. This deal runs through to 1 June 2025 and applies only at participating venues like Catalina.

The cashback offer is designed to encourage Sydneysiders to eat out and support their local hospitality scene. With limited enrolments, diners are being urged to act fast to secure both the tasting and the cashback opportunity.

A Family Legacy at Rose Bay

Catalina has been part of Sydney’s dining scene since 1994. Founded by Michael and Judy McMahon, it’s now run by Judy with her children, James and Kate. The restaurant is known for its calm coastal setting and glass-fronted dining room overlooking Lyne Park.

Its menu changes with the seasons and is built around fresh, local produce. Signature favourites often include pan-fried snapper and Sydney rock oysters, though it’s the balance of elegance and simplicity that keeps locals coming back.

More Than Just a Meal

Catalina’s Month Out offer gives locals a chance to reconnect over quality food while supporting a long-standing Rose Bay favourite known for flavour and service.

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The promotion is drawing new diners to Catalina, offering more than a discount with harbour views, crafted dishes, and a chance to rediscover a local gem.

Published 5-May-2025

Hotel and hospitality entrepreneur Dr Jerry Schwartz has acquired full ownership of Sydney Seaplanes and the Empire Lounge in Rose Bay, a move aimed at revitalising the precinct into a premier tourism and hospitality hub.

This acquisition places Dr Schwartz in direct competition with industry heavyweights Justin Hemmes’ Merivale and Judy McMahon’s Catalina, both key players in Sydney’s luxury dining and entertainment scene.

Scenic flights from Rose Bay. — *Photo Credit: Sydney Seaplanes*

A Rich Aviation History Revived

Rose Bay has long been synonymous with Australia’s seaplane heritage, dating back to 1938 when it served as the arrival point for Qantas’ international flying boats on the iconic Kangaroo Route. Over the decades, the area has evolved into a major destination for scenic flights and high-end waterfront dining.

Dr Schwartz, already a one-third stakeholder in Sydney Seaplanes for the past five years, decided to acquire full ownership to implement broader changes. Under his leadership, the company is set to expand its fleet from three to five aircraft, including an additional de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver currently undergoing modifications.

Sydney Seaplanes Lounge: A Culinary Transformation

The waterfront Empire Lounge will be rebranded as the Sydney Seaplanes Lounge, offering a modern Australian seafood-focused menu led by new Head Chef Natali Mikailoğlu. With experience at Rockpool, Merivale, and The Boathouse Group, Chef Mikailoğlu has curated a menu featuring:

Thai-style barramundi curry
Mediterranean pan-fried snapper
Seafood spaghetti with calamari, mussels, and prawns

The restaurant, originally designed as a luxury waiting lounge for seaplane travellers, will now serve as a standalone destination for premium dining, events, and waterfront entertainment.

Competition Heats Up in Rose Bay’s Hospitality Scene

Dr Schwartz’s expansion puts him in direct competition with Justin Hemmes’ Merivale Group, which is set to take over RSL Club Rose Bay, as well as the iconic Catalina restaurant, a long-time staple in Sydney’s fine dining landscape.

Dr Schwartz expressed a positive outlook on the increasing competition in Rose Bay, stating that rival developments contribute to overall improvement and growth in the area.

Waterfront dining at Rose Bay. — *Photo Credit: Empire Lounge*

He acknowledged Justin Hemmes’ acquisition of Club Rose Bay and the longstanding presence of Catalina, highlighting that their combined influence helps establish Rose Bay as a premier hospitality precinct.

Future Expansion and Regional Connectivity

Beyond the hospitality revamp, Dr Schwartz has ambitious plans to expand Sydney Seaplanes’ flight operations, adding routes to Wollongong and Newcastle. These additions will increase connectivity between Sydney and regional destinations while reinforcing Rose Bay’s status as an aviation hub.

With investments in both aviation and dining, Dr Schwartz aims to enhance the suburb’s appeal as a premier leisure and tourism destination, combining scenic flights with world-class waterfront experiences.

Published 15-Feb-2025

Tag: waterfront dining

Catalina Brings Back Value Dining With Seven-Course Tasting Offer