LOCATIONAt the lagoon end of Stuart Park, North Wollongong.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAAway from the packed beaches and sun-tanning throngs, North Wollongong’s Lagoon Restaurant is nestled in the quiet cradle of the bay. Flanked by Stuart Park and hemmed in by towering pine trees, Lagoon has gained much industry recognition and now has its nets full of coveted awards. With a view of gently lapping waters, the dining room makes the most of the idyllic scenery with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and alfresco seating. Wide verandahs beckon, providing the perfect oceanfront setting for a seafood feast.
With fresh seafood delivered daily – most sourced locally and some flown in from interstate – the fish are certainly biting at Lagoon. Yet the extensive a la carte menu extends far beyond the fish nets, with wood-fired bread, pasta, poultry and vegetarian fare all waiting in the wings. Begin with a nibble on salt and pepper calamari or barbecue octopus – the perfect partners for an Australian or New Zealand wine. The signature wild barramundi adorned with king prawns offers a lip-smacking taste of seafood at its best. Opened in 1986, destroyed by fire in 2001 and re-opened in 2004, Lagoon Restaurant feeds the masses for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights see the feet tapping to live music, while special events are held on a regular basis. Lagoon is an ideal function venue, with a choice of three private dining rooms and set menus.
Lauren Barker, December 2008