Doyle's on the Wharf

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Experience the iconic Doyle’s restaurants a different way. Take away the linen clothed tables and the bow-tie service and do fish and chips how they’re supposed to be done; in a white cardboard tray. Still, with Doyle’s reputation for producing superior fresh seafood, you can assume pretty high expectations – and you won’t be disappointed. Head for the Fishermans Wharf of Watsons Bay to check out what the over-the-counter side kick has to offer. Choose from an array of seafood treats such as prawn salads, half lobsters or your choice of finger-licking grilled or fried fish. Just what is it that makes the fish and chips at Doyle’s so good? The secret is in the batter, the chefs will tell you.

The eating area which sits upon the bay, looks as if it’s almost themed, but without being tacky. Fishing and seaside paraphernalia adorn the walls and ceilings including lobster trap light fittings and old remnants of Doyle’s boats and equipment. After picking up your takeaway tray of fruits de la mer, order a glass of wine or a cold one from the bar and bags yourself one of the plastic white tables. The large, west-facing windows allow for a brilliant view of the city over the bobbing boats and ferries. The wharf gets crazy busy on the weekends with a line backing all the way to the road so if waiting isn’t your style, take your meal onto the grassy grounds of the nearby park and set up camp under the Moreton Bay fig trees. It may be a little less refined than restaurant dining but, when it comes to Doyle’s, it’s definitely the cheaper option.

Annabel Wise