LOCATIONThe southern end of Balmoral Beach; 20 minutes’ drive from the CBD or 15 minutes’ water taxi ride from Circular Quay to the wharf in front of the restaurant.
DETAILSPublic Dining Room is owned by the brother/sister partners Mark and Monique McLoughlin who have been residents of Balmoral for ten years. Architecturally designed by Hecker, Phelan & Guthrie, the new Public Dining Room offers a contemporary a la carte menu with additional tapas inspired dishes, and an extensive wine list that can be enjoyed in the beachside al fresco seating with magnificent views.
Joining Public Dining Room is Head Chef Ian Lonnon. Ian has worked in some of Sydney’s finest hatted restaurants. Buon Ricordo, Pier, MG Garage & Pilu at freshwater just to name a few. Along with his talented team he brings a creative touch to a Mediterranean menu featuring Australia’s best seasonal produce.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAAt Public Dining Room you feel pleasantly surrounded by nature with the water nearly by your feet, and natural light filling the restaurant from the sun by day, or softly by a moon-lit night. Fitting its name, there is nothing but glass panels between the surrounding environment that is reflected through the restaurant. Light timber floors, sandy-coloured walls and a white marble bar echoes a Scandinavian get away.
Upon entrance, an instantly refreshing feeling washes over us from the uninterrupted view of the ocean. The outdoor area is shaded by reaching branches overhead, with the sound of lapping waves in the background. Here, summer drinks are spent lounging along beige banquettes with sandy feet and glasses of rosé, while in the cooler months, bottles of red wine are shared by diners who watch the storms roll in from the sea.
With the scent of the ocean floating into the restaurant, seafood feels an appropriate afternoon enjoyment. A small collection of oysters from Batemans Bay graces our table, starting lunch with soft and clean flavours. For entrée roasted scallops are served atop Jerusalem artichoke purée and pickled fungi. Confit ocean trout has been lightly smoked and served with bright cucumber salad, and glossy clusters of ocean trout roe scattered around the dish. Moving back onto land, the Grainge grain-fed sirloin is flanked by Tuscan cabbage, while a golden knob of porcini and truffle butter softens over roasted baby carrots with their ends crisp from the oven. Citrus notes of mandarin and almond cake are mellowed by crème fraîche icing and enjoyed with NV Stanton & Kileen ‘Grand Liquor’ muscat from Rutherglen in Victoria.
Public Dining Room fits perfectly with the Mosman’s polite personality. This is a restaurant where you could enjoy any of the weather’s moods with all the creature comforts of great food, wine and company.
Edwina Storie
HISTORYPublic Dining Room is inspired by the local history of the site and the public swimming baths located directly in front of the restaurant. The baths at Balmoral opened to the public in 1898, with the original building used to access the baths at a cost of 1 penny. By the early 1900s, public bathing was rife with much controversy yet the glamorous 1920s saw a strong beach culture develop. The new restaurant name is reflective of the space created, which is open and engaging, nostalgic, relaxed and inviting. It is a restaurant that can be enjoyed any time of the day, or better yet; from day to night starting with casual drinks that slip effortlessly into dinner.
PRIVATE AND CORPORATE EVENTSPublic Dining Room is a classic, elegant venue for any occasion seating 120 guests with a private dining area and terrace deck. Celebrate your birthday, anniversary, engagement or wedding reception in style, or impress you business clients with a private lunch, dinner or cocktail party while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Balmoral Beach. Surrounded by lush greenery and placed upon the sands of Balmoral Beach, Public Dining Room is a destination venue that spoils guests with its stunning beachside view. The waves lap at its front door and the Balmoral boardwalk conveniently extends over the water for those who arrive by water taxi.
OPENING TIMES The restaurant trading hours are as follows;
Weekdays
Lunch 12:00pm- 3:00pm
Dinner 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Weekends
Breakfast -8:00am-11:am Lunch - 12:30pm- 3:00pm
Dinner = 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Tip:Arrive in style with
Water Taxis