LOCATIONLocated right on the water’s edge in McMahons Point with uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. An 8-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. Also accessible by water taxi, taxi, bus or car with the drive down Blues Point Road offering one of the most spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, harbour and the city.
DETAILSSails on Lavender Bay is perched on the shores of Sydney’s magnificent harbour, a spectacular sight during the day or and night. Sails is the the perfect venue for corporate or private functions, hosting up to 100 guests for sit down functions and 120 for cocktail functions.
PRIVATE DININGGroups of 11 – 20 can also be accommodated in a stunning private dining room.
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Open: lunch Tues-Fri and Sun noon-3pm * dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm
Wine: extensive global list * bar lounge
Seats: restaurant 85 guests * private dining room 18 guests
Tip:Arrive in style with
Water Taxis PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA Waterside dining rarely gets better than this. They say “a picture is worth a thousand words" but, in this case, I would have to disagree. Photos just don’t do this restaurant justice. It is only when you are seated, looking out towards Sydney Harbour, with the Harbour Bridge looming above and Luna Park sparkling to the left, that one can fully appreciate the beauty of our stunning city.
We booked for an early dinner; terrified that we wouldn’t get time to appreciate the view but there was no fear of that. Even after the sun set, the Harbour took on another, yet equally spectacular, form. We could see silhouettes of bridge climbers perched on the upper arch of the Habour Bridge while the harbour in front was abuzz with jet cats speeding hoards of city workers home to burbs.
270-degree glass windows allow diners uninterrupted views from every seat in the restaurant. The interior does not have much character – it is simple and elegant and yet comfortable. Despite being a fine dining restaurant, the staff are vivacious, making guests feel relaxed and at ease.
Renowned for their cocktails, we ordered a selection of classics such as mojito and caiprioska, along with a citrus blush – as recommended by the waiter. The caiprioska let the team down slightly however, the mojito and citrus blush were standouts. An entree of seared scallops with a carrot and ginger puree continued our glowing approval – the small dollop of cumin yoghurt combining the dish. The Indian flavour of the dish was unexpected and, as a table of spice-lovers, made the dish more pleasurable than we imagined. The freshly shucked oysters were as they should be – fresh and untouched, with just a drizzle of mignonette dressing. A main of Jerusalem artichoke and potato ‘feuilette’ made me appreciate vegetarianism more than ever, while the roasted duck breast with lentils was perfectly balanced.
I’m the first to diss the North Shore as a place for fine dining. It is not for its lack of restaurants but rather it is the feeling of sameness about them all. After a night at Sails, my attitude has changed. Sails is at the top of my list and not just for Sydney, I would recommend it Australia-wide.
Anna Lisle