Swell Restaurant

LOCATION
Across the road from Bronte Beach, 15 minutes from the CBD.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
With a killer view of Bronte Beach, thank heavens this restaurant hasn’t wasted precious beachfront real estate on just another bacon and egg cafe. Swell has brought this sleeve of eateries up several notches in terms of class and cuisine, attracting swimmers, suits and celebs alike. Inside, the decor is significant of its location with not a sharp edge in sight. And, like its interior, the atmosphere is super smooth with a touch of the seaside. Swell has duplicated its success, Japanese style, with its neighbouring restaurant, Bonsai. The two restaurants coexist amicably with an interconnected lunch menu, even though they differ drastically. Nonetheless, head chef Ryan Dunn’s menu for Swell is strictly seasonal but lenient in its creativity.

Salmon fishcakes with celeriac and fennel slaw and tomato relish or the blue swimmer crab and king prawn pasta with tomato and chilli are standout lunch dishes where most recommendations point to seafood. The wine list is considerably extensive with plenty of familiar labels mingled with those of the lesser known. The restaurant, like its guests, dresses up in the evening revealing its more intimate disposition. The menu, too, changes into its little black dress. Twice cooked pork belly with chestnut spatzle, caramelised parsnip, spiced pear chutney and pork jus is an impressive indication of the scope of worldly influences brought to the table. From hearty breakfasts right through to divine dinners, Swell has proved to be the sophisticated salt-kissed gem of Bronte.

Annabel Wise