REVIEWED BY DE GROOTS MEDIADon’t be swayed by the excess exclamation marks in Lido’s motto, “Enjoy the food! Enjoy the wine! Enjoy the views! Enjoy the atmosphere!” Although Lido knows tasty seaside ambience is its biggest strength, this restaurant is hardly overflowing with excitement and personality. Although unsurprising, Lido is always pleasing – there is copious outdoor seating (shaded and unshaded), a special children’s menu, vegetarian options, a competent bar, marina views and ample parking. What Lido excels at is its oysters; well-priced and done any which way you desire.
The summery starter schiacciata pomodoro consists of herbed pizza bases topped with a heavy-handed scattering of diced ripe tomato, ribbons of basil, crumbled Danish fetta and a drizzle of olive oil. Follow it with gamberi (meaty tiger prawns with avocado and greens dressed with dill aioli) and you will experience Lido’s strength: South Australian seafood with a Mediterranean flair. Those who have just stepped off a yacht might prefer to share the seafood platter for two consisting of oysters Kilpatrick and au naturale, a few twists of lemon pepper calamari, a pair of tiger prawn skewers, Moreton Bay bug skewers, two pieces of fish of the day and chargrilled octopus. Surrounded by yacht owners and private vessels, and serving up seafood, Lido certainly sells the romance of the Mediterranean.