DETAILS
The Modern Australian menu at Watergrill's has a strong Italian bent, as well as an emphasis on fresh seafood. A lovely place to celebrate a special occasion, all meals are made more momentous when taken in an elegant dining room with water views.
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Right on the water, with the Abbotsford ferry terminal at its doorstep, Watergrill could hardly ask for a better location. Attached to the Sydney Rowing Club, it also has a ready-made assemblage of patrons: well-heeled older folk with long hours to spare. These customers seek simple, classic fare; bistro food with a restrained, modern touch. With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, the dining room takes in a wide, boat-studded sweep of the Parramatta River. On fair evenings the room is bathed by fabulous orange sunsets. On more casual days there's an outdoor dining area by the river.
Watergrill isn't on the cutting edge of Sydney cuisine, but rather puts an attractively presented, upmarket spin on traditional Modern Australian fare. Seafood is the kitchen's strongpoint, with fine entrees like grilled scampi with sage butter and orange risotto, and grilled king prawns with kimchi sorrel dressing. Mains offer choices like good, old-fashioned lobster mornay, to more elaborate fare like Rock Valley veal cutlet with seared scallops, baby spinach, gremolata and goat's cheese. Desserts like sticky date and pecan tart with butterscotch ice-cream are handsomely presented. With good service and a familiar wine list, Watergrill is a nice "special occasion" venue for those wanting a fuss-free meal, and water views without Sydney Harbour prices.
Fiona Davis