PROFILE BY BEST RESTAURANTS
During the day, Barzura is the kind of place you waltz into with sand on your feet and a towel over your shoulder for a scrumptious brekky and a freshly squeezed juice. A little later in the day, perhaps for a respite from the sun, choose from the Barzura Bites menu, such as the more-ishly good nasi goreng with a fried egg placed ceremoniously on top or the Cajun chicken Turkish pide served with chippies. If it's something more substantial you are after, the main menu sports huge bowls of pasta, plates of calamari and thick, tender steaks. With Coogee beach lapping at its doorstep, Barzura can't complain about the view, making it an ideal location for sunset cocktails after a stroll along the beach. The floor to ceiling windows are opened in the warmer seasons to take advantage of the sea breeze and incomparable panorama.
Dinner is a more sophisticated affair with the lights dimmed, candles lit and the moonlight bouncing off the water. A juicy grilled kangaroo fillet with roasted pumpkin, caramelised onions and poached red wine pears is a hit with the tourists who stream to Coogee's fine shores and are tempted by a little bit of Australiana. However, if you have gathered inspiration from the close proximity of the waves, perhaps the grilled salmon fillet with crushed eggplant, kumera crisps, balsamic reduction and basil oil would be more fitting. Anything goes at Barzura; whether you're sun-kissed and damp from the sea, need to feed the kids or are looking for a romantic place for an anniversary dinner you are guaranteed to be impressed with the flexibility, not to mention the top-notch food and friendly service.
Annabel Wise