Beautiful restaurant, interesting & stunningly presented food. Great location, watch out for…read morespiders. Be warned though, NO HIGHCHAIRS & only 2 menu options for kids. Not a child oriented restaurant. Understandable for the location. Best menu item was Asparagus first course.

There was a special at Cottage Point Inn right before a friend from the States was coming to visit…read moreso I snatched up the opportunity to show her the beautiful Hawkesbury River FOOD Our deal involved a main, dessert and glass of wine. On arrival we were served a complimentary pumpkin soup served in the cutest little cup. This was followed by the salmon with squid ink pasta main and ended with the largest souffle I've ever seen. I'm not the biggest fan of cooked salmon but I thought this one was done rather well. Whilst the first few bites of the souffle were enjoyable by the time I hit the middle it was a bit of a sugar overdose and I wasn't able to finish it off. http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/XZyS0e-K6TT7IySh1Wid-Q?select=Y4dedCHGvQNQj6CHJ0fVlg http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/XZyS0e-K6TT7IySh1Wid-Q?select=fzN749_pd5KukxMp1rKe_Q http://www.yelp.com.au/biz_photos/XZyS0e-K6TT7IySh1Wid-Q?select=ZdB96RhOwH77r6tjXJbm1g SERVICE The place was very busy for a Thursday lunch but the waitstaff all seem very experienced at handling a full restaurant. VERDICT The food was decent but the biggest draw card about this place is definitely the view as you are sitting right alongside the Hawkesbury River. There's not much at Cottage Point and so it's a very quaint and peaceful area perfect for sitting back with a glass of wine, enjoying the scenery and relaxing. There is also minimal mobile phone reception so you definitely feel like you've escaped from Sydney even though it's less than an hour away from the CBD.

I've been here twice. This year I took mum there for our Mother's Day tradition of fish and chips…read more And 8 years ago, when we started that very tradition at Lifeboat Seafood. This place isn't nearby, it's a hike. You and the pickup private aren't going to be able to do it in 45 flat. Going to Brooklyn, you should probably plan for the day. It's a long drive, and once you are there, it is very serene and a place you may want to wander around in for an hour or two to soak up the atmosphere. This is an interesting contrast to the busy freeway that you turn off to get to this little jewel on the Hawkesbury. Lifeboat is located right near the wharf/marina. It is a very vibey spot and nearby are a number of fish 'n' chips venues, restaurants and cafes. There is also a park nearby for the kids. The Anglers Rest, which you'll pass on your way in, is an absolute hive of activity. A favourite with bikers from all walks, it has been packed to the absolute rafters the last two times I've been through. Both times I've been to Lifeboat it has been booked solid. Because there was only two of us, they managed to squeeze us in, but I recommend getting a reservation if you choose to go here. They do tend to turnover couples tables quite quickly but groups settle in, and have a few bottles and gorge on platters so they can take their time. Food-wise I've had a whole fish (the first visit) which was absolutely delicious from first to last bite. I've also done the standard battered fish and chips on my last visit. The batter is light, fluffy and flaky and the chips are thick-cut, tasty and crispy. It's DIY seasoning and condiments. Mum came back here a couple of months later for her bday with a large group of friends and they got the seafood platter, which is a multi-tiered orgiastic feast for the senses. If you are a seafood lover you may go into convulsions when this is plonked on the table. It looks absolutely superb. Service is great. The ladies in charge make sure that you are enjoying your meal. There are some downsides. Initially it can be difficult to find the place. We hadn't been here in a long time and the signage isn't exactly in your face. It also can be very difficult to get a car park, due to the almost too busy nature of the location itself, being a hub for a range of activities.

Great fresh cooked seafood, mussels are great. Has fresh catch of the day options.read more

Stopped into Brooklyn for lunch and came across this place which was better than it looked. Looking…read morea bit run down and of better days. Nice spot looking over the boats in the marina. Limited range of choice if you are gluten free. Placed our order and service was accommodating and our fisherman's basket came out in reasonable time. The calamari were really good - in the top three ever!! Chips and wedges were good. It is a tourist spot - the price does reflect its not for locals, but worth a visit.

The Prince of Tides dad is aptly named for he serves up a king-size tidal wave of tumultuous…read moreservice, seating and seafood. Reservations here are about as solid as a sandcastle on a beach as the king tide rolls in to crash against it. Having reserved 2 tables for a total of 16 people we were accosted by a procession of toolshops turning up and thinking the table was theirs. Literally 3 full groups wanted one of our reserved tables, despite our name being on the reservation card, in full view. Having to find people their tables wasn't on my menu for the day, but I did it anyways -- I won't hold daft customers against King Tide, that ain't their problem. We all ordered different things at different times, so things came out higgledy-piggledy -- Again, I can't fault King Tide here, we probably should have gone up all at once. (Big Tip: There is a bistro style table service in effect here. What this means is that you go to the counter, order and pay, and are then given a number on a stand. One of the staff then brings your order over when it is ready.) Where I *can* fault King Tide is on the seafood platter for 2 (The hot and cold for $120). First off it's a $120 spend at what is tantamount to a fish and chip shop by a marina, replete with seagulls, plastic chairs, and a view of water and rundown ships. The platter comes with fresh prawns, lobster tail, oysters, smoked salmon, and an array of fried seafood items (plus dipping sauces), and chips. It all sounds good till you try the food. My first item was the lobster tail. I've had really good lobster in Halifax, so I'm well versed in the fare. I took half and began to remove it from its shelled home. Unfortunately I could tell before I even tasted it that it was dry (overcooked) and somewhat rubbery (a symptom of frozen seafood). The flavour itself was fine (nothing exceptional) but it lacked wow factor. There was no buttery sweet goodness... It was dry. The fresh prawns were next, and these were the best thing on the platter. Still in their complete shell you will have to de-vein them as you peel and prepare them for your word hole. I'm not the biggest oyster fan, but I tried one and found it far too briney to bother going back for a second. Even with the addition of lemon juice the salt water taste was overpowering. It's not a flavour that screams "try me again!". The smoked salmon (not the kind you buy at a deli, though the taste is similar) was also very dry. The flavour was very good and I had a few pieces but the dryness killed it for me. The fried stuff was all pretty good. Clearly this is where King Tide can claim expertise. The calamari was al dente, the fish nicely fried, and the chips crunchy and fluffy. The crab leg was a nice surprise too. Overall I found the platter to be way too expensive for what you are actually getting, and the skill of cooking employed. It was average, nothing stood out as exceptional. I will note however that 3 of us shared the platter, and it was enough for the 3 (we did have cake afterwards so maybe everyone was saving themselves for that). Whilst the spot itself is quite nice and the staff friendly enough, the food doesn't deliver on expectations. I would come here again but would probably stick to the standard fish and chips next time, because I'd be knowing what I was getting and be happy to have it.

I love this place so much, it's such a little hidden gem, the food is amazing, the staff are…read morefriendly and there's always a great atmosphere perfect for a long lazy lunch with a few wines!

We arrived by water taxi, but you can get there via car - if you want. Food is excellent, as is…read moreservice. Its pricey, but the set-up is amazing. Great outlook and where I took my profile picture of a dog playing in the pool to cool down. Such a great venue. Try the cocktails, but don't get sloshed before dinner - it'll dampen your taste buds.

Top food spot at the Waterfront. Best place for a quiet lunch & a bottle of wine. Plenty of parking…read morefor Scotland Island take off point.

This is a spectacular spot that has grown out of a General Store/Newsagent next to the Church Point…read moreferry wharf. Sunday afternoon jazz trio really completed the atmosphere. The food is good and the wine at bottle shop prices. A convivial bunch of patrons made our first visit there very memorable. Superb views and location - the biggest problem is parking, which cannot be blamed on the establishment but will help keep this little known gem undiscovered - more enjoyment for the initiated!

Great food Amazing location and ambiance…read moreMain restaurant closes at 2 after lunch service Really nice and friendly staff. Eat it.

Went for a drive to Brooklyn on a lazy Friday as I drove over the bridge I spotted a new (or maybe…read morea Reno of the old) building at Kangaroo Point just before you enter the road to Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River at the old road bridge. So we called in to have lunch didn't realise that the Restaurant has only been opened a couple months. The menu is a bit limited but does have steak for those who don't want fish or the like. I ordered linguine with plenty of prawns but for the price that's what is expected. My wife ordered flathead and chips and that's what you get no more. When we wanted a plain old garden salad but no only the grain salad ( maybe our request would lower the status). The wait staff are pleasant but very inattentive and the food delivery can be slow as our deserts took for ever to come even though there was no cooking needed. Lastly there needs to be a better plan as with all headland type locations there will always be days of wind so maybe a plan for windy days so that your food isn't blowing off the plate as it became unpleasant to sit there eating in the wind tunnel.

Good, food is good and the vibe is great, prices are INSANE but it's Sydney so what more could you…read morewish for. The service is always nice, some people are kind, some ain't.

It's been built up a lot since I came here last. I used to love coming here years ago when I lived…read morein the area. It's a Merivale establishment now and it's been totally redone. With multiple bars and food options the menu was a bit disappointing to be honest. Food being served in cardboard boxes was just a bit unappealing when you are seated outside with gorgeous views. It's also a real waste of packaging. My burger was ok and the food was pretty average for the price. I would have expected a bit more considering we were there long before the crows arrived. Staff are super nice and friendly and the ambience is good. The water spray outside is a nice touch to cool you down on a warm day. The band playing that day was pretty bad and unfortunately we were sitting very close to them which did not help. I am sure I will be back again and I hope they move to a more sustainable way of serving food in the future.

This cafe is only a few mins from my home but I only recently discovered it. Located at the Marina…read moreat Bayview, you'd be forgiven for missing this cafe from the street as it sits on the waterfront side of the building. Entry is from the small car park to the left side of the building (not the main council car park located to the right). I visited on a cold and rainy day, possibly the worst time to take advantage of the location, and it was still lovely. Warmed by an outdoor heater, the seating is outdoor undercover. Orders are placed at the counter, but food is delivered to the table. Seating is comfortable but not luxurious. The staff were very friendly and highly attentive. The menu is all day breakfast or lunch, prices aren't cheap but based on quality of fare I would say they are reasonable. I ordered a full breakfast consisting of bacon, sausage, egg, mushrooms, toast and hash brown. The menu price was $20 which is at the upper end of what I'd expect to pay for a cafe breakfast. I asked for them to hold the hash brown as I didn't want it. What arrived was a mountain of good food. 3 full bacon rashers, 2 sunny side up eggs, 2 beef sausages, 3 slices of premium loaf toast, a halved grilled tomato and sauted mushroom. I have to assume they added extra bacon in lieu of the hash brown because there was no room left on the plate for anything else. It was delicious, pure and simple. Perhaps it was the cold weather, perhaps it was the cosy warmth of the heater, perhaps it was waiting until midday for breakfast. Even accounting for all those things, the food was delicious. The bacon was premium quality, the eggs were free range, the sausages were gourmet, everything was cooked perfectly. We asked for a coffee and that came in a big mug, ready to warm the hands, perfectly suited to the day. Maybe it was a one off to have such a good experience, and it helps when you're not expecting it, but I will be heading back here.

This is one delightful cafe with beautiful views over the marina. Being very near the doggy beach…read moreit's our go_to place after our pup Bella has had a swim as they are super doggy friendly. The food here is always excellent with something for everyone and the coffee is consistently good. The service is always friendly but at busy times can be a bit slow but with such a lovely outlook no one seems to mind.

My better half took me here yesterday for an early birthday celebration. It was a surprise, and…read morewhat a fantastic night. If you want to impress the hell out of someone, or if you want to treat someone to a truly special dining experience, then you must go here! The night started with the (well worth it) 50 minute drive to the wharf to catch the ferry to the restaurant. No driving directly to this place. You board their private ferry, and take short ride to their private dock, all while enjoying the beauty of the Hawkesbury river and its lush landscape. Another option is to take a sea plane (imagine the brownie points you would get for adding that to the night!). We arrived just after 7. It was the perfect time to arrive, as the lighting created this picture perfect setting to gaze at. Arriving earlier in the evening, you get to experience sunset/dusk and feel the ambiance of the restaurant change from a well lit water front establishment, to an intimate, modern, homey feeling fine dining icon. The staff were friendly and genuine on arrival as they greeted us, and took us promptly to our table. There isn't a bad seat in the house here. We started with a glass of champagne. Gosset seems to be the house pour, and was a welcome start to the dinner for us! For those who don't know, Gosset is the oldest winery in Champagne. Staff here know how to make sure you have the fine balance of privacy, mixed with highly (yet unobtrusive) attentive service. There is no massive menu to flip through here. Everyone has the 7 course degustation dinner, and the staff make sure to inquire about any potential food allergies or sensitivities. As for the wines, you can get the paired wines for $75, which were (mostly) perfectly paired. I Think there was one that I had a "meh" reaction to, otherwise, I was pleasantly amused with the changing characteristics of each wine when tasted before the plate arrived, and after the first bite. For those that want more control over their wine selection, they had a impressive looking cellar, but I forgot to ask to look at the list, as my partner was the designated driver for the night. They seem to have a selection of spirits, but I was never offered an after dinner beverage, which really surprised me. There were also no supplemental dishes. I'm a sucker for supplementals, and usually like to start my evening out with a martini, manhattan, or old fashioned, or end it with a good ol' scotch. The menu had apparently just changed earlier that week. They love their play on words here, with courses such as "Tomatoes", and "Beef, Onions, and Tarragon". Rest assured, there is nothing simple on the plate, but rather a perfectly balanced creation that left you wanting more. My favourite was the short rib (Beef, Onions and Tarragon). Desserts were very nice, but as I explained to our server, I am one of those who love my desserts to be like a professional boxer. Rich, and knocks your socks off. A cheesecake, a chocolate masterpiece, or a cheese plate are some of my favourites, so this was my only disappointment of the night, and it was minor at that. Chef and Owner Brian Geraghty could be seen (and heard) working with an intensity and passion for perfection in the kitchen, inspecting every plate before it was taken to its guests. It was almost a bit of pressure, as you could see him looking out over the pass to, waiting to see if you were enjoying his creations. I gave him my thumbs up, and was pleased to see him smile for the first time since we had arrived. I'm one of those who love to have the chef visit the table and discuss the concept or inspiration for the menu, or the sourcing of the ingredients. I suppose its because my partner is a trained chef, and we enjoy that banter. I was surprised that he didn't make the rounds, as there are only about 12(?) tables in the house. The only negative that really stuck out for me, was one of the servers, was the sloppiest pourer ever. Each time he refilled out water, he seemed to pour a good amount on the table. It appeared to be a combination of a) staring at something else while pouring, and b) forgetting the ever important step of tilting the bottle upright before you pull your arm back towards your body. Sadly, we were not staying the night at one of the many places along the river, so we reluctantly left Berowra Waters Inn, taking the ferry back to the wharf, enjoying the last little bit of romance before getting back in the car to drive home. I will be back, maybe for a nice winter menu full of comfort dishes?

Berowra Waters Inn markets itself as a peaceful, serene dining experience accessible only by a…read moreriver. Unfortunately, my experience wasn't as calming as what the marketing makes it out to be. Unless if you have a boat or seaplane, you will need to use the restaurant's boat to get across to the restaurant - it costs $1 per person the boat ride each way (so $2 per person altogether) - and they show this fee as a line item on the bill! For a restaurant that serves only one fixed-price degustation menu, you'd think the $2 could be incorporated into the cost of the meal. Leaves a rather cheap impression on diners. End rant. The food was fresh and high quality. There was also an issue with my food intolerance (goats cheese, which I advised the staff of at the start) - I was served dessert which was a cannoli stuffed full of goat's cheese. This was replaced with an empty cannoli shell less than a minute later. A hatted restaurant should have back-up options for people with food intolerances.

Amazing location! Beautiful view from any seat in the restaurant with a very homely feel. Each dish…read morewas consistently great. Staff was very friendly.

Hands down the MOST innovative and tantalising restaurant I've ever eaten at. The only hatted…read morerestaurant on the central coast - and for good reason. It is a fine dining gem right on the edge of the beach, with an absolutely breathtaking view to match the food. The waitstaff are of top level professionalism and have wonderful dementors. The interior of the restaurant is curated with pieces of art by local artists which gives it a very homey feel, while also providing lovely pops of colour. The menu seems complex but don't be afraid to try anything. Every single thing on the menu has layers of flavour and which will surprise you and make you wanting more. The option for 3 small dishes is the way I like to go, as you get a better selection of flavours. This place is perfect for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, group events, or even showing off to your foodie mates. The price is a bit high in comparison to most places on the central coast but that's because the coast doesn't have many fine dining restaurants. Absolutely worth every cent. It has fast become my favourite restaurant!