Sydney Seaplanes is not just a place for a plane ride over the harbour, it also has a bar and restaurant and you can visit the empire lounge simply for a meal and enjoy the beautiful harbour scenery. Outdoor seating on the verandah or inside near the bar, come here for a relaxing setting. Although the outdoor temperature was a bit cold on the day we visited, they have outdoor heating and blankets to keep us warm.
They have a top cocktail list and we began with one each. The flavours of these were lovely and refreshing and the presentation also fit the setting. Brunch always has to have a Bellini and this one was a nice mix of Champagne with white peach and vine peach liquor. The skyline swizzle was a mix of rum, açai berries, raspberries, fresh lime and bitters. Gin, pineapple, lime and bitters made up the Honolulu cocktail and it was awesome.
Food wise, we left it in the hands of the waiter to order us an array of foods, beginning with some beautiful oysters and a vinaigrette.
The menu is predominantly seafood, a natural choice given the proximity to the sea. From the sea menu, we tried the Balmain bug risotto, which was cooked just as risotto should be, and with the addition of nice small chunks of Balmain bug. Beautifully presented with edible flowers, Creme fraiche and edamame, this was a popular dish amongst our group.
We also tried the yellow fin tuna tartare with avocado, black sesame and ponzu, accompanied by some rice waters.
The kale and avocado salad with quinoa, chickpeas, seeds, pine nuts and mint was so refreshing and nice and light to go with the meal.
We also had the swordfish steak special with sugar snap peas and a romasco sauce, a seafood lasagne and a side of bread and butter.
It's a perfect location, lovely food and efficient service. read more
