Clareville Kiosk

There's always been something magical about this restaurant, with its idyllic Pittwater setting. New owners have maintained the charm but moved things up a notch in this painted weatherboard cottage, with a refreshed bar, reupholstered chairs, new panelling and strangely simpatico chandeliers. Michelle Christensen expertly runs front-of-house, while husband Peter is equally adept in the kitchen. An impressive duck assiette comprises thinly sliced duck bresaola with cornichons, a quenelle of creamy parfait with brioche fingers and a square of rillettes offset by a mound of mustard cream. Dramatically presented scampi are enhanced by a chipotle dressing and a refreshing fennel and orange salad, while rare-roasted venison rests on a pillow of confit garlic potato salad with pickled blueberries and bitter chocolate jus. To finish, a seasonal red sensation pear is transformed into a tarte tatin beneath a crown of spun sugar and cardamom ice-cream.