The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay

It’s Saturday night and the place is jumping. There’s a former prime minister and his wife at one table and baby boomers dotted around but the majority of diners are in their 20s and 30s. All are in animated conversation. If anyone paused for breath, they’d notice the working end of the harbour, laid out before them in sparkling glory through windows on all three sides. The interior is dominated by timber and a large, glassed-in kitchen. A stone’s throw from the Fish Market, perhaps it’s no surprise that seafood dominates. Oysters have their own menu, but let the kitchen choose a selection and explore the creamy, salty flavours, from mild to intense, from up and down the eastern coastline. Fennel-scented ocean jacket is elevated by tiger prawns while blue-eye trevalla takes centre stage, supported by spanner crab and pancetta. Cherries and chocolate transform the deconstructed cherry ripe dessert into something special.

And … Book early and request a window seat.

THE LOW-DOWN
Vibe A lively boatshed with a fine seafood focus.
Best bit Relaxed, fine dining for the special occasion crowd.
Worst bit Disorganised service.