Now that the days are getting longer and the nights are warmer, the best place to enjoy a relaxing dinner is looking out over the Pittwater at The Marina Cafe, Church Point.
When husband and wife team Jonathan and Jess Brailey took over the site 13 years ago, it was ‘just a milk bar’. The Avalon duo has created a cosy atmosphere indoors, but also utilised the best of the Pittwater vista on the Marina Cafe’s outdoor deck. With sauces, jams and condiments made by the cafe chefs lining the white-washed displays inside, the result is a great space for brunch, lunch and dinners.
With dinners back after a winter hiatus, we headed out one balmy evening to enjoy some delicious dishes, tucked away on the cosy corner sofas. The salt and pepper squid with a side of green papaya salad was so zesty I almost did not leave room for the rest of the meal! Being a sea-side venue, seafood is a feature of Marina Cafe and delivered daily from the Sydney Fish Markets. Spring Bay Mussels done in a white wine sauce and house made tagliatelle with tiger prawns and blue swimmer crab are two other dishes which jump off the menu for the seafood inclined.
But there are plenty of other options, like Marina’s signature crispy duck salad, a dish which Jonathan says regulars beg him to keep on the menu. There is always a special to spice up the dishes, with free-range pork ribs on offer the week we visited. As Jonathan says, ‘it’s just a really beautiful spot to have some nice food’.
“As we make everything in house, it’s a labour of love,” Jonathan says. “We are really proud of the quality and freshness of the food.”
Speaking of home made, the ice- cream reminded me of being back in Italy – make sure you try it!
Dinners are currently available Friday and Saturdays, but this will likely extend to earlier in the week once summer kicks in.
The Marina Cafe
1856 Pittwater Road, Church Point
Phone: 9997 3847
themarinacafe.com.au