Family-friendly feel on the water
Nestled on the coast in Newport is the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay, a hidden gem for newcomers, an establishment steeped in history for locals. The club has been operating for 98 years and features a stunning water outlook and rows of sparkling yachts lined up along the berths.
On the water level of the club is Salt Cove, a casual restaurant serving up quality meals from fresh seafood to steak, pasta and pizzas and more.
Inspired by the crisp nautical-themed interior, we head to the counter where we are greeted by a friendly staff member and we order seafood. It’s a Friday night and the restaurant is filled with chatter from couples; families and groups of friends enjoying a great-value meal and drinks from the adjoining bar.
Our entrees are brought out quickly: the salt and pepper squid is tender with the perfect amount of seasoning; while the grilled garlic prawns are served in an aromatic sauce, and it’s delicious.
The seafood is noticeably fresh and local, which is something Emma Hunter, marketing manager, says is a key feature of Salt Cove’s ethos. The Wagyu beef is from Western Australia, while the oysters are sourced from bays around Australia. “You can really tell the difference,” Emma says.
The pan fried barrumundi served with blue swimmer crab, saffron emulsion, a tomato concasse, sauce vierge and fresh fettuccini is flavoursome and has a taste and texture which is hard to beat. As is the pan fried ocean trout, which comes with perfectly cooked kipfler potatoes.
There is a great winter menu on offer, with specials running throughout the week at Salt Cove. You can try belly warmers like a $25 lasagne lunch on a Monday, then head back on Sunday dinner time for the $25 roast of the day.
Next to Salt Cove there is an alfresco eating area, perfect for groups, with a newly installed pizza oven. Salty’s Pizzeria serves up favourites like margherita and meatlovers alongside the prawn gamberi with roast prawns, and the roasted lamb shoulder pizza.
Emma says the club is very lucky to have long-standing members who have been with them for years, but you don’t need to be a member to enjoy the club and its restaurants and facilities. “We also have a good cross section of young families who use our club,” Emma explains.
Salt Cove has a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
Salt Cove, RMYC Broken Bay
46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport
Phone: 9997 5511
royalmotor.com.au