McCarrs is run by husband and wife duo Tom and Claudia Eadie, with community at its heart
Nestled at the gateway to Ku- ring-gai National Park, McCarrs is named after its nearby namesake creek.
An in-house bakery and general store by day, at night the restaurant draws people in, with its homestead-like veranda and sparkling fairy lights. The night we visited, it was cold and as we walked in, immediate warmth surrounded us, while relaxed country guitar filled the room.
Slices from a lovely, soft country loaf with a perfect crust arrived, accompanied by whipped butter. Not surprising, as chef/owner Tom Eadie founded Berkelo Bread. Tom said his general food philosophy was ‘seasonal, simple and good quality.’
“And who we buy from is important.”
For mains, there was a selection of homemade pasta, garnished with fresh herbs from the garden.
My mulloway main was superb in its simplicity: fleshy fish, bitter greens and a buttery sauce. A Victorian chardonnay paid homage to the sea. The wine list features domestic and international vineyards by the glass or bottle, along with a raft of cocktails and draught beers from Bucketty’s.
My wife began with a salad of fennel, radicchio and a tangy mustard vinaigrette complimented by macadamias. She followed with a pizza comprising of potato, caramelised onions, pancetta and scamorza.
The service was relaxed, friendly and efficient. We enjoyed the micro-conversations. Restaurant manager Alvin suggested that to get a more thorough feeling of McCarrs, patrons may like to order the set menu and share.
“During winter people gravitate indoors,” Alvin added, gesturing to the pot-belly stove. “But the space is evolving, with more undercover areas on the veranda for the long summer days.”
The menu will also change with the season. Tom said that soon there would be a focus on food that elicits the feelings of spring.
Community is a theme at this locale, with the adjoining general store and daytime cafe testament to this. “We’re leaning into this great location,” Tom said. “It’s expansive for a neighbourhood restaurant.”
McCarrs certainly impressed! It has a tantalising menu and serves honest food with good-sized portions.
Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and for lunch on weekends.
McCarrs Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills mccarrs.com.au | 8998 6575