There are very few family-run restaurants on the North Shore, let alone ones that have been around for 16 years. Public Dining Room has stood the test of time with its casual fine dining and perfect beach- side venue, overlooking the Balmoral jetty.
The Friday night we visit there is a distinctive buzz in the restaurant, dotted with an eclectic mix of young lovers, families, groups of friends and locals laughing and enjoying their evening.
Run by brother and sister team Monique and Mark McLoughlin, the kitchen boasts a team of 10 chefs, headed expertly by Adam Tyl. Chef has created a clever and accessible menu, with expertly sourced fish, meat and produce.
There are plenty of sharing dishes, and I start with the Kingfish crudo, which is flavoured by a delicate sudashi sauce and thin cucumber slices, a hint of mint adding a subtle aftertaste.
If you are a cocktail lover, the Je ne sais quoi was just gorgeous – beautifully balanced with a subtle kick of Cointreau. We were given expert advice on the well-thought out wine list, and my glass was kept topped up with some very tasty champagne.
Choosing what to eat was made easier as I looked at the beautifully presented food already on tables around me, and when I saw fellow diners eating the Alaskan king crab chilli spaghettini, flavoured with shallots and yellow zucchini, I just had to have some. The crab combined perfectly with the sauce, and the chilli kick set it all off nicely. I then had the Rangers Valley wagyu striploin MBS 5+, and thoroughly enjoyed the tasty morsels bathed in red wine jus.
As owners, Mark and Monique both work on the floor – a point of difference with most restaurants. The friendly, accessible waiters are extremely knowledgeable, and many have been with the McLoughlins for years. “People like to be recognised and one thing that we’ve always worked on is to ensure that we’re very personable,” Monique says.
The restaurant is participating in the upcoming Festival of Mosman, and this is the perfect time to sample the menu at the Spring Community Lunch on 26 October. There will be live music as you gorge on delights such as salmon citrus croquettes, BBQ spiced Berkshire pork belly, Chef Adam’s famous seafood paella and desserts including the signature Valrhona double glazed chocolate tart with fresh berries. I can vouch this is absolutely lush and will be the cherry on top ending to a long, lazy beach lunch.
Get in quick to reserve your spot and enjoy this stunning Balmoral restaurant.
Public Dining Room
2A The Esplanade, Balmoral
9968 4880
publicdiningroom.com.au
