Dining is so much more enjoyable when it is a holistic experience. Ripples Chowder Bay has it all. It is nestled above the sheltered waters of Clifton Gardens beach, and is set in the historic Submarine Miner’s Depot, a nineteenth century naval building. From the restaurant there are magnificent views across to Rose Bay and beyond, with the outdoor deck – complete with retractable roof – providing a comfortable space year round to sit back and take in the glorious Sydney Harbour.
Owner Sydney Restaurant Group (SRG) has given the 18-year-old Ripples a makeover just in time for summer. The result is a delectable dining experience either out on the deck, or inside, with the hot-red-toned bar a great background for some eclectic indoor eating spaces.
Head chef Calvin Katz joined Ripples in March and has brought some unique dishes to the menu with his wealth of experience at popular Sydney restaurants. While we were sipping a refreshing seaside spritz cocktail and creamy passionfruit martini on the deck one Saturday evening, Calvin recounted SRG’s desire to ‘bring that coastal Mediterranean feel’ into the restaurant, from the furniture to the food. “Obviously around that part of the world, there is a lot of sharing style food,” he explains. So you will find colourful offerings such as hiramasa kingfish crudo laced with black caviar, and halloumi tiropita, neatly filed into filo with honey. Divine! Whether you prefer meat or fish, the mains will delight, with house specialities like the Bistecca Fiorentina a great option for two.
Calvin says there is a heavy emphasis throughout the menu on fresh Australian produce. The kingfish is bred in one of Australia’s top seafood estuaries in the Spencer Gulf of South Australia. “They’re a really special farm because of how pristine they keep the water and the landscape that touches their farm,” Calvin explains.
It’s just one of the special stories which underpin the well-planned menu and spill over into the cocktails. There you can taste elderflower and a unique Italian alcohol called Italicus, made from bergamot flowers. Tied with the smooth jazz tunes, the atmosphere is so relaxed it’s somewhere you will want as your regular.
BYO is available.
Ripples Chowder Bay Chowder Bay Road, Mosman Ph 9960 3000 rippleschowderbay.com.au