There is something particularly Sydney about eating by the beach in winter. The crowds thin out, the ocean turns moodier, and suddenly a long lunch overlooking the water feels far more appealing than fighting for a patch of sand.
This winter, Coogee Bay Hotel’s Beach Bar & Dining is leaning into exactly that feeling with a refreshed all-day menu from Executive Chef Justin Schott. It combines comforting cold-weather dishes with enough bright, coastal flavours to remind you that Coogee Beach is just across the road.
Breakfast has been given a welcome shake-up. The avocado toast comes with goat’s curd, zucchini, and crispy chilli oil, while the house-made beans arrive on crispy ‘nduja toast – suitably warming start to a chilly Sydney morning.
Later in the day, things become decidedly more indulgent. One of the more intriguing additions is the pickled green tomato ‘scallops’, served with ranch and malt vinegar salt – a playful spin on the humble fried pickle.
The Josper grill is where winter really settles in. Adobo chicken and premium steaks can be made even more decadent with sides and add-ons including bone marrow, grilled Queensland prawns, and cauliflower cheese. This is not the season for timid eating.
Thankfully, the cocktail list offers some lighter relief. The Mandarin Highball sounds made for those sunny winter afternoons Coogee does so well, while ‘Pear Pressure’ mixes gin, yuzushu, pear, and bubbles.
And then there is Sunday. The hotel’s roast by the coast might be the strongest argument for abandoning the sofa: slow-cooked comfort food, an Australian-focused wine list, and a beach view without needing to cook or wash a single roasting pan.
Sydney winter could certainly be worse.
About the author:
Yara Vasina is a Sydney-based writer, international education specialist, and enthusiastic explorer of the city’s arts, culture, food, and hidden gems.
Make a winter date of it at Coogee Bay Hotel’s Beach Bar & Dining. The new menu is available daily, with breakfast from 7am-11am and lunch and dinner from 11.30am.
Coogee Bay Hotel, Beach Bar & Dining
253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034
coogeebayhotel.com.au/beach-bar-dining
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Original Spin.
Image credit: Coogee Bay Hotel / Original Spin.
