Summer Dining at Cafe Del Mar Sydney

On the night of our 5th wedding anniversary in June 2014, Kevin and I dined at Café Del Mar overlooking Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Kevin had only dined here at a group event once before, so he was looking forward to ordering off the full menu. He took my word when it came to what to order- what can I say? I know what the guy likes to eat.

A few weeks back, the team at Café Del Mar invited us back to sink our teeth into the summer menu. While I was keen to experience some new additions, Kevin was curious about his favourite lamb dish and if it was still on the menu for the summer months. Luckily for him, it was.

We started with the watermelon, topped with marinated Persian feta wrapped in Jamon Serrano ($16). I didn't think it could possibly get more summery than that. The coolness of the watermelon and the texture of the jamon Serrano was all at once substantial, sweet and savoury. My favourite part? – the Persian feta. I’m one of those people who believes that feta belongs on absolutely everything – and in this case, it was the perfect creamy element that tied in all the flavours beautifully.

Kevin was keen to try the flash fried baby prawns with jalapeno mayonnaise ($16). If you’re a fan of good quality salt and pepper squid, then you’ll love this dish. The prawns are small and crispy, making it really hard to stop at a few. Good thing Kevin ordered his favourite Lamb main again, because I was most definitely feeling full on the starters and warm bread served with olive oil. P.S - any place that serves fresh bread with olive oil pulls at my culinary heart strings.

Then came the chermoula crusted, slow cooked lamb shoulder served with salsa verde ($34). Tender, juicy and generous, this kind of portion is definitely designed to be shared, though I do recommend ordering a side or two. We ordered the roast garlic mash ($12) and rocquette, pear and parmesan salad ($12). Fact: While Kevin got through most of this course; I saved myself for dessert.

It was not an easy decision for me, as I had a hankering for the churros that I’ve tried before – but in the name of summer dining, I went with the raspberry tart with mascarpone and honeycomb. It was served with delicately spun sugar that tasted like the homemade toffee of my childhood. I remember saying to Kev that I didn't know if I could get through it because I was so full. Then I tried it. There was a savoury element about the pastry, that when combined with the sweet mascarpone and tart berries, I realised I wouldn't have a problem getting through it.

If you haven’t already been, summer is definitely the time to check this place out. If not for summer drinks on the balcony, definitely for a shared dinner with friends… or you could hint that you’d like to be taken here for Valentines Day?

Just a thought ;)