It was a breezy Friday morning in Sydney and the office was ever so slightly, less busy than a regular day. My coworkers and I found ourselves short of work with no fires to put out. With no better use of our time, we decided to hop onto a ferry out from Circular Quay to the sandy beach of Manly. We came across the Garfish Seafood Restaurant and were delighted to find that it served some of the freshest seafood around Sydney. Located in the gorgeous beach-side suburb of Manly, it also boasted a spectacular view of the marina.
The menu came in two pieces; the regular menu (which also doubles as a napkin ring), and a blackboard menu. The blackboard menu highlights all of the restaurant's freshest catches, in addition to how they'll be prepared, as well as a selection of garnishes/sides to go with the meal.
Selection of Breads ($11 AUD)
Woodfired focaccia and sourdough bread with balsamic vinegar, garlic dip, and olive oil
Our party started the meal with a large bread plank with a selection of dips. We instantly fell in love with the soft-yet-crunchy garlic-topped focaccia and the garlic dipping sauce. The sourdough bread was commendable but inevitably neglected in the presence of its more heavenly sibling.
Wood Roasted Barramundi ($36 AUD)
with salad of frisée, apple, celery, fennel, raisins & almonds w/ ranch dressing
Off of the blackboard menu, I selected the Queensland Barramundi, served with a side of fresh greens. This main was an incredible treat and my first experience with good seafood in the southern hemisphere. The filet was firm and moist and the skin was crispy and flavorful. The salad was mostly forgettable but served only to highlight the fish.
Belgian Waffle ($12 AUD)
chocolate hazelnut mousse w/ caramelised banana & hazelnut praline
Ordering dessert for lunch made me feel like a glutton, but I had to do it anyway. I was a bit disappointed when the Belgian waffle arrived, considering its miniscule size. However, after consuming it and discovering how incredibly satiated I was, I wasn't much inclined to complain. The waffle is small but a heavy treat for the stomach. The banana is caramelized with a crisp sugar coating on top. When put together, the flavour of the banana takes center stage but hints of chocolate are present.
Food - 4/5
Absolutely fantastic fish - fresh and perfectly prepared. Sides are a bit of an afterthought. I can see why they prefer to charge for the fresh-baked focaccia.
Service - 4/5
Waitstaff are friendly and attentive. They made sure we got everything we needed.
Decor - 4/5
Fantastic view of the marina. Make sure to ask for a table by the window! While the view isn't perfect (separated from the harbour by a road), it's still great to admire in the daylight. The glass-sheltered dining area definitely takes advantage of Sydney's sunny weather.
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