It was a friend's birthday celebration and to be honest, I didn't expect to review this restaurant at all. Was hoping to have one of those days when you can just chill and eat without having to worry about what to write later. However, I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed the food at this quiet pool cafe in a seemingly quiet location with amazing scenery - especially since the weather was too horrible to go swimming (not that it dampened my friend's party mood :P).
Really enjoyed the mocha here. It was a bit sweeter and not too bitter compared to the one I get at some other cafes. Still I was able to finish it off quickly.
Since there was a large group of us, we got a set menu of two courses (main and dessert) for $38.00 excluding drinks. My pick of the main was the pan-fried ocean trout with beetroot quinoa and Pimento salsa. The ocean trout was very soft yet well-cooked. Seriously, as you touch the ocea trout fillet, it really falls apart in front of you. I've been eating quinoa so many times over the last year but never beetroot quinoa - which I have really enjoyed. It was suitably matched with the zesty pimento salsa which mainly consisted of capsicum. This was praised by everyone who tried this dish as well. Will definitely recommend this if you feel like something healthy at this cafe.
Another favourite from the mains on the set menu (there were only three options) was the Twice cooked chicken leg with red cabbage slaw and chips. I didn't try the chicken leg but had a couple of chips which were incredibly crispy and addictive (sadly no photo :().
The service was pretty friendly with the cheerful birthday boy which is a plus. They frequently asked us if we wanted more drinks so I got a watermelon ice tea - very refreshing. In terms of pricing, it's not too bad. Definitely not the cheapest but when you get access to the lovely Sydney Harbour view (bad weather or not), it is worth the experience. However, if it ends up raining and windy, then it does affect the atmosphere inside the cafe as you really do feel the strong breeze. It is best to get there by car but you can still walk from the nearest train station at St James Station and there is a bus that stops in front of the venue. It is still hidden and a bit out of the way for me personally to get there so will most likely return for special occasions or swimming outings.
Disclaimer: At the time of publishing this review, the menu has changed. This review does not reflect on the food that is available on the current Autumn menu.
Poolside Cafe @ Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain
1c Mrs Macquaries Road, The Domain NSW 2000
(02) 8354 1044
http://www.poolsidecafe.com.au/cafe/home/
Mon-Sun 7:30am - 4:00pm
Really enjoyed the mocha here. It was a bit sweeter and not too bitter compared to the one I get at some other cafes. Still I was able to finish it off quickly.
Mocha Coffee
Since there was a large group of us, we got a set menu of two courses (main and dessert) for $38.00 excluding drinks. My pick of the main was the pan-fried ocean trout with beetroot quinoa and Pimento salsa. The ocean trout was very soft yet well-cooked. Seriously, as you touch the ocea trout fillet, it really falls apart in front of you. I've been eating quinoa so many times over the last year but never beetroot quinoa - which I have really enjoyed. It was suitably matched with the zesty pimento salsa which mainly consisted of capsicum. This was praised by everyone who tried this dish as well. Will definitely recommend this if you feel like something healthy at this cafe.
Another favourite from the mains on the set menu (there were only three options) was the Twice cooked chicken leg with red cabbage slaw and chips. I didn't try the chicken leg but had a couple of chips which were incredibly crispy and addictive (sadly no photo :().
Pan Fried Ocean Trout with Beetroot Quinoa and Pimento Salsa
Tiramisu and Panna Cotta? Together?!? You better believe it. When I saw this on the set dessert menu, I knew I had to order it immediately (though the chocolate caramel tart with pistachio ice cream was equally tempting). Similar to other panna cottas, this had a jelly-like, bouncy texture however the coffee was quite strong. It was well-complemented with raspberries and blueberries for a sweeter taste. Will definitely order this again next time.
Tiramisu Pannacotta with Summer Berries and Marsala Syrup
The service was pretty friendly with the cheerful birthday boy which is a plus. They frequently asked us if we wanted more drinks so I got a watermelon ice tea - very refreshing. In terms of pricing, it's not too bad. Definitely not the cheapest but when you get access to the lovely Sydney Harbour view (bad weather or not), it is worth the experience. However, if it ends up raining and windy, then it does affect the atmosphere inside the cafe as you really do feel the strong breeze. It is best to get there by car but you can still walk from the nearest train station at St James Station and there is a bus that stops in front of the venue. It is still hidden and a bit out of the way for me personally to get there so will most likely return for special occasions or swimming outings.
Watermelon Ice Tea
Disclaimer: At the time of publishing this review, the menu has changed. This review does not reflect on the food that is available on the current Autumn menu.
Poolside Cafe @ Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain
1c Mrs Macquaries Road, The Domain NSW 2000
(02) 8354 1044
http://www.poolsidecafe.com.au/cafe/home/
Mon-Sun 7:30am - 4:00pm
I love the look of the tiramisu panna cotta with all of those layers! I must try to make something similar at home since we always love tiramisu :)
ReplyDeleteit was very lovely :). tiramisu and panna cotta just sounds so good together
DeleteYummy looking meal and beautiful pics Annie! :)
ReplyDeletethanks :). i really didn't plan on reviewing but was very surprised by quality of the food
DeleteThis looks so good I love that trout!
ReplyDeletedefinitely one of the healthier meals i've had in a while at a restaurant
DeleteWill have to add this one to the list to check out, had no idea it was there.
ReplyDeletesame here. it's actually quite hidden unless you are planning to go to the swimming pool
Deletethe tiramisu pannacotta looks great!
ReplyDeleteit's really nice :). wish there was something like this at more restaurants
DeleteTiramisu panna cotta, who would have thought? I would have definitely ordered it too!
ReplyDeletemy mouth literally dropped when i saw that on the menu for the first time. not sure if it's still avail on the autumn menu though
Delete