Five Stars of The Spit

Mosman’s neighbourhood The Spit is home to a vintage basque-lift bridge dating back to 1958 and the only one of its kind still in operation today. As tall yachts approach the bridge rises skywards creating an opening to let them pass. This part of the harbour may be known best for the marinas, but hidden among those boathouses we found a thriving community of restauranteurs serving world-class cuisine.

Ormeggio

Award-winning Chef Alessandro Pavoni literally wrote the book A Lombardian Cookbook on contemporary Italian cuisine. His waterside restaurant Ormeggio at D’Albora Marinas has been hatted by the Good Food Guide every year since opening in 2009, double-hatted in 2016, and is rated #24 in Gourmet Traveller’s Australia’s Top 100 Restaurants.

At Ormeggio every plate represents an interplay between fine Italian culinary tradition and exciting modern techniques. Pavoni is always looking for ways to push boundaries, so on Weds 27th July he will join with fellow iconic restaurants Bioata and Muse to host a three dinner challenge. Ormeggio’s instalment of the cook-off will see three competing chefs showcasing their best dishes made entirely from produce from the Southern Highlands, The Hunter, and Sydney.

Chiosco

As Ormeggio’s little brother, Chiosco brings casual waterside dining to The Spit. At Chiosco, hearty traditional Italian fare is available any which way you desire. Whether it’s eating-in by seaside or a takeaway to eat onboard your boat, Chiosco is happy to make it happen. You can even BYO and dine barefoot if you fancy!

Every week at Chiosco Chef Mattia from Rome hosts his famous Caesar Sundays and brings a traditional feast from the Italian capital to the table. Each event is based around an inspired selection from his own family recipes and offers a set $39 meal including entreé, a special Roman main dish, and dessert.

Plonk Beach Cafe

Overlooking Middle Harbour on a lovely sandy beach, Plonk Beach Cafe welcomes the whole family and even the dog! Open throughout the day for both casual dining and takeaway, Plonk’s modern breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus focus on simple fresh choices. The unique locale is set up so that mum & dad can relax while the kids play in-sight on the beach in front of their table.

Local favourites in the evening include Plonk’s famous seafood platter, traditional fish & chips, salt’n’pepper squid, and Thai beef salad. A Winter special runs through to the end of September offering 2 courses (your choice of either entree & main or main & dessert) for $40 and BYO.

Pizza Pasta Bene

To create a restaurant atmosphere worthy of Italy you need la vera cucina Italiana, authentic Italian dishes prepared fresh daily by real Italian chefs. Pizza Pasta Bene's pizzas are made from closely-guarded family recipes, and pastas are hand-made with ingredients from the the Rosetti family farm in the Southern Highlands.

Pizza aficionados praise the Gustosa, Gamberi, and Piemonte from the North of Italy paired with a selection of real Italian beers on tap. The restaurant is also child friendly, with high chairs available and a special Bambini menu of mini pizzas.

Cala Luna

For generations the Rossetti family have been passing down inspired Italian recipes. At Cala Luna you can count on these being made with only the finest grainfed meats, milk fed veals, organic eggs, and market fresh fish.

Cala Luna’s $39 oyster tasting menu pairs a flight of freshly shucked oyster varieties paired with three sommelier selected wines. Rare Angassi oyster, Australia’s only native oyster is matched with Villa Jolanda Prosecco NV, whose delicate notes of grapefruit balance with the intense flavour of the oyster. Sydney Rock oyster is matched to Pala Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna, and Pacific oyster is matched to the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling. Each flight comes with Cala Luna’s famous vinaigrette and house-made sourdough. Buon appetito!