Catalina Restaurant

About

Sydney Restaurant - Catalina is a modern Australian restaurant located on Sydney Harbour at Rose Bay in the eastern suburbs of the city.

Story

Catalina is one of Australia’s great destination restaurants situated on a landmark Rose Bay site on Sydney Harbour’s eastern foreshore.

Michael and Judy McMahon opened Catalina in 1994 with a simple goal: to be Sydney’s favourite place to eat the best by the water. Click here to see the most current video of Catalina, and Click here to see more.

Rose Bay was the site of Australia's first international airport. From 1938, flying boats, including the famous Catalinas ruled the skies. In 1957, local identity Jim Bendroit built a restaurant and nightclub called Caprice, jutting out over the water. Caprice captivated Sydney-siders for years and was the hottest spot in town.

After the heyday of the Caprice era and years after the last of the big flying boats had flown out, the McMahons extensively renovated the building with architect Leigh Prentice. The restaurant was designed as a homage to the beauty of Sydney Harbour. Diners have a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour at water-level, punctuated only by the comings and goings of a working harbour, and incoming commuter sea planes based in front of the restaurant.

Catalina is one of only a few restaurants in Sydney whose kitchen remains open from midday to late. Diners are welcome all day (full menu available).

Guests may also use the balcony bar facilities without the need to have a full meal.

Awards

1 Hat Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2011 and 2012

Two stars Gourmet Traveller 2008, 2009 and 2010 Australian Restaurant Guide. One star 2011 and 2012

Awarded 3 goblets, the highest rating, in Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Best Wine List - Comprehensive - 2008 Restaurant and Catering NSW Metropolitan Awards for Excellence

Winner 2008 Gourmet Traveller 'Sommelier of the Year': Simon Curkovic, Catalina

Winner 2007 and 2008 Restaurant and Catering NSW Metropolitan Awards for Excellence: Best Modern Australian Restaurant, Formal

Winner 2005 and 2006 Restaurant and Catering NSW Metropolitan Awards for Excellence: Best Restaurant Wedding Caterer

Winner 2004 Restaurant and Catering NSW Metropolitan Awards for Excellence: Best Modern Australian Informal

Winner 1995 American Express Restaurant Awards: Best New Restaurant

Winner 1999 and 2000 American Express Restaurant Awards: Best Restaurant Eastern Metropolitan