The Boathouse, Palm Beach – Rating: 18.5/25

I recently reviewed armchair collective in Mona Vale which makes for a great destination on a lazy Sunday but if you really want to make a day out of your drive north, why not try The Boathouse at Palm Beach.  A left turn off Barrenjoey Road into Governor Phillip Park will bring you to this hidden gem.  You can also get there by seaplane as the boat/plane wharf leads to The Boathouse itself…

There are essentially three seated areas of The Boathouse: the front courtyard with deckchairs and low tables beneath shady conifer trees, the chic white interior with plenty of seating and the deck which looks onto the wharf, Pittwater and the heads.  No matter where you sit, you’ll be happy with your location!  The deck is outstanding though and my pick of the lot.

All ordering is done at a counter so the process can be time consuming especially if you arrive during a busy period.  We arrived at about 10:30am on a Sunday and the “waiting time” sign at the front read 30 minutes with a line of about twelve people deep.  This ballooned to 45 minutes and about twenty five people by the time we left at 1:30pm.

But to be honest, this isn’t a location you’d visit if you were in a rush.  So order some sparkling wine, sit back and enjoy the views.  I found the many waitstaff to be quick and helpful throughout the visit.  Even when we just wanted to order an extra softdrink, one of the waiters took our cash and returned with the drink and change after skipping the queue for us.

The coffees were pleasant if slightly on the weak side.  Other than the rest of our order, they arrived promptly though which is wise… you don’t want to keep caffeine addicts waiting!

Apologies for the focus of the shot, I must have been obsessed with the view!  The berry smoothie tasted more like a milkshake with fresh strawberries thrown in.  This was disappointing because as readers know, I know my smoothies, and this one didn’t have what I was after.  I’d recommend sticking to the coffee.

The banana bread ($9) comes with butter but can be pimped out with marscapone, berries and maple syrup (add $4).  The slices are super thick and slightly toasted.  It tasted great and worked well with the berries.  I tried it with the marscapone and syrup but don’t think either are needed.  The simplicity and deliciousness of the bread and berries was enough.

The dish I had my eyes on was unfortunately sold out.  The sausage sandwich ($12) comes with sausage, caramelised onion, grated manchego cheese, fresh basil and tomato relish.  Mmm… oh well, next time!

Instead I chose the green eggs and ham ($22).  Expensive but one can assume that the price for the view and location of The Boathouse is to be expected.  The thick cut ham and basil pesto were delicious.  The eggs poached eggs were inconsistent with one being overcooked, the other cooked perfectly (with a runny yolk).  All being said, I enjoyed the meal.

The avocado toast ($21) was more impressive.  For me, this was the dish of the morning and I would return for this.  The crispy bacon was absolutely superb and the avocado soft and ripe.  The dish was covered with fresh tomatoes, strong red onion and balsamic.  The thin slices of seeded rye suited perfectly.

We followed this dish with sparkling wine ($8 per glass) and beer ($8) as we watched the seaplanes come and go and the lunchtime crowd begin to swell.

Parking in the Governor Phillip Park costs $3 per hour and be prepared to return to a baking hot car!  You will most likely want to stay for lunch too.  We were very jealous of the fish and chips being served next to us.  The lunch menu can be found on The Boathouse’s website although some of the prices need to be updated (add a Dollar to most dishes).

Just around the corner you also have some of the most amazing beaches that Sydney has to offer so be sure to enjoy the summer sun.