E_deliciou_S

Sandwiched between the iconic Luna Park and the Harbour Bridge, Ripples Milsons Point offers excellent views of Sydney’s landmarks and breathtaking water views of the harbour. Dining here isn’t just about eating, it’s also a feast for the eyes. I’ve visited this restaurant twice in the last two months celebrating a lunch time birthday party, it seems a popular choice amongst my circle of friends. During both occasions, the restaurant was covered with clear vinyl plastic panels, a protection from those wintery cold winds. It’ll be nice to go back this summer when there’s no covering for an uninterrupted view of the harbour and beyond.

Tucked on a corner of the North Sydney Olympic pool, this L-shaped dining space with an inspired outdoor fit-out offers an all year al fresco vibe with lots of natural sunlight and the clever use of the seating means you won’t miss all the million dollar views surrounding you. Italian inspired dishes are a leading focus of the menu and they are open from breakfast, lunch through to dinner. Our company of 8 (reviewing my second  visit), occupied a corner table giving us the opportunity to have a good conversation. 

We started with a few nibbles to set the mood while we were busy perusing the menu. Shared starters were:  Parma Ham Croquetas with smoked paprika dip – $16. I’ve tried this most loved croquetas tapa when I was holidaying in Spain and Ripple’s version didn’t disappoint at all. Deep fried to crispy perfection with ground ham filling with smooth bachemal, on a tasty bed of smoked paprika dip. Nicely presented Bread and Olives $12, a variety of bread; grissini, sourdough, focaccia and mixed marinated olives served with virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

Calm before the storm as a second line up of wines were opened up and poured, it’s a celebration after all as the entrees were served and shared amongst us. 

Chicken Liver Parfait- $22 served with toasted brioche and pickled cucumber. To be honest, I’m not a big fan of liver pâté but I gave it a taste. I tried a bite, I must say it was silky smooth and rich, a perfect spread to the brioche. Topped it with rocket and pickled cucumber to balance, it went great with the wine.

I’m giving this five stars, the Seared Tuna – $26! Seared on the outside and rare on the inside with a hint of yuzu, the tuna flesh just melts in the mouth. Served with crispy crackers, pickled cauliflower, fresh orange, pistachios and and anchovy emulsion, this dish is definitely not the be missed.

Two vegetarian dishes were ordered too, Stuffed Zucchini Flowers – $20 with goat’s cheese served with mint and fig jam. With a burnished golden exterior and molten gooey-ness tucked within, this dish hits all the right spots. 

The other vegetarian entree was the classic Italian favourite, Eggplant Parmigiana – $19 served with a classic Napolitana sauce topped with melted Provolone cheese, a vegetarian delight!

Conversation around the table became intense after the entree, catching up with everyone’s affairs and a sudden silence when the main dishes were served, which wowed us all. I ordered the Whole Baby Snapper – $38, grilled to perfection with a smokey flavour, the fish retained some pleasant juices keeping it moist. Served on parchment paper with sun dried tomatoes, lemon, thyme and olive dust.

I exchanged 1/2 of my fish with Steve’s Barramundi – $34, another fish dish which was firm and moist with wonderful textures. Plating was exquisite! fish fillet was artfully placed on top of a folded silver beet and in the middle was asparagus and green pea, it was a pleasantly sized serving. The emulsified beurre blanc sauce was the perfect accompaniment to the fish, you can definitely clean your plate for this dish. 

Two of our friends shared the Whole Lamb Shoulder – $72 (recommended for 2) and I got to share a taste too. Meat literally falling off the bone and it was so tender. The juice that oozed out from the meat added earthy tones to the lentils and rosemary potatoes. Slow roasting process was executed perfectly, kudos to the chef! If you’re a meat lover, go for this one.

Another stunning dish was the Pork Belly – $32, I was so intrigued that I asked my friend to spare me a slice including the striking based of mashed chickpea and barley along with mixed beans that all complemented each bite of the meat. So tender but there was no crackling attached to it, the pieces of cracking were served separately, again, a well sized and proportioned dish.

How can anyone miss the opportunity to share and finish off a decadent lunch without a sweet tooth fix? The dessert menu is limited so we settled with the classic Profiteroles – $15 served with coconut ice cream. Crispy baked pastry shells were filled with a rich creamy filling, drizzled with chocolate and served with fresh strawberries and chocolate soil, simply heaven! The second dessert was a 2 – Cheese (Blue and Camembert) Platter – $18 served with sweet dried grapes, crispy biscuits and flat bread washed down by the remaining wine on the table. What a meal which made our day even more memorable.

Some notes!

Booking is a must especially for a larger group. Due to table availability during the often busy lunch time they operate a two-sitting system, first from 12:00 – 2:00 then followed by the second bookings. However if it’s not busy you can stay on your table longer. BYO is accepted and is $12 per bottled wine and champagne only. Group reservations are available for bookings from 11 – 24 guests for lunch or dinner and the banquet menu applies to all group bookings of 11 or more guests.

Ripples Milsons Point 1 Olympic Drive Milsons Point NSW  Phone: (02) 9929 7722

 

E_deliciou_S & friends independently paid for these meals.