Where to go for a taste of Europe in Neutral Bay
This week, we’ve rounded up some of the ‘tastes of Europe’ that you will find in our local area. Why not add some flavour to your week, and let someone else do the cooking for a change, with an offering from one of Neutral Bay’s many amazing European food outlets?
We are lucky to have an enviable choice of cuisines on our doorstep here in Neutral Bay, even during times of lockdown, and it is important to support local businesses if we can, so we don’t lose the flair they bring to our community when we can venture out again.
Note that while dining out is restricted at the time of writing this article, this doesn’t mean you can’t explore takeaway options or add these venues to your list for the future. And even if we have to eat at home right now and do our own dishes, we can still make a night of it with matching wines and decadent desserts. Here are some of our favourites, and please do share your own top Neutral Bay restaurants and cafes in the comments – we love to support great local businesses.
Enoteca
Enoteca has been getting rave reviews from spoiled-for-choice Sydney diners since it opened last year – and with good reason. It serves up the kind of comfort food that works equally well for takeaway or in-house dining. In response to current restrictions they have put together a takeaway Date Night special that includes cocktails, antipasto, your choice of main meal and a tiramisu to share, and they are offering a Father’s Day pick-up menu, too. Family-friendly options include a whole roast lamb shoulder and gnocchi alla bolognese, and keep an eye on the weekly pasta specials.
Italian Street Kitchen
Tucked away on Grosvenor Street in Neutral Bay, Italian Street Kitchen is inspired by the food and vibrant ambience of Italy. Experience this venue’s Roman-style pizza, made with dough fermented for 48 hours for maximum flavour, stretched to perfection and topped with the highest quality ingredients.
One of a growing chain of restaurants, Italian Street Kitchen also offers house-made pasta, made fresh every day with real eggs and Italian flour. The Neutral Bay restaurant serves takeaway so diners can enjoy a delicious meal without dressing up for dinner.
Le Patissier French bakery
Looking for the flavours of France? Need something sweet to finish off your meal?
Le Patissier has been baking a wide array of traditional French pastries and cakes for all occasions since 1986. As well as selling a wide range of delicious wholesale cakes – the blueberry cheesecake is particularly good – the venue’s storefront offers takeaway delights such as cake, coffee and, of course, croissants.
Mediterranean Paradise Greek restaurant
Mad about moussaka? This gem of a cafe offers Greek dishes, including the aforementioned moussaka, spanakopita, souvlaki and grilled halloumi. The tempting slow-cooked lamb, tasty calamari and delightful surroundings will make you feel like you are on a Mediterranean holiday.
Reviewers praise this venue for having good service and delicious food cooked with top-quality ingredients. Many mention the owner thanks to his hospitable nature.
Check the Mediterranean Paradise website to find updates on whether this venue is open for dine-in or takeaway.
Ride On Pizzeria
Of course, sometimes you just feel like pizza, and there are countless options in Neutral Bay. A reliably good choice is Ride On Pizzeria, which also sells its own housemade chilli oil if you like a bit of extra heat. Expect classic pizzas along with decadent house specials such as truffle calzone and pies topped with slow-cooked porchetta with fresh onions, rocket and balsamic glaze. Pastas, simple salads, a kids’ menu and desserts (Nutella pizza?), plus handpicked Italian wines, round out the fabulous menu.
Let us know your favourites in the comments!