The Fenwick

Set inside a former tugboat store from the 1880s, The Fenwick is a restaurant and gallery space on the very edge of the waterfront in East Balmain. It offers seasonal Italian-inspired dining with a spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Lunch and dinner are served every day, with dishes like confit duck leg, Mooloolaba prawns with lemon butter, whole butterflied snapper and pork belly with apple gel on the menu. There’s also a selection of Italian classics, like burrata, spaghettoni alla carbonara and gnocchi with porcini mushrooms, plus the house specialty; a whole lamb shoulder with a red wine reduction.

Breakfast is available on the weekend. You can start your day with something light, like bircher muesli, or choose something more indulgent, like eggplant bruschetta with chorizo, halloumi and chimichurri. Coffee is by The Little Marionette, tea by Tippity and cold pressed juices by Nectar.

There are some interesting cocktails on the list (like a dark chocolate negroni or pink pepper margarita) and an extensive wine list that leans heavily towards Italian vineyards. And everywhere you look, that unbeatable view of the bridge is framed by historic stone walls and huge windows. Nab a table on the outdoor terrace for a side of sea breeze with your meal.

Upstairs at The Fenwick is a rotating gallery space with exhibitions from local and international artists.