Doyles by the Beach - Marine Parade Watsons Bay

Want to impress a visitor? Not sure the best way to spend a dazzling saturday afternoon, you could do worse than make the trip through the eastern suburbs to Doyles at Watsons Bay.

If you are booking, you have a myriad of seating options. On a warm day, choose a table by the water or sit outside on the balcony overlooking the beach. On a cold winter's day you have the option of sitting inside; protected from the cool breezes the views are almost as good!

You are going to spend at $100 at Doyles, but the relaxed surrounds doesn't mean you need to turn up in your Sunday best.

If you are here, you are not here for a hearty steak, you are here for fresh seafood. For starters, a seafood showder was sampled. Being a frequent visitor to San Francisco I have had the benefit of trying clam chowder down by the wharf. Doyle's version is a contrast to San Francisco, in that this recipe uses a tomato base rather than the cream based US method.

My palate required a brief moment to relearn the taste of chowder. From that moment on it was pure seafood heaven. Mussels, prawns, calamari, scallops and chunks of fish are packed in. If you are having entree and main, considering sharing this entree.

After mopping up the last of the chowder with garlic bread, I was all set to tackle my main. I ordered the sand whiting fillets.

As the image above shows, you do get a decent serving of fish. The batter is light enough and you can taste the freshness in the fish.

I also had the opportunity to taste the angel hair pasta. Again the fresh ingredients provide the highlights and dispersed with generous amounts of olive oil, you have a dish that is done just perfectly.

The prawns were some of the biggest prawns I have sampled at a restaurant. Fresh and a joy to bite through.

One of icons of the Sydney restaurant scene, you are assured of a good meal and coupled with a unique location, you are on a winner if you looking for that special treat.

Rating : ***