Catalina restaurant, Rose Bay: Is this Sydney’s best seafood?

Perennial favourite Rose Bay restaurant Catalina serves some of Australia’s best seafood. It’s expensive, but a well-located choice for a special occasion dinner such as a birthday meal.

Rose Bay is one of the wealthier Sydney suburbs, with a long, curving beach on Sydney Harbour. From the harbourside beach, it’s possible to hire kayaks, go on a kayaking tour or stroll along the nature-packed Hermitage Foreshore Walk.

Rose Bay restaurant for special occasions

There’s also historic significance – Rose Bay the home of Sydney’s first international airport. Harking back to that golden era of seaplane travel, scenic flights take off from the water. Next to the Sydney Seaplanes terminal, however, is one of Sydney’s best loved special occasion restaurants.

Seaplane on Sydney Harbour from Rose Bay restaurant Catalina — Book a birthday meal at Rose Bay restaurant Catalina and you can watch seaplanes take off while you eat your seafood. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Special occasions at Catalina, Rose Bay

Catalina is the Rose Bay restaurant you’d pick for a birthday meal or wedding anniversary. There are several other options nearby – Jewel on the Bay does Indian and Mangia e Bevi offers good quality Italian cuisine. But Catalina has the glam factor, stylish harbour location and excellent seafood.

If your loved one doesn’t like seafood, this is not the Rose Bay restaurant to take them to on a special date. The focus on fish, oysters and scallop ceviches is unashamed.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

(💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
(Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
(🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.

Catalina restaurant, Rose Bay menu

The main a la carte menu changes regularly, with a fixed price two course dinner costing $100 per person. It’s undoubtedly expensive, but you’re paying for location, vibe and general romance. Sample main dishes to enjoy for a splurgy birthday meal include scallops on the shell from the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands. Alternatively, tackle grilled king prawns with prawn ravioli and tarragon butter, or soy-cured king salmon.

Catalina also works as a place for a cocktail and light bite. The bar menu satiates those who want to look out to the harbour with a drink in hand. Snacks include fish tacos and Sydney rock oysters with lime and chilli.

Advance booking is advised for a la carte meals. It might be an idea if you want to get one of the best seats for a sundown cocktail and oysters combo, too.