Pittwater Online News

April 1 - 30, 2025: Issue 641

The Waterfront Café & General Store: Lunch at 'On The Deck'

The Waterfront Café & General Store
1860 Pittwater Rd, Church Point 
Website: www.waterfrontstore.com.au
Phone: 9979 6633
Open: 7 days a week
Breakfast Menu is available from 06:30 - 11:30 daily.
The ‘On The Deck’ Menu is available for lunch and dinner service from 11:30am daily. 
Please note: Slight variations on the menu may occur depending on time of year / seasons.

As it has been 12 years since we sat down and had a meal at the historic Waterfront Café at Church Point (although we've grabbed something on the run since then), an opportunity to sample something great in beautiful surrounds was taken on a Thursday, usually a day of the week when local eateries are a bit quieter than they are on weekends. Arriving just before lunchtime also helps you avoid the peak serving time.

A fine day, the smell of the estuary and the gentle sounds of commuter boats putt-putting over the still waters inspired seafood fare - and here, after searching everywhere else in Pittwater, the Oysters Kilpatrick fan was able to get a dozen done just as he liked them. Requests elsewhere had been fruitless, but at the Waterfront Cafe they are part of the permanent menu.

Verdict - absolutely excellent - the best he has had in over a decade done the traditional way and with a little something extra that elevated this traditional dish above the splash of Worcestershire and bacon usually applied.

If you're looking for the freshest, plumpest natural, Mornay or Kilpatrick oysters - head to the Waterfront Café at Church Point. These are Sydney Rock Oysters sourced from the Merimbula and Pambula area on the south coast of NSW.

With Mary Romeo still managing the place, there is also a great range of Antipasti that showcases the best seafood, seasonal vegetables and fruits and even the Waterfront Café's signature dips. 

The Tasting plate for two offers; Two BBQ king prawns, Italian meatballs, Sydney rock oysters, smoked salmon, arancini, eggplant croquettes and salt ’n’ pepper squid with house made dipping sauce. The Waterfront Veggie Platter showcases Arancini balls, eggplant croquettes, olives, grilled halloumi and guacamole served with house-made corn chips (v). Both perfect for treating guests to the best of Pittwater, along with a glass of something cold, while your mains are prepared.

The woofa was with us, which meant cheeseburgers in her language, 'burger' being a word she knows, and 'double cheeseburger' causing a little dance on her back paws as there will be more, for tomorrow. 

An extra Double Cheeseburger was ordered as one of us has fond memories of the burgers they serve in New York - a city which has lifted this meal to an artform.

The Waterfront Café's version is on par with what you can get there, only much much better because it has two premium wagyu beef patties, pickles, diced onion, American cheese, mustard and ketchup - there is nothing on the planet that can equal Australian beef and Australian cheeses made from Australian milk - even when you are making an American cheese slice.

A side serve of American fries (don't call them 'chips' if you're stateside) that were hot and crisp was the best burger meal had for a few years too. 

For those who want another version, the Waterfront Café's menu offers Barramundi Burger, Veggie Burger, Vegan Burger, Chicken Burger, and even a Turkey Schnitzel Burger. 

The seafood lover chose Flathead and chips for a second course - but only a half serve as the dozen oysters and a second Margarita, were waltzing within - you don't want to mess with that dance. 

Of course, with the Romeo family in charge you would be mad to not order a pasta dish, or sample something from their 'Il Secondi' or 'World Flavours' menu as part of what you can get on 'The Deck'.  A great range of salads are also on offer - everything from a Traditional Caesar Salad to Chilli Prawn & Mango Salad, Waterfront Poke Bowl, Caprese Salad, the Waterfront Vegan Delight or a Haloumi Fig Salad. 

As we'd gone with the intention of just a light lunch, rather than a full meal, our selections reflected that - however, the portions were so generous that something was going home just so we could try out the dessert menu - you have to leave room for something sweet. 

Those tables around us were trying out the pasta and mains and the smells were divine.

Our attendant, the wonderful Stephanie, then brought out the sweets board and the Waterfront's Crème Brûlée was chosen - although you can select something citrusy to cleanse the palate.

Need we say we didn't need supper?

The Waterfront Café's music offerings on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons could be the perfect accompaniment to your next visit to Church Point's premiere venue, visit their website for who's playing soon, and also what's on offer for Mother's Day or special themed food nights - there's a Greek Night on Friday May 16th and a Nepalese Night on Wednesday June 25th. 

A wonderful meal in beautiful surrounds from a great chef and brilliant staff - thanks to Mary, Stephanie and crew we'll be 'On The Deck' again soon.