Bathers' Pavilion

Ph: 9969 5050; 4 The Esplanade, BALMORAL 2088 www.batherspavilion.com.au

Contemporary, $$$ +, ** for Ambience
Open Lunch 7 days noon-2pm Dinner 7 days 6.30-9pm; Licensed, BYO mondays , Corkage $10 person; AE DC MC V
Chef Serge Dansereau & Simon Bestley (29-11-08) Owner Serge Dansereau (29-11-08)

Mietta's Review
The formidable team of Victoria Alexander and Serge Dansereau (for many years executive chef at the Regent) continue their winning ways in the Bathers' Pavilion. The lavish interior is warm and the views over the beach of Balmoral are lovely. The food displays complexity; the classic techniques complementing the Asian and Mediterranean flavours. A place to splurge, which, at these prices, is easy to do.

Other published opinions

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 15/20, One Hat "Dusk brings a warm glow to the view to Sydney Heads. The tide tugs gently at the sand. The last bathers promenade. Diners settle into leather banquettes and bluecushioned chairs at tables arranged so that everyone shares the vista"

Gourmet Traveller 2009 Australian Restaurant Guide "Situated in one of Sydney's premier locations in a beautiful Art Deco building, The Bathers' Pavilion is separated from Balmoral Beach and its bustling promenade only by large windows"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14/20 "The Art Deco lines of this conic 1920s building evoke memories of damp cozzies and dim, sandy changing rooms. Its more recent history comes courtesy of chef Serge Dansereau, famous for his Franca-Canadian charm and sparkling Australian produce"

Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide "MODERN AUSTRALIAN The pavilion in question is one of Sydney's loveliest pieces of Dec architecture, and only joggers and prams separate the glass and Balmoral Beach"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 Score: 15/20, One Hat "What a setting. The sand is wiIin toe's reach and the view from this beautiful old changing room is straight out to the heads. Come before night falls to catch the full glory. While the adjoining cafe offers a casual bite, the restaurant really turns it on with food-themed art, gilded service and a dignified atmosphere to match Serge Dansereau's sophisticated food."

Gourmet Traveller 2007 Restaurant Guide Score: * "This would have to be the great Australian dining package: a stunning view of beautiful Balmoral Beach; a relaxed, upmarket beachside ambience putting diners at ease; friendly staff and great food courtesy of Serge Dansereau."

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2006 score 15/20, 1 Hat "A glass of crisp white in hand, you gaze out through the Heads. A ferry floats past, the seagull convention perches atop the shark net and waves lap gently. Sigh. As dusk falls you might forget momentarily that you're here for Serge Dansereau's equally seductive food. His genius is letting quality produce shine."

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide * "Bathers' is surely the complete Australian package: sitting right on beautiful Balmoral Beach, a historic building sensitively renovated to contemporary comfort, with views to the Heads, and food from the man who did more than any to encourage small producers while he was executive chef at the legendary Regent Hotel."

SMH Good Food Guide 2005 Score 15/20 One Hat Good Wine List "The pounding surf of Bondi, the glittering lights of Circular Quay - who needs them? Here at Middle Harbour the water laps gently on Balmoral Beach and everything at Bathers' Pavilion is quiet and composed, from the interior (smart but laidback) to the food on your plate"

SMH Good Food Guide 2005 Best Show-Off "Serge Dansereau is a Sydney icon in his own right and the magic of his shimmering seafood in this seductive setting is a lingering siren song."

Gourmet Traveller Australian Restaurant Guide 2005 "With a whimsical setting - a refurbished bathers' pavilion - and enviable view, Bathers' Pavilion has topped must-dine lists for many years. Unfortunately, the restaurant seems to have been overshadowed by the complex's always packed cafe."

Daily Telegraph NSW Restaurant Guide 2004, Serge Dansereau's food is just sensational. Open fireplaces, private dining rooms, a terrace ideal for a cocktail party; all offer comfort with understated elegance.

SMH GFG 2004, Score 15/20, 1 Hat-consistently very good, good wine list, And-full vegetarian menu availbale,'Sadly, some gloss has gone off the Balmoral landmark, as the naive art seems at odds with classy fit-out and the food tries too hard to be clever without always being great to eat.That said, Bathers' still offers a lot of magic.'

Gourmet Traveller 2004-two red stars for fine dining, excellent wine list, good vegetarian option- Victoria Alexander has left, Serge Dansereau is in charge. Downstairs cafe still good spot for coffee and casual snack, but upstairs is where Serge's food can be best sampled.

AGFG 2004