Burnt Orange: relaxed dining on Sydney Harbour

I’m constantly amazed that no matter how many times I go to Sydney, every time I do there’s a new little pocket to discover.

A recent discovery was Burnt Orange, a delightful restaurant and event venue just a couple of kilometres past Mosman but a world away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. It’s tucked away in a bit of bushland, just next to Middle Harbour National Park, in an area that’s been used by the military for decades.

The 1920s building was once the clubhouse of the Mosman Golf Club but was resumed by the government in 1940 during World War II and used for as a military base. The golfers had to move to nearby clubs. In later times the building housed two military families, so it’s large with lots of nooks and interesting spaces. There’s even space for a lovely gift shop – dining out and shopping in one place!

The real star is the huge timber wrap-around verandah which makes it feel very Australian and relaxed. In winter plastic sheeting keeps in the warm but allows for the view. And it’s a lovely view, looking out across the national park to the water of Sydney Harbour beyond.

There’s a lot of space but it’s busy with lots of diners, just about all ladies celebrating various birthdays and events the day we visited.

The food is good too. Nothing too fancy but beautifully prepared fresh food with great flavour combinations.

We went for fish: perfectly pan-fried schnapper, Jerusalem artichoke puree, parsnip chips and beads of black garlic washed down with a cheeky pinot gris, and life’s good. Left just enough room for this  mini bombe alaska, with coconut ice cream and citris zing, or the chocolate mousse square with berry on the side.

They also do breakfasts as well as high teas. They even have one especially for the kids.

We ran out of time but there’s much to see and do in the surrounding area of the national park and much history to learn—forts, tunnels, gun pits and more—with guided tours available from October to May. And lots more of those harbour view.

I’m definitely going back.