A little bit north of Sydney lies Apera, which is the newest restaurant addition to its area and arguably the best. And here’s why:
The restaurant is new to Sydney, in Castlecrag, about 25 minutes north of Sydney and sports a menu led by Jenny Shaw and Ryan Blagrove, who have drawn upon a plethora of local and international experience to produce a seasonal menu of uniquely Australian dishes.
Jenny comes from the likes of the Palisade Hotel and Ryan’s history at The Queensbury by Marco White, means what they offer together is something truly sensational.
At apera, it’s all guided by the chefs’ shared and evident love of Australian produce and commitment to sourcing ingredients as locally and ethically as possibly.
Their short, but ever-changing shared dining menu features a selection of small plates to start, alongside rotisserie and wood-fired mains – the latter being a nod to their childhood summers spent cooking over campfires.
Think Sydney rock oysters with finger lime and Tasmanian pepper, New South Wales clams with samphire and nduja oil, cauliflower with Birch’s Bay manchego, sage and Riverina hazelnuts, Cowra pasture-fed lamb shoulder with Warrigal greens and chimichurri, and Bannockburn salted chicken. Native ingredients also shine in the desserts with red gum fired pear, lavender crumble, vanilla ice cream and iron bark honey; rhubarb, lemon curd, shortbread and river mint; and chocolate mousse, mandarin, hazelnut and wattleseed praline.
With an interior that is as stunning as the food is sumptuous, Apera is all about the bar, the comunal dining spaces, the outdoor picnic option and the native flora, all an homage to the Australian lifestyle.
It was inspired by the site’s history as a florist and butcher, has kept the restaurant’s focus on sustainability firmly in mind – most objects are preloved and reclaimed like pendant lights from an old sugar mill and wall panelling using old wood from a Victorian home. The colour palette takes its hues from the eucalyptus tree, while the aged leather upholstery plays homage to the classic Holden car.
Apera is now open at Castlecrag Quadrangle Shopping Village from Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm until midnight and Sunday, 5pm to 10pm. Reservations can be made directly via the apera website.
