The Marina Cafe, Church Point

After a stint at Longrain, Jonathan Brailey was eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Sydney city. That’s how he ended up at The Marina Cafe in Church Point about two and a half years ago. He now lives in Newport and loves that there was a complete change in lifestyle, relishing in the quiet lull of the Northern Beaches. The Marina Cafe was the perfect outlet for Jonathan to still dish up top-notch food but in a relaxed, waterside dining space.

The seasonal menu changes four or five times a year, making sure that only the best produce makes it into the kitchen. On the lunch menu, the steak sandwich is one monster of a sammich. I don’t think I’ve actually ever seen a bigger steak sandwich in my life. A hefty piece of Cape Grim beef is wedged between thick, chargrilled slices of Brasserie Bread Country sourdough. Cape Grim beef is all natural and grass-fed in Tasmania. It comes with a beautiful horseradish aioli, beetroot pickle (which is made from scratch in-house) and rocket.

Otherwise, the menu at The Marina Cafe is understandably seafood-oriented. Jonathan tells us he heads to the Fish Markets a couple times a week so that the seafood is always fresh and tasty. The Boston Bay mussels with white wine, Brot & Wurst speck, thyme, bay leaves and chargrilled sourdough are a standout dish on the lunch menu.

But Jonathan also listens to his customers – he’ll adjust the menu according to what kind of dishes people respond to. There are also some Thai influences in a few of the menu items, adding an eclectic touch and perhaps even paying homage to Jonathan’s time working at Longrain. Jonathan aims to make everything in-house. They pickle their own veggies. And they make their own jams and marmalades, which you can enjoy with breakfast toast or even buy in jars to take home.

With incredible food and spectacular views by the marina, the eatery is making waves in the Northern Beaches’ dining scene. The cafe is open every day for breakfast and lunch; and on weekends they’re open for dinner service as well.