Moncur Terrace

So you’re at this inner city bar and with a couple of freshly ordered drinks in hand you happen to “bump” into the pretty prey that you’ve been gawking at all night. The contact causes spillage that luckily narrowly misses all couture, follows with a rapid exchange of apologises in the most polite and sincere manner and ends with a somewhat forced laugh to lighten the mood. Finding some sort of attraction in each other (oh those are nice shoes where ever did you get them from?), a conversation is struck and surprisingly common interests are found. A connection. All is going well. Then comes the mistake. Exchanging numbers before excusing oneself to return to the friends, a dinner is suggested somewhat hastily. DINNER!??!?!?!!??!?! HOSHFUDDLE the guilty party proclaims immediately after… why not something more casual like coffee or brunch? That’s ok because the situation can be rectified.

Thankfully there are venues where one can impress a potential breeding partner on the first “date” that balances great nourishment, price and atmosphere without exuding the impression of trying too hard and being overbearing. One such place is Moncur Terrace, the Johnny Walker Red Label to the Johnny Walker Blue Label Bistro Moncur. Up the stairs at Woollahra Hotel, escort your date to the alfresco dining with glistening steel chairs and granite-esque table tops, the long tree branches to soften the tan and grey coloured concrete wall surrounds attempt to provide a casual, outdoors feel.

Having hurdled the awkward silences with small talk about the weather, ankle bracelets and Barak Obama, then running out of speaking topics, the waiter arrives at an opportune time to take orders. The pizzas look fun, but on this occasion, the bloke impresses by selecting a rather sophisticated fillet of crispy skinned kingfish, dressed with a light tomato & white wine vinaigrette sleeping on a bed of roasted sliced spuds and other wholesome vegies. Showing a bit of authority, the lady chooses the burger that ain’t what the average punter would expect. Those with problem dentures have no problems with the wagyu beef patty that not only melts in the mouth but I bet would also inbetween two column heaters. Find it with melted cheese on top, sitting on a slice of tomato and cos lettuce, carbs from a dusted bread roll arriving with generously thick hand cut chips.

The food has the potential to brighten the mood of aspiring couples. It’s not the kind of place has that has the “you are the one for me baby” factor or “I’m expecting “coffee” at your place after this” that a restaurant with harbour views would. Choose the Terrace, with it’s casual atmosphere, to manage expectations that won’t set the bar exceedingly high for the next “date”, if you’re lucky enough to get that far.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 16 Queen St, Woollahra, NSW
What? Mains under $27





Left to Right : Kingfish, Wagyu burger