Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Vaucluse

Lovely lunch with delicious food and excellent service. Atmosphere was great with the music not too loud and we could easily talk and hear each other.

We have just had the most magnificently tasty Sunday lunch at Margaret. We didn't leave a mouthful of any of the three courses. It took a leisurely two hours which we thought was perfect timing, not rushed but we were not waiting around either. Everything was absolutely delicious. When we are in Sydney from London we now try to eat at Margaret. Previously we have eaten at Rockpool and the grill. Margaret is bright and breezy by comparison. The staff are friendly and efficient. They want to talk about the food and are very helpful with making choices from the extensive menu. The food is outstanding. For us the portions were perfect with wonderful imaginative complex flavours. We went fifty/fifty on the duck breast and grilled ocean trout and both were fantastic. We even had room for a dessert. Out of curiosity I chose the souffle pudding. I would never have thought of putting pine nuts in a dessert but it gave a great contrasting texture. The souffle was really more than I needed but I sacrificed myself and finished it. One staff member confided that although they worked there it was their favourite place to eat. We agree.

The reviews I had read did no justice to the outstanding level of service and cuisine we experienced at Songbird last night with a party of six. Exceptional produce beautifully cooked. Stand-outs were piping hot dumplings with a delicate skin and bouncy interior, sesame prawn toast, beautifully balanced crab omelette and conpoy and lup cheong fried rice. The crisp skin chicken was voted the best we all had ever had - a must order. Mr Wongs had the monopoly of fine Cantonese food in Sydney up until now. The baton, has now been well and truly been passed to Songbird. Can’t wait to return.

The restaurant seats by date of booking and order of seating preference. So be sure to let them know if you want to be on the balcony (outside) or inside as this will determine whether you are in the direct sun or not depending upon your dining time. We did not know this and they were kind enough to accommodate us to be out of the sun. The food was excellent as was service. It seems expensive for a small sourdough loaf ($12) - we get bread included for free at home, 3 prawns ($32) and fish & chips ($56) hence my "good value" rating only. However, food is expensive in Sydney, the portion size was not skimpy and the quality of the fish was high. So it was worth it and we'd go back again.

We have been going to Catalina for the past 20 years. We are always amazed at the food and service, it just gets better and better every year. We had Xmas Eve dinner this year and the Peach Bellini and my lobster risotto were the highlight for me! Thank you