Manta

You can safely add Manta to the list of restaurants (headed by The Boathouse and Bayswater Brasserie) that really care about their oysters. Manta’s changing selection ($25/half, $49/dozen) includes gems like the Moonlight Flat Angasi. A Raw Sharing Plate ($44) stood out for the Yamba Prawn Ceviche. Far from ‘coming the raw prawn’, this dish brought out their complexity and creaminess with garlic, chilli, lime and baby basil ‘ order a whole plate! Golden grilled Atlantic Scallops ($28) are snap frozen at sea, but retain their shape and meaty structure in a summery presentation with cress, orange, fennel and excellent hazelnuts. Team them with a delicately gingery Asian Breeze ($16) cocktail at an early dinner in the setting sun to make the most of the glorious setting. Relaxed friendly service is further aided by a directive to spend time at your table as required. Our waitress suggested a Spanish 2007 Valminor Albarino ($71) that drank beautifully and travelled well across an excellent truffled pasta special and into her comforting Buttermilk Pudding ($16) recommendation for dessert. Carnivores will be pleased with their selection of fine beef (including grass-fed options) cooked on the charcoal grill. Vegetarian diners get a page of choices in the diverse menu ‘ it’s more than just great seafood here!

Manta
6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo
Ph: (02) 9332 3822
Modern Australian $$$$