The revamped Palm Springs-inspired Villa will be your casual dining spot of choice this summer.
While a visit to California’s Palm Springs may be off the cards for 2020, step foot on the deck of the Longueville Hotel’s Villa, and the fun, tropical holiday vibes will transport you there. The popular outdoor terrace underwent a glamorous facelift earlier this year, and it’s well worth a visit. Expect blush pink and mint green pastel decor, potted cactuses, and neon lighting that set the scene for a perfect Summer afternoon.
If you happen to visit on a gloomy day like us, the stylish furnishings continue into the bistro’s dining room. We scored a seat right in front of the seriously chic fireplace, making the venue a perfect year-round casual dining spot.
Start with a glass of wine from the Featured Wines list, or treat yourself to a craft beer from the impressive tap selection. As the weather was on the cooler side, we went with a Pinot Noir and a White Rabbit Dark Ale, which really hit the spot.
The bistro’s extensive menu feels more like a restaurant offering, born from Head Chef Ben Iacono’s dedication to quality pub food after his impressive career in highly awarded boutique hotels.
We ordered the Villa King Prawns ($18.50) to start. The delicious, garlicky prawns rested atop a warm, buttery brioche bun that tasted as good as it sounds. This dish was a real winner, but if prawns aren’t your thing, the salt and pepper furikake calamari ($16) is also highly recommended.
For mains, we couldn’t look past the Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon ($31) and Scotch Fillet ($35). The crispy skin salmon was served with a herbaceous pea and mint risotto, and the perfectly cooked (to your liking) scotch fillet with roasted vegetables, vine tomatoes, mash, and creamy peppercorn sauce. Tip: Ask your waiter for a wedge of lemon to squeeze on your salmon.
The menu also includes a dedicated ‘Schnitz’ section that features all things crumbed; from a Katsu Fish Sando ($22) to a Cauliflower Parmy ($28).
There is a reason the Sticky Date Pudding has stood the test of time and still makes it onto the menus of some of the world’s finest establishments – it’s just so damn good. Our Sticky Date ($16) was served in a pool of golden butterscotch sauce with a scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream. We also ordered the Affogato ($16) to share, which is the perfect way to round off a delicious meal (if you’ve still got room).
If you’re in the Lower North Shore or fancy a trip over the bridge, be sure to check out the Longueville Hotel’s revamped Villa for an afternoon drink, a delicious meal, and great service in a glamorous setting.
Find the Longueville Hotel on Longueville Road in Lane Cove, open 11:30am-10pm every day. To check out the menu and book a table, click here.