After a salty day at the beach, make a beeline to St. Alma for salty margaritas and modern Mexican share plates.
After staking their claim in Avalon, hospitality duo Jack Leary and Tim Christensen are ready to bring their popular Mexican eatery, St. Alma, to another Northern Beaches suburb. Freshwater has just welcomed the 100-seater venue to Albert Street. With beachside charm and an eclectic mix of modern-Mexican share plates, best believe this new venue is on our radar as a summer dining destination.
Owners Leary and Christensen set out to emulate the best of Mexican cuisine in both venues. They took a trip to Mexico where they ate their weight in guac, tacos, empanadas and all the usual suspects. They taste-tested menus from around 30 eateries on the east coast and southwest. They even bonded with the natives of Tulum and gained insight into authentic Mexican cooking and ingredients. The two knew they had to bring a slice of it back to their home town and that’s how St. Alma was born.
Owner Tim Christensen is at the helm of the kitchen as Executive Chef, fusing authentic Mexican flavours with seasonal ingredients that are found within close proximity of the restaurant. On occasion, talented chefs from Mexico will venture to Australia for a celebrity shift where Christensen hopes to gain more insights into their cooking style and give the locals an authentic experience.
The menu is designed to share with a diverse range of meat, fish, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Menu highlights include the Prawn Aguachile with lightly cured Australian prawns, chile de arbol and habanero mix, Agave Short Rib served with heirloom tomato salad, pickled red onions, fresh herbs and handmade corn tortillas and the Whole Deboned Tiki Xic Snapper with banana leaf, achiote paste and gucachile.
The menu theme flows into the cocktail list with all beverages showcasing seasonal ingredients with Mexican twists. The margarita list is set to fuel your summer sessions with options including the White Chocolate & Coconut and ever so refreshing Grapefruit. Other highlights include the Palmon in Paradise with tequila reposado, Aperol, falernum, lime & tonic, and the Mezcal Thyme with thyme washed mezcal, citrus, aquafaba and spiced agave. Leading Sydney sommelier Andres Aragon has curated an organic-dominated beverage list with a selection of beers and ciders also on offer.
As for the venue design, hospitality design and construction experts Five Foot One has brought a contemporary and coastal aesthetic to the new space. Think darker tones and brass finishes. The design compliments the Freshwater lifestyle while paying accolades to the original historical bank site.
Browse the menu and book your table here
Looking for more new venues in the Northern Beaches? Check out Banco Manly