Cottage Point Inn

A birthday celebration. The view is spectacular! But parking on the road is a bit difficult. Of coz one can arrive in style on a waterplane from Sydney Harbour.
We were provided w a semiset gazpacho w basil oil, really refreshing. Then scampi (special of the day), also v tasty. Veal tartare seasoned w oyster n lemon dressing, cucumber n tarragon, caper cracker was a dish that I would go back for. Creamy goats curd, cauliflower couscous, stringy bark honey, mint n coriander was a bit too strong. We ordered butter poached market fish (i cant remember the fish), lemon, capers n kale, pan fried gnocchi, clam beurre blanc. This was the best dish of the day. The fish was perfectly cooked n tender, and all the flavours just worked perfectly! The grilled wagyu rump cap, shaved foie gras, marinated brown mushroom, roast onion n lemon purée, blackberries was a true disappointment. The steak was too rare, really just lightly seared, so it was really a bit chewy. Then we had a complimentary choco n coconut dessert. The sourdough bread n lemon butter was also wonderful. Problem is with the really nice and relaxing envoirnment, we cant drink as we do have to drive back a windy road.

The drive is part of the journey, d’uh — deep. No wait, hear me out. It is !.. through the bush on a dark evening, having spent the day at the beach, the better drive is from the Northern Beaches. Its a bit eerie and its an effort to remember you’re still in Sydney, and to stay on the black stuff.
OK, so you* arrive (hopefully) at Cottage Point, park near the old Windybank pile, (the original building at CP — still impressive) walk down the old sandstone steps with Keeno who, happily, is not displaying any Pavlovian response to the prospect of Scallops. You are channeled along a walkway by Cowan Creek that is up there with the runway at Rockpool. You** are on the water. All is utterly peaceful and serene. The night is still, a candle barely flickers, and then a beautiful seafood meal is served by friendly experienced waiters who are well used to the glazed happy delirium on your… my face. Its just perfect.
Nothing could possibly top this!
.and then a full moon rises over the water.
I urge you to try and book on a full moon but note these are very popular nights. It is, to be serious, otherworldly.
*well actually you didn’t — but I did.
** me again, sorry — my bad

There was a special at Cottage Point Inn right before a friend from the States was coming to visit so I snatched up the opportunity to show her the beautiful Hawkesbury River
FOOD
Our deal involved a main, dessert and glass of wine. On arrival we were served a complimentary pumpkin soup served in the cutest little cup. This was followed by the salmon with squid ink pasta main and ended with the largest soufflé I’ve ever seen.
I’m not the biggest fan of cooked salmon but I thought this one was done rather well. Whilst the first few bites of the soufflé were enjoyable by the time I hit the middle it was a bit of a sugar overdose and I wasn’t able to finish it off.
SERVICE
The place was very busy for a Thursday lunch but the waitstaff all seem very experienced at handling a full restaurant.
VERDICT
The food was decent but the biggest draw card about this place is definitely the view as you are sitting right alongside the Hawkesbury River. There’s not much at Cottage Point and so it’s a very quaint and peaceful area perfect for sitting back with a glass of wine, enjoying the scenery and relaxing. There is also minimal mobile phone reception so you definitely feel like you’ve escaped from Sydney even though it’s less than an hour away from the CBD.