Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Waterfront Dining Experience in Sydney
Catalina Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Sydney's dining scene for over 30 years, owned and operated by the McMahon family. Established in 1994, our restaurant combines a breathtaking waterfront location with a commitment to seasonal, sustainably sourced seafood and modern Australian cuisine. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Mark Axisa and Head Chef Alan O'Keefe, our team crafts menus that reflect the freshest local produce, complemented by an award-winning wine list. Recognised with accolades including a Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Hat and Gault&Millau recognition, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.Our dedication to excellence extends to events and weddings, where our experienced team ensures every detail is meticulously curated. With a legacy built on passion, expertise, and a deep connection to Sydney's culinary landscape, Catalina Restaurant remains a beacon of hospitality and innovation.
Services
Fine Dining
Wedding Catering
Bar Menu
Takeaway Boxes
Wine Tasting
Event Hosting
Cocktail Service
Private Dining
Seafood Specials
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of expertise in curating exceptional dining experiences.
- Our family-led team ensures meticulous attention to detail and hospitality.
- Award-winning wine list and sustainably sourced seafood set us apart.
- Customised event planning for weddings and celebrations with seamless execution.
- Daily updated menus reflecting seasonal produce and culinary innovation.
Associations and certifications
- Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide
- Gault&Millau
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
What people say
Stunning views
Exquisite cuisine
Exceptional service
Memorable weddings
Award-winning dishes
Services
Fine Dining
Catalina Restaurant's fine dining experience showcases seasonal menus crafted by Executive Chef Mark Axisa and Head Chef Alan O'Keefe. Dishes highlight sustainably sourced seafood and local produce, blending modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The restaurant's waterfront setting enhances every meal with panoramic Sydney Harbour views.
Wedding Catering
Catalina Restaurant offers bespoke wedding services with a dedicated event manager and customisable menus. The venue accommodates up to 140 guests for seated events, featuring floor-to-ceiling harbour views and a private balcony for ceremonies. Our team ensures seamless execution from planning to celebration.
Bar Menu
The bar menu provides light meals and small plates, including Sydney rock oysters and fish and chips. Available daily, it pairs with curated cocktails and wines, offering a relaxed dining option. Walk-ins are welcome for an informal yet sophisticated experience.
Takeaway Boxes
Deluxe takeaway boxes feature curated seafood dishes for picnics or home enjoyment. Options include the Seafood Antipasto with six gourmet bites. Orders require 24-hour notice and are ideal for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Wine Tasting
An award-winning wine list spans classic and emerging producers, with vintages dating to 1946. Sommeliers guide tastings, offering insights into pairings and selections. The beverage program includes organic wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
People
Judy McMahon
Director
Judy McMahon co-founded Catalina Restaurant in 1994, bringing decades of hospitality experience from iconic venues like Bilson's. Her leadership has shaped the restaurant's legacy, blending tradition with innovation to maintain its status as a Sydney dining institution.
James McMahon
Restaurant Manager
James McMahon oversees daily operations at Catalina Restaurant, leveraging his background at Sydney's top fine diners. His focus on team culture and service excellence ensures the restaurant maintains its reputation for exceptional hospitality and culinary artistry.
Kate McMahon
Event Manager
Kate McMahon specialises in luxury event planning, having joined Catalina Restaurant in 2008. Her expertise in styling and supplier coordination elevates weddings and corporate events, ensuring seamless execution and memorable guest experiences at Sydney's premier waterfront venue.
Mark Axisa
Executive Chef
Mark Axisa leads Catalina Restaurant's kitchen with 23 years of experience, crafting menus that celebrate seasonal produce. His culinary vision blends modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences, maintaining the restaurant's reputation for innovative, ingredient-driven dishes.
Alan O'Keefe
Head Chef
Alan O'Keefe has been with Catalina Restaurant for 16 years, developing menus that highlight sustainable seafood and local ingredients. His expertise in European and Asian culinary traditions enriches the restaurant's offerings, ensuring dishes reflect both tradition and contemporary flair.
Questions
What dining options are available at Catalina Restaurant?
Catalina Restaurant offers fine dining with seasonal menus, a bar menu for casual meals, and takeaway boxes. The restaurant features sustainably sourced seafood, modern Australian cuisine, and an award-winning wine list.
Do you host weddings and private events?
Yes, Catalina Restaurant is a premier waterfront wedding venue accommodating up to 140 guests. Our event team provides custom planning, catering, and styling to ensure seamless celebrations with harbour views.
Can I pre-order takeaway meals?
Deluxe takeaway boxes with curated seafood dishes are available for pre-order with 24 hours' notice. Options include the Seafood Antipasto, ideal for picnics or special occasions.
Are wine tastings offered?
Yes, Catalina Restaurant provides wine tastings guided by sommeliers. The award-winning list includes vintages from 1946 onwards, with pairings tailored to your preferences and budget.
What are the restaurant's opening hours?
Catalina Restaurant is open daily for lunch from midday and dinner from 6:00 PM. The bar is available for casual dining, with walk-ins welcome.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made online via our booking page or by contacting +61 2 9371 0555. The reservations office is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (AEST).
Videos
Reviews (6)
Jason Maatouk
Jan 17, 2022
Report
I don't usually leave reviews but I've really been thinking about how great my experience was at Catalina. As soon as I arrived with my beautiful partner we were greeted with big smiles and drink on the balcony outside whilst we read through the menu which already had my taste buds dancing, I had high hopes for this place as I really wanted to impress my birthday guest. This restaurant quickly became my favourite as the staff treated us like VIP. I enjoyed talking to all the wait staff as they were so kind and tended to every possible need of ours to perfection, I had absolutely no complaints
Marjory
Jan 14, 2022
Report
We dined at Catalina for the first time on Friday night. We mentioned we were celebrating a 40th birthday. We asked if we could be sat somewhere near the windows but we were quickly dismissed by the snotty aged woman in the reception saying theres view everywhere. She was moody that night, it kind of started our night sourly. the seats in the window and middle aisle werent occupied at all, even after we left. We then noticed that all the diners with kids/family are strategicallyplaced on the far end and sides of the restaurant, despite the request/ occasion or acuity.
Servings
Servings
Nicholas Kessner
Jan 13, 2022
Report
When me and my girlfriend arrived we honestly could not decide what to order everything looked amazing, so we ordered a bit of everything. Every dish we ordered just melted in our mouth, the textures of the food was divine it was so amazing. We will definitely be returning to Catalina by far the best restaurant we have been to yet.
Fiona Chong
Jan 11, 2022
Report
After rescheduling a few times since December, we finally made it here. The food did not disappoint! Very flavoursome, great produce and decent-sized portions. Do not fill up too much on the bread so that you can fully enjoy the meal! Friendly and good service, and the views are fantastic of course. Note to self - next time ask for a table outside in advance. The only improvement would be to open the doors wider, so that the echo from the conversations can escape, and better choice of music playlist (think Bossa Nova classics) to give it an even better ambience.
Jackie Wong
Jan 03, 2022
Report
Food was delicious! The king fish (my main) had fusion tasting vibes. Highlights were the entrees and desserts!
Brad R.
Dec 26, 2021
Report
It has been one of the restaurants on my culinary bucket list to check out and I was not disappointed. We both came and celebrated our birthdays this month, as a second choice to our original plans, and it was a perfect change of plan at that! It's actually not terribly priced. Don't let the location or prestige put you off. You get what you pay for. So for food that is artwork, a beautiful location (I suggest going around sunset as we did), professional service and even a wine expert to help you mate wine to your food, it's definitely good value for going about spoiling yourself! For those wondering
