It’s hard for the cosy, coastal interior design (featuring exposed brick; restored stairs; a crisp white moulded ceiling; and all original sash and double-hung windows) to compete with the view of the rotunda and Balmoral Bay. But the corner-set Pasture of Balmoral Sydney gives it a very good crack.

Owners Lizelle and TJ Viljoen, neither of whom come from a hospitality background, are striving to make a conscious and positive environmental impact with Pasture, using vetted producers and Earth-friendly measures (no plastic straws, and an I-Milk bench-top milk bladder in place of hundreds of plastic jugs) to cap off the culinary experience.

Brunch is a calling card, given dinner is currently only three days a week. Fat spelt crumpets marry well with honey and a lemony cream and, while its lemon-myrtle powder could certain feature more heavily, celebrates the hand-made ethos. Salmon rillettes sit on poppy-seeded Brasserie Bread, with beetroot three ways (thin coins, fried, and matchsticked) and plump, bright caperberries. Coffee is by Will&Co ”“ a partnership from the cafe’s inception ”“ and is served in pottery sourced by Lizelle from around the world, providing a comfort that comes from the most considered of coffees. Even the butter is thought out; here, it’s flown in from France.

Seafoam features in many incarnations, from musty blue tones to deep, oceanic greens — and then some. The space ”“ which features bi-folds along the front, looking out across the park ”“ is very much an homage to the ocean it faces, and the land on which it sits. Previously an Italian restaurant and before that a car dealership, the cafe is historic without being histrionic; Lizelle’s vision was executed by Guru Projects, with the nature focus spruced up with touches of brass, multiple heights of pendant lighting, and sunken rattan chairs. While TJ hopes Pasture becomes a destination venue, it’s the locals ”“ puttering up with their dogs and strollers ”“ who seem to best understand the charm: “Same time tomorrow?”

https://www.pastureofbalmoral.com.au/

Pasture of Balmoral Sydney
51 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
+61 2 9960 1344

(All images courtesy of Pasture of Balmoral Sydney)

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