Overview
Tuck into a lobster roll as tasty as they make 'em in Maine, when Sydney’s newest seafood eatery opens in Potts Point early next month. Co-founded by the owner of Darlinghurst speakeasy Love Tilly Devine, Waterman’s Lobster Co. will be located on the corner of Orwell Street and the outdoor dining hub that is Llankelly Place.
Serving a mix of Australian and American-style seafood, Waterman's plans to present a simple, no-frills menu that you can actually afford. Serving lunch for seven days a week and dinner Monday through Saturday, the menu at Waterman’s will be split into three separate sections. Entrees including fresh clams, smoked mussels and fish rillettes with pickles will be priced between $12 and $17, while sides such as fish Caesar and purple cabbage slaw will cost you around $4 to $8.
But the main attractions, of course, are the lobster rolls. Setting you back a pretty roll-standard $16 to $18, they'll be made with a range of local produce including Balmain bugs, swimmer crabs and Spencer Gulf prawns. Purists will also be able to enjoy a more traditional Maine or Connecticut style roll, with lobsters sourced straight from the Atlantic.
"In our opinion, the cold water variety just has much better flavour and texture than the local spiny rock lobsters," says Waterman’s co-founder Matt Swieboda. "But in every other aspect, we’ve gone for local, sustainable ingredients, and some very un-American flavours."
The owner and operator of Love Tilly Devine in Darlinghurst, Swieboda grew up catching and eating crayfish in Waterman’s Bay in Perth. Along with his childhood friend and co-founder Tristan Blair, he’ll be joined at Waterman’s by other co-founder Nate Hatwell (also ex-Love Tilly Devine) and bar manager Alex Carter (ex-Rockpool Bar & Grill).
The latter will be responsible for the restaurant’s extensive drinks menu, with options ranging from East Coast American cocktails, American and Australian beers and a selection of local wines. Swieboda and co. recommend pairing your lobster with chardonnay, which sounds pretty damn good to us.
Waterman’s Lobster Co. opens for business on June 9 and is located at 29 Orwell Street, Potts Point. For more information, check them out on Facebook and Instagram.