Neptunes

Overview

After a year spent behind locked doors, Neptunes — a much-loved restaurant in Brighton Le Sands that's been a local hub since 1993 — has reopened. Thanks to a multimillion dollar revamp, the eatery (formerly known as Cafe Neptune) has transformed into a light-filled space that makes the most of its waterfront position.

The Neptunes team — headed by owner John Kazzi — enlisted the help of DS-17 agency, whose portfolio includes Nour, Bel & Brio and Planar. Expansive windows look over Botany Bay, foregrounded by towering pine trees, while dramatic hanging plants bring the outside world in. Mirrors, bright tiles, wicker lighting and olive green booths add to the fresh, yet sleek, feel.

The menu mixes traditional Mediterranean dishes with touches of modern Australian – across share plates, pizzas and pastas. Start with buttermilk chicken bites with parmesan aioli or Black Angus meatballs with tomato sugo, basil and pecorino, then move onto a pizza, woodfired in Neptunes' new oven, or a house-made pasta. Mains include a Southern fried chicken burger with slaw and chips, and salmon with smoked baby capers, quinoa, kale, fatoush salad and sumac vinaigrette.