Peering through the front window on Pittwater Road, you could easily mistake The Herring Room for a fine dining haunt. But the reality is quite the opposite. Once the space of a former surf shop, the boards and bathers may be gone, but the laidback northern beaches vibe certainly remains.
What caused this confusion was the attention to detail that was paid to both the fit-out and the menu. Tactically accented by exposed brick walls, polished floorboards, candlelight and dark leather chesterfields, the space is polished but still warm and homely — complete with a prize herring mounted proudly over the fireplace.
In the kitchen, you'll find a trio of chefs and a mix of culinary skills that clearly shine through on the seasonal menu. And while each of The Herring Room's influences takes a leading role at different points, there is one constant: its focus on seafood.
A signature French dish is a squid ink spaghetti with a sea urchin butter emulsion and shaved bottarga, which makes for a deliciously rich but well-portioned combination. Making up the Aussie contingency is a dish of baked NSW Snowy Mountains rainbow trout with little neck clams, fennel, shallots and crushed peas and slow-cooked, braised lamb shank with red wine jus, rosemary and white polenta, among others.
Switching to South Asian flavours try the Vietnamese-inspired beef tartare with cos, pine nuts, crispy shallots, chilli, coriander and mint leaf.
When it comes to dessert — which you'll want to save room for — try the dulce de leche fondant with salted macadamia ice cream and fresh banana brûlée or the crepe Suzette with orange and caramel sauce and vanilla chantilly. They're both great desserts in their own right, but here they make for an epic partnership.
The Herring Room is actually a much larger space than you would initially imagine, and the best seats in the house are in the courtyard out the back. Surrounded by high walls adorned with succulents, this little garden oasis epitomises the chilled-out nature of northern beaches dining culture.
Images: Lauren Vadnjal.