Burnt Orange - Mosman NSW

A sprig of lovely and fresh mint leaves is presented inside your water jug.  The staff are attentive, approach guests with a smile and are focused on prompt delivery - coffee is served rather not soon after you mention them.  

We step on to relatively wide indoor spaces, with sandstone walls and wooden floor boards, a rustic feel and a good sense of natural surroundings.  Sue and I had not caught up for some time now, and what a rather good place to see each other again and chat.   There is a rather refreshing presence of Burnt Orange here, with boats and yachts hidden behind foliage on a calm deep blue perfect bay.   We are not far from the Big Smoke of Sydney but we can forget about Sydney here, us huddled in a hidden corner of the Sydney coast.  I recall the nearby Gunners Barracks as well in this respect.

A cheeky, rather bold and seemingly domesticated black and white feathered bird - the Magpie Lark - sauntered under the tables an chairs in the inner dining room.  It was rather prosperous in size and apparently wanted to be the restaurant's informal mascot.

Barossa ham is luscious, flavourful and have a delightful bite.  So I was rather stoked that it was served with my Eggs Benedict, which had been lovingly prepared with gooey smooth eggs and a toasty kind of brioche.   Next time, may be I can try the Alaskan King Crab Benedict served on the same toasted brioche.

Sue had the buttermilk pancakes, generously served with Ricotta and strawberries.    The other pancake option was with maple syrup and double smoked bacon - the savoury and sweet combo!

We initially talked about the vegetarian full breakfast, laden with roasted Truss tomatoes, avocado, field mushrooms and your choice of poached or scrambled eggs, all heaped on sourdough toast.   Another alternative to the Aussie full breakfast is the Breakfast Board, with gluten free Avoca Brown bread holding house smoked trout, grilled Halloumi, avocado and a soft boiled egg.

We were too early for lunch but I did spot the Burnt Orange fish pie, a rather attractive dish to me, albeit only available for lunchtime, from noon.  This has both smoked and fresh fish fillets swirling in a rather yummy leek and white wine sauce, accompanied by sides of green leaves and fluffy potato mash.  Do watch out, Bannisters!

I noticed the Elderflower Presse, containing both lemons and sweetener, a rather mystifying name for a carbonated soft drink, although with aromas from the flowers of the European elder berry.

Kids can go for banana breads, scones, flavoured milks and smoothies - but so can the adults!

Lunch recommendations include the Spaghettini with King prawns, garnished by bread crumbs of Pangratto, parsley, lemon, chilli and garlic, with strong hints of Mediterranean culinary aromas;  the salad of house smoked Sumac ocean trout, feistily served with baby spinach, a spiced buttermilk dressing, beetroot, Freekeh (or roasted green wheat cereal), boiled egg and pickled cauliflower; and a ravioli stuffed with slow cooked Suffolk lamb and graced by sugar snaps, mint, preserved lemon and broccolini.

With a captivating verandah all around the Federation-styled mansion,  the building that hosts Burnt Orange has character and heritage.  I felt like stepping on to a bungalow with a possibly interesting past, an ambient relaxed feel and with a design that allows the free flow of breezes from Chowder Bay.   

The nearby vehicle car park can be modest but fully utilised on weekends, even if the charges per hour are not modest.  

One may take scheduled public bus services from Sydney city centre, but again, this may detract from the full enjoyment of what Burnt Orange offers.  The strongly suggestive landscaped greens do confirm that this was the Mosman Golf Club many years ago.   With a vantage point that soaks in the surrounding bush and hilly terrain,  Burnt Orange's location is ideal.   Guests may have to be careful though navigating the steps and foot path leading from the car park to the restaurant, but all's well if taken in the spirit of a walk in the bush.

Alas, we did not have opportunity to tuck in any dessert on this recent visit....

The gift and souvenir shop, adjacent to and accessible from the dining area, is worth a walk around.   Items are carefully selected and displayed, with sections dedicated to children, adult woollens, jewellery, homewares, books and unusual buys. 


The flag ship restaurant of Burnt Orange is located at 1109 Middle Head Road in the part of Mosman leading to the naval reserve and Chowder Bay - opposite the HMAS Penguin.

Opening hours for the cafe are from 830am and you can have breakfast, morning tea, lunch and high tea accordingly till 530pm every day except Sundays.
Dining for exclusive function bookings are available every evening except Sundays from 630pm.
Contact +61 2 9969 1120 for the cafe and +61 2 9969 1020 for the shop.
They also have a cafe presence at Chatswood Chase in Chatswood NSW.