Berry Sourdough Bakery by Night

flourless chocolate pudding with salted caramel ice cream 

candles, white washed walls and soft light

rabbit terrine and brioche

tapenade and wine list

Image 1&3 by Berry Bakery, Images 2,4-6 by Natalie Hayllar

Caramelised Pork belly, terrine and rich chocolate pudding with salted caramel- when it comes to south coast comfort dining, chef John Evans has got it so right at Berry Sourdough Bakery by Nights.


Living on Sydney's southern beaches, Berry is an easy day trip.  Only a short 1.5hr drive and an instant feeling of serenity and calm dissolves the Sydney stress. Greeted on arrival with the nostalgic smell of cosy open fires, crisp country air and the promise of good coffee and comfort food. It was time to enjoy the eat, reads and loves that Berry has to offer, and the perfect opportunity to spend some time with my lovely mum before Mothers day. 

I have written about the iconic Berry Sourdough Bakery many times on eat read love, a 'must stop' on any south coast soiree. By day a charming bakery priding itself on wood-fired sourdough, European style pastries, cakes, artisan bread and coffee. By night the century old rustic charm of the original heritage building comes alive where you can enjoy a fabulous and sophisticated dinner menu by candlelight.

Lucky for all of us, Chef John Evans and wife Sonia brought their relaxed fine dining expertise with them to Berry when they moved to the south coast 2 years ago. Former Head Chef at the 3 Weeds Restaurant in Rozelle, and the Merivale-owned restaurant CBD, John focuses on a small but delicious menu of Modern Australian cuisine with a European influence, reflecting a passion for locally sourced ingredients. The interiors perfectly reflect the surrounding area, pay tribute to the building heritage, and the combination of solid timber tables, painted brick, soft industrial lighting and the view of the bakery creates the perfect space for intimate dining. 

For dinner, we started with crostini and home made tapenade, and a surprise treat of rabbit and ham hock terrine with porcini butter and brioche from the chef was amazing. Not something I would normally order but a heartwarming starter on a cold autumn night.  Mum was raving about her main of caramelised pork belly with parsnip puree, apple cider and jus (a little indulgence for mothers day) and the veal loin hit the spot. The peppery spiced veal was served with carrot, star anise puree, beans and port sauce. The sweetness of the veal was perfectly balanced with the anise flavours, and a side of steamed broccoli with toasted almonds. A glass of Shiraz and the evening was perfect. 

As someone who is very passionate about promoting the local area, it is wonderful to find another fabulous place to dine on the South Coast. I love the focus on fresh ingredients, natural flavours and local supply. Very well priced, entrees range from $18-20, mains range from $28-34 and desserts $7-$22. Johns menu changes to reflect seasonal produce and he often has midweek 2 course specials with a glass of wine. A must for a cosy, hearty dinner on your next trip South. Take a day trip or why not relax and make a weekend of it and stay at one of Berry's luxury B&B's. I will most definitely be back and next time I am staying for the weekend.

EAT: my current obsession with all things salted caramel meant the only choice for me for dessert was the flourless chocolate pudding with salted caramel ice cream. A MUST. 

STAY: Berry has some gorgeous weekend rentals (stayz is a good place to start). I have not stayed here yet but the Drawing Rooms of Berry looks very nice indeed! Sojourn looks great for contemporary style relaxing.


LOVE: Dining in a bakery! After watching the much loved Meryl Streep movie 'Its Complicated' many times I have always been in love with the idea of a beautiful European style bakery. Now I can enjoy bakery dining both day and night in Berry. 

Breakfast: Wednesday to Sunday, 8am-11.15am 

Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am-3pm

Dinner: Thursday to Saturday, 6-10pm

(02) 4464 1617

23 Prince Alfred Street

Berry NSW 2535

http://berrysourdoughcafe.com.au/

Good news, the owners Jelle and Freya Hilkemeijer have extended their fabulous bakery concept and opened a new takeaway bakery in the main street of Berry.