weekend escape with seafood to match

If you're looking for a luxury weekend getting away with meals to match, look no further than Rick Stein at Bannisters. Located in the sleepy town of Mollymook (approx 3.5hrs drive from Sydney), Bannisters is located on south coast with incredible panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean.

The interiors and staff exude a sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere, with a friendly, small-coastal-town approach to their suited table service. We sat right next to the window, and marveled at the menu in front of us, both al a carte and the wine list.

For my entree I ordered the seared scallops with serrano ham, sherry vinegar and parsley, and we also shared the various types of oysters for the table - Broadwateer Oysters from Pembula and Merimbula; Ewan McAsh's Clyde River Rock Oysters, and Tuross Rock Oysters; freshly shucked served with eschallot vinegar. Both dishes were delectable.

The main was a hard choice for all - so many choices! However I opted for their signature dish, the Bannisters Fish Pie (salmon, blue-eye trevalla, barramundi, scallops, mushrooms and prawns in a creamy fish veloute sauce with truffle, gratinated with breadcrumbs and parmesan). I must admit, when all the other dishes came out I have huge food envy. The very flat and small looking pie was was competing with the Bouillabaisse, Indonesian Seafood Curry and the Crispy Skin Barramundi...

The Fish Pie was the best I have tasted, and certainly didn't fill me like a main meal normally would. Lucky the other mains were quite large, and I my favourite meal of the day. The Seafood curry (with flake, squid and king prawns, served with green bean, fresh coconut salad and steamed rice was mouth-wateringly incredible. The flavours, the seafood, the presentation - I think I fell in love.

On to my other favourite meal - dessert. Another tricky choice, but I opted for the Valrhona Chocolate Mousse with chantily cream and salted caramel. I think it was the meer mention of 'salted caramel', seems to get me every time! It didn't disappoint, but my eye was all over the chocolate fondant as well, and I still wonder whether I should have ordered that (my other weakness is coconut ice cream)...

So much confusion over the food on offer, but this can only be a good thing. It's a breath-taking location, with a very friendly atmosphere, and teamed with incredible local and fresh seafood. The price is great for the calibre and experience. So if you're looking for a weekend away, make sure you check out Mollymook, Bannisters and of course Rick Stein's seafood restaurant.

Restaurant: Rick Stein at Bannisters
Total price: Approx $500 (for 4ppl)
Hours: Lunch Wed-Sun 12.30pm-2pm; Dinner Wed-Thu &Sun 6pm-8.30pm, Fr-Sat 6pm-9.15pm
Must order: Indonesian seafood curry

lunch, dinner or weekend retreat

Jonah's is one of those places everyone always talks about... Stunning views. Sumptuous food. Sophisticated atmosphere.

Offering contemporary Australian cuisine with breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean, this restaurant is everything attached to it's name and much, much more. As soon as you walk in you're mesmerised by the view.

The formal waitstaff are quick to greet you, and escort you to your table. Try and book a booth - they are by far the best seats in the house, especially for spotting the celebrities who are dining!

Executive Chef Peter Ridland focuses on fresh, seasonal produce with an emphasis on seafood. The wine list is very extensive with 5,000 bottles to choose from, featuring the best from Australia and around the world.

The a la carte menu took our eye (degustation prices start from $170pp + $70pp matching wines). For my entree I ordered North Atlantic Scallops sautéed with Ibérico jamón, spiced rock melon cloud, puffed quinoa and melon dressing. So light, so tasty!

I couldn't go past the Western Australian Cone Bay Barramundi for my main - roasted and served with sautéed wild mushroom, pancetta, cauliflower purée, cavolo nero and forestière sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly, however this meal - especially the sauce - was a little heavy for me.

Apart from the incredible view, the dessert menu was by far my highlight. I can't go past anything on the menu that mentions coconut or rhubarb... My husband ordered the chocolate and rosemary delice with coconut sorbet. It was rich, but the sorbet created the perfect balance.

I ordered the rhubarb and vanilla soufflé with green apple sorbet and crème anglaise. Upon presenting the dish, the waitstaff pour the crème anglaise into the oh-so fluffy souffle. And the sorbet, again, the perfect accompaniment.

The desserts. were. divine.

Maintaining a chef's hat for the past 7 years, Jonah's is the complete package. Next time however, I would make an entire weekend of it. This beautiful ocean retreat belongs to the Relais & Chateaux Group and offers seaplane transfers. For something special or just because...

Restaurant: Jonah's

Total price: Approx. $700 (for 4ppl incl. wine)

Hours: Dinner from 6pm

Must order: Rhubarb and vanilla soufflé