Maurice Terzini describes his latest restaurant venture as “just an everyday beach restaurant.” Congratulations to Maurice for his humility, but Belongil Beach’s Italian cuisine is anything but.
Famous Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini, the culinary genius behind CicciaBella and Icebergs is Sydney’s latest catering mogul to migrate north, having been keen to open a venue in Byron Bay for over twenty years. And finally, to our delight, his dream has come true and his name is Belongil Beach Italian Food. Make a mental note of it, because if you haven’t heard of it before, you’ll soon be hearing about it everywhere.
Belongil Beach Italian Food is a dreamy seaside dining experience that puts a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine and, in a nod to today’s demand for local produce, showcases the best of Northern Rivers family growers and producers , including Byron Bay Mozzarella and the famous Ballina Shrimp. Translation? Truly delicious.
The restaurant is a tribute to the dreamy tones of the Italian coast and brings a breath of fresh, salty sea air to the Byron Bay dining scene. The spacious, open-air interior is reminiscent of days spent basking in the European sun with pastel pink tones contrasted by terracotta walls, touches of greenery paying homage to its Italian roots and a constant buzz of vibrant energy. .
Once you’ve conquered the stunning interior, draw your attention to the extensive menu which, in case the name didn’t tell you, showcases Italian cuisine and lets the quality produce do the talking, no, singing for them. themselves. The simplistic menu showcases the flavors of fresh, local produce and lends itself to long, casual lunches in good company, lots of laughs and a glass of wine in hand.
Start slow with the spuntini and antipasto menu, which features a delicious array of homemade pickles and olives, followed by ortiz anchovies and cultured butter. Bread is mandatory to mop up the Byron Bay Mozzarella, Mortadella, and San Daniele Proscuitto. Once you’ve warmed your palate, sample the local sand whiting butterflied with oregano or the orecchiette with macadamia pesto and stracciatella. You can’t miss the signature Moreton Bay bug roll served on a potato bun with vadouvan mayonnaise or Tasmanian sea scallops with green tomato and lemon myrtle.
As difficult as it may be, save room for dessert—the simplistic but refined dessert menu features strawberry, pistachio and mascarpone cakes and a traditional Italian chocolate and olive oil mousse with rosemary cream. It’s (almost) too beautiful to eat. Maurice Terzini knows how to change nothing of what has been perfected over the centuries, except with fresh, quality products, and this philosophy is found throughout his refined menu.
True to the wine ethos that echoes its Sydney sister restaurants, Belongil Beach Italian Food supports small local producers and family run wineries and showcases wines not only from Italy, but also from across the Mediterranean and coastal Australia. . Think: sip from Sicily to Jerez, up the Margaret River, then back to Sardinia. We’ll drink to that.
Belongil Beach Italian Food is the perfect marriage of tradition and modernity; it’s sophisticated yet simplistic, casual yet refined, and is a true celebration of Italian flavors. If you are looking for a quality dining experience, this is definitely the time to sit down here.
THE DETAILS
What: Italian cuisine from Belongil Beach
Where: 33-35 Childe Street, Belongil Beach
When: Open Monday to Thursday; 3 p.m. to late
Open Friday to Saturday; 12 p.m. to late
Open on Sunday; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, Click here.
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Image credit: Nikki To
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