Cronulla Has Added Another New Restaurant To Its Ranks: Meet Bennys
Thought we were done with new restaurants for the year? Think again!
Bennys, Cronulla
Just when you thought the Shire was done with new restaurants for the year, Bennys threw its doors open wide. Set against the pristine waters and shaded by the eucalypts of Gunnamatta Bay, Bennys is Cronulla’s latest ode to the foodie scene, promising to offer straightforward, honest dishes that keep you coming back time and time again.
Its opening is in line with the Shire’s move to establish itself as one of Sydey’s fine dining hotspots - but make no mistake, while the food is top tier, Bennys offers something unfussy, laidback and true to a lifestyle unique to the area.
Fresh Rigatoni Pasta
Helmed by hatted chef RJ Lines (ex-One Penny Red), the menu is built upon the belief that produce should be left to speak for itself. Championing a blend of Australian and Mediterranean influences as well as local, quality ingredients, the line-up features the likes of Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio and shucked-to-order Sydney oysters.
Main dishes are a continued celebration of quality, with favourites including “Barra in a Bag” (barramundi fillet, clams, and cherry tomatoes cooked in a bag), an 800g Jacks Creek Rib Eye and 350g Rangers Valley MB6+ Sirloin, and - a quintessential Aussie classic - fish and chips, which can be ordered to take away for the full bayside experience. Those with a sweet tooth will be pleased to know that desserts also have their moment in the sun. There’s gelato and sorbet (again, perfect for an afternoon take away treat), as well as more indulgent dishes such as Chocolate and Hazelnut Torte and Coconut Panna Cotta.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Shire-worthy restaurant if it weren’t for a creative drinks menu. What can we say? We love our cocktails here.
Curated by Neilson Braid (Australian Gin Champion of the Year), Bennys drinks list features light and refreshing inventions infused with locally grown botanicals and flora. Favourites include a boysenberry gin sour, Bay Club, a citrus and prosecco-based Bubbles by the Bay Spritz, and, a nod to family, the Mr Brown cocktail - gin, champagne, orange and mint.
Rosemary And Sea Salt Focaccia
Benny’s Classic Beer Battered Fish N Chips, available takeaway
Steak and Fries
Benny’s Doughnut
While the menu alone is enough to make Bennys a surefire standout, the transformed interiors kick the venue’s sophistication up a notch. Conceived by SISU Interiors, the design feels plucked straight from a faraway coastline with sandstone columns, natural textures, a green-tiled bar, brass fittings and a backdrop of olive-hued gum and a sunlit (but weatherproof) outdoor dining area. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to kick back, a Bubbles by the Bay Spritz in hand and a plate of fresh seafood in front of you, and simply stay a while.
Bennys is now taking bookings for lunch and dinner, five days a week from 12:00pm until late. Full venue bookings are also available for events, weddings and functions, with set menus and drink packages available.
You can view the full menu and make a reservation via bennyscronulla.com.au. We’ll see you there.
