Silica Restaurant — Restaurant in Kiama

With wind & rain lashing the windows of this two-storey restaurant, it wasn’t quite the night for admiring epic views. However, with Silica Restaurant and Bar perched on the edge of Kiama Surf Beach, the window tables certainly would have a good view on a clearer night. Served by a green but enthusiastic floor team, we were quickly set up with recently shucked Wallis Lake oysters ($4/each) dressed with ginger and shallots. We accompanied them with the 2019 Amato Vino Chardonnay ($52) that had enough likeable characteristics and a comparatively low mark-up to make it drink like a very good buy.

Two courses ($49/person) for me kicked off with kingfish crudo, adorned with an unusual topping of cucumber, sour cream and parsnip, dotted shiny black roe. Quirky, but it worked to showcase the firm-fleshed fish. Barbequed pork neck—slow cooked and served with red cabbage and nectarine with a scattering of pumpkin seeds—eats well and is more generously proportioned than my photo implies. Salt baked gnocchi was the standout—crisp green snow peas and a creamy quenelle kept it from being too salty, and the tiny pillows of potato were perfectly cooked. It edged out the duck breast served under nicely wilted greens.

The farm-fresh vegetables were a highlight across the meal, particularly in a mixed leaf salad ($10), lightly dressed in honey mustard, but remarkable because of the quality of the assorted leaves. This kitchen team stood out for the speed and consistency with which they served a busy two-storey restaurant. Notching up the knowledge on the floor to match their skill, would be my...

First time here for an anniversary dinner. We were under the mistaken assumption that “restaurant and bar” meant we could arrive a little early and have a cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table. Apparently you can only order from the bar while seated for dinner. Very misleading. However our table was ready on time and the staff were very efficient in taking our order and serving our meals quickly. We each chose a 2 course meal for $65 and they were beautifully presented and full of flavour. I love the decore but not so much the layout. We were seated by the window with an ocean view but there were group tables on the side of us making it impossible to enjoy a romantic dinner when the noise level was so high. I would’ve preferred to have seen the restaurant with tables of 2 or 4 in one half or even in the lower level and the group tables on the other. Overall a delectable experience for the taste buds but if I’m paying $65 for 2 courses i expect more food on those big empty plates. Portion sizes are too small...

We couldn't get into our first choice of restaurant so we made a reservation for Silica and we were not disappointed! We had the 6 course tasting option. We started with the Merimbula Sydney Rock Oysters with ginger and shallot mignioutte. Fresh, dressing well balanced left us wanting more! King Fish Crudo - Green apple, pickled Kohlrabi, sour cream and a rice crisp - the rice crisp was so delicate, the kingfish and the condiments together were a burst of heaven in our mouth. Couldn't wait for the roasted heirloom beetroot and didn't disappoint. The barramundi fillet, skin was crisp, the barramundi perfectly cooked, cauliflower puree silky and smooth. The beef eye fillet perfectly cooked and so tender you could cut it with a butter knife, our dessert caramelised pineapple was a perfect way to end our meal. The only criticism we had was that the cutlery was not changed between each course, just taken off our plate and placed on our serviette. If you are in town do yourself a favour...