I don’t know if you have noticed from all the shopping spam in your inbox lately, but Father’s Day is coming up really soon. Shopping for men though is somehow, weirdly, both really hard and mind-bendingly simple all at the same time. Options aren’t as endless as they are for mums, which is why we usually turn to really nice versions of everyday basics accompanied by a really great meal.
So now I hear you ask, oh Laura, but where can I take dad for that really great meal you speak of?
Good question.
Here are a few of my man’s favourite spots for a great Father’s Day Lunch in Sydney… with a few dad jokes thrown in just for the laughs.
For the urban dads: Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
Offering casual dining in a fun, beachside setting the Coogee Pavilion is a great spot for adults with kids to feel like they still have a life. The ground floor space is part marketplace, part hangout spot, and sports a stripped-back aesthetic complemented by the odd nautical flourish. It is the ideal location for father’s day family get-togethers.
Why do crabs never give to charity? Because they’re shellfish.
For dads who think meat makes meals: Butcher and the farmer, Glebe
If your man likes meat, then this is the place to go. Butcher and the Farmer is all about simple, honest and delicious food for the whole family to share. It is a farm-to-table, produce driven, 300 seat restaurant, bar and private dining room featuring a fully restored heritage tram that the kids will love. The unique venue also features a fully integrated butchery, takeaway and providore experience.
Father’s Day Special: MAN vs STEAK
500g Rib Eye On the Bone (Great Dividing Range, NSW. Free range and grass fed)
with your choice of:
– chips, salad or mash
– A schooner of Wayward Fusami Victory India Pale Lager or a glass of Bunnamagoo White or Red wine.
$62 per person.
If prisoners could take their own mug shots, they’d be called cellfies.
For the Italian dads: Fratelli Fresh, Crows Nest
Fratelli Fresh has long been a favourite among Sydney diners, and for good reason. With a focus on seasonal products, and includes include classics and favourites like hand-crafted pizzas, zucchini flowers, calamari fritti, delicious salumi plates, and house-made gelato, all delivered with a price point you wouldn’t shake a stick at.
Father’s Day Special:
– Complimentary beer for all dads
– Kids Eat Free (all day Sunday – all restaurants in Sydney)
– Kids face painting 12:30- 2:30pm (at selected venues: Crows Nest/ Alexandria/ Potts Point/ Entertainment Quarter)
What do you call a sketchy Italian neighbourhood?
The Spaghetto.
For the Hipster dads: Acre Eatery, Camperdown Commons
Acre is part of Camperdown Commons which is a reinvigorated community hub that provides a welcoming inclusive space for locals of all ages and walks of life. The stunning transformation of the old dilapidated Camperdown Bowling Club into a full-blown urban farm and restaurant has turned the neglected space into a site for fresh organic produce and a farm-to-table eating. Book for lunch in the restaurant or for something a little less formal, grab a chair on lawn complete with oversized umbrellas and rugs to lounge on while the kids play on the equipment.
I bought shoes from a drug dealer once.
I don’t know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day.
For active dads: The Avalon on the Beach
Located on the upper level of the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club, the Northern Beaches restaurant boasts stylish designs and picturesque 180 degree ocean views. While overlooking Avalon Beach and its northern headland, you can enjoy a relaxed restaurant experience, receiving great service and excellent value.
Dad, can you put the dog out?
I didn’t know it was on fire.
For dads with 5 kids: Jamies Italian, Sydney
Celebrate Father’s Day like Jamie Oliver. Tuck into delicious dishes that Dad and the whole family will love like striploin steak chargrilled the way you like, served with chips, green salad & your choice of porcini mushroom sauce, garlic butter or truffle butter.
What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho Cheese.
