5 Restaurants to Get Surf and Turf on Your Fork

Some surf and turf experts believe the grand combo first emerged on the West Coast of the US where it debuted at the 1962 Seattle World Fair at the restaurant located at the top of the city’s famed Space Needle.

Others insist the dish comes from The Continental Restaurant in Saugus, Massachusetts where in 1966 a newspaper ad touted a seven-course champagne surf and turf dinner, which included a junior filet mignon and baked stuffed Alaskan crab legs – all for just $4.95.

Wherever it came from, perfectly cooked steak topped with your choice of seafood is one of the most popular menu items around the country.

Here are five restaurants to get surf and turf on your fork:

 

Since opening its doors, GAGE Dining Co. on Macquarie Street has firmly established itself as a leading steakhouse on the Liverpool dining scene. Featuring succulent steaks and delicious fare to tantalise all taste buds and nestled in Macquarie Hotel, chill out with an icy brew to peruse a menu boasting everything from chicken schnitzel to a platter of ribs.

Get things started with crumbed calamari rings, or fried pork dim sims and dipping sauce; moving onto everyone’s favourite surf ‘n' turf – grain-fed rump steak, topped with prawns and creamy garlic sauce, served with chips and salad.

 

Expect a fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere at 99 on Park on Park Beach Road in Coffs Harbour. Chill out indoors on velvet chairs among potted greenery, beamed ceilings and recycled timber, or enjoy the rays alfresco on balmy North Coast days as you peruse a concise menu sure to entice all palates.

Start with yellowfin tuna, mango, avocado and sesame, or lobster and Tasmanian salmon ballotine, Savoy cabbage and celeriac; for the main, don’t go past surf and turf Park’s way with slow-cooked pork belly and octopus. 

 

For a stunning beachside venue boasting panoramic oceanfront views in Coffs Harbour, head to Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar on Surf Club Road. The view from this restaurant over pristine beaches and parklands will literally take your breath away as you stop in for early morning breakfasts, relaxed brunches and delicious lunches.

Corn fritters stacked with bacon, avocado, spinach, sour cream and sweet chilli are the ideal start to the day, while a lively lunch crowd lingers over plates such as Scotch fillet with Balmain bug and King prawns, or pork belly and King prawn salad.

 

Discover Sydney’s premium seafood experience along with fine wines and artisan cocktails at Elements Seafood Grillhouse on Hickson Road in Millers Point. Perched on the pier, this iconic heritage venue boasts leather Chesterfield chairs, recycled timber, potted greenery and rustic beams setting the scene for inspired dining on all things from the ocean from freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters to signature seafood squid ink Mafalda pasta.

Dive right in with a starter of togarashi spiced calamari, watercress salad fired leek, fresh lemon and tartar sauce; anchor your meal with surf ‘n’ turf prosciutto-wrapped filet mignon, with charcoal truffle mash, grilled prawns and red wine jus.

 

With unmatched views of the Swan River and an award-winning interior fit-out, discerning Perth foodies head to Art of Seafood at On the Point for the ultimate waterfront dining destination. Nestled on Riverside Drive in East Perth, this stylish restaurant is the place for afternoon drinks on the deck in the sun; before heading indoors, where a well-stocked bar and elegant table settings await along with fresh WA seafood.

For a memorable main, slice your knife into Black Angus fillet, lobster, crisp noodles, scallion potato, jus and green curry, while pasta lovers hook a plate of squid ink and seafood spaghetti enjoyed with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.