Dining with Martha, Lake Macquarie, NSW

Claudia Monique shares her tips for an unforgettable dining experience at Martha, found in the Belmont 16s Sailing Club, including where to sit for the best views, the tastiest cocktails and wine to order, as well as the lowdown on what dishes to savour.

It’s all about the view

You’ll find Martha housed in the newly renovated Belmont 16s sailing club, which recently undertook a 20 million dollar redevelopment. Walking down the hall, you’re welcomed with those multi-million dollar Belmont Bay views from floor to ceiling, and left to right as far as the eye can see. WOW. But it doesn’t stop there. When you head upstairs to meet Martha you’re met once again with divine views, this time of the interior. An interior designer’s delight, you’ll feast your eyes on colours of soft blush and delicate greens; textures of light timber, suede, rattan, and ceramics; and natural light pouring through the skylights and windows.

Take a seat

Welcomed by a friendly team, you’ll be happy wherever you’re seated, but for something extra special, ask to be seated near the window for floor to ceiling bay views. Or if it’s a stunning day and you’re up for outdoor elements, you might enjoy soaking up the rays on the balcony.

Drink up

Check out the signature cocktail list ‘Martha and Friends’. It’s all about the Limoncello – order the ‘Josephine’ made with limoncello, malibu, local EARP distilling Co. pure vodka and lemon. Or try Martha’s cocktail made with EARP Gin, Dolin rouge, chambord, lemon and whites. If a glass of white by the bay is more to your liking, try the local Hunter Valley Silkman Chardonnay 2022, or the Comyns & Co. Rosé 2023.

Let’s eat

A Mediterranean affair, the menu’s many elements are cooked over fire in Mibrasa ovens, offering a smoky flavour to dishes like the eggplant dip with pita bread, la brasa chicken and the market fish which for us was salmon served with charred asparagus, cherry tomatoes and a lemon caper butter sauce. If you’re a seafood fan, the char-grilled split prawns with Pukara Estate lemon dill olive oil as a starter and the crab linguine with chilli, garlic, tomato and parsley are calling your name.

Visit Martha

Level 1 Belmont 16s | The Parade | Belmont NSW 2280 | (02) 4945 0888 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Friday to Sunday 12.00pm–3.00pm, 5.00pm–12.00am