The 1980s was a decade that gifted the world big hair, Duran Duran, and plenty of leg warmers. But for the foodie, the decade will also forever be treasured as the dawn of Neil Perry’s Blue Water Grill. The eatery first opened at North Bondi in 1986, and became renowned for its heavy seafood focus with an Asian twist, which inspired many of the dishes found in Perry’s various other leading restaurants today.

Now the institution will be returning, albeit briefly, after a 30 years hiatus. Unfortunately not a permanent appearance, Blue Water Grill is set to be a Rockpool Group pop-up, setting up shop in the Eleven event space on Bridge Street from November 19 to 24. For six days, the temporary restaurant will be serving up its trademark Asian-inspired seafood for lunch and dinner daily. 

The retro seafood venue’s menu will focus on old favourites, and will offer a list 20-dishes strong, accompanied by a 1980s-inspired cocktail list, with Australian wines to boot. Perry will be taking to the kitchen, helping the team to assemble dishes that include freshly shucked oysters with candied ginger; the mussel, garam masala noodle soup; and the much adored frozen espresso cake. Joining Perry will be longtime seafood expert and former Blue Water Grill Manager John Susman, who will be helping to run service.

“I’m having a flashback thirty-odd years,” says Perry. “I’ve dug out the original menus and summoned up the old flavours – all we need to do is chuck some sand on the floor and it is Blue Water Grill circa 1986 revisited.”

“My vision has always been to use the freshest seafood caught and harvested in a sustainable manner and work as directly with the fishermen as possible, then take responsibility to dry fillet and cook with care.” “

To that end I would like to thank Corners Inlet fisherman Bruce Collis, Ben Collison Reef Fish, Walkers Seafood, Rick at Kolega Fisheries for his Spencer Gulf prawns, Mark Allsop at Australia’s Oyster Coast, Manny Simitzis of Australian Live Seafood for his pipis, and our good friends from over the ditch Leigh Fishery, who will all supply our pop-up as they supply Rockpool Bar & Grill, Spice Temple and Rosetta daily.”