Proudly voted ‘Australia’s Best Beach,’ in 2020, the Tweed Coast’s gleaming Cabarita Beach can now lay claim to another drawcard that’s attracting locals and visitors to its pristine shores. 

No.35 Kitchen and Bar has opened its doors in this unspoiled Northern New South Wales pocket, with Bondi’s Icebergs alumni steering the ship. Having opened on 2 July, this informal yet sophisticated eatery is already booking out each night.

Since its opening, a refined take on a classic seaside holiday snack has been garnering attention: No.35’s Local Snapper Fish Finger Sandwich has become a firm favourite since the venue flung open its doors – alongside its too-good-to-share tiramisu. 

Having earned their respective stripes (and dedicated dining fans) in Icebergs Group venues across Sydney, Rachel Duffy and Daniel Medcalf have now teamed up to create their own relaxed restaurant in a location they both feel a solid connection to. The locale also happens to be a conveniently short stroll from the neighbourhood’s iconic Halcyon House boutique stay. The resulting menu of the partnership, the pair suggests, could be described as ‘new world Italian’. 

And it’s a menu that befits its breezy location. “This place is a combination of everything we like to eat and drink. Nice, clean, no-fuss, full-flavoured food with an Italian edge.” Medcalf says. 

Lighter repasts include the likes of Salumi Australia Lonza with sweet and sour melon, a local calamari dish with roast garlic and chilli aioli, and a white bean and miso dip with brown butter and flatbreads. Larger portions see the flavours of fregola, king prawn, saffron and toasted fennel seeds mingle on the plate, a rigatoni with greens, macadamia and buffalo mozzarella warm winter guests, and a hearty fusilli dish with lamb neck ragu, broccoli leaf and pecorino is ideal for unhurried meals enjoyed on a cool day. A focus on local ingredients sees nearby Burringbar and Byron Bay cheeses make the menu, alongside produce from the fruit bowl that is the Tweed. 

Duffy says, “We just wanted to open a place that we would enjoy going to, with the food and drink we like. A good neighbourhood restaurant for everyone – an early family dinner, date night, a quick pasta, and wine by yourself on the bar or long lunch.”  The venue also caters to the growing number of younger locals flocking to the beachside town with children in tow by offering a daily family hour. 

Naturally, drinks follow through with the venue’s Italian influence. Expect to sample spritzes, negronis and a tempting range of wines that highlight minimal intervention drops.

The 60-seat diner is open for dinner Thursday–Sunday and for lunch on weekends, at 35 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach.