Majestic Harvest

Rebecca Varidel
23rd May 2016

Did you ever go roller skating in Petersham? That grand old art déco dame still stands.

Petersham’s previously abandoned historic Majestic Theatre has been transformed into a new European inspired foodie destination Majestic Gourmet Grocers, including fresh produce market Mercado Europa, and Majestic Harvest restaurant and bar.

The site was originally a theatre from 1912 through to the early 70s, after which it was converted to a rollerskating rink. It was then developed into apartments in 2012 while the lower floor lay derelict until 2014 when it underwent a substantial transition to create Majestic Gourmet Grocers, including the market and a restaurant and now this year a bar.

The beauty of the building and the renovation is astounding. True to its name the cathedral entrance and the cavern within is indeed Majestic, downstairs a gourmet grocer and restaurant, upstairs a bar.

Previously the Harvest restaurant opened for breakfast and lunch but now that a liquor license has been granted the downstairs restaurant and the upstairs bar are also opened in the afternoons and evenings. Majestic Harvest restaurant has a new tapas menu with each dish built from the fresh local and seasonal produce of the on-site Mercado Europa gourmet grocer. 

We've worked out way through a range of the menu and have been excited and delighted by each of the small plates.

Big call. Duck liver parfait, brioche toast, spiced pear chutney ($12) is the best we've had in Sydney. Jamon works a magic combination with in this new millenial surf 'n' turf as Grilled octopus (WA), capsicum puree, Iberico, herb oil ($12). The pig continues its reign as Pork trotter, crispy pig ears, romesco sauce ($9) and Crispy skin pork belly, apple puree, fennel, sprout salad ($13), but the meaty goodness we like BEST (after our opening offal offering) is the Braised beef cheeks, celeriac puree, herb oil, gremolata ($14).

One of the nicest ideas is the offerings of meats and cheese from the deli. Perfect with a glass of wine. All in all there is a huge selection of 20 tapas, all modest in price but not in flavour. Don't let the meaty goodness fool you. From House made onion rings to Baked ravioli of goat cheese, pumpkin, pine nuts, burnt butter and Ricotta, silverbeet, parmesan, chilli flatbread, there's plenty for everyone, even the vegetarians.

After something sweet? No problem. There's a couple of well crafted classic desserts to finish your night.

Drinks come from the upstairs bar and can also be enjoyed there on the comfortable lounges. There's a short cocktail list of four classics, plus a signature called The Majestic ($15)- passionfruit juice, vodka, fresh lime, Capi tonic and sugar. I'm not usually one for passionfruit cocktails but this mix is wonderfully refreshing, and not too sweet. Where the bar and restaurant really come into their own is with the extensive international and keenly priced wine list. There are plenty of good choices by the glass for only eight bucks. And there's beer on tap and bottled which are divided into- Easy drinking - low bitter bite, Plenty of hops - higher bitter bite, Dark & Heavy.

Carlos Ascencao, restaurateur, foodie, and Sydney inner west local came together with fellow foodies Tim and Cheryl Reen and Warren Landsman to turn their mutual vision into a reality: providing the people of Sydney’s inner west (and beyond) a European gourmet grocery and now tapas restaurant and bar.

Just like they have with the rest of the venture, the owners have put as much care into selecting the staff as they have in the renovation and the food concepts packaged within. Service is knowledgeable and attentive but also warm. You'll like it here.

And bonus, the entire food menu also available as take away!

Due to council regulations on the heritage building no signage is allowed outside but don't let that deter you. You'll find it alright. It's time for a Majestic eating adventure in the charming suburb of Petersham.

Loading Map....
49a New Canterbury Road
Petersham
02 8097 2222

Coffee
available from 6.30am seven days

Market Place
Weekdays: 6.30am – 7pm
Sat: 6.30am – 6pm
Sun: 6.30am – 5pm

Majestic Harvest Restaurant
Mon – Wed: 7.30am – 3.30pm
Thu – Fri: 7.30am – 3.30pm; 5pm – 10pm
Sat -Sun: 7.30am – 3pm; 4pm – 10pm 

Harvest Bar – Live Music
Thu – Fri: 5pm – 10pm
Sat – Sun: 4pm – 10pm

http://www.majesticgourmetgrocers.com.au