Saritas is a new local eatery and bar smack bang in the middle of the Rocksia Hotel in Arncliffe. Gathering locals by the hundreds, the establishment was inspired by iconic bars and dining offers in LA and Venice Beach. Embracing the popular culture, the menu is designed for sharing and reflects the simplicity of great produce and changing seasons.
Oysters $3 each
The night started with a tray of deliciously fresh oysters to whet the palate. Accompanied by a shallot vinaigrette and soy sauce.
Tasmanian Salmon Tartar $12
Next up were these mouthfuls of salmon tartar. Mixed with horseradish and crème fraiche then topped with salmon roe and dill, the morsels were perfectly bite sized and served on a bitter chicory leaf.
Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio $16
I actually couldn’t get over how pretty this dish was. I must have photographed it for about 15 mins (much to the annoyance of the other members of the table). The paper thin tuna was soft and flavoursome sprinkled in a fragrant herb salad then finished with a dash of chilli oil.
Wild Mushroom Ragu, Fontina, Thyme & Truffle Oil with Grana Padana $17.5
I could smell this pizza before it even got to the table, the fragrance of the truffle was like a punch to the senses with its rich earthy aromatics. Add to the wild mushrooms, cheese and thyme and we have a pizza that lasts about 0.2 seconds on the table.
Wood Roasted Cauliflower & Romesco $8.5
I know it may sound strange but this was my favourite dish of the night. Yes! I said it, a veggie dish, and cauliflower at that. But I have to say I think this underrated vegetable is making a huge comeback and this dish proves it for me. The cauliflower has a lovely sweet caramelised flavour on its own, but add to that the smokey chilli sauce underneath and prepare to be wowed!
Crushed & Fired Kipfler Potatoes, Pickled Red Onions, Dill & Aioli $7.5
Saritas keeps knocking the veggie dishes out of the park. This smashed potato was not what I expected when I read it on the menu. Small, golden brown and especially crunchy, the chip like potatoes really hit the spot with a good dousing of aioli and the sweet pickled onions.
Butterflied Wood Fired King Prawns $16
There’s something really special about eating a giant butterflied prawn. The cooking process seems to intensify the flavour threefold. The prawns came away easily from their shells, as if made to dip in the delicious roast chilli and saffron puree.
Hot & Spicy Lamb Meatballs, Served in Crushed with Sourdough $12.5
These meatballs were another tasty morsel, scooped nicely with the delicious olive bread. Cooked in the rich tomato, red wine, basil and chilli sauce makes the meatballs super soft, and almost spreadable.
Spicy Italian Sausage, Crushed Vine Tomato, Fontina, Spinach & Mozzarella $16.5
A great pizza to finish the savories off with. The two cheeses give the slice an oozing creaminess that captures all the ingredients and absorbs their flavour.
Lemon Brûlée Tart
A nice citric cleanse to the palate. The tart had a sweet sour flavour that was balanced nicely with the vanilla bean ice cream. What I liked most about this was the top had a hard crackable sugar layer just like a creme brûlée.
Tiramisu
A classic Italian pick-me-up, the flavours and ingredients were simple and traditional, the way they should be. Perfect on its own or if you want to add to the coffee hit, with a shot of hot espresso.
With their simple philosophy of amazing fresh produce, simple cuisine and wood fired artisan pizzas, Saritas is a cool and chic new dining experience that already has it’s locals buzzing with excitement. The friendly staff are warm and inviting, (as is the roaring fireplace) and the food is absolutely delicious.
Sarita’s – Rocksia Hotel
299 Princes Highway,
Arncliffe, Sydney
2 Hungry Guys dined as a guest
