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Hours
Sun
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wed
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Thu
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sat
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, European, Contemporary, Australian, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Tucked away in a side street of Berry, we are a small restaurant passionate about sharing our love of this region with locals and visitors alike. Your hosts John and Sonia craft a set weekly seasonal menu that highlights the best of the South Coast with a contemporary, relaxed and honest vibe. Seasonal simplicity - as fresh and locally sourced as possible with a unique truly regional wine list. www.southonabany.com.au ‘The kitchen adopts an obsessively local philosophy to drive home flavours that deliver the goods’ - Good Food Guide. Celebrating the seasons chef John Evans crafts elegant yet simple dishes. Real honest food driven by flavour and truly seasonal produce. Moving from Sydney 10 years ago having worked at Merivale’s Bistro CBD and EST. Restaurant, John and Sonia bring city slick dining with a country vibe. Tucked away in a side street of Berry, we are a small restaurant passionate about sharing our love of the region with locals and visitors alike.
PRICE RANGE
$74.00 – $129.00
CUISINES
European, Contemporary, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
5.0
539 reviews
Excellent
469
Very good
56
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
2
FijiBlues
11 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
This quiet and romantic little restaurant was a lovely end to our day after the hustle and bustle of daytime Berry. The set menu was delicious (and they used local fresh produce), the waitstaff very friendly, and the ambiance restful. Highlight of the meal was superb creme caramel with poached pears - delish
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0ugbett
Berry9 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
This restaurant has always been our favourite. Some weeks ago their dining format changed from "a la carte" to a set menu. Being able to walk in to a restaurant such as this, sit down and be fed without having to ponder over a menu had appeal to my wife and I so we decided to give it a go. We chose the set 3 course meal with matching wine and I can honestly say it was the best meal we have enjoyed for many years. The main was Blue Eyed Cod and excellent. We left feeling comfortably full but not overly so. Great atmosphere and parking right outside, we look forward to returning soon.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
Sydney15 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Travelled to Berry to have a family dinner godmothers and aunts for my nieces 21st Birthday. The whole experience was exceptional
The fact that there were only 4 tables made it more special
We did not have the wine pairing but chose an excellent bottle of Southern Highland rose.
The chef was very accommodating when I explained I did not eat carrot and instead made a parsnip purée instead
Would recommend
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnaZak16
Sydney13 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
I haven't been to SOA in a few years but after going back over the weekend, all my memories were confirmed. The courses were fresh, local and explained in detail upon serving. The portions were substantial and interesting, without being over the top. The ambience is relaxed but it feels like it's an occasion and the staff and owner Sonia are always friendly and knowledgeable about wine pairing. We particularly liked the set menu of three courses with matched drinks and oysters to start, meaning whatever we were getting was fresh and local. I couldn't recommend this place more for a tasteful, genuine and high quality restaurant. We'll be back!
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy P
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • none
I went here with my wife to celebrate our wedding anniversary and went with the adventurous approach of letting the chef/s decide what to put on the table for us and we were not disappointed. We were treated with a variety of delicious food - small plates of a bit of everything so that you don't get bored with one big main dish and the opportunity to taste what the chefs there can do. We paid $85 a head for this, not including drinks, and I would say it was value for money for what they put on the table for us. Anyone going to the Southern Highlands regions MUST come here for dinner at least once!
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BidSydney
30 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We dined here midweek. The set menu was superb - a tomato, peach and burrata salad as entree, fish of the day (kingfish) as main and a meringue with tropical fruit as dessert. Every dish was seasoned beautifully and was delicious. Portions were perfect and courses were spaced well apart. Great wine and drinks list. Staff were friendly, well informed and efficient.
The restaurant was not noisy so we could really enjoy our conversation and we enjoyed the unobtrusive background music.
All in all a delightful experience!!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
29 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
There are three groups of customers that visit South on Albany, the neophytes, the devotees and the addicted.
It is rare to find a restaurant who publish their philosophy on a website, put it on a plate and execute it brilliantly every single time.
For my latest fix, I was presented with a
outstanding oysters from the Tuross River. The oysters when sourced are always top quality or they are not on the menu.
A salad of roasted Kangaroo Valley carrots, shaved cabbage, watercress , chorizo, pine nuts, sourdough crumbs, raisins, vincotto and marinated feta. This was a wonderful entree.
The pink roasted rump of lamb, cauliflower purée, sautéed brussel sprouts, lentils, kipfler crisps and red wine jus was superb.
Dessert of a baked vanilla cheesecake with lemon curd, caramelised mandarin and praline, with the hidden surprise of small chards of intense lemon, resulted in another clean plate.
The award winning wine list is used to specially compliment the excellence of the food.
From the seamless online booking system, the front of house welcome and service and the genuine hospitality, the well thought out skilled cooking and beautiful presentation of local produce, let alone the value for money, this restaurant is hard to fault.
Once again, I can only commend it to you.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley B
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
This little restaurant tucked away just behind the main strip in berry was amazing. Simple and delicious made from lovely local products. Great communication from the owners to cater to my dietary requirements, despite the restaurant having a set menu they were able to also provide an amazing vegetarian menu. Would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn G
Sydney3 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
This was our second time at South on Albany, for a family birthday Again it was an exceptional experience It is a cut above any restaurant in this coastal area. Staff make you feel special paying you particular attention The menu is set. I remember thinking i wouldn't order this normally Well i was proved wrong. What delicious food presented beautifully We all think it is a wonderful place
Written March 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett C
4 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
We have been to this little gem many times and have NEVER had a bad experience. The menu is not extensive but this is not that type of restaurant...the food is sourced locally where it can and John's inventive cooking makes for absolutely sensational taste sensation. The set menu we had was absolutely superb and the oysters are sensational.
The setting is intimate and Sonia is the absolute perfect front person. She is honestly interested in making the customers' experience everything it can be. Wait staff are experienced, efficient and warm.
This place really is a treat and should be experienced, you wont be disappointed!
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc C
Canberra97 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
We visited South on Albany recently and had an amazing meal. The flavours, the portions, and the staff were all fantastic. I've not had an all round meal to better this one for some years. From the Kingsfish entrée, through the duck confit main to the creme brulee dessert it was both a taste sensation and melt in your mouth event. The wine offerings were also very reasonably priced and at $80 per head it was better value for money than many other meals twice the price in recent years. We'll returning when we can.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justine W
1 contribution
May 2022 • none
The highlight of our recent trip to Berry was our dining experience at South on Albany.
We were warmly welcomed by Sonia who seated us immediately into comfortable seats and served the table chilled champagne. Our meal began with cauliflower soup with smoked ham hock, kale and chive oil accompanied by fresh baked brioche rolls right out of the oven. The soup was so light, creamy and moorish and as we had two vegetarians in our party of five they offered a veggie version of the soup and they loved it.
The main course was fresh local snapper with the most perfect crispy skin over kipfler potatoes, spinach and Jervis Bay mussels in citrus fennel broth. Both courses were so lovely I didn't think I needed dessert.
The vegetarian option of linguine loaded with assorted mushrooms, spinach and garlic confit with toasted pine nuts was outstanding.
When our dessert of mandarin almond cake with lemon sour cream ice cream arrived I didn't have any issue eating all of it. This was a gorgeous finish to our dinner.
We chose the wine pairing with our meal and each wine was perfectly harmonizing with the courses.
The service was outstanding. Relaxed, friendly with attention when needed. Sonia and Kin were such lovely hosts.
The focus on local, honest ingredients, stunning cooking from Chef John and warm hospitality is what makes South on Albany stand out.
If you are visiting Berry don't miss out on this extraordinary dining experience.
Put it at the top of your list!
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Savannah
10 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
Our visit to South on Albany left us wanting to return.
The cuisine was absolutely top notch and the team was very accommodating with two food allergies impacting the set menu.
The oysters were a stand out dish, and we highly recommend indulging by adding this delicacy to your evening.
Portion sizes were generous and overall the restaurant is good value for money combining quality of food and flavours, customer service, ambience and the entire experience.
A must visit dining experience if heading south, wonderful!
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne P
Sydney309 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
Dinner at South on Albany feels like you are visiting the team for dinner at their home. Cosy little restaurant with good quality tasty dishes and friendly attentive service. Menu is very limited; but you will leave satisfied. Worth booking ahead if you are visiting Berry.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaydee
Sydney56 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
From the first contact to arrange a last minute booking through to paying the bill, this place is incredible! Perfect everything! With a set menu changing weekly, we are seriously considering a standing reservation for Sunday lunch. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but the limoncello spirit to start was divine! The salmon, lamb and ice cream biscuit were perfect! Love this place and the people there. They’ve absolutely nailed what dining should be.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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