Sayulita: A culinary escape to Mexico in Lane Cove
Sayulita is the latest, up and coming Mexican venue to launch in the lively Lane Cove hub, The Canopy – home to Lane Cove’s premier fine dining, food and beverage destinations.
Opened late last year by the expert hospitality duo behind El Rey and Taqueria, Blake and Emma Read have created a venue reminiscent of a bohemian Mexican beach. Named after the Mexican surf town Sayulita, also referred to as the Mexican French Riviera, there’s a warmth felt throughout the dining experience reflective of the town that has inspired the creation of the venue and menu. A designated Pueblo Mágico town (magic town) due to its architecture, traditions and culture, Sayulita is a town intertwined with deep history and its affinity to coastal living and all that encompasses.
Lane Cove’s Sayulita hopes to recreate the unique atmosphere captured in the small Mexican town through its interior design, laid back atmosphere and elevated menu, evoking a nostalgic sense of wanderlust in diners. Designer Pascale de Guio (ex Cox Architecture) is behind Sayulita’s charming interiors, creating a light filled space reminiscent of a warm seaside town. Light and breezy with soft, sunscape colours and plants scattered throughout – Sayulita is both paired back yet carefully curated. With its large outdoor dining area, the grassy lawn backdrop, and people promenading past, it feels like the centre of the neighbourhood. In summer, golden light streams across the tables, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cold rosé or a margarita or two with your beloved.
Sayulita’s menu has been carefully curated by chef Luis Zaleta (ex Chula and Green Room) who was born and raised in Mexico City. His culinary expertise is showcased through a modern Mexican menu that highlights Australian produce and seafood. Sayulita’s menu is a refined interpretation of those dishes found across the coast of Mexico, defined by the agriculture of where land meets the sea.
With food designed to share and made with love, guests can expect to find quintessential Mexican dishes like slow-cooked marinated meats, authentic tacos, achingly good queso dip and warm tortillas designed to be devoured heartily. One of our top picks to start off with is the bright and refreshing Camaron Tartare made from diced prawns, with chilli, onion, cucumber, avocado mousse, mini tostadas, citrus, oil and seasonal flowers. A superb combination that leaves an explosion of flavours in the mouth and will just have you craving for more.
The Spicy Salmon tostadas are another punchy addition to the menu made with a special citrus soy sauce which contains three different citrus juices layered over sashimi salmon, jalapeños, onion and chipotle aioli. For the tastiest of starters, you cannot go past their Taquitos Dorados – handrolled crispy tortillas, queso fresco, crema, lettuce, white onion and salsa roja with your choice of fried papas (v) or grilled pollo. Crunchy, flavourful and seriously addictive.
For something more substantial, try the Bistec y Huarache where complex and decadent flavours really shine through. This medium rare cooked Scotch fillet steak is served over house made corn dough with warm black beans, nopales and two types of salsa (Roja and Macha oil). Or try their take on an ultimate comfort dish, Costilla de Puerco con Mole, twice cooked rack of pork ribs made with Luis’s secret mole sauce, served with patatas and warm tortillas, best paired with the blanched broccolini.
With a selective range of premium tequilas and mezcal, Sayulita aims to showcase an elevated side to Mexican spirits through their bar menu. The venue also offers a range of creative signature and classic cocktails, as well as beers, wines and spirits to cater to any preference. Their cocktail menu boasts a fun and fresh twist on Mexico’s most beloved cocktail, the Margarita, with a delicious margi option sure to please every palate. The highlight of Sayulita’s menu being their Summer Strawberry Basil Margarita which packs a fresh and zesty punch, made with fresh strawberries on the spot. If you find yourself after a more tropical twist, try the Coco Mango Margarita, made with 1800 Coconut tequila, fresh mangoes, organic agave and fresh lime or their Spicy Señorita made with jalapeño infused 1800 Silver, fresh mangoes, fresh lime, organic agave and tajin.
Sayulita is a great addition to the Lane Cove dining scene and we recommend you check them out. Click here for bookings, delivery or to view the menu.
Sayulita @ The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Ave, Lane Cove
Tues – Wed: 5–9:30pm
Thurs: 12-3pm, 4-10pm
Fri – Sun: 12-10pm
