Blackbird Cafe, Darling Harbour

3.5/5

Blackbird Cafe is located in Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf. It's been there for a long time since I can remember from my high school days. It's in a spot with a nice water view so it's ideal for a casual drink or a bite to eat.

My liver has been asking for a break so on this particular lunch, I settle for a mocktail. I order Sun Touched ($10) which is a fruity mocktail made of orange juice, strawberry puree, fresh lime and finished with a dash of mango puree. I sip on this cool drink while Matt enjoys a refreshing Blue Moon Beer ($10) which is a Belgian wheat-ale beer. I ponder how I will survive the xmas period where everyone is celebrating and wants to drink. My poor liver.

For entree, Matt and I share the salt and pepper squid ($19) which is served with aioli and a side salad. The squid is lightly crumbed with a slight crunch and the squid is moist and delicious. I dunk my squid heavily into the aioli. The salad provides refreshing relief to the fried squid.

Matt also orders the Pork Ribs ($35) which is made with a house basting and served with chunky chips. Matt gives the ribs the two thumbs up. The Pork Ribs are saucey and delicious. I steal a few cheeky chips covered in the smokey bbq sauce. It's really tasty. Matt still thinks Hurricanes and Bare Grill Ribs are the best in Sydney but he still thinks these ribs are rather tasty.

Out of guilt, I order a side of seasonal vegetables ($8). I've been eating badly recently and I haven't had many vegetables. I feel guilty. The last dish I order is the Prawn Pizza ($29). Unfortunately I don't think the flavour combination works. The prawn pizza is on a tomato base, with tomatoes and spinach with cheese then there's this rather sweet mayonnaise that has been drizzled on top. I wouldn't order this dish again. I think they could easily improve this dish, taking away the tomato, spinach and sweet chilli mayonnaise. I think a simple flavour combination of prawn, cheese and chilli would work. 

Summary: Overall, I enjoyed my lunch at Blackbird Cafe. It has a very casual feel by the water. I'd recommend if you want to chill with some drinks.   I'd recommend the ribs with that delicious sauce. The prawn pizza is an no no for me. 

Price: Most mains $25-35

Location: Level 1, Wheat Road Balcony, Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf

Opening Hours: 
Monday to Thursday, Sunday 9:30am to 11pm
Friday, Saturday 9:30am to 12pm

Weekend Food Escapes dined as guests of the venue or their representatives. All photos, opinions and words are my own.