There’s a new Mexican in town. Meet St Alma, now serving amigos y amigas in Freshwater.
Occupying the old Bendigo Bank spot on Albert Street, just a few minutes walk from the Freshwater beach, St Alma is the latest venture from the team behind the highly successful Mexican eatery in Avalon.
The owners, Jack Leary and executive chef Tim Christensen, are Northern Beaches locals themselves. They said that they originally wanted to establish their first venue in Freshwater but conditions were not still not ripe for a Freshie opening at the time.
They did find a suitable location in Avalon so they opened their first restaurant there in 2017. Feeling that now is the right time for Freshwater, they finally opened the 100-seater St Alma.
Read: Freshwater Landmark Harbord Hotel Celebrated its Re-Opening with Froth Fest
St Alma’s offerings are a product of the owners’ culinary journey whose explorations resulted in a menu that fuses influences from coastal Mexico and the flavours of fresh finds from the Australian east coast.
For starters, they offer appetizing eats such as house-pressed corn chips paired Jalapeno infused olive oil, crispy chickpeas, and epazote salt – aka Black Bean Hummus – and Agave Grilled Halloumi topped with crushed nut salsa.
Just as appetising is Chips & Guac or smashed daily, topped with pico de gallo, toasted pepitas and served with house pressed corn chips; and the Crab Tostadas, a serving of soft-shell crab, guacamole, crispy bacon, and truffle oil.
They have generous share plates. These include their palate-pleasers: Whole Roast Cauliflower, a vegan delight made of twice-cooked whole cauliflower and chimichurri topped with tomato crema, and pumpkin seed granola; and Agave Short Ribs, or beef ribs with an agave glaze and served with grilled cos lettuce, pickled dutch carrots, and handmade corn tortillas.
The list of beverages on offer includes concoctions such as The Blush (Blanco Tequila, Amaro Montenegro, Rose Vermouth, watermelon, and citrus) and Paloma (Blanco Tequila, lime, grapefruit and tonic).
St Alma is situated at 20 Albert Street, Freshwater.
They are open for lunch service from 11.30 pm to 4 pm, Friday to Sunday and dinner service starting 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Book seats here.
Read: New Freshwater IGA Prepares to Open After Delays Since 2019
Note: two seats are available on Friday and Saturday with the first running from 5 pm to 8 pm and the second seating starting at 8.15 pm.
