Restaurant
A Chef Secrets
Lot 466 (Berowra, side next to Boatshed Kiosk, Berowra Waters Ferry, Berowra Waters NSW 2082, Australia
Find A Chef Secrets
Lot 466 (Berowra, side next to Boatshed Kiosk, Berowra Waters Ferry, Berowra Waters NSW 2082, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout A Chef Secrets
Perched right over the river current, this Berowra Waters hideaway trades city pace for an unhurried, multi-course Italian escape. The winding drive down drops you straight beside the car ferry and moored boats, where host Mario greets regulars by name and talks through the day’s market hauls and farm eggs. The kitchen turns out modern coastal plates with real discipline—think crisp duck croquettes, charred Western Australian octopus, and marble-score short rib cooked sous vide before hitting hot coals. Tables sit level with the sparkling water, catching the breeze over cold Ichnusa beer and Tuscan pours. Lunch easily stretches past sunset, rounded out by house-baked focaccia and espresso alongside squares of tiramisu.
- Waterfront river perch: Tables sit right over the water beside moored boats and the Berowra Waters ferry barge.
- Owner-led table hosting: Host Mario guides diners through the day's provenance, farm ingredients, and charcoal cooking.
- Charcoal and sous-vide menus: Multi-course set feasts feature crisp duck croquettes, WA octopus, and charcoal-finished short rib.
What's On at A Chef Secrets
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Guests Choose A Chef Secrets
Discover why guests choose this secluded Berowra Waters destination for memorable Italian dining and serene celebrations.
Panoramic Waterfront Setting
Tables positioned directly above the water offer unobstructed vantage points overlooking moored boats and the Berowra Waters river ferry.
You simply can’t beat the stunning setting — literally over the water — it’s the perfect backdrop for a special meal.
Rhiannon Manning Tranquil Escape From Routine
A serene riverside environment creates an intimate retreat that slows down time and separates diners from city routines.
Amazing - we felt like we had slipped behind the curtain and the world had stopped for us..
Glenn Bruggemann Owner-Narrated Floor Service
The host and family personally guide diners through culinary techniques, farm-sourced produce, and preparation nuances.
Mario gives you just the right level of service - he takes you through each dish and the intricate details needed to make each bite amazing.
Eric Tse Warm, Personal Hospitality
Guests are welcomed with an intimate, generous hospitality style that feels like visiting longtime family friends.
So thoughtful, accommodating and treat you like friends they have known forever.
Jess Refined Multi-Course Italian Dining
Generously portioned set menus showcase meticulous preparations ranging from duck croquettes to sous-vide short rib and handmade pasta.
We got the set menu and my favourite is the duck croquettes — perfectly crisp on the outside and flavorful inside, and served with a sauce that brought everything together beautifully.
Clara Chang Curated Sharing Menus
Shared feasts and specialty cuts offer expansive culinary variety tailored for table-wide celebration and family dining.
we decided on the sharing menu – a great call as we got to sample dishes that we would not otherwise have ordered.
Keith Roberts
Most popular items
Signature courses and guest favorites from the curated Italian menu
Octopus
From the perfectly baked focaccia, to the melt in our mouth octopus, with all the flavours of Italy.
Jess Ravioli
Beautiful Italian cuisine and Tuscan wine, the best Ravioli I have had, excellent service
Mary Hammoud Short Rib MB 4+
This was the Short Rib MB 4+ (the MB 4+ describes the degree of marbling) This dish was truly exceptional, melt-in-your-mouth tender and with a phenomenal flavour.
Keith Roberts Duck Croquettes
We got the set menu and my favourite is the duck croquettes — perfectly crisp on the outside and flavorful inside, and served with a sauce that brought everything together beautifully.
Clara Chang
Other favorites
Sides, artisanal breads, and signature house-made desserts
Tiramisu
I especially loved the tartare and tiramisu.
Feliks Natanael Focaccia
From the perfectly baked focaccia, to the melt in our mouth octopus, with all the flavours of Italy.
Jess Potato Gratin
Side of broccolini and potato gratin was just to perfection!
Kate Irani House Made Cheese Cake
Ending, or so we thought, with the most magical house made cheese cake with a biscuit crumble and berry compote.
Jess
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality and personalized culinary gestures that elevate the waterside dining experience.
Owner-Led Dish Storytelling
Host Mario greets tables and personally details the intricate techniques and culinary origins of each plate, such as sous-vide preparation finished over charcoal and farm-sourced ingredients.
Complimentary Signature Petit Four
Dinners conclude with an unexpected house-crafted signature petit four presentation served as a gifted final sweet bite.
Milestone Celebration Sorbet
Celebrations such as joint birthdays and wedding anniversaries are commemorated with customized dessert additions like complimentary sorbet sweets.
Thoughtful Set-Menu Boxing
Floor hosts and kitchen staff accommodate group gatherings and celebrations by carefully boxing remaining portions from generous set menus for guests to take home.
Before you head over
Practical guidance on getting here, timing your reservation, and dining policies
Prepare for the Winding Drive
Plan for steep, winding roads descending into Berowra Waters and nominate a driver in advance so your party can navigate safely and enjoy the Italian wine pairings.
Reserve Ahead or Dine Midweek
Weekends fill up quickly overlooking the water; booking ahead or visiting on a quieter weekday lets you enjoy Mario's unhurried, personalized dish narrations.
Note Bottled Water Service
Be aware that the restaurant serves bottled sparkling or still water for an additional charge rather than offering complimentary tap water on arrival.
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