Tucked away in the South Sydney suburb of Sandringham, the Georges River Sailing Club has existed on the shores of Botany Bay since 1927. While the venue has undergone several evolutions over the last century, it has recently entered perhaps its most exciting chapter, completing a $12 million transformation headlined by Porta Dining, a luxurious waterfront restaurant inspired by the best of Mediterranean cuisine.
Looking out across Dolls Point Beach, the new restaurant leans into its bright and easygoing location, combining the relaxed nature of its coastal setting with refined simplicity. Think floor-to-ceiling windows offering stellar bay views, alongside a sun-drenched balcony perfect for refreshing spritzes and share plates. With this reimagined offering, the Georges River Sailing Club haven’t skipped any corners.
Leading the dining part of the equation, Executive Head Chef Harry Finch has shaped a made-for-sharing menu that heroes local produce. And guests are given plenty of choice, invited to choose a protein and pair it with sides in small or large portions to create a family-style feast. Med-influenced highlights include citrus-cured salmon crudo, pickled mussels and whipped salted cod, while hearty mains span grilled beef cuts with cafe de Paris butter, and slow roasted lamb shoulder with tzatziki.
“Porta is about connection through good food, good drinks and good company,” says Finch. “We’ve created a menu that celebrates coastal dining. It’s approachable, full of flavour and designed for sharing — just like any great meal by the water should be. It’s a summer experience that’s hard to beat anywhere in Sydney.”
For drinks, the menu is even more attention-grabbing. Guided by the crew from Maybe Sammy — routinely ranked among the world’s best cocktail bars — Porta Dining features an exclusive partnership combining creativity with seaside inspiration. Across several spritzes, signature creations and twists on old classics, just some of the drinks enjoyed overlooking the water include a lychee martini, a jasmine negroni and an eucalyptus gimlet.
“We wanted to deliver cocktails that are as memorable as the view, and with Maybe Sammy cocktails, we’re bringing an international standard of mixology to Sydney’s south,” says Chris White, Acting CEO of Alt. Hospitality Group. Supported by upgraded event spaces, a revamped sports bar and weekend-long lineups of music and entertainment, the Georges River Sailing Club is ready for its next era.
Porta Dining is now open at Georges River Sailing Club, Sanoni Ave, Sandringham. Head to the website for more information.
Dining and Cooking