Catalina Rose Bay

About

Catalina is the archetypal family business. Michael and Judy McMahon have been fixtures in the Sydney dining scene since its modern birth at Berowra Waters Inn, and have established a dedication to excellence in restaurants that children James and Kate strive to emulate.

Michael and Judy both began their careers with the late Len Evans (OBE), working at the legendary Bulletin Place. In 1978, they made the move to Gay and Tony Bilson's Berowra Waters Inn, Michael as floor manager and Judy as their first female waitress. In 1983 Judy and Michael purchased Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach and worked with a young Neil Perry, subsequently opening Perry's in Paddington, both of which attained Two Hat ratings in the Good Food Guide.

By 1988, Judy and Michael had sold both Perry's and Barrenjoey House, and Michael became the General Manager of Bilson's in Circular Quay. Judy followed as the Function Manager, and together they ran that glittering icon until they purchased Catalina in 1994, transforming a tired old space into the perfect harbour side restaurant that it is today.