Dorsia - One of the most exciting restaurants to open in the Northern Rivers this year

One of the most exciting restaurants to open in the Northern Rivers this year is Dorsia. The striking dining room seats 32 people and features a 12 seat Chef’s Table where diners can watch as Chef and owner Martyn Ridings creates dishes in the open kitchen centered around an impressive charcoal and woodfire bbq. Ridings, a classically French trained chef with an impressive CV that includes Michelin-starred restaurants in France as well as hatted Australian venues, has spent the last few years working as an acclaimed Private Chef. Inspired by Japanese omakase-style dining where chefs prepare food directly in front of guests, and drawing on the skills he honed as a private chef, Ridings opened Dorsia with the desire to create an intimate and immersive dining experience right in the heart of Byron Bay. Along with an al acarte menu, Dorsia offers a signature Tasting Menu with the option of paired beverages which I highly recommend. Ridings’ food is exceptional - extremely well executed dishes with stunning flavour combinations. The Tasting Menu starts with a series of elevated snacks including a perfectly seasoned Wagyu tartare atop a rectangle of exquisite potato pavé…so good!! A delightful beetroot ceviche with watermelon & namh jim follows…fresh, zesty, refreshing flavors with a delicate spiciness - this is a perfect example of Ridings’ skill at layering flavors. Proteins are cooked on the bbq which infuses both fish & meat with a delicate smokiness. Yellowfin tuna with turmeric, red papaya & coconut is stunning and once again an example of Ridings’ ability to combine and layer flavors - at once vibrant & delicate, creamy & fresh, it is one of the best dishes I have eaten this year, totally delicious! Ridings is warm and engaging throughout the meal while front of house superstar Luca expertly pairs an impressive selection of interesting beverages with the food. Go to Dorsia, sit at the Chef’s Table, order the tasting menu…it is one of the best dining experiences I have ever had