History of Clareville Kiosk

History

Clareville Kiosk restaurant started out originally as a post office & general store but over the past 25 years has become an icon on the Northern beaches for fine dining. While being tucked away at Clareville Beach behind a frangipani tree, it currently has a reputation for excellence in a cosy, intimate, relaxed setting.

Many people who dine at the restaurant relate stories from their youth of buying lollies & milk from the building. One of the most interesting tales was told by an 80 year old local gentleman who said that Church was conducted on Sundays in the garage next to the restaurant. He also told of old Bill, who used to collect water from the premise to boil over a fire at an adjourning property and then sell it for sixpence to picnickers on the beach for their cups of tea.

Clareville Kiosk opened as a restaurant in 1983, almost 25 years ago, with Annie Palmentier & Brian Studek at the helm. It immediately developed a reputation for "exceptional, simple, fresh, delicious, no-nonsense food." (Leo Schofield 1987).

Clareville Kiosk restaurant has been in the Good Food Guide since the first edition. It has maintained a reputation for excellent food & service over the years. In 2006 they were finalists in "Best Wine List-Limited" category. In 2007, not only were they the winner of the Sydney Best Informal Restaurant but they won the National Award for Best Informal Restaurant. This is quite an honour and an indication of their dedication & professionalism.

In 2008 Padie Starr took over the restaurant. She was joined by Chef Matt Kneipp.

Chef Matt Kneipp

Matthew is an Australian Chef who completed his apprenticeship in Brisbane. Matthew has been a Head Chef in Brisbane, Senior Sous Chef at Marco Pierre White owned L'escargot (1 * michelin) in Soho, London was Head Chef at Relais & Chateaux Singita Lembombo (Conde Naste Best Small Hotel 2008). Matthew was also Chef Patron of award winning Platine Restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2009 Matthew decided to return home and joined Padie Starr at The Clareville Kiosk.

The Clareville Kiosk Restaurant continues the tradition of presenting excellent food in a warm and friendly atmosphere.