Arc

Walking through the beautifully repurposed antique doors to Arc you can’t help but instantly feel as though you’ve been whisked away to some kind of tropical paradise.

Despite launching amid the mess of Covid, Arc has that settled in kind of feel, allowing you to get comfy very quickly. The larger than expected interior space seamlessly crosses over every kind of social catch up requirement - from a casual coffee or long lunch, group of friends meet up to a more sophisticated evening dinner for just two.

Sitting down for a chat with co-owners Ruth & Scott Macfadyen, it’s easy to see why Arc is the smooth operation that it is. Veterans of the industry Ruth and Scott's list of accomplishments are as long as they are varied. From running a variety of restaurants and cafes to Scott working as head chef at multiple chef hatted restaurants throughout his career, and we also need to mention their much-loved Chop n Grind burger joint that can be found just around the corner. Arc perfectly represents the passion, experience, and dedication they both have for the industry.

Located at the corner of Campbell Crescent and Church Street in Terrigal, it’s best to describe Arc as a little bit of Byron Bay, meets Bali with the concept of the restaurant being all about presenting quality traditional style comfort food that’s not too fussy in a warm and friendly space.

The menu is loaded with dishes that you may remember from yesteryear, with the prawn cocktail being a shining example. With a few slices of avocado added to freshen the flavor up together with a beautiful creamy sauce, the dish is served, as you would expect, in an old school cocktail glass.

Ruth explains further, “There wasn’t really a grand plan prior to launching, we had an idea of what we wanted to do and it kind of all just fell into place.”

“With the menu, we haven’t tried to change things up or modernise everything, instead we’re going back to the classics along with some new flavours mixed in.”

“We have a beautiful seafood chowder on the menu, and we’re doing zucchini flowers and risotto, as well as a ravioli in a delicious seafood bisque, terrines, and mussels in white wine.”

“I like to describe the menu as being nice bistro-style food that has a beautiful quality about it.”

Scott's training as a French chef and in aged meat ensures the menu holds true to the traditional, comfort style food that they love to cook and enjoy.

Arc not only offers a dining pleasure but a feast for the eyes with Ruth’s fine interior selections reflected throughout and beautifully highlights the spectacular palms that have been brought indoors, adding that touch of tropical to your dining experience.