Lake Macquaries waterside dining destination
Since its opening in November 2023, Martha has effortlessly blended sophistication with the laid-back charm of a waterfront locale.
Nestled within the heart of the club’s $20 million transformation, this 120-seat restaurant has quickly established itself as a Lake Macquarie staple, luring locals and visitors alike for casual lunches, celebratory dinners, and evening cocktails.
The restaurant continues to flourish, its popularity grounded in a distinctive combination of high-quality ingredients, local wines, and a welcoming ambiance.
“Our focus has always been on delivering simple yet elegant flavours. The community has embraced Martha as a space to unwind and enjoy life,” Operations Manager, Joel Simmons said.
The menu, which has been designed for days spent by the water, and crafted with Mediterranean flair is an artful balance of smoke and char. The kitchen team has refined its use of their Mibrasa ovens – high-heat, wood-fuelled ovens that bring a rich, smokey profile to every dish.
Standouts on the starters menu include the wood roast Port Stephens Oysters topped with lardo, apple, aged sherry vinegar, and pork crackle; the charcoal roasted QLD prawns with garlic butter, dried chilli, sweet paprika, parsley, pickled fennel, and lemon – an ode to coastal Mediterranean flavours.
Meat lovers will gravitate toward the slow-roast lamb shoulder to share accompanied by hummus, pearl couscous, mint tabouli, and Greek yoghurt. For dessert, the Basque chocolate cheesecake with blackberry provides a satisfyingly sweet and creamy conclusion to your meal.
Martha has also launched a wine label in collaboration with celebrated Hunter Valley winemaker, David Hook. Each bottle in the range reflects the essence of Martha and Belmont’s rich maritime heritage with labels hand-illustrated by local artist, Ally McGrevy.
The wine line kicks off with Martha’s Inner Circle, a sparkling sangiovese rosé. This 2024 vintage is lightly carbonated, exclusively crafted for Martha and is light, savoury, and refreshing: perfect for summer dining.
The Shipmate Chardonnay nods to the Hunter Valley’s winemaking history with flavours of citrus, peach, and a hint of charred oak, while Agony Aunt is a versatile De Novo rosé blend of Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Sagrantino – embodying the relaxed Mediterranean spirit Martha brings to each meal.
“We wanted wines that truly reflect Martha’s personality—warm, relaxed, and perfect for a summer’s day by the lake.”
Of course, no visit to Martha would be complete without a dive into the playful cocktail offerings. Designed as an ode to vintage elegance, each cocktail bears a name you might find among your grandmother’s circle of friends.
One of the highlights, the Madge is complete with blackberry liqueur, St. Germain, lemon, and a touch of sugar, while the Elanor blends white rum with lime, mango, passionfruit, and mint – a quintessential summer refresher.
Beyond the dining and drinks, it’s impossible to ignore Martha’s extraordinary ambiance. With sweeping lake views from the outdoor terrace, and the interior that combines pastel pinks, sage greens, and timber accents, the restaurant has been thoughtfully designed to blend with its surroundings.
For anyone who hasn’t yet ventured to Martha, there’s no better time than now, as we head into the warmer months, for you to experience the warmth and charm of this Lake Macquarie treasure.
