Taronga Zoo opens its Me-Gal restaurant to the public

Australian owned hospitality company, the Trippas White Group, have taken over Taronga Zoo’s hidden fine-dining restaurant, Me-Gal, and as of today have opened it to the public for the very first time.

The Trippas White Group’s portfolio of restaurants and bars, includes Infinity and Bar 83 at Sydney Tower, Botanic House by Luke Nguyen, Centennial Homestead, Reign and ESQ at QVB, Walsh Bay Kitchen and Terrance on the Domain.

Me-Gal (the name means ‘tears’ in Cammeraygal and refers to the surrounding salt water) was previously only open for any guests staying at the zoo’s popular eco-accommodation concept, Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.

Taronga Zoo offers one of the most remarkable perspectives of Sydney with Me-Gal’s vista stretching across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the city skyline.

For the past three years, the dramatic Sydney Harbour views from Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Retreat have been the exclusive domain of in-house guests and the neighbouring koala colony.

All that changes from 30th March when the public is allowed to dine at the retreat’s Me-Gal restaurant. Diners will not have to pay for entry into the Zoo as the three-year-old retreat and its Me-Gal eatery has its own entrance.

Executive chef Stefan Schröder has designed a menu that leans on sustainable produce and native ingredients with offerings including wattleseed ricotta and macadamia crumble with the zucchini flowers, plus a dish with Hawkesbury calamari and a lemon myrtle pear tart.

The a la carte menu also offers a seasonal feast menu ($120 a head) for groups of four or more.

Trippas White’s wine director, Louella Mathews, is similarly Australian-focused, with a heavy slant towards local producers.

Open Thu-Sun lunch; Mon-Sun dinner.

More information on Me-Gal restaurant at megal-mosman.com.au/