Following the success of their first restaurant, BAYTE, co-founders Ruby Boglione and Silvy Pilkington have opened a Mediterranean café and restaurant called Coquina. With views of the south coast, Coquina will showcase the best quality produce the area has to offer in a fun, lively environment.
Ruby and Silvy have taken inspiration from Greek tavernas and Spanish tapas to create a carefree, welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While the interiors of the restaurant are airy and bright, the real focal point is the view. Overlooking the ocean, guests can enjoy fresh fish and seafood right at the source. During the day, the sunny terrace is a great spot to enjoy some coffee and cake from the counter. By night, deep orange lights hang from the ceiling giving the space a buzzy, moody glow.
The kitchen is headed up by Will Hopson who has experience working in Carousel, Kricket, Moro and most recently, Tillingham. In collaboration with Ruby and Silvy, he has designed a vibrant menu with tapas-style small plates and delicate desserts. Ruby grew up at Petersham Nurseries where she learnt the importance of rearing, growing and cooking with quality produce. As a vegetarian, the vegetarian and vegan offering is well-considered including labneh with roasted shallots and hazelnut dukkah and pumpkin with ricotta and smoked soy. Elsewhere on the menu, cuttlefish is served with tomato rice and bavette is paired with peppercorn sauce. There’s also an enticing range of snacks, including house pickles and charcuterie from Haye Farm, which is owned by Ruby’s brother.
Whether you’re in the mood for a morning coffee with a view, a six o’clock sundowner and a gilda or a nourishing meal shared between friends, Coquina is the kind of place worth going out of your way for.