The Mayflower St Leonards

If you're someone who is equally thrilled by Insta-worthy dishes as you are of actually eating them, then the super-grammable Mayflower restaurant in St Leonards is sure to have you swooning. 

The Mayflower's OG cafe in Darlinghurst is known for its OTT dishes and lavish decor,  so it's no surprise its sibling venue follows suit. However, we'd go as far to say that this Lower North Shore spot probably wins if we're talking about wow factor alone.

For those not in the know, The Mayflower has garnered a bit of a cult following for its sweet interiors and a menu laced with fancy delicacies like caviar and truffle. While the Darlo digs are all pinky-peach hues and decadent dishes, the St Leonards outpost takes things up several notches with the decor. 

First up, it boasts a massive luminous work by world-renowned artist Refik Anadol, which you can't miss as you enter the light-filled, baby pink-painted space. Oh, and it's the first permanent Anadol digital work in Australia. No biggie. But, boy, you'd be wrong to think that was it. Vibrant bursts of blooms are scattered throughout the restaurant as well as an installation of thousands of blue butterflies, both created by local florist colour Don de L' Amour. 

The theatrics don't stop there either. For breakfast, beloved classics like french toast are transformed with Cointreau curd, hazelnut crumble, and orange segments. Those wanting to fully indulge can opt for the croque monsieur with prosciutto, gruyere, smoked mozzarella, truffle paste, and black truffle shavings.

As for dinner fare, you can expect all the truffle, oysters, and caviar in the world on top of the likes of dishes including dry-aged duck, lobster sashimi, and spiced lamb ribs. Yep, this place is boujee as hell. Thankfully, though, you won't have to take out a mortgage to eat here.

Naturally, champagne and cocktails make their way onto the drinks list, as well as a concise wine list and a couple of beers. Although if you're heading for breakfast, you may want to order a coffee, smoothie, or juice instead.

Just make sure your phone is charged, because you'll 100% be snapping some shots for the Gram here. 

Image credit: The Mayflower