Ancora Wedding Menus – Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re trying to figure out what your guests will actually be eating and drinking at your Ancora Weddings reception, you’re in the right place. Spoiler: they’re going to be talking about it long after the night is over.
Food has always been central to who we are. Our parent company, PLB Group, is a family-run hospitality group with roots deep in the restaurant scene up and down the Tweed Coast and Gold Coast. That same standard, and that same obsession with getting the details right, carries through to every wedding at Ancora Weddings.
Our menus were crafted by Food Director and co-owner Lia Mason, drawing on the expertise of celebrated chef Matt Kemp, a Michelin-trained culinary talent whose career spans award-winning Sydney restaurants, a television series and multiple Masterchef appearances. Together, they’ve built a wedding menu that puts fresh, local, seasonal produce front and centre without overcomplicating it.
The menu at Ancora Weddings is Mediterranean-inspired throughout, designed to be feasted and shared together at the table. Think Byron Bay Haloumi with bush honey, slow roast lamb shoulder, fried local squid and heirloom tomatoes with Byron Bay stracciatella. The kind of food that actually gets talked about on the drive home. Here’s a full breakdown of your dining options.
LIVE CHEF RAW BAR
For couples who want to make an impression before dinner even starts, the Raw Bar is it. A live chef serves guests tableside with a selection of three dishes from options including Kingfish Sashimi, Scallop Crudo with fermented chilli and daikon and natural or dressed oysters. Add-ons like Beef Tartare with truffle dressing, Tuna Tataki with yuzu ponzu or Shelled Aussie Tiger Prawns with green goddess take it up another notch. Available for groups of 80 or more.
MEDITERRANEAN GRAZING TABLE
House made dips, dolmades, pickles, feta and haloumi, Mediterranean-style charcuterie, breads, fruit and crackers. A relaxed and abundant start to the evening while your guests find their feet and your drinks start flowing.
ARRIVAL CANAPES
Choose five from a rotating selection of vegetarian, seafood and meat options. Current favourites include Salt and Pepper Squid with pink peppercorn mayo and fried seaweed, Crispy Pork Belly with chilli and rosemary caramel, Grilled Prawn Skewer with chilli salt and Spiced Kofta Balls with lemon yoghurt.
“The food and drinks were phenomenal! Our guests are still raving about the canapés and welcome cocktails!” — Izzy + Curtis
CLASSIC BANQUET
The Classic Banquet is where the Mediterranean inspiration really sings. Guests share two entrees and two mains at the table, served alongside your choice of two sides and sourdough with dukkah, confit garlic and olive oil. Entrees include Fried Local Squid and Byron Bay Haloumi with bush honey and rosemary. Mains are Whole Roasted Chicken Pieces with lemon and herb cream sauce and Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder with jus, soft garlic and oregano. Sides to choose from include Crispy Greek Potato with oregano and lemon salt, Charred Broccolini with sunflower hummus and Chilled Carrots Salad with orange glaze and mac dukkah.
“Our standout dish – The honey halloumi. Enough said.” — Claire + Caleb
“The banquet was DELICIOUS. So much food — pork belly and calamari were our favourites. I have never been to a wedding that has offered such friendly hospitality.” — Brooke + James
DELUXE BANQUET
Everything in the Classic, plus an extra shared entree (Heirloom Tomatoes with Byron Bay Stracciatella, basil and caper vinaigrette), all three sides and the option to add Roasted Whitefish with Greek lettuce salad, sundried tomatoes and burnt butter and caper dressing to your main selection.
“The food was insane! Everyone was raving about the quality and variety on the banquet menu and there was more than enough for all of our guests!” — Georgie
ALTERNATE PLATE (TWO OR THREE COURSE)
Prefer a more traditional plated service? The Alternate Plate menu gives guests a choice between two options per course. Entrees range from Bangalow Pork Belly with celeriac puree and pickled grapes through to Chargrilled Octopus with fava bean whip and sweet pickled vegetables. Mains include Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with garlic whipped potatoes, Chargrilled Eye Fillet with creamy Greek polenta and Chargrilled Chicken Breast with herbed gnocchi. Desserts include an Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Pot with pistachio praline and a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with strawberries and mint salad.
SUBSTAINIAL CANAPES (COCKTAIL STYLE)
For couples who love the idea of a cocktail-style reception, the Substantial Canapes menu lets guests roam freely while serious food keeps coming. Choose five lighter bites plus three more substantial dishes from options including Grilled Lamb Cutlets with minted yoghurt, Wild Mushroom Risotto with goat’s cheese and truffle oil, a Mini Wagyu Beef Burger and a Local Prawn Roll with ouzo mayo and brioche bun.
LATE NIGHT FEASTING
Because the party doesn’t stop at main course. Wind the night down (or wind it up) with a Nacho Station, a Slider Bar or a Cheese, Fruit and Chocolate Grazing spread.
“The food was to die for! Fabulous, tasty, beautifully served and there was plenty for everyone.” — Yvonne, Mother of the Bride
BEVERAGES
We offer flexible beverage options to suit every couple and every crowd. Choose from an on-consumption bar tab or hourly packages from our House or Premium selections. We offer welcome cocktails (Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini, Classic Margarita and more) and our Champagne Tower (you can even upgrade to a margi tower!) Package upgrades including premium spirits and French Champagne are also available, and a Lo-Fi wine package can be arranged on request.
WANT TO TRY BEFORE YOU COMMIT?
Book a venue viewing with us and we’ll arrange a complimentary signature banquet lunch for two at our sister restaurant Farm & Co for you to preview our wedding menu and the dining experience we offer. T&Cs apply.
“The food was out of this world and every guest commented on how amazing it was, the service and venue were unsurpassed!” — Erin + Travis
To find out more about our wedding menus, including pricing and a breakdown of the dishes, you can request our weddings kit here..
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