By ANNA USHER

Former first couple Barack and Michelle Obama paid a visit to Mosman on Monday ahead of a scheduled speaking tour.

The pair, accompanied by US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg arrived at Bathers Pavilion in two black BMWs, surrounded by Secret Service agents, at 12:40pm.

Wearing black shirt, khaki jacket and casual trousers, President Obama waved at shocked passers-by before entering the restaurant through a side door.

Resident Keris Hodge was standing on her balcony and witnessed the spectacle unfold on The Esplanade.

“About 15 minutes before President Obama arrived, I knew something was happening because there were unusual looking security guards hovering around outside Bathers Pavilion,” Ms Hodge said.

“At first, I thought it may have been James Packer, but then the NSW Police and AFP arrived and I figured it was going to be Obama.”

Ms Hodge told Mosman Collective she yelled out “We welcome you Obama” and received a broad smile and a wave in return.

“It was a pretty exciting start to the week, that’s for sure,” she said.

A crowd of around 200, including around 50 excited Queenwood girls and a handful of Sydney media, gathered outside as the Obama’s enjoyed lunch in “The Good Room” an elegant private space inside the iconic building.

Menu items on Monday included Blue Eye Trevalla, Coral Trout, WA Marron, Handmade Fettucine and Sydney Rock Oysters.

Daily “lunch specials” at the award-winning destination were Minute Steak with Green Peppercorn sauce and Kingfish Ceviche with Avocado and Finger Lime dressing.

With her shoulder length hair loose and curly, Mrs Obama wore casual, lemon-coloured pants and jacket, with cream leather sneakers and a cross body bag.

The party left the restaurant at 2:15pm sharp, with Mrs Obama entering the rear seat of the BMW on the left-hand side, and her husband walking around to the opposite side of the vehicle.

NSW Police officers kept the excited crowd at bay as the Presidential convoy drove up The Esplanade to Raglan St and then onto Military Rd.

The Obama’s flew into Sydney with a fleet of security on Sunday night and are in Australia for Barack’s “An Evening with President Obama” tour.

Aussies with tickets to the event have forked out almost $200 for a standard seat, with tickets priced at a whopping $895 for a “platinum” spot.

Barack’s first event will be held in Sydney on Tuesday before the former president jets off to Melbourne for a second night.

Their outing at Bathers Pavilion is a rare public appearance for the couple, who have seldom been photographed together in recent months.

Bathers Pavilion declined to comment on what the Obama’s ordered for lunch.

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