The Best Restaurants on the Northern Beaches Where the Coastal Flavours Shine
From Manly to Palmy, we're rounding up the best restaurants on the Northern Beaches.
While every pocket within the Northern Beaches has its own unique style and flair, the Beaches have become somewhat of a foodie destination in recent years – and for good reason. Not only does the area boast some of Sydney's finest beaches, but when it comes to exceptional cuisine, the Northern Beaches more than delivers.
From mouthwatering Mexican and authentic Italian to modern Australian and everything in between, here are the best restaurants on the Northern Beaches for the next time you want a fabulous feed with fresh ocean air to boot.
Best Restaurants on the Northern Beaches
The Joey
Location, location, location is being served by Sydney's newest dining destination The Joey, which opened earlier in the year. Ideally placed on the Pittwater side of Palmie, The Joey is set within the lovingly restored heritage Barrenjoey Boatshed. The experience is elevated from the get-go with large glass windows, lush gardens and an understated nautical colour palette.
Multiple spaces allow for varied dining experiences from the relaxed 'The Jetty Bar' to the casual Garden Bar and the elegant Dining Room & Bar. As for eats, you can expect the freshest Australian seafood cooked up with premium seasonal accompaniments alongside a drinks list packed with Australian-made spirits.
Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach
Busta
The intimate yet lively eatery is all about authenticity, from the terrazzo flooring and Pugliese ceramics to the vintage Campari posters and retro glassware. The menu is filled with classic dishes that have delightful, modern twists, like the kale-infused spaghetti and burrata served with charred mandarin and salmon roe.
Working closely with Winona Wine - Manly's natural wine bottleshop - the drinks list is filled with beautiful organic drops and boasts a delicious sgroppino that is theatrically mixed tableside (check it out on Instagram).
10 Pittwater Road, Manly
Pocket Pizza
When it comes to out-of-the-box pizzas that are not only hilariously named but next-level yum, Pocket Pizza knows how to bring it. With three cool and intimate venues on the Beaches, they serve as the ideal spot for a romantic date night or a casual catch-up with friends. Be sure to order the Can You Pig It and finish your meal with a serving of their ridiculously good tiramisu.
Manly, Brookvale, Avalon
The Mona Social
The Mona Social is the latest gem unveiled by The Boathouse Group atop the Mona Vale Golf Club, commanding breathtaking views of Mona Vale Beach. Having just opened its doors for lunch and dinner, its fusion of elegance and relaxation promises to redefine dining on the Northern Beaches. With an a la carte bistro offering reinvented classics and a casual bar with sports viewing areas, pool tables, and an in-house golf simulator, there's something for everyone here.
Headed by culinary virtuosos Mark LaBrooy and Cameron Johnston, the menu celebrates bistro staples with a contemporary twist. Highlights include the venison tartare with a zesty kick of horseradish, octopus, or a beef tongue skewer, chargrilled prawns and garlic and kombu mussels. For heartier options, the menu champions modern favourites, including red wine braised beef cheek served with Jerusalem artichoke chips, lamb rump, and crispy skin chicken.
Level 1/3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale
Hugos
A Manly icon, a long lunch at Hugos is a must. Situated smack bang on the wharf and overlooking the harbour-side of town, you can watch the sunset as you sip on your margarita and tuck into your pizza.
A favourite among local and international celebrities alike, Hugos has an electric atmosphere and buzz—especially on a stunning summer's day. The menu is brimming with fresh Italian cuisine (Sydney rock oysters, burrata, king prawns) that's perfect for sharing.
Manly Wharf, 1 East Esplanade, Manly
Saké Restaurant
With dim lighting, little nooks and breathtaking ocean views, Saké scores top points for its intimate dining setting. The chic designer interior sets the tone for the beautifully presented dishes to come and the Japanese cuisine leaves you feeling satisfied yet light. The signature dishes from the menu, like popcorn shrimp and hiramasa kingfish, are great for sharing, and the extensive saké list is way too inviting not to indulge.
Manly Wharf, Manly
Dunes Palm Beach
Bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to the iconic Palm Beach, Dunes is surrounded by beautiful parklands that open out onto that famous stretch of sand. This alfresco-style restaurant more than capitalises on its idyllic location—making it the perfect destination for a long lunch.
Menu standouts include ocean-inspired delights like kingfish ceviche and local prawns, complemented by creative dishes like lamb shoulder with tahini and fresh burrata. Finish with a dessert of dark chocolate mousse.
With a minimalist, white-washed aesthetic, laid-back, beach-friendly take on informal all-day dining (shoes optional), and concertina windows opening onto a decked terrace, it's relaxed fine dining at its best.
Governor Phillip Park, 1193 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
Pilu at Freshwater
As the only authentic Sardinian restaurant in Sydney, Pilu at Freshwater certainly has a reputation to uphold, and Chef Giovanni Pilu and his wife Marilyn Annecchinni, never disappoint. Aside from the mouth-watering menu, which includes degustations and an impressive wine list, Pilu’s panoramic view of Freshwater Beach alone is worth booking a table for.
The pasta is always. The menu is regularly on the move but you can look forward to the likes of Sardinian ravioli filled with potato, Pecorino and mint with burnt butter and sage. As for the service, it is nothing short of impeccable.
On the beach, Moore Road, Freshwater
Alma
For those keen to venture further up the beaches to Avalon, Alma (the OG location of Freshwater's St Alma offering), dishes up a flavoursome Mexican fare in a cosy and inviting space. With a seasonal menu that highlights locally sourced seafood and produce, Alma creates zesty, modern takes on traditional Mexican street cuisine.
47 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon
St Alma
It was a very good day indeed when the team behind, Alma, opened a sister venue down the beaches in nearby Freshwater. With beachside charm, casual fine dining and Mexican dishes with a modern twist, St. Alma hosts visiting chefs from Mexico and features a range of share plates and a seasonal cocktail menu.
20 Albert Street, Freshwater
Urban Tadka
Tucked away in Terrey Hills, expect the unexpected at the Hatted Urban Tadka. Blending traditional dishes and modern techniques, this is family-friendly fine dining to suit every taste. From Indian grills to tandoori, curries and tapas, each dish is steeped in drama, aroma and spice - and served up in a cosy, ambient setting.
Top picks include the flavourful lamb rogan josh, tender tandoori kebabs, and fragrant biryanis, paired with house-made naan and indulgent desserts like gulab jamun.
321 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills
Bert's Bar & Brasserie
Housed on Merivale’s The Newport grounds, Bert's Bar & Brasserie is an upscale bar and brasserie perfect for special occasion meals. The premium wine list and European-inspired menu pay homage to the opulent hotel dining of the 1930s.
The menu offers a refined selection of European-inspired dishes. Think fresh seafood like oysters and lobster, wood-fired meats, and elegant mains like spanner crab tagliolini, finished with indulgent desserts like chocolate pavé.
With beautiful views of Pittwater and grand vintage-styled interiors, it's easy to see why Bert's is one of the best restaurants on the Northern Beaches.
2 Kalinya Street, Newport
The Collaroy
A part of the Merivale Group, The Collaroy has long been known as the local watering hole of choice. Drawing inspiration from the coastal scenery, The Collaroy is a multi-level venue fitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows, nostalgic seaside artwork across the walls and wooden furnishings.
Head to the top floor for the best view while you indulge in the modern Australian menu that covers all bases (think fresh oysters, grilled octopus, pizza and pub classics like burgers, schnitty and nachos).
1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Rosa
Opening in late 2022, Rosa brings chill Mexican vibes to Mona Vale with their modern take on Mexican classics and chic interiors. Brought to you by the team behind Palm Beach icon, Dunes, the focus is on fresh produce, packed full of flavour.
The tequila pasta with tomato & chilli cream is an unexpected but delightful take on the viral vodka pasta, the jungle kingfish ceviche with fermented pineapple, cucumber and herbs is light and bright but the whole BBQ snapper verdeand roja salsa is a real showstopper. Or if you can't decide because the entire menu looks too darn delicious, book in on Saturdays for their Margs with Friends where you'll get bottomless margaritas and a set menu of some of their favourite dishes for just $99.
18 Barrenjoey Road, Mona Vale
Jonah's
It’s pure indulgence at this luxurious boutique hotel and restaurant. Jonah’s is all that is beautiful about the northern end of the peninsula, and boasts some of the best views going around. Less than two hours from the CBD, don’t snack too much on the drive, as you’ll want to enjoy the fine dining restaurant’s fresh, mostly seafood dishes. We're eyeing off the grilled king prawns, the ocean trout fillet and the Eastern rock lobster for two (might need a second stomach, to be honest).
69 Bynya Road, Palm Beach
Corretto
Sitting pretty on Dee Why's The Strand, Corretto is the beachside cocktail bar-slash-eatery locals can't get enough of. With cool blue interiors and a relaxed and laid-back vibe, it serves up amazing cocktails with a killer food menu (standouts include baked parmesan scallops, homemade gnocchi and fish and chips) to match. Pop in for a shared-style lunch or make a night of it with a cheeky sundowner—you won't be disappointed.
1/24 The Strand, Dee Why
Queen Chow
Perched on Manly Wharf, Merivale's Queen Chow reigns supreme on the Chinese cuisine front. Elegant yet casual and drenched in natural light, the dining space fuses deep green timbers, dark woods and marble to create a warm and contemporary feel.
Fusing modern Australian with local Chinese dining, classic Cantonese dishes are reimagined with a quirky Australian twist. Tuck into pillowy pockets of dim sum and fresh seafood, or for a taste of decadence, try their mud crab, steamed with white soy, ginger, and shallots.
22-23 Manly Wharf, East Esplanade, Manly
Finished eating your way through the best restaurants on the Northern Beaches and after more north-side inspo? Check out our edit of the best restaurants on the North Shore. After that, have a look at our round-up of the best beauty salons on the Northern Beaches for a luxe pamper.
