The Best Restaurants on the North Shore for Delicious Dining
Sitting pretty just north of the Harbour Bridge, you will find the best restaurants on Sydney's North Shore.
Sydney’s North Shore is a treasure trove for pleasure-seeking epicureans on both sides of the bridge. Foodies flock to sample the refined delights on offer at some of the city’s most celebrated dining establishments – many of which come with a side of harbour views.
From French bistro fare toMiddle Eastern cuisine, these are the best restaurants on the North Shore of Sydney that consistently deliver.
The Best Restaurants in the Lower North Shore
St Siandra
St Siandra sits pretty on The Spit on Sydney's North Shore. At the helm is former Nomad head chef Sam McCallum, who has brought his signature Mediterranean flare to the new beachfront restaurant and bar. On cocktail duties is Kurtis Bosley and the chic Amalfi Coast-style interiors were designed by Sally Taylor of Felix and Queen Chow Manly so you just know they'll be great for the 'gram. Oh, and don't worry, if you plan to arrive by boat (because why not), they have two private moorings.
75 Lower Parriwi Road, The Spit, Mosman
Charlotte Bar & Bistro
Situated across two stories on Blues Points Road, Charlotte Bar & Bistro is fast becoming the talk of the town. Led by Chef Hiroshi Manaka, whose experience extends to European Michelin-starred restaurants, the bistro holds a unique charm thanks to elements of nostalgic Feng shui and a menu full of French classics and signature cocktails to match. Our picks?The vegetable Tarte provençale will have you begging for more, the Fricassée de côtes de poulet or, if you're feeling indulgent, the signature Bouef en-croûte royal.
139 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point
Me-Gal
Me-Gal offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and a unique dining experience all at once. The restaurant is named after the Cammeraigal word for ‘tears’ and focuses on sustainably sourced produce, native flavours and seasonal dishes. Think beetroot risotto, duck breast & Illawarra plum and heirloom tomatoes with stracciatella and lemon myrtle.
2A Bradleys Head Road, Mosman (enter via the Taronga Wildlife Retreat
COYA
One of the hidden gems of the Lower North Shore dining scene, COYA describe themselves as Modern Australian with a Middle Eastern twist. COYA offers a degustation dining experience with chef Ashraf Saleh creating the best dishes from the freshest ingredients of the day with your only choice being between a six or ten-course tasting menu coming in at $120 and $200 respectively.
2/567 Pacific Highway, St Leonards
Ormeggio at The Spit
With two Chef’s Hats to its name and uninterrupted views of Middle Harbour, Ormeggio is the epitome of fine dining. The restaurant takes diners on a trip through the regions of Italy and Spain. There are seven and eight-course degustation menus on offer, as well as an a la carte and vegetarian offering. One menu you can't avoid is the dessert menu, with its delicious selection of gelato, cheese and after-dinner cocktails.
D’Albora Marinas, Spit Road, Mosman
Loulou Bistro
Lavender Bay's French bistro has quickly become the Lower North Shore's go-to restaurant for fabulous French fare. Loulou is a bistro, boulangerie and traiteur. The dishes are recognisable French classics but with a lighter technique. Think crab soufflé omelet, hand-cut steak tartare with potato crisps, rotisserie chicken, pâté en croute and, of course, a glass or two of bubbles!
61 Lavender Street, Milsons Point
Sails on Lavender Bay
This airy harbourside dining room has been delighting locals and visitors with its uncompromisingly high-quality fare for over 40 years. With an emphasis on fresh seafood, the menu at Sails takes a contemporary interpretation of classic French cooking techniques and is paired with the best of local produce. The menu is extensive, so we recommend keeping your afternoon free so you can indulge alongside the city’s most spectacular vista.
2 Henry Lawson Avenue, McMahons Point
Public Dining Room
The resplendent Public Dining Room on Balmoral Beach is a favourite for locals craving an indulgent evening by the water – with a delectable meal offering to boot. The relaxed luxe space boasts views across to Middle Head and Manly, with casual fine food and produce selected from small farmers across Australia.
2A The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
Bathers' Pavilion Restaurant
Sitting pretty on the sands of Balmoral Beach, the Pavilion’s storied reputation is gold-plated. While the café offers a weekend breakfast like no other, it’s the restaurant that shines come lunch and dinner seatings. An extensive wine list includes a range of Australian and imported wines, current and older vintages, and pairs beautifully with the curated menu offering.
4 The Esplanade, Mosman
The Best Restaurants on the Upper North Shore
Mamak
When comfort food is calling, make a beeline for Mamak. Serving up authentic Malaysian fare, every dish is bursting with bold flavours at this award-winning restaurant. Treat yourself to their mouthwatering satay or the crispy roti, Mamak’s signature dishes. The best bit, this street-food style eatery comes with street food prices!
9/ 1-5 Railway Street, Chatswood
Hanasuki
A favourite of Sydney's Japanese dining scene, Hanasuki is a dedicated shabu shabu joint where diners boil a variety of thinly sliced meats, vegetables and noodles in a hot broth. It is high stakes as even a millimetre of difference changes the taste and texture of this specialty dish.
Shop 1, 18-26 Anderson Street, Chatswood
Mama Mulan
For some of the best yum cha in Sydney, Mama Mulan in Chatswood is a must-visit. This buzzing location modernises Chinese food and plates it up from its open-plan kitchen in a sleek and minimalist space.
The menu embraces a range of familiar Chinese staples, fresh seafood, dumplings and inspired desserts... all with a fresh twist. The top of our list? The deep-fried foie gras puffs, the Sydney rock oyster with finger lime and the beetroot and truffle fried rice.
Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood
El Karim
Back in 1976 when El Karim opened their doors, they were the first Lebanese restaurant on the North Shore, and much to the delight of long-term locals (and newbies), they’re still serving some of the best Lebanese food around. Next door to Roseville Cinema, El Karim’s sleek modern interiors are the backdrop to some seriously good food. While everything is a must-try you can't go wrong with their mouthwatering chicken kebabs, the halloumi fries, baba ghanoush, and finish it off with their baklava. You won't regret it!
126 Pacific Highway, Roseville
Brasserie l’Entrecôte
Brasserie l’Entrecôte is one of the most popular restaurants on the Upper North Shore, and for good reason. Taking inspiration from the famous one-dish steakhouse “Le Relais de l’Entrecôte” in Paris. The concept is simple at this high-end bistro – amazing quality steak accompanied by a secret sauce and homemade fries. This French eating house is refined and elegant with a charming vintage touch.
1047 Pacific Highway, Pymble
The Butcher's Block
People from all over Sydney flock to this Upper North Shore institution for their breakfast bellinis and impressive lunch and dinner menu. The chic eatery is home to a light-filled terrace, bordered by a herb garden which creates a gorgeous oasis in the heart of the Wahroonga shops. Make sure you try the spicy wings with red chilli sauce, crispy leek and sesame, the fattoush salad and the mushroom ravioli with truffle cream, cavolo nero mousse, confit cherry tomatoes and enoki mushrooms.
15 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga
Has all this talk on the best restaurants on the North Shore got you planning your next foodie adventure? Take a look at our edit of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney. Then check out our wrap of the best cafes in the Sutherland Shire.
