The Best Restaurants on the North Shore for Delicious Dining

Sydney’s North Shore is a treasure trove for pleasure-seeking epicureans on both sides of the bridge. For years, foodies have flocked to this pocket of paradise 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 truly breathtaking harbour views. 

From French bistro fare to Middle Eastern cuisine, these are the best restaurants on the North Shore of Sydney that consistently deliver and always have us coming back for more. 

The Best Restaurants on Sydney’s North Shore: Editor’s Pick

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 revamped interiors are the coastal backdrop of our dreams.

2 Henry Lawson Avenue, McMahons Point

The Best Restaurants on Sydney’s North Shore: Lower North Shore

Nico 

Chef Nicola Ronconi and his business partner Ewa Witkowska have succeeded in bringing a fresh take on the classics to Sydney’s Italian scene—no easy feat! The pops of terracotta and jewel blue combined with ambient lighting make for the perfect mini ‘holiday’ in the form of after-work drinks or a cosy weekend date spot. 

Handmade pasta, Kingfish crudo and Sfogilatella stuffed with avocado and caviar are some of the delights you can look forward to when you scan Nico‘s menu. But it’s the lemon tiramisu that’s really got people talking. Chef Nicola’s recipe has been honed for over ten years and has officially reached icon status, making the soft lemon cream the ideal light dish to end an incredible meal. 

17/450 Miller Street, Cammeray 

S’more Bistro

With linen napkins, low, warm lighting and an approachable feel, this Castlecrag bistro‘s high-end menu filled with indulgent mains have become synonymous with chef “Big Sam” Young (formerly of Lotus Potts Point). Begin with lighter raw dishes, including caviar, rock oysters and scallop crudo or go all in with massive high-end steaks, lobster pasta, truffle spaghetti and fusion desserts.

79 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag

Poetica

Poetica boasts a 700-bottle wine wall, dry-ageing cabinets and a 15-metre-long open kitchen. Stone, copper, wood and burnt honey upholstery contribute to the relaxed yet luxurious aesthetic. 

Head chef Connor Hartley-Simpson’s menu champions local produce as well as cooking methods that have stood the test of time—from pickling and fermenting to wood-fired and charcoal. You can expect to see dry-aged swordfish cooking over the fire before being caramelised on the hot grill, while leek tops are charred in the Josper.

Mezzanine Level, 1 Dennison Street, North Sydney

Toki Bistro & Bar

Bringing a touch of Paris to North Sydney’s bustling heart, Toki Bistro & Bar is where French finesse meets bold Asian flair. Think bone marrow custard with uni and bacon jam on a crumpet, or buttery marron udon swimming in a rich lobster bisque. Whether you’re dining à la carte in the glam public space or surrendering to the immersive Four-Chapter tasting menu in one of the exclusive private rooms, every bite feels like a narrative worth savouring.

T23-24/100 Miller Street, North Sydney

Onice

Onice is a modern neighbourhood restaurant that seamlessly blends Australian produce with the bold, punchy flavours of Southeast Asia. The result? A menu that feels both refined and deeply satisfying — think twice-cooked beef ribs in Penang curry, coconut ceviche, and soy-glazed eggplant designed to share.

The space itself is just as inviting: warm timber accents, glowing backlit walls and thoughtfully styled interiors set the tone for anything from a casual lunch to a special occasion dinner.

161 Middle Head Road, Mosman

Ormeggio at The Spit

With two Chef’s Hats to its name and offering uninterrupted views of Middle Harbour, Ormeggio at The Spit 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.

D’Albora Marinas, Spit Road, Mosman

Loulou Bistro

Loulou is a bistro, boulangerie, traiteur and cafe all in one, with dishes reminiscent of recognisable French classics 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 to match!

61 Lavender Street, Milsons 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 all 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 cafe 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 Sydney’s North Shore: Upper North Shore

Bar Infinita 

Chef Francesco Iervolino (ex-Firedoor and Ormeggio) is the man behind Bar Infinita’s menu, which features handmade pasta, antipasti, artisan cheeses, and steak. Cocktails also take pride of place, with house-made limoncello, an Amalfi sour with amaretto, and a wine list handpicked by Paski owner Giorgio de Maria. 

10 St Johns Avenue, Gordon 

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 in the ingredients’ thickness changes the taste and texture of this specialty dish, so you can ensure every piece of meat, seafood and every vegetable has been sliced to perfection.

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

Brasserie l’Entrecôte

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 pizza in Sydney. Then check out our wrap of the best cafes in the Sutherland Shire.