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 in the Lower North Shore

Nico 

Nico doesn’t do things by halves. Everything here is flawless, from the Italian aperitifs to the Amalfi Coast-inspired decor. 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 the 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

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 that serves holiday vibes all year round.

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 

The Mayflower

The Mayflower‘s rich, luxurious dishes include fresh oysters and wagyu tartare, lobster sashimi, dry-aged duck and stepped-up fried chicken.

Adding to the overall theatrics, there is a spectacular display of artwork from Don De Lamour’s flower installations, including thousands of blue butterflies. However, the most show-stopping element is the digital media art from Refik Andadol, made using AI and images of nature. Straight from the NGV, this is the piece’s first jaunt in Sydney.

Shop r1106, 488 Pacific Highway, St Leonards

COYA

One of the hidden gems of the Lower North Shore dining scene, COYA describes itself as Modern French with a contemporary Middle Eastern twist. COYA offers a degustation dining experience with chef Ashraf Saleh creating the best dishes from the freshest ingredients of the day.

2/567 Pacific Highway, St Leonards

Ormeggio at The Spit

Now with three 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

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, 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

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.

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 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 the 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 

Mamak

When comfort food is calling, make a beeline for Mamak. Serving up authentic Malaysian fare, every dish at this award-winning restaurant is bursting with bold flavours. 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 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

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, halloumi fries, baba ghanoush, and baklava.

126 Pacific Highway, Roseville

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.