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. 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 to Middle Eastern cuisine, these are the best restaurants on the North Shore of Sydney that consistently deliver. 

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 weekend date spot. 

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

Sitchu Tip: The homemade focaccia with smoked butter may well be a top contender for the best focaccia in Sydney. 

17/450 Miller Street, Cammeray 

S’more Bistro

With linen napkins, low, warm lighting and an approachable feel, this Castlecrag bistro has a high-end menu filled with the indulgent mains that have become synonymous with chef “Big Sam” Young (formerly of Lotus Potts Point). Begin with lighter raw dishes, including caviar, rock oysters and raw 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.

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)

The Mayflower

Following the success of their Darlinghurst cafe, The Mayflower opened a second venue in St Leonards a few years ago and it's fast become a gem of the North Shore. Following its traditional pink-hued theme, the venue is experiential dining at its best. With rich, luxurious dishes from fresh oysters and wagyu tartare to lobster sashimi, dry-aged duck and stepped-up fried chicken, everything this venue represents is beyond luscious.

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 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. Your only choice is between a six- or ten-course tasting menu, which costs $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

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

Bar Infinita 

People of Gordon and surrounds, rejoice! Bar Infinita has just opened its doors, and authentic Italian bites are yours for the taking. Chef Francesco Iervolino (ex-Firedoor and Ormeggio) is the man behind the 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 

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, halloumi fries, baba ghanoush, and 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 pizza in Sydney. Then check out our wrap of the best cafes in the Sutherland Shire.