The Best Restaurants on the Northern Beaches Where the Coastal Flavours Shine

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. 

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 paired fresh ocean air. 

Best Restaurants on the Northern Beaches

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Cibaria

An all-day Italian hatted dining destination, Cibaria takes guests from their morning espresso at the caffetteria to gelato at the champagneria and all the way to a pasta feast at the spaghetteria. And behind it all? None other than celebrated restaurateurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni of a’Mare and Ormeggio at the Spit.

This multi-venue Italian ‘piazza’ sits within the Manly Pacific Hotel, hosting a variety of spaces, including a spaghetteria, a bisteccheria (where dishes are cooked over coals and embers), and a pasticceria filled with Italian desserts. Other highlights include a gorgonzola trolley, lobster rolls, and Nutella bombolone.

55 North Steyne, Manly Pacific Hotel, Manly

The Clareville 

This sun-filled cottage restaurant is perfect for soaking up filtered sunlight and delicious farm-to-table delicacies. You can expect prettily plated dishes and unexpected flavour combos. Think wild three-corner leek dumplings with asparagus, smoked macadamia, fetta, and brown butter, and chocolate mousse, liquorice ice cream, raspberry, and elderflower. This beautiful dining experience comes with plenty of special details, including handcrafted ceramics from Chef and Owner Cooper Dickson’s late father, Lex Dickson, one of Australia’s finest ceramic artists. 

27 Delecta Avenue, Clareville 

Fat Pomelo 

This beachside beauty is fun, fun, fun. From the vibrant interiors to the popping house-made sauces, Fat Pomelo is fresh, bold and lively. Asian and local beers populate the drinks menu, alongside fruity cocktails and an Australian-leaning wine list. Gorgeous Asian fusion dishes like crispy skin master stock Bannockburn chook drizzled in signature satay sauce and wagyu beef cheek rendang round out the offering. 

Shop 5/16 Ocean Street, Narrabeen 

The Joey 

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 hilariously named and next-level yum, Pocket Pizza knows how to bring it. The three cool and intimate venues on the Beaches 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 sits atop the Mona Vale Golf Club and commands breathtaking views of Mona Vale Beach. 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.

Level 1/3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale

Hugos

Situated smack bang on the wharf and overlooking the harbour-side of town, watch the sunset as you sip on your margarita and tuck into your pizza at Hugos.

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

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.

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 menu is regularly on the move, but you can look forward to Sardinian ravioli filled with potato, Pecorino, mint, burnt butter, and sage.

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 shared 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. This family-friendly fine dining restaurant blends traditional dishes and modern techniques 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, fragrant biryanis, and 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.

2 Kalinya Street, Newport 

The Collaroy

Drawing inspiration from the coastal scenery, The Collaroy is multi-level 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, which covers all bases (think fresh oysters, grilled octopus, pizza, and pub classics like burgers, schnitty, and nachos). 

1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy

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. 

1/24 The Strand, Dee Why

Bar Elvina

Providing good vibes and great wines, Bar Elvina is one of Avalon’s most popular spots for a sunset bev, and don’t get us started on the stunning interiors.

This gorgeous little bar offers an eclectic menu focusing on seafood, craft beers, an interesting wine list, and carefully curated cocktails — Beaches-based locals can’t get enough! 

50 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach 

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.