The Best Restaurants in the Sutherland Shire

Nestled between the city and the picturesque South Coast, the Sutherland Shire is so much more than a charming, coastal pocket of Sydney’s south — it’s a bona fide culinary destination. While Cronulla has long been The Shire’s epicentre for drinking and dining, its neighbouring suburbs are demanding attention with drawcard venues popping up across the catchment.

Beachside eateries are in abundance and upscale fine diners shine a spotlight on the area's fresh, seasonal produce, while more and more global eats are becoming a staple. From moreish mezze plates to Japanese sashimi and kid-friendly haunts, these are the best restaurants in the Sutherland Shire that are guaranteed to impress.

FIOR

Having taken over the old Caruso's site in Gymea, Fior has managed to create a 120-seat venue that is both intimate and spacious. The menu is modern Australian/Italian and boasts a swathe of seasonal dishes perfect for sharing. You can expect handmade pastas, a roving gelato cart, plenty of antipasto and an impeccable drinks list. 

Sitchu Tip: The mafalde cavolo nero pesto with stracciatella and the barramundi in brown butter and capers are imminent return-worthy dishes.

Shop 2, 752-756 Kingsway, Gymea

Benny's

Sitting pretty above Gunnamatta Bay, Benny's is a long-lunch destination fantasy. Enjoy a crisp cocktail whilst soaking up sweeping water views and chowing down on the best (truly) focaccia in town. We recommend ordering the stracciatella to drizzle on top. Once you're done with entrees it's onto mains with a menu curated by head chef RJ Lines. The tight curation of dishes ensures quality over quantity with the exquisite Barramundi cooked in a bag a must-order. 

Sitchu Tip: When the weather is turning it on head outside for some Benny's fish and chips — homemade tartare sauce included — to eat as you watch the sun set. 

27 Tonkin Street, Cronulla

Hurricanes (Image Credit: Dom Cherry) 

Hurricanes 

Think steakhouse but with a major twist! Injecting a hefty dose of Mediterranean flair into both the decor and the menu, you can expect sculptural curves, sandstone and neutral colourways paired with an a la carte menu packed with fresh seafood, basted signature ribs and steaks. As for the drinks, Hurricanes have gone all out with over 80 wines curated by the incredibly knowledgeable sommelier and consultant Stéphane Pommier. Do yourself a favour and sample one of the seasonal cocktails, too, which incorporate local Australian-made (and even some Shire-made!) spirits. 

The 300-seat restaurant manages to feel intimate and spacious at once with multiple dining zones including the bar area (perfect for a drink and some nibbles), the main dining room, outdoor area and the exceptional private dining space. 

Shop 1, 49 Gerrale Street, Cronulla 

Green Shiso 

You're going to have to get in early if you want a seat at one of Green Shiso's renowned Omakase sessions. They only seat eight per evening (Wednesday to Saturday) so you can expect one of the most intimate dining experiences of your life. $200 per person will score you around 10 seasonal courses. The menu shifts and changes with availability but you can expect the likes of Spanner Crab, Caviar and Yuzu, truffle salt edamame, Wagyu beef and sashimi, all artfully presented, of course. 

87 Cronulla Street, Cronulla 

Bobby's 

Just steps away from Cronulla Beach lies this Mediterranean-led seafood restaurant brimming with both style and substance. There's a little something for everyone at Bobby's with an all-day coffee cart offering coffee by morning and Spritz's at sunset, a restaurant for long lunching and a beach club perfect for a cocktail and snacks. 

 What can you expect on the food front? Think brioche prawn rolls, Cantabrian anchovies on toast, ocean trout crudo and a very special lemon tiramisu. As for drinks, the focus is on Mediterranean wines and light and fresh cocktails. 

6R The Esplanade, Cronulla  

Jensens Restaurant

It’s been more than three decades since owner Carl Jensen opened his first venue, Jensens Restaurant in Sylvania, bringing a fresh new approach to food and hospitality in The Shire. Today, his venues span across the region, with the new Jensens Restaurant in Kareela billed as one of his best. Taking diners back to where it all began, the sizeable offering consists of retro classics from Jensen’s past mingled with contemporary cooking techniques. The modern Australian menu leans Mediterranean with gourmet pizzas, globally inspired entrees, dry-aged steaks and a decent vegan menu catering to every taste and appetite.

Kareela Village, 1/13 Freya Street, Kareela

Alphabet St

Set in a pared-back, contemporary space, Alphabet St delivers delicious Thai food in a modern venue. Open for lunch and dinner, patrons can expect minimal decor and food bursting with flavour, presented impeccably and served promptly.

The traditional Thai dishes we all know and love make an appearance on the menu, but so too do Peking Duck Pancakes, Salt-and-Pepper Squid and Betal Leaf-wrapped Prawns and Peanuts. Positioned just off the sand, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Sitchu Tip: Order the Apple Martini, you won't regret it.

5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla

Sealevel

Seaside dining at its finest, Sealevel Restaurant is the flagship venue for the Allouche Family. Focusing on seafood, the modern Australian menu with French and Italian influence, changes every two weeks, providing guests with something new every visit. Food aside, Sealevel has large windows that frame the stunning views of Cronulla Beach and the coastline.

2 Kingsway, Cronulla

The Pines

A chic seaside eatery that would feel equally as at home in the Hamptons, The Pines is the perfect casual, fine dining destination. Using the best in fresh, local produce to serve contemporary Australian cuisine, the menu reflects the changing seasons, refined techniques, and global flavours.

One of the best restaurants in the Sutherland Shire, standout dishes include crispy pork jowl, served with pickled radish, mango, and Asian herbs alongside pure black koji cured flank steak. For those feeling a little bit fancy, splurge on the Beluga caviar served with warm blinis and classic accompaniments. Then there are the views. Large glass windows look out over North Cronulla Beach. Bookmark this one for summer sessions.

18 Kingsway, Cronulla

Summer Salt 

Summer Salt is a go-to for locals looking to celebrate. Not only is the food impeccable, but the floor-to-ceiling windows offer up 180-degree views out across the beach. Asian flavours meet fresh Australian ingredients and top-tier seafood for a feast to remember. The seafood platter is always a great choice. As for drinks, you can't go past a paired glass of wine or one of Summer Salt's seasonal cocktails. Their vegan menu is also to die for! 

66 Mitchell Road, Cronulla

Giro Osteria 

This intimate restaurant, located just steps from Cronulla's popular esplanade, serves up a perfectly curated menu of antipasto, entrees and pasta. The Cacio e Pepe served from a giant cheese wheel is the dish of local legend as is the restaurant group's Apple Martini. We guarantee you'll be rolling out of here with a full tummy and a huge smile. 

3/1 McDonald Street, Cronulla

Loved our roundup of the best restaurants in Southerland Shire and keen to enjoy more bites by the beach? Check out our favourite Bondi bars and Sydney’s best fish and chip joints on your travels.