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 refined modern Australian, these are the best restaurants in the Sutherland Shire that are guaranteed to impress.

Hurricanes (Image Credit: Dom Cherry) 

Hurricanes 

Your favourite Sydney steakhouse has just touched down in Cronulla - 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 (Tuesday to Friday) 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, all cooked up by Executive chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex-executive chef Otto & Tottis) and head chef Shaun Baker (Pier, Yan Restaurant, Bills Restaurants). 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

Waterline by the Bay 

Situated right on Gunnamatta Bay, overlooking the marina, you'll find this modern Australian restaurant. A great place to gather, you'll be treated to a French-inspired menu crafted with sessional Australian ingredients. In one word Waterline by the Bay is a vibe - you can expect a relaxed ambience, tailored service and incredible food and drinks whilst seated in a pared-back yet warm dining room. 

25-29 Tonkin Street, 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 the gorgeous Cronulla coastline. 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

El Rey 

Craving margheritas by the seaside? El Rey is the place to indulge. Renowned for their bottomless brunches, this modern Mexican eatery is the perfect place to unwind after a long week or to celebrate something special. Expect all your favourites, from guac to ceviche, plated to perfection in a serene space. Fresh white walls meet terracotta textures - the perfect backdrop for taco Tuesday! 

3/1 Kingsway, 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

Bistro 32

From the crew behind the multi-award-winning restaurant Christies at Kogarah Bay, Bistro 32 puts a Shire spin on classic Parisian eateries. Warm burnt orange tones, intimate lighting and an extensive wine list ensure that that archetypal je ne sais quoi romance isn’t left behind. Celebrating the traditional style of French food, Bistro 32 serves up everything from twice-baked cheese souffle and beef fillet with bearnaise to shellfish ragout and a decadent creme caramel to finish. C'est magnifique!

32 President Avenue, Caringbah

Moim Japanese Kitchen

A bustling little spot on an unassuming corner of Oak Road, Moim is loved by Kirrawee locals. With warm service that makes you feel right at home and a mammoth menu that never disappoints (the crowds alone can testify to this), it’s the perfect place for a quick, mid-week bite. Compact and casual, Moim delivers all the classics, from karaage chicken and tempura to tataki, sushi and sashimi. The steaming hot gyoza, udon and rice dishes are favourites, while the kingfish carpaccio melts on the tongue.

134 Oak Road, Kirrawee

Albi’s Taverna

Specialising in traditional northern Italian cuisine, Albi’s Taverna’s menu features a mouth-watering selection of contemporary yet authentic dishes that never fail to comfort. Start your night at the moody beachside eatery with stuffed zucchini flowers and tiger prawn bruschetta, order from the delicious list of fresh pasta for mains (the gnocchi with pork belly ragu is a hit) and end with a generous serving of tiramisu–washed down with a glass of Italian vino from the premium wine list.

1-2/1 Ocean Grove Avenue, 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.