Sydney’s Best Waterside Restaurants for a Scenic Bite

Sydney’s vibrant dining scene boasts an unassailable advantage in the form of our harbour, and thankfully for us, the city’s savvy restaurateurs know exactly how to capitalise on it. From fine dining haunts to relaxed Sunday brunch spots, you can dine waterside whatever you're eating. 

We’ve found the establishments that have best exploited their proximity to our beloved waters, and we recommend you pay each of them a visit. Read on for Sydney's best waterside restaurants for a beautiful bite to eat. 

The Joey

If it's waterside you want, it's waterside you get at The Joey. Located right on the Pittwater, this Northern Beaches favourite is housed within the lovingly restored heritage Barrenjoey Boatshed. A nautical colour palette sets the scene whilst large windows and lush gardens make the most of the scenic spot. 

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 

St Siandra

How does Seven spice Moreton Bay Bugs, “en brochette” skewers of Clarence River baby octopus and Skull Island tiger prawns washed down with spritzes on tap sound? Oh, and did we mention your own private beach to enjoy them? St Siandra is located right on The Spit on Sydney's North Shore and serves up some of the best seafood and Mediterranean-inspired bites in town. 

75 Lower Parriwi Road, The Spit, Mosman 

Palms by Pasadena 

There's a reason so many couples choose to tie the knot at Pasadena. The views are nothing short of incredible. The recently opened Palms by Pasadena lets you enjoy this iconic view Wednesday through to Sunday. Right on the edge of Church Point, you can soak up sweeping views of the Pittwater whilst sipping on a coconut margy. It doesn't get better. As for food, you can look forward to a range of seasonal mains, fresh oysters and pizza. 

1858 Pittwater Road, Church Point

Harbourfront Seafood

Front-row seats to Sydney Harbour's most iconic landmarks are part and parcel of the Harbourfront Seafood experience. Head in to dine on an expertly crafted seasonal menu championing Sydney's incredible seafood scene. From twists on Italian classics like tagliatelle featuring sea urchin cream, fresh sea urchin roe and Avruga caviar, to thoroughly Australian takes on dining with an Outback Grill featuring chargrilled kangaroo striploin and crocodile tail paired with native ingredients, this is waterside dining with a difference.

Campbell's Stores Bay, The Rocks

China Doll

Inventive dishes with a modern take on the culinary traditions of Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asia, China Doll is a firm waterside favourite. China Doll covers all the classics including steamed prawn dumplings, duck pancakes and Penang slow braised wagyu beef shin curry. Banquet menus offer mouth-watering share plates, including steamed scallops, crispy pork belly and corn and zucchini cakes.

4/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

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  

Whalebridge 

For unrivalled harbour views (Opera House and Harbour Bridge included) head to Whalebridge for a French feast. This dreamy restaurant is proof that killer views can be rivalled by an incredible menu. Watch the ferries go by as you sup on French onion soup and steak frittes.

8 & 10 Circular Quay East, Sydney 

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

Icebergs

Another Bondi classic, there are few oceanfront views more iconic than this. Perfectly placed to take advantage of Bondi’s delicious sea air, the Dining Room offers an evolving menu based on regional Italian cuisine. Seasonal cured meats are available alongside antipasti, and the kangaroo agnolotti. The Icebergs tasting menu is a safe option if missing out just isn’t going to work for you.

1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach

Dunes Palm Beach 

If holiday vibes are what you're channelling for your waterside feast, head straight to Dunes. Located on the laidback Palm Beach, the scene is set with luxe coastal decor and a seafood-heavy menu paired with fresh spritz and cold glasses of wine. 

1193 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach 

Promenade Bondi Beach  

Creating a venue that feels luxe enough for a date night whilst also being appropriate for a beachside snack is no easy feat. But Promenade Bondi Beach is just that – a flexible space incorporating intimate dining spaces, a beachside terrace bar and a kiosk for those with sandy feet. Intrinsically nostalgic, Bondi Pavilion is home to Promenade Bondi Beach.

The décor, inspired by the sandstone cliffs tucked around Australia’s most famous beach, is both neutral and soft. The overarching theme that ties each space together? Food that’s best-enjoyed beachside. Expect reimagined classics from snapper curry to coral trout crudo. 

Shop 4 Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach  

Foys Kirribilli

With waterfront views and open-air seating on its deck, Foy’s contemporary Australian cuisine makes for an enjoyable evening by the water. While basking in the views tuck into the fried baby squid and vego tacos. The barramundi schnitzel is a favourite while you have to make sure to try the blue swimmer crab linguine.

76 McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Catalina (Image Credits: Steven Woodburn) 

Catalina Rose Bay

Perched on the waters of glimmering Rose Bay, Catalina has been serving impeccable cuisine to the well-to-do since 1994. An extensive (and awarded) wine list is teamed expertly alongside a healthy smattering of cocktails while freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters keep the seafood-obsessed happy. 

Lyne Park, Rose Bay

North Bondi Fish

The Newport 

Let Pittwater Harbour be the backdrop to your next day out. There is a dish for every appetite at The Newport with an 'alfresco marketplace' where seafood, baked goods, pizzas and more are available - perfect for a group of fussy eaters! As for the views, they're second to none. 

2 Kalinya Street, Newport 

Loved our pick of the best waterside restaurants in Sydney and looking for more dining inspo? Head straight to our Eat & Drink section for the latest and greatest restaurants, bars and cafes you need to check out and here for the most Instagrammable venues in Sydney.