A Local's Guide to the Best Cronulla Restaurants

Long-time local Carla Grossetti suggests some of the best restaurants in Cronulla no matter the occasion.

Ask locals about the best Cronulla restaurants and you’re likely to get some strong opinions. These days, the beachside suburb in Sydney’s southern suburbs takes its wining and dining scene seriously.   The following are the places that should be on your radar – from a bougie Parisian-style bistro to a swanky supper club. And if it’s great cafes you’re after, we’ve got those for you, too.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Homer Rogue Taverna
Great for special occasions: The Pines
Family-friendly spot: Queen Margherita of Savoy
Best views: Summer Salt
Best wine list: Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare

Homer Rogue Taverna

Restaurateurs Harry and Mario Kapoulas have gone rogue on the idea of a humble Greek taverna to create one of the best restaurants in Cronulla. The name is a nod to the ‘loud, warm and rough around the edges’ gastrokafenios discovered by the brothers (who have two of the most popular cafes in Cronulla) during repeat reccies to Athens. Go for the koulouri, taramas and chicken souvla and stay for the cocktails. Our mum’s moussaka is another must-order dish. Portions are generous at Homer Rogue Taverna , which has both indoor and al fresco seating arrangements.

Address: Shop 3/3/Surf Road, Cronulla

Fred’s After Hours

Ask your cool Shire friend for a recommendation for the best Cronulla restaurants and they will likely include Fred’s After Hours . Fred’s Providore shifts gears after dark and reemerges as a snug, Euro-leaning wine bar and bistro that has gifted grown-ups with the kind of venue they have been dreaming of.  The intimate 36-seater space is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 5.30pm until late. And while there’s a lot to love about Fred’s, let’s start with the acoustic batts lining the ceiling: dinner minus the din. The snug canteen is run by butcher Nathan Creary, so start with steak tartare and finish with the chicken cotoletta.

Address: 109 Cronulla St, Cronulla

Pippis Cronulla

By mid-morning, Pippis Cronulla is packed with locals. The restaurant overlooking the marina in Gunnamatta Bay is drenched in sunshine during the day and works as a place for a quick bite before or after catching the ferry to the Royal National Park. Lunch with kids in tow is also made easy thanks to the cordoned-off play area. The restaurant has long been BYO (you can still bring a bottle of bubbles or rosé) but is now licensed, too. It’s also set up for large groups and families with its menu built around crowd-pleasers such as crudo and ceviche, wood-fired pizzas and linguini with prawns, mussels, calamari, scampi and – yes you guessed it – pippis when they’re in season.

Address: 2 Tonkin St, Cronulla

The Pines

This elegant beachside pavilion is a place for special occasions. Nab a seat in the dining room near the large cut-out windows that frame a swirling scape of sea and sky to enjoy signature dishes such as the signature bouillabaisse for two. The kitchen at The Pines is led by head chef Nicholas Sum, while the expansive drinks menu was curated by sommelier Chris Hoy (ex-Merivale). Breakfast, lunch or dinner are attractive propositions at The Pines. Stay at your mate’s place, go for a surf and don’t leave until you have to. Plot your return to try the bottomless brunch at The Pines, one of the best restaurants in Cronulla.

Address: Unit 1/8-18 Kingsway, Cronulla

Yalla Sawa Restaurant

Yalla Sawa means to ‘come together’ in Lebanese and this family-run Cronulla restaurant is a fine example of the kind of venue locals flock to for Sunday lunch or dinner. This is homespun cooking done right with parsley-rich tabbouli and herb-flecked falafel staying true to family recipes. The quality and freshness of the ingredients is remarkable. Feast on flavoursome hummus, Lebanese flatbread and lamb shank tagine in this beautiful space which is distinguished by its colourful design.

Address: 2/59-65 Gerrale St, Cronulla

Benny’s

Benny’s is right in position for golden hour on the shores of Gunnamatta Bay. Hatted chef RJ Lines (ex-One Penny Red) does exceedingly well here by relying on ingredients that speak to the waterfront location.  Think bluefin tuna carpaccio. Sydney rock oysters shucked to order. And ‘barra in a bag’ with clams and cherry tomatoes. Designed by SISU Interiors, Benny’s is all sandstone and brass with large cut-out windows offering stunning views of the beach and bay. Nelson Braid (Australian Gin Champion of the Year) is behind the drinks list and his cocktail menu is infused with local botanicals. Benny’s is just a short walk from Cronulla Train Station.

Address: 27 Tonkin St, Cronulla

Queen Margherita of Savoy

This dark and atmospheric family-run pizza joint has long been considered one of the Shire’s best. Owner-chef Lee Carroll has earned his place as a pizzaiolo for his mastery of the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, which is typically eaten folded over for easy consumption. There’s also an impressive selection of starters at Queen Margherita of Savoy such as nduja arancini and lamb polpette as well as pasta options and sensational salads. The pizzeria is one of just a handful of Australian venues named in the 50 Top Pizza awards in Asia Pacific.

Address: 2 Surf Road, Cronulla

Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare

Cronulla has quite a bit of ownership over the ivy-clad ‘old library’. The coastal-chic venue was reimagined by restaurateur Matteo Margiotta and designer Nic Graham (behind the quirky QT Hotel Sydney) to complement the bones of the community building. It features handmade tiles from Italy, bespoke sconces from Byron Bay, and a palette of olive greens. It also has a wine room with more than 1600 bottles of wine – ranging in price from $15 to $22 by the glass; $76 to $2300 by the bottle – and potted olive trees. Executive chef Cristiano Patacca heads the venue.

Address: 1/15 Surf Rd, Cronulla

Hurricanes Grill & Bar Cronulla Beach

Hurricanes Grill & Bar Cronulla Beach is all curved walls and textured arches that evoke a sort of Meet the Flintstones aesthetic. Add a few earthy terracotta pots overflowing with fruit and flowers, cave-like grottos and cantilevered shelves and this coastal beauty feels perfect for the beachside culture of Cronulla.  Yes, the menu is full of meaty dishes diners like to gnaw on, such as the signature ribs and dry-aged steaks. But this sophisticated spin-off also has a raw bar with everything from fresh and briny Sydney rock oysters to delicate squares of Hiramasa kingfish.

Address: 1/49 Gerrale St, Cronulla

Bobby’s

Bobby’s is exactly the sort of place that first-time visitors to Cronulla want to be beamed into. But best get out the bronzer; the crowds at Bobby’s are generally young and good-looking. And that starts with the staff who greet you wearing terracotta-toned linen, all grins and sun-kissed glamour. Both the food and fit-out are perfectly suited to the beachside location. Start with fresh and contemporary dishes such as stracciatella with fried rosemary, honey, hazelnut and focaccia. And follow with whole snapper with burnt butter, citrus and caperberries. The focal point here is the ocean and owners Adam and Kylie Micola have displayed an unerring instinct for knowing what this neighbourhood needed.

Address: 6R The Esplanade, Cronulla

Eat Lebanese

Ideally located on Cronulla’s high street, this low-key eatery is a top spot to come for lunch after a swim or a surf at South Cronulla. Eat Lebanese does what it says on the tin. It serves sensational share plates of Lebanese food in a light, comfortable dining area, a pebble’s throw from the beach. Once seated in this intimate venue, diners are encouraged to pick out their own mix of mezze dishes. A starter that should not be missed is the fattoush, a home-style salad made from rocket, fresh thyme, purslane, tomatoes and toasted flatbread. Round out your feast with falafels and a mixed grill plate.

Address: 98 Cronulla St, Cronulla

El Rey Cronulla

El Rey means ‘the king’ and this neighbourhood hangout is a great place to gather for a few tacos, chilli margies and a chat. You can see the waves rolling in from the sun-drenched terrace where you will be waited on by staff wearing light-washed denim and haircuts that nod to the 90s. Favourite dishes include snapper ceviche, jalapeno poppers, and charred pork belly. The earthy dining room with its terracotta tones and warm, natural timbers sets the stage for a menu of modern Mexican favourites. The service is unpretentious and the surfie staff so friendly they’ll likely share the day’s swell forecast.

Address:  1 Kingsway, Cronulla

Johnny Hu

Locals have long liked to linger at Alphabet St and Giro Osteria. But the Natale Group stepped it up a notch with Johnny Hu , a restaurant and bar by day and night that transitions into a supper club. Sea-changers waiting for Sydney’s property market to fall should catch the train here and do a reccie as Johnny Hu’s is a definite draw. Think curved banquettes, fine service and Chinese classics where a very local Cronulla crew converge for late-night supper. Go to the supper club on a lazy Sunday and order kung pao chicken and Peking duck pancakes, dumplings made in-house daily and Japanese whisky sours.

Address: 134 Cronulla St, Cronulla

Giro Osteria

Giro Osteria is a discreet eatery tucked away on the second level of the Cote d’Azur building in Cronulla, which belies its charming interior. This upscale space was gifted to the community by the Natale Group, which has been spreading the gospel about the Shire for about a decade. Take a seat on the aubergine banquette and watch the chefs plating up at the pass. Everyone from tradies with their missos to local politicians doing business and groups of girlfriends going out to lunch are drawn to the intimate osteria. Undoubtedly, for dishes such as linguine with lobster and cacio e pepe.

Address: 3/1 McDonald St, Cronulla

Alphabet St

You can choose your own pan-Asian adventure at Alphabet St with its menu divided into bites, snacks, starters, salads and rice courses. As well as being the first Natale Group restaurant to open in the Sutherland Shire, Alphabet St embodied a shift in the local dining scene that was a long time coming.

Alphabet St is the culinary complement to the coastal lifestyle on offer here. The menu blurs borders and is a mix of bold flavours and culinary refinement. Order the papaya salad, the Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, the big boyz chicken wings and the Massaman lamb curry with a coupla appletinis on the side.

Address: 5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla

Salt Meats Cheese

There are dozens of places to dine and drink in Cronulla. But not all are created equal. Salt Meats Cheese is housed in the iconic heritage-listed former Commonwealth Bank in a hip pocket of the pedestrianised plaza. Twirl your fork around a tangle of crab tagliolini. Stab a little square of spinach and ricotta ravioli fragrant with ricotta and pecorino. The dining room is a shiny Art Deco fantasy of what a neighbourhood Italian bistro should look like. It has a light, playful spirit anchored to some great talent in the kitchen.

Address: Shop 1/66-70 Cronulla St, Cronulla

Summer Salt

Ride a right-hander at Elouera Beach in Cronulla and you’ll be deposited right out front of Summer Salt .  Sydney Restaurant Group (Aqua Dining, Manta Woolloomooloo, Sails in McMahon’s Point and Ormeggio at the Spit) has given the restaurant an elegant refresh. Start with chargrilled WA octopus followed by handmade linguine with mussels, pipis, Moreton Bay bugs, cherry tomato and parsley. The roving dessert trolley does well to compete with that view. Go for an Aphrodite cocktail and Sorrentine limoncello tiramisu layered with a refreshing yuzu-limoncello curd. Then do as the locals do and bookend the experience with an amble along the Esplanade. 

Address: 66 Mitchell Rd, Cronulla

Sealevel

Sealevel is the locals’ go-to for giant, tiered platters of fruits de mer. Besides Sydney rock oysters, blue swimmer crab, Moreton Bay bugs, smoked salmon, fresh and barbecued prawns there’s barbecued octopus and beer-battered fish. The beachfront restaurant becomes more like an aquarium when there’s a swell running, with waves rushing over the footpath out front. This is not the kind of place where you dust the sand off your feet and wander in off the beach. Channel your nanna from Nantucket and dress to impress.

Address: No.2 The Kingsway, Cronulla

Discover the best things to do in Cronulla

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

A local’s guide to 18 of the best restaurants in Cronulla