The best new restaurants in the Sutherland Shire

1. Fior

Head to Fior in the Sutherland Shire suburb of Gymea and you’re likely to find punters packed in tighter than a tin of anchovies. Chef Tristan Rosier and his partner Rebecca Fanning, also run Jane and Arthur in Surry Hills and they saw an opportunity in the area when they moved nearby to raise their young family. Tristan’s attention to detail extends beyond the food: he engaged Luchetti Krelle to help reimagine the space, which was occupied by Caruso’s Italian for more than two decades. If Jane and Arthur are distinctly Australian diners, Fior is like their next-gen sibling from Italy who has an ironic mullet, wears chinos and doesn’t mind dishes that riff on modern classics. Rosier successfully demonstrates how Italian food can evolve with seasonal Australian ingredients. All the pasta is made in-house, as is the gelato. Start with the former, finish with the latter.

2. Folk Lounge & Dining

Restaurateur and chef Albi Cuni has endeared himself to locals for more than a decade at the helm of Albi’s Taverna in Cronulla. But the timing was right to make a move and the chef has been lured to helm Folk Lounge & Dining at Tradies Gymea where he continues to showcase modern-day Mediterranean food and mod Oz classics. The sophisticated new space is all olive-green banquettes, bare timber tables and terrazzo. Here, you’ll find the expansive menu broken up into tapas, appetisers, pizza, pasta, burgers, mains, sauces, salads, desserts and gelato. Even the kids’ menu is more refined than most with plates of pasta Napoletana proving a popular option for kids and therefore time-poor parents on the go. Diet be damned. You can always dedicate the rest of the weekend to wellness.

table full of dishes at Folk Lounge & Dining at Tradies Gymea

Find an expansive menu of incredible food at Folk. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)

3. Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare

First he conquered the Sydney suburb of Alexandria with Pino’s Vino e Cucina . Now restaurateur Matteo Margiotta wants to give residents of the Sutherland Shire a taste of his homeland and heritage with his stylish new sister venue in Cronulla. Matteo, who arrived in Australia 14 years ago from Rome, has promoted his ‘right-hand-man’ Cristiano Patacca (Otto’s, est.) to the position of executive chef to oversee both restaurants. And together the duo has collaborated on a menu of decadent dishes that Matteo says his Dad, Pino – featured on the logo – would appreciate. Signatures include a seafood grigliata mista, Roman cacio e pepe on thick, hand-rolled pici pasta and decadent lobster pasta. Margiotta says he chose the historic building in Cronulla because it’s “in the heart of community" where he moved with his wife and two daughters during the pandemic.

pasta dish at Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare in sutherland shire

Treat yourself to hand-rolled pasta and mouthwatering creations.

4. Sista Gin Bar

Sista Gin has a fine reputation for serving sensational cocktails, many of which include gin, making it one of the best new bars in Cronulla. The intimate bar tucked away on Cronulla St has an intimate retro speakeasy vibe with raw bricks and green velvet chairs making for a congenial space. In addition to the gin aficionados being drawn to the bar for well-crafted cocktails, Sista Gin ensures patrons are well fed. Hungry after your morning surf? Refuel on prawn and saffron linguine and wild mushroom risotto. Or order an array of small plates of tapas to share: think soft tacos stuffed with pulled beef or pumpkin and sage arancini. There are also more casual offerings such as charcuterie boards, cheeses from near and far and grilled halloumi.

cocktails lined up at Sista Gin Bar sutherland shire sydney

Taste sensational cocktails at Sista Gin Bar.

Return to the classics

Want to know what to do in the Sutherland Shire over a long weekend? Visit for the surf and the sunshine. Then get buzzed for the restaurant scene. In addition to Cronulla’s much-loved restaurants such as Queen Margherita of Savoy, Giro’s Osteria, Alphabet St, SeaLevel, The Pines and Summer Salt, visitors will find Jensen’s worth the jaunt to Kareela Village and a swag of top spots to enjoy a cocktail in the Sutherland Shire . While the bustling beachside suburb in Sydney’s south has everything from swanky lounge bars like Papa Js (an offshoot of Jensens) to beach-chic luxe shacks like Bobby’s, it also has low-key hangs that are further afield. Sunday Road Brewing and Hairyman Brewery are both worth plugging in your satnav. There’s a lot to love about the brand-new Bay Central Woolooware too. Shoppers are flocking to the upmarket food court for everything from burgers to banh mi. The food court defies pigeonholing: pinball from Levain Sourdough Pizza to Ishq and Dilara Kebabs and Street Food.

Experience as much as possible by staying a night (or several) at beachside Quest Cronulla and Rydges Cronulla , or centrally located Quest Woolooware Bay .

fresh seafood at Hurricanes Grill & Bar in sutherland shire

Don’t forget Sutherland Shire’s much-loved restaurants, like Hurricanes Grill & Bar.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

The best new places to eat and drink in the Sutherland Shire

The Sutherland Shire has long been a favourite for foodies, and some favourite new arrivals (and buzzy institutions to boot) are sprinkling even more stardust over Sydney’s southern suburbs.