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

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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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.

The Sutherland Shire is best known for its beaches, which scallop the shoreline from Kurnell to South Cronulla, around the peninsula to Darook Park Beach and across the bay to Bundeena. And while surfers and swimmers have long had the region on their radar, the Shire is also shaping up as a must-visit destination for gourmands. Following are the best new restaurants in the Sutherland Shire to put on your dining hit list.

interior shot of Folk Lounge & Dining at Tradies Gymea
Discover the sophisticated new dining spaces of the Sutherland Shire. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)

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.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    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 .