8 Private Dining Rooms In The Sutherland Shire That We Love
A round up of chic, personal spaces to wine and dine with your favourites
Pino’s Al Mare, Cronulla
While there’s a lot to love about the inherent chatter and at times chaotic din of a restaurant floor, there’s also a lot to be said for private dining rooms. Secluded away from the ruckus of other wine-rs and diners, they’re quieter, chic and, yes, private, creating a personalised experience that’s a cut above the rest.
From birthday celebrations to corporate dinners and even intimate micro-weddings, these are our favourite 8 private dining rooms to book in the Sutherland Shire.
8 Private Dining Rooms In The Sutherland Shire We Love
Jensens
Kirrawee favourite Jensens falls into the top tier for many Shire foodies, loved for its casual but refined contemporary Australian fare and cosy atmosphere. The team’s take on private dining, dubbed The Cellar, is completely separate from the rest of the restaurant floor, secreted away behind a set of fluted glass doors. Fitted with comfy, velvet armchairs, a separate bar and AV capabilities, guests of The Cellar will be treated to their own private waiter and bar. The room can seat up to 20 guests, and menu packages range from two to three courses of canapes, house-made bread and signature dishes.
Pino’s Al Mare
How does an intimate, candlelit Italian meal with wine pairings sound? Perfect for birthdays, gathering your nearest and dearest, and work events, newcomer Pino’s Al Mare has the ultimate private dining experience waiting in their Wine Cellar. Picture 1,700 bottles lining the walls, setting the scene for an unforgettable dinner party for 16 to 20 guests. As for the menu? Think handmade pasta, Moreton Bay Bug, and premium Wagyu Steak — Italian classics, done right.
Hurricanes
Where Hurricanes Cronulla’s main dining area is light, bright and breezy, the private counterpart is moody, intimate and sophisticated. With stunning interiors, space for up to 22 guests and AV capabilities, you will easily achieve the host(ess) with the most(est) status here. There are a range of shared menu packages on offer, all of which capture the restaurant’s Mediterranean coastal-grill approach to dining. Expect to find sustainably-sourced meat, seafood and vegetables served in a share-style banquet paired with the finest wines.
Summersalt
Sitting above the sands and rolling waves of Eleoura Beach, Summersalt exposes Shire locals to some of the best seafood on offer. Although tucked away, the team’s private dining room treats guests to the same signature beachfront views but with added the benefit of feeling cosy and close. The space seats up to 14 guests, who will have access to the venue’s scope of dishes and drinks.
Hazel
Sitting within the beautiful Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea, Hazel is intimate, effortlessly chic, and the perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. Paying homage to the building’s Art Deco roots, the space is a visual feast, featuring checkerboard tiles and a rich, earthy palette with a touch of drama. The private dining area carries the same flair, separated from the main restaurant by a glass screen, while maintaining full access to the outdoors. It’s an ideal setting for larger sit-down affairs, with seating for up to 48 guests.
Rocksalt
Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Menai, Rocksalt is a welcoming and stylish dining spot where fresh ingredients shine on a contemporary Australian menu. The private dining space, located on the second level, offers an elevated yet relaxed setting, perfect for up to 50 guests gathered around long banquet tables. With an extensive menu that spans Sydney rock oysters to house-made pasta and Thai-inspired yellow curry, there’s something to suit every taste.
The Pines
Set right near the shoreline of North Cronulla beach, The Pines is a Shire icon with a good rep to match. Set to host events both big and small, The Pines’ packages can be tailored to parties from 10 people right up to 200. The semi-private dining area, Norfolk Lounge, sits between 10 and 25, and entitles guests to a delightful group menu, which includes dishes like Kingfish Ceviche, Jack’s Creek Koji Cured Flank Steak, and Chocolate Fondant.
Osso
Osso is a brand new steak restaurant promising to bring its famous cuts and extensive wine list right here to the Shire. Situated conveniently within Westfield Miranda, larger groups can book into the swanky and stylish private dining room, which is swathed in terracotta tones and mood lighting. The set menu, for groups of 14 or more, begins with tapas-style share platters, before progressing to the likes of Scotch or Eye Fillet and Chargrilled Lemon and Herb Chicken, and finally ending on sweet treats such as Chocolate Fondant Cake and Honey Brulee.
Posted: March 2025