Where views are just as delicious as the menu

Bennys, Cronulla — *Benny’s Restaurant, Gunnamatta Bay*

Good company, great wine, fabulous food. Throw in a glittering expanse of watery glory and you’ve got yourself the ideal dining experience - and one that is quintessentially Australian.

As a coastal locale, the Shire enjoys more than a handful of foodie hot spots where the view is equally as delicious as the menu. Yep, if you’re looking to dine somewhere with an in-built soundtrack of waves, the scent of salt in the air and a backdrop of sandy shorelines, your search ends here. Read on to discover Scout’s pick of eight seaside eateries and waterfront restaurants in the Sutherland Shire.

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8 Waterfront Restaurants To Try In The Sutherland Shire

Pippi’s

Cronulla’s newest eatery, Pippis, comes to you from the team behind The Grounds of Alexandria. Mediterranean inspired and located at the prestigious Calico Marina, Pippis is the perfect meeting of Euro vibes and unmistakable Shire charm - and it’s also the perfect meeting point for you and your besties. Laze in the sun under vintage-style umbrellas as you sip your favourite wine (it’s BYO!) and munch on pizza, seafood and a line up of delicious classics.

Benny’s

Nestled under the shady canopy of eucalypts sits fresh-on-the-scene Benny’s, a Mediterranean meets Australian restaurant that boasts both the finesse of fine dining and the casual homeliness and candid unfussiness of great, honest produce. The textured interiors are calming, the staff are friendly, the cocktail list is refined, and the peaceful views of Gunnamutta Bay are unmatched. Where menu picks are concerned, we highly recommend the Corn Ribs with Curry Leaf Butter, and advise against skipping on the Benny’s Donut to finish.

Sealevel

Butting up against the sand of North Cronulla Beach, it doesn’t get much closer to the seaside than Sealevel. Any seasoned Shire-sider will be familiar with Sealevel, but for those who aren’t, picture a menu with French and Italian influences that heroes seafood served in a light-and-bright space with floor to ceiling views of the ocean. Not ones to shy away from a challenge, the team behind Sealevel change the menu every two weeks - so each time brings forth a completely different culinary journey.

Summer Salt

Recently refurbished and reopened, Summer Salt is yet another Shire longterm favourite. Situated in a prime position overlooking Elouera Beach, the venue’s latest revamp is bold and chic, with interiors designed to maximise guest interaction with the views. As for the food, they describe it as a contemporary Italian place - with hero dishes like Chargrilled WA Octopus and Seppia Linguine.

Scout tip: If you’re dining mid-week, don’t miss their lunch special: 2 courses for $59 or 3 for $72.

Next Door

Casual cafe meets relaxed fine dining at Next Door, little sister to the more refined Sealevel. Being nestled beside the flagship venue, Next Door enjoys similar North Cronulla Beach views, where sea breezes are able to gently pass through their big, bi-fold doors. The menu is designed to be enjoyed however you like; share with your S.O., a group of friends, or pick your favourite main all to yourself. The choice is yours.

Bobby’s

With its rattan-filled interiors, beachfront location and easy vibe, Bobby’s practically broke social media when it landed in Cronulla in late 2023. And it’s still going strong. Designed by esteemed architecture firm Tom Mark Henry, founded by the duo behind Bangor Tavern, Kylie and Adam Miloca, and helmed by Pablo Tordesillas (ex-Otto and Tottis) and Shaun Baker (Pier, Yan Restaurant and Bills), Bobby’s had a winning formula down pat from the start. As you soak up the views, we suggest dipping into the expertly-crafted cocktail menu, which features summery standouts like the Offshore, as well as a dedicated list of margies.

Bianchini’s

Bianchini’s encompasses not one, nor two, but three venues across the Shire. And while the food and drinks are standout at all of them, it’s the Eleuroua Beach location that wins over with its stunning view. From casual brunch classics - served all day - to fresh lunch picks, you can’t go wrong with anything on this expansive menu, where daily specials make a regular feature. Think nostalgic surf club joint, but taken up several notches.

Cronulla RSL

Although Cronulla RSL comprises several restaurants and bars, they all have one thing in common: stellar views of the beach. The recently revamped menu and refurbishment of the venue’s most prominent areas have brought it firmly to the forefront of the Shire foodie scene, where classics like schnitzels and parmies sit alongside salmon gravlax. Best of all are their two hour bottomless sessions, which start at just $85 per person.

Posted: November 2024

8 Seaside Eateries To Try In The Shire