As winter fades, turn up the heat and dine waterside at these Sydney Summer hotspots.
The Fenwick, Balmain East
Housed in a harbourside heritage building in Balmain East, Fenwick gives guests a different perspective of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. One of Sydney’s newest eateries, the bright and breezy space further enlivens the senses with a gallery of artworks and a concise menu. Catch the six-minute ferry ride from Barangaroo Wharf. Visit thefenwick.com.au
Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral Beach
Dining at Sydney’s famous Bathers’ Pavilion has always conjured up seaside holiday nostalgia. This Summer, the newly revamped Art Deco dining destination is ready to tempt guests with an array of refreshed spaces and smart menus. From fish and chips in the Sunroom (sandy feet welcome), to fine dining at the Chef’s Table or Champagne and regional oysters on the roof terrace, this is a must-do Summer experience for 2020. Visit batherspavilion.com.au
Bert’s Bar and Brasserie, Newport
This indulgent light-filled dining space overlooks Pittwater and the grounds of The Newport. The room is reminiscent of a 1930s Long Island grandeur and the food and service is outstanding. Gather a special group of friends and family to savour fresh lobster, caviar and handmade pasta. You can also fly in on a seaplane from Rose Bay. Visit merivale.com/venues/berts
The Newport, Pittwater
Perfect for families, The Newport has Pittwater views and an outdoor street market feel. There’s an array of delicious food with everything from wood-fired pizzas and seafood to seasonal salads and noodles. Children will love the expansive play area with ping pong and oversized scrabble, while adults will enjoy lounging on the sunny waterfront deck. Visit merivale.com/venues/thenewport
Chiosco by Ormeggio, Mosman
The recently renovated younger sibling of Ormeggio at The Spit enjoys a coveted spot on the jetty at Spit Bridge, so guests feel like they’re sitting amongst the bobbing boats. Take along a bottle of wine — it’s BYO only — and enjoy northern Italian-style pastas and chargrilled seafood. If you prefer a picnic, a new takeaway counter sells a daily selection of panini, coffees, calamari and more. Visit chiosco.com.au
Coogee Pavilion, Coogee Beach
Coogee Pavilion, or ‘The Pav’ as the locals fondly call it, is a top spot for afternoon drinks or an early dinner as the sun goes down. The historic building is the former Coogee swimming baths and aquarium circa 1887. Relax in the expansive family-friendly casual dining and bar area, or for grown-ups, head upstairs the summerhouse-style rooftop bar with a panorama of the beach. Visit merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilion
The Bower, Manly
Located on the sea wall near Cabbage Tree Bay and the Fairy Bower Ocean Pool, The Bower serves up relaxed fare in a seaside setting. Enjoy brunch while watching paddle boarders on the water and runners making their way along Cabbage Tree Bay Coastal Walk. Try Bower’s famous breakfast cocktails, coconut muesli and Applewood smoked mackerel. Visit thebowermanly.com.au
Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay
Head beyond the suburb of Vaucluse to Watsons Bay Hotel, nestled amongst a natural wonderland of parks, harbour beaches and cliff top views. The Beach Club is always buzzing with patrons enjoying aperitifs and seafood platters while soaking up the harbour views. There’s also function spaces popular for weddings, a traditional sports bar and boutique accommodation with artful beachy interiors. Visit watsonsbayhotel.com.au
Barangaroo Precinct
For sophisticated grazing as the sun sets, head to Sydney’s waterside drinking and dining precinct, Barangaroo, where you can enjoy tropical cocktails and colourful share plates at Untied or settle in at stylish drinking lounge, Smoke, both with spectacular Darling Harbour views. Visit untiedsydney.com.au and barangaroohouse.com.au
Pilu, Freshwater Beach
In the Northern Beaches of Sydney, just off Freshwater Beach through a coastal garden, you’ll find upmarket restaurant Pilu. Owner Giovanni Pilu serves food inspired by his homeland Sardinia in a room that makes the most of the sparkling views. Their adjoining small bar Baretto serves espresso and prosecco, along with casual eats such as calamari fritti and fish burgers. Visit pilu.com.au
The classics
Opera Bar, Sydney CBD
Enjoy casual eats and drinks beside an icon at Opera Bar — the expansive indoor and outdoor bar is right on the harbour’s edge and dwarfed by the famous sails. Serving seasonal fare with front-of-house water views, pop in for breakfast, lunch, a pre-show dinner or just a cocktail at Sunset Hour with $9 pints and $10 spritzes. Visit operabar.com.au
Quay Restaurant, The Rocks
Quay is waterside glamour at its best with a degustation-only menu, breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour icons and one of the most famous desserts in the world. Head Chef Peter Gilmore has replaced the famed Snow Egg with a new generation dessert icon — White Coral. You must go if only for this heavenly cloud of snap-frozen aerated white chocolate. Visit quay.com.au
The Boathouse Blackwattle Bay, Glebe
With views across Blackwattle Bay and a focus on caught-that-day seafood and different varieties of oysters, The Boathouse in Glebe is a special spot for lunch. There’s a pretty view of Sydney’s other famous bridge — the Anzac Bridge — and an infamous snapper pie that’s been on the menu for 22 years. Visit boathouse.net.au
Aqua Dining, Milsons Point
Perched above North Sydney Pool between Luna Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Aqua Dining captures an iconic snapshot of Sydney. The inventive Italian menu based on seasonal Aussie produce offers two courses for $79; three courses for $99 and four courses for $115. There are also various tasting menus and a wine list with Italian, New Zealand and Australian drops. Visit aquadining.com.au
Catalina, Rose Bay
Harbourside haven Catalina in Rose Bay has been a Sydney dining icon for 23 years. The contemporary room with views of boats on the water is a classic spot for a long lunch with seamless service, extensive wine list and faultless food. Try Sydney Rock oysters shucked to order, crisp-skinned barramundi or soy-cured salmon. Visit catalinarosebay.com.au
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi Beach
This place is all about relishing the good life. From the blue of the ocean outside those floor-to-ceiling windows, to the seafood-heavy modern Italian menu and the cool cocktails. Both the bar and dining room have the same breathtaking views of Bondi Beach and Icebergs pool, so grab a drink in the bar or linger in the main room. Visit idrb.com
.jpg){kind=tracking}
