Sydney is a gourmet’s delight, thanks to its fresh produce and seafood plucked straight from the ocean. There is no finer cuisine while imbibing the breathtaking ocean views, and enjoying the mesmerising sound of the waves and holiday atmosphere.
Here are my Top 5 beach-side restaurants in Sydney:
5. Hugos
Hugos is a waterfront restaurant located at Manly’s wharf, treating patrons with its unfettered view of the harbour beach and incoming ferries. Known for the best pizza in Australia (!!!!), Hugos never disappoints. My favourites are the fig & gorgonzola pizza and the watermelon cocktail.
Table for two at the Pantry, overlooking Manly beach
4. The Pantry
You cannot get closer to the ocean than sitting at a table at the Pantry, overlooking Manly beach. The distressed beachy interior design adds to the rustic fisherman flair. Must-eats are the creamy oysters and the grilled lemon sole with almond crust. To die for!
My recommendation at the Pantry: Grilled Whole Lemon Sole Almondine w/ almonds & brown butter
3. The Dunes Kiosk, Palm Beach
Palm beach is about an hour away from Sydney’s centre, a real holiday getaway. It’s no surprise that Aussie celebrities and millionaires choose this picture-perfect peninsula as their base. “Palmy” is classy but not snooty, and cute beach-side cafe “The Dunes” represents that relaxed flair beautifully. Right near the ocean (no views, but you can smell and hear the sea), the cafe charms with the unique blue and white striped “Strandkörbe”. These German beach wicker chairs usually reside at the Baltic Sea, yet look just as fitting down at the other end of the world.
Foodwise, try their battered fish or – if you’re calorie conscious – their healthy delicious salds.
Sitting comfortably in my “Strandkorb” at Dunes
2. Barrenjoey House, Palm Beach
A landmark at Palmy with beautiful views to the riverside of the peninsula, this is an absolute gem. The lovely beachy decor calls for a bucket of cold prawns (highly recommended) or grilled flathead on chips.
Shabby Beach Chic at Barrenjoey
1. The Boathouse, Palm Beach
My all-time favourite restaurant is The Boathouse, a magical place, residing on stilts, literally above the water. I wish I could copy and paste the decor of the restaurant into my own flat – romantic shabby Hampton chic at its best! Watch the waterplanes land right in front of you whilst tucking into a steak sandwhich. Whilst the food is decent, I prefer the cuisine at Barrenjoey House. However, for location and flair alone, the boathouse is unbeatable.
Mr Romantique chilling at the pier of the boathouse
