The best waterfront restaurants in Sydney

What is it? Bondi’s sea-salt-sprayed jewel by chef-owner Sean Moran serving gorgeous, home-style seasonal food for more than 30 years.

Why we love it: Dining at Sean’s feels like being in a home filled with love, delicious things, and yes, a heck of a lot of shells. Soul is at the heart of this iconic coastal spot, and you can’t help but come away feeling like your cup has been filled. Also, Sean’s legendary roast chook tastes like the best one you’ve ever had. Order that.

Time Out tip: Sean’s was the winner of Time Out’s Best Special Occasion Restaurant 2025 – so if you’ve got a birthday or anniversary coming up, you know where we would be recommending.

Address: 270 Campbell Parade, North Bondi NSW 2026

Expect to pay: $140 for a three-course meal, plus drinks

What is it? A cheery waterfront BYO diner in Mosman and the sibling to the award-winning Ormeggio at the Spit.

Why we love it: Chiosco by Ormeggio is one of Sydney’s best gems. Not only is the Italian diner literally on the water, and delicious, it’s also the kind of place you can go to with swimmers underneath your shorts, where service comes with a big smile and lots of “ciao!”s, and you really do forget about the time.

Time Out tip: This Italian restaurant is literally right on the water at The Spit (you need to walk through d’Albora Marina to reach it).

Address: d’Alboro Marina, Spit Road, Mosman 2088

Expect to pay: Premium sharing feast $99 per person, a la carte options and kids menu available, plus drinks

What is it? Bondi’s iconic coastal Italian diner.

Why we love it: Is there a better seat in Sydney for lunch than Icebergs Dining Room and Bar? Yes, flash-diner Quay is up there, and so too is Bennelong in Sydney's favourite house. But when the sun is shining, we want to be at Icebergs, living the life of the rich and famous, albeit for a few sun-soaked, sea salt-sprayed glorious hours. Sure, those million-dollar views will cost you, but we can't take cash to our graves, can we?

Time Out tip: Don’t have a booking? The bar area is walk-in only, so you can drop in for a fruity cocktail, ace burger and a side of sea views when you get the itch.

Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Expect to pay: Two-course menu $130, three-course menu $150, plus drinks

What is it? A relaxed seaside 

café for good food and even better views.

Why we love it: This spot is tucked away right around the bend from beautiful Manly Beach – and trust us when we say it's well worth the scenic walk. Come for brekkie, lunch or drinks, but whatever you do, just come.

Time Out tip: Get $12 drinks between 2-4pm daily.

Address: Shelly Beach, 1 Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095

Expect to pay: $15-35 for a light or big brekky, most lunch dishes around $20-30, plus a coffee or drinks

What is it? Sharply executed Sardinian signatures right up above Freshwater’s sandy shores.

Why we love it: The first thing that hits you when you visit Pilu, the only Sardinian restaurant in Sydney, is the glorious view. The restaurant is in a huge old weatherboard house looking out over the beach at Freshwater. In winter, catch the whales migrating. In summer, watch as locals take to the sea. Make sure to order ahead for the incredible platter of golden, crisp-skinned suckling pig and rosemary potatoes, brought to you by the much-loved chef Giovanni Pilu.

Time Out tip: If you're looking for something more casual, right next door to Pilu you'll find Pilu Baretto – a café by day, wine bar by night.

Address: Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096

Expect to pay: Starters $28-$45, mains $42-65, plus drinks

What is it? Bobby’s is a playful and sprawling beachside Mediterranean-inspired diner that's more Santorini than South Cronulla. Think juicy orange beach umbrellas, line drawings of fish, and a windy soundscape of seabirds and children squealing on the beach that Bobby's overlooks. The name is a nod to restaurateur Adam Micola’s father Bobby, who makes regular cameos in the restaurant alongside his  glamorous wife, Amanda. 

Why we love it: The ocean views are an obvious reason to visit Bobbys, the restaurant that's docked at the waterfront in South Cronulla. But locals are beelining for Bobbys for more than its blessed location. For starters, the beachfront restaurant embodies the beach club spirit of Ibiza, emphasising fun Euro vacay vibes while also conjuring up its very own version of contemporary Cronulla cool.

Time Out tip: Be sure to book ahead as this is one of the busiest restaurants in Cronulla and reservations are hard to snag.

Address: 6R The Esplanade, Cronulla NSW 2230

Expect to pay: Start with a few signature cocktails, two starters and two mains and you’re looking at a $200 spend.  

What is it? Perched high on the cliffs above Whale Beach is Jonah’s, a sea-salt-sprayed boutique hotel and restaurant that has been standing strong since 1929.

Why we love it: Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow sunlight to stream into the bright-white dining room, and every table faces the ocean so there’s not a bad seat in the house. And while this seaside classic is a bit of a drive away, Jonah’s offers the kind of views that make you feel like you’re on holiday. The menu, overseen by executive chef Rey Ambas – who’s previously worked at Aqua Dining and Pilu – celebrates modern Australian cuisine with Italian flair. If there’s the option to add on plump, sweet and caramelised scallops bathed in burnt butter, do that.

Time Out tip: After your meal, head out to Jonah’s terrace balcony and enjoy a final Spritz before the journey home. Better yet, book a night here and keep the good times rolling.

Address: 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108

Expect to pay: Three-course menu $145, plus optional matched wines $79

What is it? Canvas, a fine dining restaurant with a bold concept at an accessible price point, is open on level four of Sydney’s MCA in The Rocks.

Why we love it: We're big fans of the food here – and it's all served with a side of Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. How good is that?! Better yet, there's always something new and exciting to experience, thanks to the restaurant's unique residency rotation model.

Time Out tip: Canvas is lunch-only (the space morphs into an event venue at night) – so if you’ve got a birthday, date with your nan or an anniversary coming up, book in for the day.

Address: Level 4, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Two-course menu $95, three-course option for $120

What is it? Restaurant and bar St Siandra brings year-round summer vibes to Mosman; so much so that the Mediterranean-inspired venue is situated on a white-sand private beach (yes, really), overlooking the turquoise waters of the Spit. 

Why we love it: Spend the afternoon watching yachts glide by with Spritzes on tap, and eating seafood prepared by head chef Sam McCallum (formerly of two-hatted Nomad). How's that for la bella vita?

Time Out tip: Cocktails wise, our pick is The Flying Cloud, a fun and fruity drink made with Malfy Gin Rosa, Aperol, citrus and fresh watermelon, and topped with fairy floss and edible flowers. Order that.

Address: 75 Lower, Parriwi Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Expect to pay: Snacks and small plates $12-32, larger dishes $34-58, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? Benny’s is a relaxed restaurant overlooking pretty Gunnamatta Bay that offers fresh and honest modern Aussie and Mediterranean flavours that sing of the sea. Designed by chef RJ Lines (formerly at award-winning restaurant One Penny Red), this is a menu anchored to the ocean. The waterfront restaurant is all sandstone and brass, with big bay windows offering one of Cronulla’s best waterfront views.

Why we love it: Benny’s is all about seasonality, simplicity and waterfront vibes. Dig into the signature barra in a bag with clams and cherry tomatoes, and get into its excellent drinks list too. Curated by Nelson Braid (an Australian gin champion of the Year), the cocktail list is light and refreshing and big on botanicals, and the wine list is concise and considered.

Expect to pay:  $180 will get you a very decent dinner and a few drinks.

Address: 27 Tonkin St, Cronulla NSW 2230

Time Out tip: If you're in your swimmers, don't stress. Benny’s offers takeaway beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce, plus gelato and ice cream cones – perfect for enjoying on the grassy knoll outside in the sunshine.

What is it? Manly Pavilion is a heritage-listed seaside venue complete with its own restaurant, lounge and event spaces.

Why we love it: Combine panoramic water views (bonus points for additional city skyline), seafood, fresh pasta, a sunny deck and a cheeky bevvy and the result is the Platonic ideal of a perfect Sydney day. And it’s an accessible reality at Manly Pavilion. The dining room housed in the 1930's bathing pavilion facing Manly Cove and looking out to the heads and all the way back to the CBD skyscrapers, could not be better located if it tried.

Expect to pay: Mains around $35-45, or group sharing menu for $90 per person

Address: West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Time Out tip: Manly Pavilion is one of the first places you pass if you’re trekking from the Spit along the coastal walk – we can think of worse places to refuel.

What is it? A Sydney stalwart serving up some of the city’s best views over lunch or dinner.

Why we love it: Located atop Customs House right in the heart of Circular Quay, Cafe Sydney has the kind of vistas that make you feel proud to call Sydney home. And while some may say you can find fresher, more innovative spots elsewhere, consistency, class and polished service never go out of style – which makes sense when you consider the fine diner celebrated 25 years in 2024. And don’t just take our word for it – food goddess Nigella Lawson is a big fan, dropping in every time she’s in town.

Time Out tip: When you need to impress out-of-towners, Cafe Sydney always delivers.

Address: Level 5, Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters $30–$40; mains $40–$55, plus drinks

What is it? Luna Lu is a modern Asian restaurant situated along the sandstone Campbells Cove in The Rocks. In terms of quintessential Sydney views, this is as good as it gets.

Why we love it: The fit-out of the 160-seat restaurant is stylish and sophisticated, featuring moody black marble tables, blue suede chairs, and hand-crafted ceramics. Diners can take a seat in the open-yet-covered space, allowing you to enjoy fresh air while sitting outside regardless of the weather conditions.

Time Out tip: With cocktail masterclasses, whisky tastings, dumpling making, traditional tea ceremonies and weekend high-tea experiences, there are plenty of reasons to visit Luna Lu sooner rather than later.

Address: Campbell's Cove, Bay 4-5, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Starters $30–$40, dumplings $25-30, large plates $42-85, plus sides and drinks

What is it? A waterside fine diner owned by Sydney Restaurant Group –  the team behind Ormeggio at The Spit, Aqua Dining and Ripples Chowder Bay.

Why we love it: Located right on the Lavender Bay foreshore, the harbourside Sails on Lavender Bay restaurant has been offering guests grid-worthy views of the Harbour Bridge and glittering harbour for more than 40 years. Now, after a massive French Riviera-inspired glow-up, the Sydney dining institution has reopened, and we’ve got to say, she’s looking schmick.

Time Out tip: The fit-out is gorgeous. Think: a joyous clash of textures, prints and colours, stylish furniture and elegant touches, resulting in a coastal-European look. We reckon your mum or nan would love it.

Address: 2 Henry Lawson Ave, McMahons Point NSW 2060

Expect to pay: Two-course menu $95, three-course option $109

What is it? Rose Bay’s dreamy waterfront restaurant and a Sydney icon for more than 30 years.

Why we love it: Catalina opened in 1994, and today it’s still a family-owned-and-run affair. The dishes are exquisite – both in taste and presentation – the seafood is always top-notch, and those water views are nearly as good as a holiday.

Time Out tip: Catalina sparkles at sunset and glows at dinner, but if a long lunch is on the cards, that’s our top pick.

Address: Lyne Park, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029

Expect to pay: $150 for a three-course meal, plus drinks

What is it? Kingsleys serves a grown up version of surf 'n' turf with a side of a million dollar view.

Why we love it: Often it’s great food that a restaurant has going for it. And other times, it’s all about the location and the view. And every now and then you stumble upon a spot that combines the best of both – and the result is pretty great. Enter Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, a steak and seafood restaurant located right on the wharf at Woolloomooloo by the sparkling harbour.

Time Out tip: To kick things off, go for the freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and the dry-aged Wagyu steak tartare, paired with a glass (or bottle) of bubbles.

Address: 10/6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

Expect to pay: Feed Me menu $159, plus paired wines $75

What is it? A beautiful all-day restaurant set within a 1920s building dishing up modern European fare and wines.

Why we love it: If a long, boozy lunch is what you're after – one where wine is poured with a smile, dishes appear and disappear like magic, and you forget about the time – Bathers' Pavilion is your spot. And with views that good, why would anyone be in a hurry?

Time Out Tip: Former Sixpenny and Shell House chef Aaron Ward took over the reins as executive chef at Bathers’ this year, changing up the menu with exciting additions. If it’s been a while between visits, now’s a good time.

Address: 4 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088

Expect to pay: Tasting menu $190

What is it? Merivale’s seafood-driven, loosely Mediterranean high-flyer on Coogee Pavilion’s middle level.

Why we love it: Mimi’s, like it’s northern sibling Bert’s in Newport, is a thing of beauty. It takes up the majority of the second floor of the Coogee Pavilion and you will not look out of place if you get your hair done just to eat dinner here. Repurpose a wad of cash from your future travel funds and use it to treat yourself here instead.

Time Out tip: If a Spritz with a side of sea breeze is what the doctor calls for, sidle over to Una Más, the tapas bar across the hall.

Address: 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034

Expect to pay: Starters $20-$70; mains $50-$150, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? A longstanding, harbourside fine-dining landmark overseen by Matt Moran.

Why we love it: Last year marked 25 years of Aria, chef Matt Moran's stellar fine diner by Sydney Harbour. There's lots to like, from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that let you take in one of the city's best views to the seasonal, flawless food and top-notch wine service. Dining at Aria feels like a reading a love note to Sydney – and it's one we're keen to read for another 25 years.

Time Out tip: Going to a show? Book in at Aria for the pre-theatre option, where you can enjoy either a two- or three-course delicious meal.

Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

Expect to pay: Three-course meal for $180, plus drinks

What is it? An upscale riverfront restaurant for modern Australian fare made from organic and local produce.

Why we love it: Berowra Waters Inn is special. You can feel it as you approach the restaurant by water, surrounded by bushland and singing birds, jumping fish and the odd bullshark. There is no other restaurant like this in Sydney.

Time Out tip: You can only reach Berowra Waters Inn by water, but the good news is that the team offers complimentary boat transfers. Or you can call up your rich mate – whatever works.

Address: 1 Calabash Point, Berowra Waters NSW 2159

Expect to pay: Six-course menu $220, plus drinks

What is it? World-renowned chef Peter Gilmore’s artful, imaginative interpretation of Australian cuisine, under the soaring sails of the Sydney Opera House. 

Why we love it: “By God, this is a beautiful place to eat a meal.” The thought is almost certain to strike at some point as you dine under the dominating, post-Brutalist arches of executive chef Peter Gilmore's marvelous restaurant. And that’ll be before you even see the food. But luckily, both the food and the service here are every bit as polished as the magnificent setting.

Time Out tip: Don't have the cash for a full dinner experience? Come to the bar and order wine and a few snacks.

Address: Sydney Opera House

Expect to pay: $210 for a three-course menu and sides, plus drinks

What is it? A supreme fine diner, and a world-class culinary experience in almost every respect.

Why we love it: Quay, Sydney's finest restaurant, is obviously on this list. In terms of waterfront views – and exceptional dining experiences – it takes the cake. You will just need to save up your pocket money beforehand, though.

Time Out tip: There is not a bad time to dine at Quay, so whether you come for a sun-dappled lunch, or a romantic dinner, you'll be stoked.

Address: Upper Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000

Expect to pay: $365 for chef’s tasting menu, plus drinks

What is it? The northern haven of long lunch luxury from the Merivale crew.

Why we love it: A meal at Bert’s is as close as we can ever get to actually living the jazz age in all its glory. There’s not a dining room in the city that can hold a candle to the soft-focus beauty that Merivale have achieved in the final instalment of the Newport’s renewal, and though we can’t afford the $2 million price tag on a Newport residence, an afternoon of café society luxury can be yours.

Time Out tip: The Newport, found down below Bert's, is an ace spot for a Sunday sesh – be sure to order a couple of the puffy, charred wood-fired pizzas with your Spritzes. 

Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106

Expect to pay: Starters $34-$44, mains from $40, plus drinks

What is it? A harbourside restaurant set within the 19th-century Submarine Miners' Depot at Clifton Gardens Reserve.

Why we love it: With grid-worthy views, a sparkling ocean and fresh share plates, does it get much better than Ripples Chowder Bay? This Mosman restaurant has been loved by locals and tourists alike for years – and after a visit here you'll soon see why. Find out more here.

Time Out tip: Can't make it to Chowder Bay? No worries. There's also a Ripples in Little Manly, which goes down a treat.

Address: Building 7 C, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Expect to pay: Snacks $8-14, starters $29-36, mains $38-64, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? The perfect spot for plane-watching and long, waterside lunches.

Why we love it: A seaplane departure lounge may not be your first port of call when you’re looking to book in a long lunch in Sydney’s east – but then again, Quay sits above Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal so why shouldn’t Lyne Park’s Sydney Seaplanes Lounges (formerly Empire Lounge) be a lunch spot worth its salt, too? For views out over the glittering waters of Rose Bay, this glass-walled eatery jutting out over the water affords you the most fresh seafood and stunning views.

Time Out tip: Feel like a caffeine hit? Hit up the nearby coffee truck, located 100 metres from Rose Bay Wharf. 

Address: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029

Expect to pay: Small and share plates around $25-30, mains $40-50, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? A glassed-in box at the end of a Pyrmont wharf showcasing a show-stopping collision of Japanese and Italian influences.

Why we love it: Outside on the street, away from the Star, Pyrmont feels like a bit of a No Man’s Land for a fancy dinner out. But that was until LuMi Bar and Dining came along, the restaurant from ex-head chef of Ormeggio at the Spit, Federico Zanellato. It’s right on the wharf opposite the casino, and because of its positioning and huge glass walls, it feels as if you’re floating on the harbour, surrounded as you are by water.

Time Out tip: LuMi has one of Sydney's best degustations – if you've got a super-special occasion coming up, come here.

Address: 56 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009

Expect to pay: $265 for the tasting menu, plus drinks

What is it? This is a long-serving Italian restaurant with some of the most enviable waterfront seats in Sydney, and a die-hard fan base who love a long lunch with pasta and wine.

Why we love it: You know a restaurant has the heart of the city when they try and take a dish off the menu and the hysterics can be heard across the city. That's what happened when Otto tried to remove their al dente strozzapreti with whole king prawns, salty black olives, and a rich ragu made with calamari from the list.

Time Out tip: Snag $10 mini Martinis and your fave Otto bites from 4-6pm, Wednesday through to Saturday.

Address: 8/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo 2011

Expect to pay: Snacks and antipasti $12-$39, pasta and risotto $29-$41 (half- and full-size portions available), seafood and mains $61-$86, sides $18-$35

What is it? Ormeggio, the jewel of The Spit, is a meat-free dining destination with an a la carte seafood menu and a holiday-like vibe.

Why we love it: There’s not many “best of” lists that Ormeggio at the Spit hasn’t graced during its 15 years at the D’Alboro Marina in Middle Harbour. The Italian fine diner is one of the city’s top long lunch spots and has the kind of waterfront views residents pay tens of millions to enjoy. 

Time Out tip: Got a pesco mate? Bring them here – Ormeggio at The Spit's menu features only seafood and plants. 

Address: D’albora Marinas, Spit Road, Mosman 2088

Expect to pay: Set menus around $149-$225 per person, plus drinks

What is it? This Woolloomooloo finger wharf hot spot is the go-to for ladies' long lunches, water views and shareable pan-Asian cuisine. 

Why we love it: The banquet menu options are great for groups, so book a big table and order up a bunch of dishes that trot through Beijing (Peking duck pancakes), Bali (cobia yellow curry), Bangkok (crisp pork belly with chilli caramel and prik nam pla) and Sydney (salt and pepper king prawns with toasted chilli and garlic). 

Time Out tip: Again, go for the banquet menu – it's excellent.

Address: 4/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

Expect to pay: Banquets start at $80 a head