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Waterside dining in Sydney

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Jonah's at Whale Beach. Image Mark Pokorny
Dining on Manly wharf at Manly Cove. Image Andrew Gregory

Waterside dining in Sydney

Sydney Summer nights are made for waterfront dining so head to the harbour or beach for a magical night out.

Best of Sydney dining by the water

Le Kiosk on Shelly Beach, Manly. Image Andrew Gregory

With so many beautiful waterside spots to choose from, you could spend all Summer enjoying sparkling water views with your main course in Sydney. For the ultimate in luxury, Jonah’s at Whale Beach combines a luxury ocean retreat and European cuisine with expansive views across the ocean. You can only get to the Berowra Waters Inn on the Hawkesbury River, famed for its riverfront degustation menu, by ferry or seaplane. Other stylish waterfront options include Catalina in Rose Bay and Sails at McMahons Point.

For a more casual approach to Sydney dining, head to Le Kiosk on Shelly Beach near Manly. This charming sandstone cottage is the perfect spot for fish and chips or a coffee while you take in the north-facing beach views.

Sean’s Panaroma at the north end of Bondi Beach is well-known for its outstanding menu.

Some of Sydney’s best beachside cafes include Swell at Bronte Beach, and Bather's Pavillion in Balmoral. Take a stroll along the beach and then while away a few hours over lunch, brunch or a casual dinner.

Fly and dine in Sydney

Catching a Sydney Seaplane to Berowra Waters Inn. Image Sydney Seaplanes

Combine a scenic flight over Sydney’s coastline with lunch at Sydney’s best waterside dining locations  with Sydney Seaplanes or Sydney by Seaplanes. Visit Berowra Waters Inn, discreetly hidden on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, or drop in to Jonah’s Whale Beach or the Boathouse at Palm Beach for ocean views.

Woolloomooloo Wharf

This heritage-listed wharf is located in the heart of Sydney and is home to several stylish bars and restaurants. Visit Water Bar for canapés and cocktails, or dine outside at Manta, Otto or China Doll for spectacular views of the city.

Woolloomooloo Wharf. ImageTony Yeates

Restaurants at The Star

For a taste of Monte Carlo in Sydney, head to The Star at Darling Harbour. Celebrate your roll of the dice with a meal at one of its many restaurants, including Stefano Manfredi’s Balla and Chase Kojima’s Sokyo. Leave some room for dessert at MasterChef, Adriano Zumbo’s.

Stefano Manfredi's Balla at The Star

Dine by the beach at Balmoral

Balmoral Beach is home to several waterside dining favourites - Public Dining Room and Bathers' Pavilion Restaurant, featuring stylish, modern interiors and fresh, seasonal dishes. Take a water taxi from the city and make your entrance in style.

Bathers Pavilion at Balmoral Beach, Mosman.

Waterside dining

Most of Sydney's waterside dining venues stay open for business all year round, from the humblest gelato stand or pie shop, to some of the world's freshest and innovative fine dining. Sydney offers delicious food accompanied by world-class views so water views and good food are the rule, not the exception in Sydney.

Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and Wolloomoolloo Wharf are waterfront precincts alive with activity day and night. Alfresco dining is constantly in demand at sleek dining establishments on King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay and the Harbourside. Cafe Sydney is an absolute must for a special location overlooking the harbour and bridge or catch a casual meal and pre-show drink at the Opera Kitchen near the Opera House. Kobe Jones Sydney has redefined modern Japanese cuisine while Sydney's acclaimed chef Matt Moran leads the kitchen at Aria. A world of dining exists along the heritage-listed Woolloomooloo Wharf at restaurants Otto, Manta and Aki's.

Not many sights compare to watching the sun go down over Bondi, whether it's lazing on the grassy knoll on the northern side, or enjoying Campari cocktails and crab with polenta, chilli and lemon at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. Sean's Panaroma is a world-class favourite of the locals and Nick's Seafood and Ravesi's serve you ocean views with your main course.

The ultimate Sydney and water dining experience, however, is catching a seaplane from Rose Bay to the delightful Cottage Point Inn or Berowra Waters Inn of Jonah's at Palm Beach.

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