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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

Dining by the harbour at night is magical. Some of the most enjoyable dining locations include Cockle Bay, Pyrmont, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Walsh Bay and Woolloomooloo Wharf. 

Best of Sydney dining by the water

Le Kiosk on Shelly Beach, Manly. Image Andrew Gregory

With so many beautiful waterside locations choose from, you could spend your holiday 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, Sails at McMahons Point and The Wharf Restaurant@Pier 2 at Walsh Bay.

For a more casual approach to Sydney dining, head to Le Kiosk on Shelly Beach near Manly, the perfect spot for fish and chips while you take in the north-facing beach views. Sean’s Panaroma at the northern end of Bondi Beach has postcard views of the beach and a great contemporary menu.

You'll find terrific beachside cafes at most of Sydney's beaches. A few popular ones include Blue Water Cafe at Manly Beach, Swell at Bronte Beach, Seasalt at Clovelly Beach and the Crabbe Hole at Bondi Beach. Because Sydney has a year-round, mediterranean-style climate, beachside dining is popular from Palm Beach and Narrabeen Beach to Coogee and Cronulla at any time of the year.

Fly and dine in Sydney

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

You'll know you're in Sydney when you head off for lunch in a seaplane over Sydney Harbour and along the coastline surrounding the city. Visit Berowra Waters Inn, a beautiful restaurant located on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, drop in to Jonah’s Whale Beach or the Boathouse at Palm Beach where you'll enjoy ocean views and casual dining at its best.

Woolloomooloo Wharf dining

This heritage-listed wharf, located on Sydney Harbour, is home to many stylish bars and restaurants. Sink into comfortable lounges at Water Bar as you sip on cocktails, or dine outdoors at Manta, Otto Ristorante and China Doll where spectacular views of the city accompany your meal.

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 the fabulous restaurants located here, right by the harbour. Don't miss Stefano Manfredi’s Balla, fine Japanese cooking at Sokyo, Golden Century and Black by ezard.

Stefano Manfredi's Balla at The Star

Northside dining

Balmoral Beach is home to delightful waterside restaurants such as Public Dining Room and Bathers' Pavilion Restaurant. Just up the hill, Mosman's Military Road has a string of stylish cafes and restaurants while nearby Georges Heights and Chowder Bay have spectacular harbour views as well as great places to eat.

Bathers Pavilion at Balmoral Beach, Mosman.

Waterside restaurants in Sydney

Most of Sydney's waterside restaurants 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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