Winter in the Sutherland Shire hits different. It’s less about hibernation and more about getting amongst it. Although the mercury might be dropping, the Shire is hotting up with new venues giving us good reason to rug up and head out. Whether you’re after a hit of caffeine or a Mediterranean feast, here are five new hot openings in the Sutherland Shire this winter season.
Parc Pavilion is the new multi-venue addition to the hospitality scene in the Sutherland Shire. The brand-new hospitality pub is a collaboration between the Feros Group and Sammut Group and includes four venues under the one roof. There’s the family-friendly Parc Bistro-Brasserie, busy buzzy sports bar, Mr Monro’s, the upstairs bar, The Terrace and Italian diner, Call Me Mamma. Jaime Gannon (ex-executive chef at Laundy Hotels) joins the group as culinary director and he’s doling out some seriously good food, from the pizza and pane on The Terrace to the pork cutlet cotoletta at Call Me Mumma. parcpavilion.com.au
Zee’s Café has been a huge success since opening in the Sydney suburb of Dulwich Hill in 2024. So much so that the owners have replicated the formula and opened a sister café in the hip strip of shops on Wills Rd, Woolooware. While ostensibly the café is all about acai, Zee’s Café in Woolooware is also a top spot for coffee and cake. But it’s their bacon-and-egg roll served on a pillowy milk bun that is drawing everyone from mums catching up on the school drop-off to tradies and players for the Cronulla Sharks. Despite the café’s expansion into the 2230 postcode, the friendly staff are as meticulous as ever about everything from the service to the quality of the locally sourced ingredients. @zeescafe_
Roberto’s at the Bangor Tavern
The Bangor Tavern has had another reboot with both its fit-out and food. Owned by Adam and Kylie Micola, of Bobbys Cronulla, the design of the revitalised pub by Tom Mark Henry draws its inspiration from the Mediterranean. Think terracotta tones, potted plants and beach umbrellas that set the scene for a good time. The only challenge is whittling down your decision on what to order. Will it be the grilled octopus with nduja vinaigrette, chickpeas and oregano? OR the chicken schnitzel with cabbage and fennel slaw. The venue’s update includes an extension to the children’s playground and new sports lounge. bangortavern.com.au
Cronulla locals breathed a collective sigh of relief when they found out much-loved vegetarian restaurant Pilgrims was moving to new premises. Contrary to popular belief, carnivores are equally obsessed with the restaurant’s cult menu items such as the Bliss burger and smashed avo on sourdough. Not all vegetarian restaurants are created equal and Pilgrims is a prime example of this. Regardless of your dietary preferences, the food here is on point. The restaurant owned by Anthony Grewal (who also has The Press) has moved a couple of 100 metres up the road from its original location in a heritage building that had been its home for 11 years. pilgrimscronulla.com.au
Dear coffee lovers. There’s now a new neighbourhood Grind. The cult café has planted its flag in a corner spot near to Gymea Train Station in the premises that once housed Bianco Nero. Seeing the godfather of the Grind brand, Richard Calabro, loitering in the neighbourhood can only be a good thing. The coffee scene in the Sutherland Shire has changed considerably since Calabro set up shop. Apart from training most of the best baristas in the neighbourhood, he’s here to get us jacked on caffeine and we’re all for it. You’re welcome. @grindespressogymea
