We have scoured the Shire to find the best seats in the house at restaurants that have set the bar for fine dining. Here are the places you’ve got to try, special occasion or not…
The Pines, Cronulla
Michelin-trained chef James Metcalfe cut his teeth at Justin North’s Becasse, and the Bellevue and, later, St George in Chippendale. And on a sunny day, there’s no better place to be than in the Hamptons-style dining room enjoying food made even more brilliant by the location overlooking the surf break known as ‘the alley’. Pedal down to The Pines via the shared bike path on the Esplanade so you can cut loose on a few cocktails. Start with roasted beetroot with whipped holy goat’s curd, followed by the pork jowl so loved by Good Food Guide critic Terry Durack or the bouillabaisse built for two. Hot tip: Those after something more casual can enjoy pizza and Pimms on the breezy Apres Beach patio.
Summer Salt Restaurant
The ocean is regarded like a religion in Cronulla, with restaurants such as Summer Salt drawing droves of devotees who can’t spend enough time perched overlooking the sea. The spacious tables accommodate special occasions so you can, like Prince Harry famously did, bring your entourage if you please. Even just walking into this fine dining restaurant has wow factor thanks to the floor-length windows and polished staff. Go all out and order a dozen oysters followed by seared Queensland scallops and executive chef and owner Carl Jensen’s signature twice-cooked duck, with Dutch carrot puree, raspberry and blood orange jus.
Hot tip: Book a table for lunch to really capitalise on those coastal views.
Sealevel Restaurant
Do you even live in the Sutherland Shire if you haven’t had a seafood platter from Sealevel? The Allouche family has operated this restaurant for the past 23 years with everything on the plate the product of executive chef Nathan Allouche’s imagination. The thing to do is to nab a spot near the see-and-be-seen window in the chic and elegant space, recently reimagined by local interior designer, Sonja Kritzler, of Kritzler+Link. What will give you pause here, apart from the generously proportioned seafood platter, is the view of sea and sky and passing parade of locals, who love to gawp at those lucky enough to be in the window seat.
Hot tip: Diners seeking a few spritzes by the sea should head next door to Next Door, also owned by the Allouches.
Jensens
Sutherland Shire has become somewhat of a showcase for the talents of executive chef Carl Jensen, who opened his first venture in Sylvania 30 years ago. The focus on Jensens is to elevate the experience of dining out in the Shire, showcasing Australian ingredients with contemporary technique. Collapse in one of the huge comfortable banquettes at Jensens and stockpile dishes such as the chicken and kimchi dumplings, crispy skin pork belly and barramundi with yellow curry.
Hot tip: Do your shopping downstairs in Kareela Village, then meet the family for dinner on the adjacent al fresco terrace.
Fior
Fior The couple behind Surry Hills restaurants Arthur and Jane – Tristan Rosier and Rebecca Fanning, have opened Fior in Gymea. This fun, neighbourhood restaurant with big, family-friendly tables, offers Italian cool, mixed with Aussie charm. They have aperitivo hour from 4pm – 5pm daily including $2 Sydney Rock Oysters. Check their website for more details.
Written by Carla Grossetti. Carla Grossetti is a freelance food and travel writer. Follow her adventures @food.travel.stories on Instagram. Visit www.carlagrossetti.com
