Providing good vibes and great wines, Bar Elvina is one of Avalon’s most popular spots for a sunset bev, and don’t get us started on the stunning interiors. This gorgeous little bar offers an eclectic menu focusing on seafood, craft beers, an interesting wine list, and carefully curated cocktails — Beaches-based locals can’t get enough!

Oozing effortless Hamptons Vibes, The Corner Palm Beach is the newest offering from The Boathouse Group. Housed in a restored coastal cottage, The Corner serves up coffee and elevated breaky as well as grab-and-go goodies from their Providore & Delicatessan — perfect to take across for a day at the beach — or settle in for an a la carte lunch. By night, the space transforms into a Euro-style bistro with lively wine bar vibes.

An all-day Italian hatted dining destination, Cibaria takes guests from their morning espresso at the caffetteria to gelato at the champagneria and all the way to a pasta feast at the spaghetteria. And behind it all? None other than celebrated restaurateurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni of a’Mare and Ormeggio at the Spit.

Brisbane-based Artemus Group — the team behind Felons Brewing Co — has reimagined the iconic Manly Wharf, offering a fresh seafood-focused dining experience that harmoniously blends modern Australian cuisine with the relaxed charm of the Northern Beaches. Helmed by former Rockpool Bar & Grill culinary director Corey Costelloe, Felons Seafood will showcase a menu that celebrates locally sourced produce and bold flavours, including some seafood offerings that aren’t widely known.

This sun-filled cottage restaurant is perfect for soaking up filtered sunlight and delicious farm-to-table delicacies. You can expect prettily plated dishes and unexpected flavour combos. Think wild three-corner leek dumplings with asparagus, smoked macadamia, fetta, and brown butter, and chocolate mousse, liquorice ice cream, raspberry, and elderflower.

This beachside beauty is fun, fun, fun. From the vibrant interiors to the popping house-made sauces, Fat Pomelo is fresh, bold and lively. Asian and local beers populate the drinks menu, alongside fruity cocktails and an Australian-leaning wine list. Gorgeous Asian fusion dishes like crispy skin master stock Bannockburn chook drizzled in signature satay sauce and wagyu beef cheek rendang round out the offering.

Ideally placed on the Pittwater side of Palmie, The Joey is set within the lovingly restored heritage Barrenjoey Boatshed. The experience is elevated from the get-go with large glass windows, lush gardens and an understated nautical colour palette. Multiple spaces allow for varied dining experiences from the relaxed ‘The Jetty Bar’ to the casual Garden Bar and the elegant Dining Room & Bar.

The intimate yet lively eatery is all about authenticity, from the terrazzo flooring and Pugliese ceramics to the vintage Campari posters and retro glassware. The menu is filled with classic dishes that have delightful, modern twists, like the kale-infused spaghetti and burrata served with charred mandarin and salmon roe.

When it comes to out-of-the-box pizzas that are hilariously named and next-level yum, Pocket Pizza knows how to bring it. The three cool and intimate venues on the Beaches serve as the ideal spot for a romantic date night or a casual catch-up with friends. Be sure to order the Can You Pig It and finish your meal with a serving of their ridiculously good tiramisu.

The Mona Social sits atop the Mona Vale Golf Club and commands breathtaking views of Mona Vale Beach. With an a la carte bistro offering reinvented classics and a casual bar with sports viewing areas, pool tables, and an in-house golf simulator, there’s something for everyone here. Headed by culinary virtuosos Mark LaBrooy and Cameron Johnston, the menu celebrates bistro staples with a contemporary twist.

Situated smack bang on the wharf and overlooking the harbour-side of town, watch the sunset as you sip on your margarita and tuck into your pizza at Hugos. A favourite among local and international celebrities alike, Hugos has an electric atmosphere and buzz — especially on a stunning summer’s day. The menu is brimming with fresh Italian cuisine (Sydney rock oysters, burrata, king prawns) that’s perfect for sharing.

Bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to the iconic Palm Beach, Dunes is surrounded by beautiful parklands that open out onto that famous stretch of sand. This alfresco-style restaurant more than capitalises on its idyllic location. Menu standouts include ocean-inspired delights like kingfish ceviche and local prawns, complemented by creative dishes like lamb shoulder with tahini and fresh burrata. Finish with a dessert of dark chocolate mousse.

As the only authentic Sardinian restaurant in Sydney, Pilu at Freshwater certainly has a reputation to uphold, and Chef Giovanni Pilu and his wife Marilyn Annecchinni, never disappoint. Aside from the mouth-watering menu, which includes degustations and an impressive wine list, Pilu’s panoramic view of Freshwater Beach alone is worth booking a table for. The menu is regularly on the move, but you can look forward to Sardinian ravioli filled with potato, Pecorino, mint, burnt butter, and sage.

It was a very good day indeed when the team behind Alma opened a sister venue down the beaches in nearby Freshwater. With beachside charm, casual fine dining and Mexican dishes with a modern twist, St. Alma hosts visiting chefs from Mexico and features a range of shared plates and a seasonal cocktail menu.

Tucked away in Terrey Hills, expect the unexpected at the Hatted Urban Tadka. This family-friendly fine dining restaurant blends traditional dishes and modern techniques to suit every taste. From Indian grills to tandoori, curries, and tapas, each dish is steeped in drama, aroma, and spice — and served up in a cosy, ambient setting. Top picks include the flavourful lamb rogan josh, tender tandoori kebabs, fragrant biryanis, and house-made naan and indulgent desserts like gulab jamun.

Housed on Merivale’s The Newport grounds, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie is an upscale bar and brasserie perfect for special occasion meals. The premium wine list and European-inspired menu pay homage to the opulent hotel dining of the 1930s. The menu offers a refined selection of European-inspired dishes. Think fresh seafood like oysters and lobster, wood-fired meats, and elegant mains like spanner crab tagliolini, finished with indulgent desserts like chocolate pavé.