Albeit mainly uncharted territory by those who don’t reside in the North Shore bubble or the Northern Beaches, the mysterious land across the water from the boutiques of Double Bay and hidden alleys of The Rocks isn’t just a sleepy suburbia – its home to some of Sydney’s most incredible restaurants and bars.
Most ESP’s (Eastern Suburbs Princesses) have only over crossed the harbour on the Manly Fast Ferry when there is a guaranteed spot at one of their waterfront bars. Whilst Rose Bay and Barangaroo are home to some our favourite eateries, there are definitely some hidden gems awaiting for you up in this faraway northern land.
So don’t be afraid, jump on the B line, Manly Ferry, or your nearest train line and venture on up to the north side – delicious food and a guarantee of getting wine drunk awaits!
Mosman Rowers
3 Centenary Dr, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
We’ll start off easy and not make you venture too far from the comforts of the CBD with Mosman Rowers, a gorgeous club tucked within the jacaranda trees of Mosman’s picturesque waterfront.
With quaint verandahs, open and airy indoor dining, and some of the friendliest staff you will come across, Mosman Rower’s is the perfect balance of sophisticated dining and relaxed vibes.
As one of the oldest sports clubs in Sydney, Mosman Rower’s know exactly what’s up when it comes to their food and drinks. Following their Sustainable Seafood Commitment, Mosman Rower’s is committed to serving sustainable sourced seafood that is absolutely delicious. It wouldn’t be a Sydney restaurant if it didn’t serve the best fresh fish!
If seafood isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other menu options that will make your waistband feel a little bit tighter at the end of the night. Pair your meal with some of Australia’s best wines and beers, or treat yourself to any of your cocktail favourites.
But wait, there’s more! Mosman Rower’s doesn’t just offer mouth-wateringly good food and mind blowing cocktails with a magnificent view. Welcoming salty bums and sandy paws under their roof, the Rowers offers Jazz nights, exhibitions from the Mosman Art Society, Pilates on the verandah, and even a Friday evening meat raffle!
Pilu
Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096
Perched right above Freshwater beach, experience the tranquility of the rolling surf and endless sea whilst enjoying a divine meal with family or friends at Pilu. Pristine white table cloths standing against an unobstructed backdrop of the Pacific creates a refreshing and break-taking venue that is completely unique to Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Definitely worth sitting the northbound harbour tunnel traffic to get to!
The beating heart of the restaurant is owner Giovanni Pilu. Pilu’s philosophy is that sharing delicious food and a sense of community is essential to the Sardinian approach to life. With a perfected menu that focuses on traditional Italian dishes, the locally sourced seasonal food at Pilu remains faithful to Sardinian tradition. Pick from hand rolled fregula paired with QLD spanner crab and Sardinian ravioli stuffed to the brim with potato and Percorino cheese. Or put your trust in Giovanni and opt for A Sardinian Experience set menu.
Pilu’s wine list is refined to guarantee that wine connoisseurs and haters alike will be able to enjoy. All wines are sourced from regions in Italy that are handpicked to ensure a heavenly match with every meal.
Foys Kirribilli
76 McDougall St, Kirribilli NSW 2061
Transforming Kirribilli’s 124-year-old Flying Squadron into an open-air restaurant, Foy’s Kirribilli is the perfect place to grab a bevvy with your mates, or sit down with family or friends for an ensured great dining experience. And get this – it’s just a stone’s throw away from the safety of the east!
With a modern boat house exterior and interiors decorated in a minimalist Nordic style, Foy’s uniqueness lies in its affordable dining combined with classic eats that everyone will enjoy.
Share plates are definitely a must when visiting Foys so you can taste all their yummy delights. Menu highlights include the kingfish pastrami with lemon thyme and rye toast, as well as line caught snapper baked in a bag with confit garlic and tomatoes! If you can’t pick between their range of small and large plates, opt in for the group feast menu, at $72 per head, serving the chefs favourites.
Head on down to Foy’s from Tuesday to Saturday between 4pm and 6pm to enjoy Happy Hour, where they’re offering $6 schooners and house wines!
Flower Child
Condamine St, Brookvale NSW 2100
Located within Warringah Mall, Flower Child is a bright and lush oasis filled with blooming flowers and leafy greenery. As one of two locations across Sydney, Flower Child passionately creates dining experiences that are memorable, leaving you begging for more.
This wicker wonderland embraces the tropical vibes in both their luscious decorating and menu. Serving grass fed beef, free-range chicken, and organic fruit and veges, Flower Child’s food is seasonally dictated, never failing to create exquisite food no matter the season. With an all-day brekkie and lunch menu, making decisions have never been harder. With highlights such as the brekkie burger, overflowing with crispy bacon, a gooey fried egg, cheese and garlic aioli, and the 12 hour lamb bowl served with couscous and roasted vegetables, you might just have to go back for a second visit to taste all the delights!
Wash your meal down with a freshly made juice or smoothie, or, if you’re here for the boozy brunch vibes, treat yourself to any of their unique cocktails!
Offering both dine in and takeaway services, enjoy Flower Child from the comfort of your home, or in front of Warringah Mall’s iconic dolphin fountain.
L’Heritage
7b Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 
This gorgeous French inspired venue is nothing short of perfection! Perched above the crystalline waters of Chowder Bay, L’Heritage is committed to providing the best service alongside an exceptional dining experience.
Head chef Julien Audibert has truly outdone himself with the L’Heritage menu, inspired by meals he loves to eat from Paris. Pick from a menu boasting with French flavours, including escargots, beef tartare and duck leg confit, or dine from the Chef’s Table, where Julien has hand selected the freshest and highest quality food that guarantees culinary excellence. Make sure you save room for dessert so you don’t miss out on classic French treats that will transport you right to the Champs-Élysées.
With nine pages in the menu focusing on L’Heritage’s wine list, pair your meal with the perfect glass of red, white, or pink. Or start with a cocktail, the options ranging from favourites such as a Negroni and classic Martini, to French classics, including a French 75, French Martini and a Mademoiselle.
Searching for the perfect wedding venue? L’Heritage is the place you’re looking for. Located in one of Sydney’s most romantic and picturesque areas, there are bountiful wedding venue packages that will suit every bride’s needs.
Jonah’s
69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108
With the most enviable view in all of Sydney, Jonah’s is truly a hidden gem of the north. Looking out over the sparkling pacific, leafy green headlands, and spotless sandy beach after downing a rhubarb spritz is the perfect way to dine.
Whilst a little bit tricky to get to, the journey around the Barrenjoey bends is totally worth it, as Jonah’s is not just a breathtaking view, it is also a place with delicious cocktails, and even better food! With a multi award winning menu, Jonah’s only offers top quality produce that will leave you salivating as soon as you see the menu. Personal favourites include the ocean trout fillet and the wholemeal casarecce pasta with zucchini and king prawns.
It’s no wonder they were awarded a ‘Chef’s Hat’!
If you can’t get a booking, head over to their intimate and cosy bar, open from 12pm, where you can pick from their one-of-a-kind cocktails (or ask the bar staff for your all-time-favourite), or something from their extensive list of handpicked wines and spirits.
If you’re looking to have a wedding with show-stopping service and wedding photos that will make anyone green with envy, you must book Jonah’s. With packages for receptions, ceremonies, and even proposals, they’ve got every base covered, leaving you with a stress-free and unforgettable day.
