An insider’s guide to the best cafes and restaurants in Cronulla Beach.
When the weather is warm and the city slickers have had enough hustle and bustle, they pack their bags and head down south. What’s becoming more of a trend is a weekend away in Cronulla Beach, and it’s obvious by the inability to find a car park from 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. Granted that it’s not what some people would call “a weekend away”, we can see its attractions – picturesque beaches, famed ocean pools and most importantly, a thriving food scene. Whether you’re walking on the esplanade with a hot brew and pastry in hand or splurging on a fine dining experience, the food will impress and keep you coming back for more.
Next Door
Situated pretty much on the esplanade, Next Door is an iconic location for breakfast waterside. You may have to wait 30 minutes for a table, but it will be worth it when you’re dining alfresco, gazing out onto North Cronulla Beach. Head Chef Luke Arnull says, “We only serve what we’d love to make our friends”, which guarantees the food is good and the service is welcoming. The all-day brunch menu brings you all the staples, from avocado toast on sourdough and corn fritters with poached eggs to their famous Pepe Saya buttermilk pancakes with caramelised banana and vanilla mascarpone.
Blackwood Pantry
A brunch spot that never fails to impress is Blackwood Pantry. With a seasonally rotating menu, there’s always something new to look forward to. Whether it be strawberries on toast in the summer sunshine, or warm Turkish eggs to beat the winter chill. They also have extensive menu options for vegans/vegetarians, with the ‘falafel balls’ being a standout.
Ham
If you’re a coffee snob and need a guaranteed good hit, HAM is your go-to. From espresso to flat white, cold brew and filter, they’ve got it all. As you wait in line, try not to drool as you pick your snack from the glass cabinet. From freshly made bacon and egg rolls to homemade quiches and sweet pastries, there’s always something to take with your morning coffee. A sit-down breakfast on the weekends can leave you waiting 45 minutes for a table and honestly, the takeaway menu is so good, we’d recommend grabbing something to go and walking down to the beach. What would we order? Call us boring but the ham and cheese croissant is the best we’ve ever had. The croissants are oversized and glossy with a film of butter leaving them extra delicious once they leave the toaster. With freshly cut ham off the bone, cheese, and the perfect amount of warmth and toastiness, these ham and cheese croissants are no joke. Oh, and if there’s a Portuguese tart – don’t leave without one.
Rushi
Owned and operated by the same team behind HAM, it’s no surprise this cafe is on our list. This Japanese-inspired cafe is hidden inside a bike shop as the perfect disguise for its deliciousness. For breakfast, chow down on the egg yariman roll served on a fresh milk bun or the okonomiyaki waffle. All the dishes feature signature Japanese flavours and ingredients, including the lunch menu with highlights including spicy salmon avocado sushi, miso-glazed cha shu pork ramen and to-die-for fluffy bao buns with katsu chicken. For something a little different, we’d opt for RUSHI.
Summer Salt
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience with a laid-back coastal vibe, Summer Salt is ready to welcome you back. Now under the vision of renowned restaurateur Bill Drakopoulos, this iconic spot on Elouera Beach has been completely reimagined, combining sleek modern design with a breezy atmosphere that lets the stunning ocean views take centre stage. The revamped interiors are all about simplicity and sophistication, with cool blue hues and minimalist furnishings that seamlessly blend with the endless horizon. Every table in the restaurant offers an uninterrupted view of the beach, creating a dining experience that feels deeply connected to the coastal beauty just outside. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking up the sun-kissed ambience, Summer Salt’s new contemporary Italian menu adds a fresh twist to this much-loved Cronulla landmark.
Benny’s
For a laid-back experience where you could jump straight off the beach into a restaurant, we’d suggest Benny’s. This new spot is located on Tonkin Street and combines incredible coastal views over Gunnamatta Bay with lush greenery for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The kitchen is led by Hatted chef, RJ Lines, and he puts a fresh twist on the Mediterranean and Australian cuisine with dishes like Bluefin Tuna carpaccio, Barramundi fillet with fresh clams and cherry tomatoes, and the Jacks Creek rib eye. The restaurant is just a short walk from Cronulla station, making it easy to hop on a train from the city and explore the beauty and deliciousness of Cronulla. Plus, there’s a whole menu designed for takeaway so if you’re not feeling restaurant-ready, pick up some fish and chips and enjoy it beachside.
Bobby’s
Bobby’s opened in 2023 on The Esplanade with striking waterfront views and it has been packed with people ever since. Positioning itself as the coolest place to go in Cronulla, with epic collaboration projects and events from beverage brands to influencers, it’s no wonder it’s packed every night of the week. Take a seat and hear the waves crash onto the beach as you tuck into Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes. You can get everything from plates of stracciatella and cherry tomatoes to grilled octopus, rigatoni and market fish. They have an $85pp and $125pp set menu which is perfect for rounding up your friends and filling the table with the signatures. With an excellent wine and cocktail list to match, get this one to the top of your visit list.
Hurricane’s Grill and Bar
Forget what you think you know about Hurricane’s, the latest restaurant from the Sydney-based chain is completely different. Prepare to be impressed by the elevated Mediterranean-inspired menu and the gorgeous interiors making it a luxe addition to the beachside Cronulla. The massive 300-seat venue has a restaurant, bar, outdoor seating and private dining room. Seafood is a big focus with Sydney rock oysters, Kingfish ceviche, scallop crudo and Hervey Bay scallops with lime, miso, and garlic burnt butter. Plus a loaded seafood platter and whole lobster with herb butter. They also have a large selection of steaks and yes, you can still get their beloved ribs.
The Pines
The Pines is a newer addition to Cronulla just footsteps from North Cronulla Beach. The restaurant takes its inspiration from The Hamptons, celebrating the beauty of the local coastline with an open-air-inspired dining room. As for the menu, expect fresh, seasonal local produce sourced from some of Australia’s most celebrated producers. Enjoy signature dishes such as rump caps from Rangers Valley (the world’s most respected premium marbled beef producers) as well as sustainably sourced Humpty Doo Barramundi. There’s also freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops and lobster for your seafood fix.
Alphabet Street
Famous for putting Cronulla on the foodie map, Alphabet Street serves up some of the best modern Asian cuisines in Sydney. If you’re heading in with friends, we suggest going all out and ordering the banquet menu for just $65pp. You’ll get a selection of dishes designed to share including betel leaf with prawn, coconut and lime, chicken roti, crispy fish with three flavour sauces, massaman beef, and more. For $75pp, let the chefs feed you and take you on a culinary journey with all of the Alphabet signatures. And the restaurant is equally as well known for its apple martini with vanilla vodka, fresh apple and lemon.
Giro Osteria
Situated just metres up from the esplanade across from North Cronulla Beach, Giro Osteria is serving up the best pasta in Cronulla. Step inside the small restaurant and feel as though you’ve been magically transported to Italy, without the need for a boarding pass. The red and white check tablecloths and friendly Italian hospitality are comforting and the hanging deli meats and aromatics from the kitchen solidify the restaurant’s authenticity. The menu is designed to be shared in the true spirit of Italian cuisine. Begin with freshly sliced spicy sopressa and stracciatella with a side of sourdough and smashed cherry tomatoes. For mains, we suggest always getting whatever the specials are – they’re specials for a reason. Menu staples would be the fluffy house-made gnocchi with burnt butter, pasta con ragu, and linguine of prawns, zucchini, and chilli. Our recommendation is to not leave Cronulla without a visit to Giro.
Johnny Hu
Who’s Johnny Hu? Wouldn’t Hu like to know? Located towards the end of Cronulla Mall, Johnny Hu is a restaurant and bar serving a modern twist on Chinese cuisine. Start with cocktails, you can’t go past the chilli martini, chilli coco margarita or one of their fun bubble tea drinks. Their dumplings are made from scratch, in-house daily and are delicious, as are their BBQ pork buns. Order the duck pancakes and san choy bow (the vegetarian option is just as good as the chicken). For mains, the organic chicken in ginger shallot, Mongolian lamb, vegetarian stir fry noodles, and salt & pepper tofu are all winners. But really, you can’t go wrong, it’s a tasty menu in whichever direction you choose to order.
