Cronulla the surprise foodie destination of 2024 as another big name heads south

A seaside Sydney suburb has drawn another big name south, as the owners of The Grounds open Pippi’s at Calico Marino, joining the likes of Bobby’s, Benny’s, Pino’s and Summer Salt.

The Grounds of Alexandria’s new eatery, Pippi's in Cronulla. Picture: Supplied

With 2024 nearly done, we’re calling it … Cronulla has stamped itself on the map as the surprise foodie destination of 2024.

The seaside southern Sydney suburb has drawn another big hospitality name to the area with the owners of The Grounds opening up Pippi’s at Calico Marino.

They’ve joined the likes of One Penny Hill chef RJ Lines at Benny’s at Gunnamatta Bay, restaurateur Matteo Margiotta has opened a Cronulla outpost of his Alexandria restaurant Pino’s Vino e Cucina with Pino Vino e Cucina al Mare, and the Sydney Restaurant Group’s takeover of Summer Salt. They’ve joined Bobby’s on South Cronulla’s esplanade as well as Tristian Rosier (of Surry Hill’s Jane and Arthur fame) at Fior in Gymea.

Basically to open in Cronulla, it’s best to name your restaurant after someone.

The Grounds new South Side venture came as a surprise. Pippi’s has been two years in the making but opened last week with little fanfare, despite it’s reputation.

Sydney Restaurant Group, which specialises in waterfront restaurants like Ripples at Chowder Bay and Alessandro Pavoni’s Ormeggio at the Spit, has also stepped into the area, taking over the running of waterside venue, Summer Salt.

Daniel Drakopoulos, along with his brother Perry, grew up in the Shire so taking over from Karl and Brooke Jensen was a homecoming.

Bobby’s Cronulla NSW opened late 2023

Since taking the reins in February they’ve seen more and more operators enter the market as locals realise they don’t have to cross any bridges to get good quality food.

“The same principle of what happened in Bondi is happening in Cronulla,” Drakopolous said.

“The appetite for the Shire has spiked and it’s created healthy competition which has turned it into a positive foodie hub.”

Drakopolous said Summer Salt itself is “one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney.”

After 19 years, Summer Salt got new owners in 2024. The Sydney Restaurant Group took over the iconic restaurant from Brooke and Karl Jensen. Picture: Summer Salt Facebook

“When we first came in we didn’t change menu — we just found what customers wanted,” he said.

“And that’s amazing value for money, decent portions, and a good time. Gone are the days of 12-course degustation.”

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