Sydney Eat Street: Best after swim restaurants from Doyle’s to Ripples
When it gets hot this summer, bring your appetite along with your swimmers when you visit some of the best beaches and swimming holes around Sydney.
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To abate the heat, head to these swimming spots where bathers and barefoot feet are the go.
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WATSONS BAY
There are few more iconic spots in Sydney that you can walk straight out of the water and up to the counter to order lunch on a hot summer’s day.
Buffered from the currents of Sydney Harbour, Watsons Bay was Australia’s first fishing village and subsequently, in 1885, home to the first seafood restaurant and of course, fish and chips at Doyle’s.
Secure a spot on the grass – or back on the beach – and enjoy a picnic.
While most people linger around the ferry wharf, those in the know, head around the corner to the South Head Heritage trail, which leads to the stunning and secluded Camp Cove Beach.
At one end is a small brick building that’s been re-imagined as a beachside shack in an old fishing village.
It’s hard to compete with a good ocean swim and stunning view, so Camp Cove Kiosk has kept their offerings relatively simple such as turmeric chicken sandwich or the breakfast pack that includes boiled eggs, labneh, avocado and beetroot sauerkraut as well as fresh juices and coffee.
If you don’t feel like wandering but prefer to just dip your toes in the water, the Beach Club at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, which is modelled after Europe’s seaside party spots, makes for a fun afternoon of tunes, freshly shucked oysters and coastal-themed cocktails.
But if you prefer to stay in the water, they also offer picnic packs you can pick-up at their own kiosk.
— Doyle’s on the Wharf, Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf; doyles.com.au
— Camp Cove Kiosk, 36 Cliff St
— Beach Club at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, 1 Military Rd; watsonsbayhotel.com.au
REDLEAF CAFE AT MURRAY ROSE POOL
Driving along busy New South Head Rd in the eastern suburbs, you may be surprised to learn that you’ve passed by one of Sydney’s sweetest swim spots, its entrance practically hidden behind the Woollahra Municipal Council offices.
While it’s officially known as the Murray Rose Pool, locals still use the original name, Redleaf Pool.
With an unparalleled view out over Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, the vantage point alone is worth the trip, but with its tidal enclosure, this relatively small beach is a favourite for swimmers year-round.
Come summer though, the sands can get a bit full, so wait it out and head up to the Redleaf Cafe for hearty lunches or lighter dishes such as the salmon and avocado salad. Add to that, a tall glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice, and you’ve got the making of a great day.
— 536 New South Head Rd, Double Bay
AVALON BEACH
Surfers the world over would agree, Avalon, named after the mythical island paradise in the legend of King Arthur, is pure bliss for wave riders.
With different parts of the beach suited to different skill levels, plus a 25m rockpool for those who prefer a swim, this quiet village along the north headland is a water-sport oasis.
As locals and visitors alike are loathed to leave the water on a hot day, Beach House Avalon is situated so you can rock up with surfboard in tow and grab a bite. On the ground level and straight off the sand, is their kiosk, which is more akin to a cafe than a snack shack serving both breakfast and lunch, with the option to takeaway or a take a seat.
Grab a hearty bacon and egg roll after a solid swim or take a seat and hang around for an afternoon of calamari and chips or a fish burger and, should the mood strike you, beer, wine or cocktails.
For something less casual, towel off and head upstairs to the casual restaurant, which features a seafood-centric lunch and dinner Japanese-Hawaiian menu with dishes such as buddha Poké bowls, grilled barramundi and fish tacos.
If you’re really looking to call it a day and prefer a sit-down spot a few blocks from the beach, swap your bathers for street clothes, head to Alma for a casual fine-dining experience.
This chic restaurant features proper Latin American fare with a menu which reflects co-owner Jack Leary’s surfing adventures in Oaxaca Mexico.
For those heading home right after a swim, call in an order at Sunset Diner for burgers, fries and thick shakes, where owner Ben Varela has taken his experience heading up kitchens in such places as Bistro Moncur and The Royal Paddington and opened a family-friendly spot akin to a cheery, salmon-coloured 50s diner.
— Beach House Avalon, 558A Barrenjoey Rd; beachhouseavalon.com.au
— Alma, 47 Old Barrenjoey Rd; almaavalon.com.au
— Sunset Diner – 41 Old Barrenjoey Rd; sunsetdiner.com.au
NORTHERN BEACHES
There’s a number of expansive beaches north of Sydney Harbour which range from calm rockpools to powerful surfing spots and it’ll take the whole summer to explore them all.
While the obvious go-to is Manly, take a short walk around the corner instead to Shelly Beach, where you’ll find one of Sydney’s original rockpools, and because it’s an aquatic reserve with gently rocking waters, it’s perfect for snorkelling as well.
When it’s time for a quick break, you’ve got The Boathouse a two-level venue, refurbished in a rustic Hamptons-style. It’s just a few steps away so you can hop out of the water and head straight to the kiosk for takeaway meals that mirrors the restaurant menu including smoked salmon fritter and ricotta hot cakes for breakfast and crumbed Dory burgers or the popular Trout Board with a chilled summer cocktail for lunch.
For those who hopped off the ferry and hit the Manly to Spit Bridge coastal walk, you’ll surely need a break once you get there, so head over to Chiosco along the jetty at D’albora Marina.
They have a “BYO and Barefoot” mantra, so you’re all good going for a swim at the adjacent bay, after all, Alessandro and Anna Pavoni, owners of the hatted-restaurant Ormeggio, just up the stairs on the next level, envisioned the spot as being something similar to kiosk you’re likely to find in an Italian seaside village. With that in mind, they designed Chiosco — which translates to “kiosk” — using the blue and white palate so often seen in the Mediterranean and developed a menu featuring rustic Italian seasonal seafood such as the popular grilled split-king prawns with chilli and lemon or the house-made tagliatelle with prawn meat all prepared by Italian chefs that Alessandro brought on board to complete his vision.
If you’re not too keen on a swim, but just want to kick the water while strolling along the beach, Chowder Bay is a nice place to visit. Not only does it have the most stunning views across Sydney Harbour to the headlands it’s also where you’ll find the award-winning Ripples Chowder bay restaurant.
Refined food in a beachside setting, the menu here is both surf and turf with dishes ranging from whole market fish to grilled spatchcock – and pavlova for dessert.
— The Boathouse, 1 Marine Pde, Mosman; theboathousebb.com.au
— Chiosco, The Jetty, d’Albora Marina, Spit Rd; Mosman
— Ripples Chowder Bay, Building 7C, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman; rippleschowderbay.com.au
BONDI BEACH
As one of the most famous beaches in the world — and probably one of the busiest — you could throw a thong and hit a dozen different eateries, but for those that venture beyond the sands for some serious ocean swimming, the thought of primping before hitting up a trendy cafe just isn’t appealing; a towel and bare feet is more the go.
A quick and easy option or a casual meal, fresh juices or just coffee, is Surfish Cafe, plus it gets a tick of approval from as a regular hangout for local swim groups.
If you’re around on Saturday, hit up the Bondi Farmers Market, where a towel and thong is perfectly appropriate attire, and you have more food choices than any cafe or restaurant along Campbell Pde.
And don’t let the name fool you as this is more than just farm-fresh produce, flowers and homemade jams, here you’ll find everything from gourmet imported cheeses to the cult-favourite pillow-soft pork belly filled steamed buns from Mr Bao.
However, if you’re willing to compromise on attire, throw on a cover-up, and slide on some sandals, Bondi Beach Public Bar is a fun option that doesn’t require crossing Campbell Pde and the ensuing congestion.
With a great music scene, amped-up gastro-pub food, and creative cocktails, there’s little reason to stray far from the sand.
— Surfish Cafe, 1A Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Pavilion; Facebook.com/Surfish-Cafe
— Bondi Farmers Market, Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Pde, bondimarkets.com.au
— Bondi Beach Public Bar, 203/180 Campbell Pde, Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach; bbpb.com.au
BOTANY BAY - LA PEROUSE
Submerge yourself in the clear waters of La Perouse beaches — Congwong Beach and Frenchman’s Bay — and not only will you be keeping cool, you’ll probably see plenty of cool sea life as well considering that the reef around Bare Island makes it the busiest scuba diving area in NSW.
Not to mention some of the prettiest beaches and hiking trails that run through the adjoining national parks. But once you’ve kicked off the flippers and back in bare feet head to The Boatshed, which restaurateurs Peter and Harry Kouros, have brought back to its former glory, even adding extra deck space for casual eating.
Having already owned a number of seafood eateries, including two at the renowned Sydney Fish Markets, they’ve capitalised on their connection to premium seafood taking the dishes from bland and predictable to modern and mouth-watering.
Grab your spot in the sun — or shade — and enjoy the Hiramasa kingfish and Campari cocktails or opt for an Angus Beef Burgers and beer.
When you’re done stop by the Dairy King ice cream van and grab a chocolate-coated soft serve cone that tastes even better when you’re eating it your toes in the water.
Back along Anzac Parade is Little Bay Beach. Protected by the headlands, it’s known for its golden sands, calm clear waters and ring of rockpools, however access to this secluded beach is via a steep wooden staircase.
At least on the way back up, you can take a breather at organic eatery, Little Bay Beach Cafe.
Drop your bag, brush off the sand and sit down for eggs Benedict made with naturally fermented sourdough and biodynamic eggs or just grab one of their all-natural brownies, banana bread or berry muffins.
—The Boatshed, 1609 Anzac Pde, La Perouse; theboatshedlaperouse.com.au
— Little Bay Beach Cafe, 2 Coast Hospital Rd, Little Bay; littlebaybeachcafe.com.au
SHARK BEACH, VAUCLUSE
One glimpse at the stunning harbour view, sheltered waters and soft sand, and you just might have a little snicker thinking the name Shark Beach is probably just an attempt to scare away the crowds as once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in on the secret.
When you’re there, it’s a quick dash from the water to the kiosk where you can get delicious sandwiches, salads and sweets, freshly made in the kitchen it shares with adjoining waterfront restaurant, The Nielsen.
— The Nielsen and The Nielsen Kiosk, Nielsen Park, Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse; thenielsen.com.au/kiosk
PORT STEPHENS
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you have to stay put so leave the city and head north to the coast for a weekend of beachside relaxation or action and adventure. Book a room at luxury boutique hotel and spa, The Anchorage.
Should you fancy fine-dining, their signature restaurant, The Wild Herring has been named best regional seafood restaurant in NSW but for something a bit less formal, head down the road and up a flight of stairs to Little Beach Boathouse, where you’ll find premium dining featuring seafood sourced directly from the fishermen themselves, but served in a casual Hamptons-style restaurant or for a real laid-back vibe, head down stairs to the Below Deck Cafe & Bar and try a pint of Little Beach Lager.
For those set on adventure, consider a sand dune safari or camel ride across the sands then hit local fave, Crest for brekkie.
Located at the Birubi Point SLSC, their homemade Boston baked beans with poached eggs are legendary, but then so too is their outdoor kiosk’s hot coffee, a must for those who’ve spent the morning out in the surf.
— The Anchorage, The Wild Herring; 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette
— Little Beach Boathouse & Below Deck, Little Beach Marina, 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay
— Crest, Birubi Point SLSC, 17 James Paterson St, Anna Bay
Originally published as Sydney Eat Street: Best after swim restaurants from Doyle’s to Ripples
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