Explore the Best Restaurants on the beautiful Northern Beaches

Extending from Manly to Palm Beach, Sydney’s Northern Beaches are a beautiful area of New South Wales coastline. Known for its pristine beaches and laid back vibe, this area is between a 30 to 60 minute drive from Sydney the CBD. This makes it a popular day trip destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of New South Wales’s capital city. When in the Northern Beaches there are a number of fabulous restaurants you can eat at. From fine dining establishments to notable eateries that showcase terrific themes or views, they provide an excellent alternative to Sydney’s culinary scene. Here are some of the best of them.

Coya

For a delicious meal with a Middle Eastern twist head to Coya.

Located on Carawa Road in Cromer, the restaurant offers an exotic degustation dining concept to those who they describe as ‘ adventurous foodies’. 

Served within a vibrant setting, that features blond wood tables positioned under bright yellow pendulum lights, rich toned walls and plenty of green plants, their food is a delight to the senses.

Crafted by head Chef Ashraf Saleh and inspired by the subtle flavours of the Middle Eastern region, expect to see dishes like king prawns, lemon and garlic chicken with saffron rice, chermoula spiced beef cheeks and pan-fried barramundi, presented to you with flair and panache.

Daniel San

One of the coolest restaurants in town can be found at the Manly Pacific Hotel. 

An Okinawa inspired, Japanese Rock ‘n’ Roll bar that showcases fantastic views of the ocean, Daniel San, is a unique beachside establishment that celebrates quirky and modern Japanese culture.

We are talking flashy neon lights, classic rock pin-ball machines and arcade games, as well funky disco balls, all played out against a backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll music.

Serving delicious Japanese street food their casual dining menu features a range of authentic and innovative offerings from their Japanese Robata Grill including Grilled Yuzu Miso Salmon and Massaman Beef Curry.

Banco Manly

Boasting vintage-chic décor that includes marble-topped tables and elegant banquette seating, Banco Manly is a trendy new hotspot on the Northern Beaches dining scene.

Tucked away down a quiet back alley on Whistler Street, the venue conveys a relaxed and intimate ambiance that renders itself as the perfect spot for date night.

With a heady mix of mood lighting and hip hop tunes, evenings are memorable at Blanco.

The exceptional food menu includes lamb shoulder croquette, ham hock terrine and slow-cooked pork belly. While a signature Hassle da Truff with Hennessy, truffle butter, coffee liqueur, salted licorice and smoked caramel, is one of many delicious cocktails they offer.

Urban Tadka

Indian food is one of the fastest growing cuisines in Australia and one of the best providers of it can be found in the Northern Beaches at Terrey Hills.

Having recently been voted Australia’s Best Indian Restaurant, Urban Tadka, is a must visit destination.

Located on Mona Vale Road, it serves up mouthwatering dishes, in a sophisticated venue with contemporary décor, that features inviting red and black tones.

Showcasing authentic tandoori and Mughlai fare, which has been giving a fabulous modern twist, Urban Tadka takes you on a culinary journey of discovery through North India.

Their enticing menu of traditional dishes and Indian ‘tapas’ like tandoori-smoked prawns, Karara Nihari Beef and Lobster Lasuni Teekha, will leave your tastes buds dancing ‘Bollywood style’ with delight.

The Cumberland

One of the most exquisite dining experiences in the Northern Beaches might also be one of the most difficult to find – literally.

The Cumberland is an exceptional bar and restaurant in the heart of Manly. Accessed by descending a spiral staircase which, believe it or not, lies behind an antique 1920s fridge door in the Cove Deli, it has a distinctly, exclusive, speakeasy vibe to it.

A beautiful place to drink and dine, The Cumberland presents a stylish setting of ornate and vintage furnishings. It offers some 250 whiskies, as well as a fantastic wine cellar and three different cocktail lists.

In terms of food, the upstairs Cove Deli services the bar by sending down delicious charcuterie and cheese boards via a custom-made dumbwaiter. While the bar also has a small kitchen that serves up stunning Spanish tapas.